Office of Church Relations
Gustavus is a church-related liberal arts college affiliated with the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), and this identity is central to understanding the context and vocation of Gustavus. The relational outreach of the Gustavus Office of Church Relations is a part of the way we live out our calling as a church-related college.
A life lived in service to the other is not only the definition we hold for a life lived well, but something we contend is the very objective of education itself. We seek to live authentically from our Christian Lutheran roots while at the same time doing so in such a way that we honor and learn from the traditions of others in our community.
Church Relations champions the college’s historic ties to the Lutheran church via the Gustavus Association of Congregations; explores relationships with ecumenical and interreligious bodies; and helps Gustavus maintain strong connections with alumni, parents, and wide range of community partners. Church Relations extends opportunities for vocational reflection, service, and liberal arts learning to off-campus constituents, and invites them to contribute to the learning and growth of those who are on campus.
Gustavus is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) which participates in the governance of the college through the Gustavus Association of Congregations (GACAC). The Gustavus Association of Congregations consists of approximately 500 ELCA congregations that meet annually to elect the college’s Board of Trustees, GACAC Board of Directors and GACAC Nominating Committee. Church Relations coordinates the Association of Congregations annual business meeeting and provides many resources for Association member congregations.
Becoming a member congregation of the GACAC is easy, for more information please contact Church Relations or visit the GACAC page for more details.