WELCOME to the web page of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America!
We have 59 congregations with over 17,000 baptized members in these two states and Lipscomb County Texas. Although we live right on top of the “buckle of the Bible belt”, this is a frontier for God’s mission. Over 50 percent of the population in most counties of these two beautiful states are not adherents of any faith community.
This synod has congregations in rural areas, small towns, large cities, resort and retirement communities, on college campuses, and near military installations. We have two primarily African-American congregations and one Native American congregation. Based on average worship attendance 8 congregations are family size, 37 are pastoral size, 8 are program size, and 6 are corporate size.
Our Mission Statement is featured prominently on this web page. By the power of the Holy Spirit we strive to live this mission and bring our vision for mission to life.
I hope that this web page will be both a significant source of information about the variety of ministries in this synod and also a means for communication, mutual support, and idea sharing for all participants. I pray God’s richest blessings on you and on our participation in God’s mission. God’s peace be with you always!
Floyd M. Schoenhals, Bishop