Auxiliary & Affinity Groups

In addition to congregations and synod-wide ministries, the life of our church is enriched by Auxiliary and Affinity Groups. These organizations provide spaces for fellowship, advocacy, spiritual growth, and leadership development among people who share a common identity, experience, or passion.

Auxiliary groups, like the Women of the ELCA or Lutheran Men in Mission, are longstanding ministries that equip members for discipleship, service, and leadership in their congregations and communities. Affinity groups, such as the African Descent Lutheran Association, bring together Lutherans around shared heritage, culture, or justice commitments, creating networks of support and amplifying underrepresented voices in the wider church.

Together, these groups extend the mission of the Gospel beyond the walls of any single congregation.

They provide opportunities for:

Faith Formation — Bible studies, retreats, and gatherings that nurture spiritual growth.

Leadership Development — Equipping women, men, youth, and people of diverse backgrounds to lead in church and society.

Community Building — Connecting members across congregations and cultural contexts.

Advocacy & Justice — Addressing issues of racial, gender, and social justice while supporting the ministries of underrepresented communities.

Service & Outreach — Supporting local and global projects that care for neighbors in need.



These groups are an essential part of how the ELCA and our synod live into our calling to be a diverse, inclusive, and justice-seeking church. We invite you to explore the groups listed below, get connected, and share your gifts in ministry and fellowship.

This is not exhaustive — we encourage congregations and members to notify the synod office of additional groups not listed here.

Women of the ELCA (WELCA)

Description: WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) is a national organization of women in ELCA congregations that works to connect, equip, and inspire women to grow in faith, affirm their gifts, support one another, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church and society.
What they do: Bible studies, local unit gatherings, justice and advocacy work, mission support, kit‐assembly for global ministries, retreats, fellowship events.
Website / more info: womenoftheelca.org

African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA)

Description: ADLA is an affinity organization for Lutherans of African descent (and allies) that seeks to provide connection, voice, advocacy, theological reflection, and resources. It helps congregations and members in implementing racial justice and multicultural ministry.
ADLA Los Angeles Chapter — This is one of nine national chapters. It works to support the Southwest California Synod through community outreach, scholarships, supporting congregations of African descent, and public witness.

Website / more info: adlalosangeles.org

Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM)

Description:  LMM is the men’s ministry organization of the ELCA. Its goal is to connect, equip, and support men in discipleship, fellowship, service, and leadership in their congregations and communities. Central States Synod+3lutheranmeninmission.org+3Rocky Mountain Synod+3
What they do:  Organize men’s groups or “units” at congregations, hold retreats/conferences, provide resources for men’s ministry, networking, Bible studies, leadership development.
Website / more info: lutheranmeninmission.org

For more information about advertised Group Events hosted by the synod office and local groups, please visit our Calendar page HERE!