ELCA Statistics

At the end of 2011, the ELCA had 9,638 congregations. During 2011, those congregations:

• Had a 5 percent decline in baptized membership (to 4,059,785) and a 5.3 percent drop in worship attendance (to 1.1 million) over the previous year. Average congregational worship attendance (149 in 1988) was 117, the lowest figure on record.

• Maintained a relatively stable group of 2,531,154 "active participants."

• Reported income of more than $2.4 billion (a 2.2 percent decrease) and assets of $19.65 billion.

• Saw average annual giving per baptized member increase 2 percent to $504.

• Reported (22 percent) that at least 5 percent of members were ethnically diverse.

• Reported (52.9 percent) that their expenses were greater than their income.

Source: ELCA Office of the Secretary