Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Ministries – India

In 1999, WELS counselors began to train Lutheran pastors in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. 

In 2003, graduates of this training program established a church body consisting of pastors, students, other gospel workers, and congregations who wished to be in fellowship with the WELS. 

With the support of the WELS and its counselors, the CELM continues to operate a pre-seminary and seminary program.  It also operates a translation and publications program which produces and distributes Lutheran educational materials. 

The CELM has twice-a-year pastors’ conferences and carries out a program of visitation and regional classes for its workers and congregations. 

Church Body Statistics

Souls:  5,500
Congregations and Preaching Places:  145
National Pastors:  54
Seminary Students:  33
Current President:  N. D. Macaulay

Contact Information

Pastor Guy Marquardt
WELS Friendly Counselor to India

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies, committed to the teachings of the Lutheran Church found in the Book of Concord of 1580. Established in 1993 with thirteen churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to include thirty-four church bodies today.

Every three years, representatives from CELC churches gather for fellowship and theological study at an international convention. Regional meetings are held in alternate years. These gatherings provide spiritual encouragement for confessional Lutherans who often find themselves quite isolated. Visitors are always welcome at these gatherings

Joint work of the CELC includes the writing of The Eternal Word: A Lutheran Confession for the Twenty-First Century, which testifies to the unity of doctrine enjoyed by CELC churches. The CELC also has a commission to help coordinate and improve theological training in CELC churches.

Speaking about the heart and core of the CELC, former President Gaylin Schmeling wrote:  “The CELC stands ready to give answer to the confident hope of salvation in Christ that is within us. It is a refuge for those seeking confessional homes and a beacon shining the light of the Gospel in a sin-darkened world. Here the central truth of the Reformation, justification by faith alone, continues to be proclaimed. We are declared righteous by nothing we do or accomplish, but alone on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work which is counted as ours through faith in the Savior. He accomplished salvation for all on the cross and announced it to all by His resurrection, declaring the whole world righteous in Christ. This treasure is brought to us personally through the means of grace and is received by faith alone in the Savior which is worked through those very means of grace.”

Recording of the Ninety-Five Theses

Ninety-Five Theses for the 21st Century