The congregations of the Southwest California Synod reflect the diversity of Southern California. We were the first Lutheran synod in the country to form both a Korean congregation and a Chinese congregation in the early twentieth century. Today we have Mandarin-speaking worship services in Torrance, Monterey Park and Covina. Fruit of the Spirit, a Japanese language community in Torrance, may be the only LGBTQ welcoming Japanese congregation in the nation. Trinity Faith is a growing Chinese language mission start in Monterey Park, celebrating more adult baptisms per year than the rest of our congregations combined.

We have Spanish-language congregations in Pico-Union, Gardena, Southgate, Bell, Canoga Park and Oxnard. Each of these congregations meets the needs of specific populations, from raising up new pastors to youth ministries to food program and community wellness programs. 

Southwest California Synod is the home of six African descent congregations, including Community Lutheran, which raised up Bishop Nelson Trout as the first African descent bishop in the Lutheran Church. 

Our annual Martin Luther King commemoration is celebrating its 39th year. This synod-wide celebration has featured national leaders as speaker and draws on the rich musical and oratory talent of this synod.