Since our first Constituting Assembly in 1987, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod has been shaped by the faithful voices of its people. The Synod Assembly is not just a meeting; it is the highest legislative authority in our synod, where we gather in Christ’s name to discern, decide, and dream together.

The holy work of the Synod Assembly relies on an engaged group of lay and rostered people, including youth and young adults. The ELCA is structured around the active participation of its people, and your presence at the Synod Assembly helps ensure that decisions reflect the breadth and depth of our shared ministry. 

Each congregation in the synod is invited to send their pastors and deacons to assembly along with a specific number of lay members, which is based on the total number of baptized members. (A guide to how many voters each congregation is eligible to bring can be found here.) Please connect with your pastor/deacon and church council to make sure voting members have been identified and registered by the spring deadline.

From the synod constitution:

†S7.01. This synod shall have a Synod Assembly, which shall be its highest legislative authority. The powers of the Synod Assembly are limited only by the provisions in the Articles of Incorporation, this constitution and bylaws, the assembly’s own resolutions, and the constitutions and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 

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Save the Date!

The 2026 Synod Assembly will be held on Saturday, May 2, in Mankato.

How many voting members can my church have?

That is based on membership. Click here for the guide.