The ELCA and its impact
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3.3 million members in more than 8,900 worshiping communities.
The ELCA is a church that is deeply rooted and always being made new. Our roots are in Scripture and a collection of writings called the Book of Concord, as well as in the rich histories of our congregations. We’re a church that strives to be faithful to the gospel and work toward more justice and wholeness in the world.
Read more about what the ELCA believes and its faith tradition.
How is St. Paul linked to the ELCA?
St. Paul belongs to the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin (SCSW-ELCA), one of 65 synods of the ECLA.
SCSW-ELCA is made up of 133 congregations and worshiping communities across 13 counties in south-central Wisconsin.
For more info on the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, visit https://scsw-elca.org.
Rev. Joy Mortensen-Wiebe
Bishop of SCSW-ELCA
Rev. Mortensen-Wiebe delivering the sermon during the worship service celebrating the 150th anniversary of SPLC (10/6/24)
Rev. Joy Mortensen-Wiebe
Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe was elected in 2020 to serve as bishop of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA.
She most recently served as pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Slinger, WI.
Seminary training
Bishop Joy received a Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wis., in 1988, a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., in 1992, and a Master of Education degree from Lakeland University in Plymouth, Wis., in 2004.
Ministerial experience
Bishop Joy is returning to our synod after previously serving as our Interim Director for Evangelical Mission in 2018 and as an intentional interim pastor at First Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam in 2017.
Previously she served several Wisconsin churches including St. Paul in Mayville, Living Hope in Saukville, All Saints in Oshkosh, and Grace in Tomahawk.
Bishop Joy also served as Associate to the Bishop in the East Central Synod of Wisconsin from 2004-2014 and as pastor chaplain of Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh Inc.
A marriage grounded in faith
Bishop Joy is married to the Rev. Darin Wiebe and they have two adult daughters, Elida and Julia.
In 1992, the pair graduated from Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary and were ordained. Afterwards, both served Grace Lutheran, Tomahawk.
The two enjoy being outside, playing with their dogs, and spending time with family.