Who is the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church and what are its ministries?
The Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church (Nihon Fukuin Ruteru Kyokai, JELC) is a member of the Lutheran World Federation and has a membership of 22,000 in five districts. Most JELC congregations have less than fifty members. Pastors are well trained at the Lutheran seminary in Tokyo. Though there have been increasing numbers in seminary graduates in recent years, the lack of growth in church membership and consolidation of churches due to financial constraints have prompted renewed efforts for evangelism. Throughout the history of the JELC, education has been emphasized along with evangelism. Kyushu Gakuin High School was established in 1911 for the training of pastors and education of young men (now co-ed), followed by Kyushu Jogakuin in 1925 (for girls; now co-ed and renamed Luther Junior and Senior High School). Kyushu Lutheran College was accredited in 1997, with Dr. Yoshiro Ishida as its first president. Many congregations throughout the JELC serve their communities through Christian
