The Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia began historically from the missionary work of the Norwegian Lutheran Mission in the country. The church legally organized and became independent in 1997.

However, LCMS World Relief and Human Care supported mercy work in Bolivia as early as 1989, training a Bolivian scientist and covering expenses as he provided training to Bolivian foresters and forestry students.

LCMS World Mission began work in Bolivia in 1998. LCMS World Mission supports translation and theological education projects in Bolivia in partnership with the Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia.

The Children Christian Concern's Society, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization, has also worked with the Bolivian church by providing educational scholarships for students and teacher salaries at Lutheran schools.

The LCMS is currently discussing formal altar and pulpit fellowship with the Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia. It is a member of the International Lutheran Council.

LCMS World Mission supports a project in Bolivia that will help train Bolivian lay leaders and future pastors in Lutheran theology and practice, so that they may better carry out their callings in the body of Christ. Through theological education by extension, students study in the locations where they live and serve, and then come together a few times per year to have face-to-face teaching time with their instructors and fellowship/collaboration with other students.

LCMS World Mission partners with the Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia (ICEL), a member of the International Lutheran Council, through this project to train its leaders and better equip the church body for Gospel proclamation through Word and Sacrament ministry and various outreach methods in its congregations’ local communities.

There are no current mercy projects in this country. For more information on mercy work in the LCMS, contact  us at 888-THE-LCMS (888-843-5267) or infocenter@lcms.org.

Field Office Address:
Apartado 1356
Santiago, Dominican Republic

(Please do NOT send packages to this address)

Partner Church:
Iglesia Evangelica Luterana de Bolivia
Casilla Correo 2575
Cochabamba, Bolivia