Lutherans originated in the Protestant Reformation in Germany in 1517.

They now number about 65 million worldwide, and are found mostly in Europe and the USA, with sizable representations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS)
The LCMS was begun in the USA in 1847 by German immigrants. It is now a national church body with 2.5 million members, and it does mission work in dozens of foreign countries.

It is divided into about 35 regional districts. We are located in the Northwest District, the largest geographically (WA/OR/AK/ID). There are about 260 congregations, and locally, we are banded into Circuits of approximately 7-14 congregations (ours is #6 – Mt. Hood – and runs from Oregon City to The Dalles).

The LCMS is known for its conservative stand on the Bible, an excellent educational system (preschool through college), and pioneering work in social ministry and media outreach.

Lutherans have the largest Protestant education system, second only to the Catholic church.