Oregon Synod, ELCA Organization

SYNOD
The Oregon Synod is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Other synods serve several states or in areas with a concentrated population of Lutherans, they may serve only a specific geographic section of a state.

CLUSTERS
Our synod is divided into thirteen geographic clusters; each elects a dean to lead them. The deans serve to assist the bishop in their given territory and reports to him on the news and needs of the conferences leaders and congregations.

REGION 1
The synods are grouped together into regions for some ELCA services and resources. The Oregon Synod is one of six northwest synods in ELCA Region 1.

BISHOP & OFFICERS
A bishop and officers including an assistant to the bishop, secretary and treasurer lead the synod. The bishop is elected to a six-year term, with the assistant to the bishop being appointed and the others elected to four-year terms, by the Oregon Synod Assembly.