The ELCA merger of 1988 brought together nearly 30 Lutheran colleges and universities previously governed by the ALC and LCA under a variety of arrangements. When the new denomination was formed, each college was asked to choose one of three groups to approve their trustees; the National Church Convention, a regional Synod convention, or an Association of Congregations convention. Gustavus, of course, chose the latter option, and in 1989 the Association of Congregations was formed.
Currently there are over 500 members of the Association, the largest of its kind in the ELCA. The Association of Congregations elects the board of trustees at its annual convention in April, and its congregations serve as the college's primary connection to the church.