55,000 Members Synodwide
The congregations and parishes of the Northwestern Ohio Synod are comprised of approximately 55,000 people who love and serve Jesus through diverse ministries that serve people and communities throughout this synod. YOU are welcome to join our mission because we value partners in ministry from all walks of life and life experiences.
145 Congregations Synodwide
God has blessed the Northwestern Ohio Synod (NWOS) with 145 congregations and parishes planted in communities all around the 23 counties of Northwest Ohio. NWOS parishes minister alongside, with and to the 1.5 million people who live, play, work and worship in communities throughout this synod.
Tithes, Offerings & Donations
Lutherans in the Northwestern Ohio Synod are generous. We support local, state, country, and global ministries. Our local, innovative Microgrants start new ministries and services to reach people who might otherwise not get to know the love of Jesus. We’d love to have you join us in mission. There’s a Donate button on the home page
6-8 Lutherans per Square Mile
There’s a lot of us! We have a population density of 6-8 Lutherans per square mile in Northwestern Ohio. We care about the people and communities throughout this synod! Come join us in loving Jesus and sharing the love of God with our neighbors.
What is a Synod?
The Northwestern Ohio Synod is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and one of six synods that comprise region six. Our neighboring synods in region six include Northeastern Ohio, Northwest Lower Michigan, Southeast Michigan, Indiana/Kentucky and Southern Ohio.
Synod Conferences
The Northwestern Ohio Synod is split into seven individual conferences. Clergy representatives from each conference are elected by their conference assembly to serve as conference dean. They are convened by the bishop and have the responsibility to provide pastoral care and leadership within their conference.
CENTRAL CONFERENCE
Rev. Will Stenke
Trinity Lutheran Church
935 W. Bigelow Ave.
Findlay, OH 45840
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Rev. Stacy Lauer-Scovanner
St. John’s Lutheran Church
106 Scheid Rd.
Sandusky, OH 44870-8350
MAUMEE VALLEY CONFERENCE (Dean Team)
Rev. Mindy Elliott
St. Peter Lutheran Church
20191 US Rt 6
Ridgeville Corners, OH 43555-0057
Rev. Janine Shearer
Emanuel Lutheran Church
810 Scott St
PO Box 501
Napoleon, OH 43545-1527
NORTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE
Rev. Shawn O’Brien
St. John Lutheran Church
21140 W. Toledo St.
P.O. Box 235
Williston, OH 43468-0235
SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE
Rev. Adam Sornchai
St. John Lutheran Church
5070 Newmans Cardington Rd E
Cardington, OH 43315-9609
SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE
Rev. Carol Pretorious
St. Peter Lutheran Church
422 N Pierce St
Delphos, OH 45833-1529
Rev. Will Haggis
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
160 W. Sycamore Street
Van Wert, OH 45891
TOLEDO AREA CONFERENCE
Rev. Beth Ferne Johnson
St. Stephen Lutheran Church
7800 Erie St
Sylvania, OH 43560-3731
Synod Congregations
The Northwestern Ohio Synod is blessed with 162 congregations from north to south and east to west. No matter where you go, you’ll find one of our churches.
What is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?
The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God and experience God’s grace in our lives.
We also work hard to put our faith into action. In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways.
With more than 9,000 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and 3.9 million members—we welcome you to experience this church right in your community. Help us celebrate our gift of faith—with action.
