Learn about our Companion Synod

ANDHRA PRADESH

Andhra Pradesh is the seventh-largest state situated in the southern part of India. It consists of twenty-six districts with an area of 162,975 square kilometers. The total population of the state is 49,386,799 and constitutes 4.08 percent of the population to the Nation. Out of this, Christians are 1.34 percent.    

ANDHRA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH  

The AEL Church is situated along the East Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Its congregations are spread from the districts of Srikakulam in the north end of the state to Kurnool district in the south, scattering all over eight districts. The headquarters of AEL Church with its offices for the President and Treasurer are located in Guntur.

The AEL Church has a significant presence in Andhra Pradesh for its ministerial and social works. The Church is divided into six administrative synods. The following are the ministerial works progressing in synods.    

A.  CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL  

AEL Church has placed great priority for Christian Education. As quoted in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”.

The AEL Church Sunday school program has been a way to reach children from a very young age. It helps children to understand and learn about Biblical truths, Christian Faith, Values of the Church and Traditions. Sunday school is run by volunteers from within the Church. The program involves Worship, Bible lessons, Activities, and retreat camps.

Vacation Bible School is a program that is organized every summer vacation, to engage Children in God’s Ministry. Over years, the program has played a vital role in the development of the AEL Church. It is further needed to be mentioned in prayer for the development of the Ministerial work among Children, to raise up volunteers to teach.    

B.   YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

After children depart from the Sunday school, Adults are welcome to join Youth Fellowship. In this program, Youth are engaged and empowered in Church activities that they are taught in Sunday School and collaborate for worship and community service. This also involves retreats, outreach programs, and mission to serve Gospel.  

C.  WOMEN SAMAJ

The role of Women, both in Bible and in the Church is highly prioritized. Women samaj is a program where women from the Church congregation meet in the mid-days of the week for a fellowship gathering. This program involves praying, Bible studies, conversations, and connecting with new believers. Women Samaj has been playing a vital role since the establishment of the Church Mission in Andhra. Some notable women in the mission are Agnes Ida Schade, B V Subbamma, Anna Sarah Kugler.  

D.  EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

The AEL Church operates educational institutions across the states of Andhra and Telangana, providing the best education to children and young people of the state. These institutions include schools, colleges and Theological Seminaries. From schooling to Secular Masters and Theological Education.

AEL Church is designed to satisfy the needs of all students. It also provides housing to needy students, scholarships, and encourages girl child education.   Schade Girls High School, Rajahmundry; Lutheran High School, Bhimavaram; Andhra Christian College, Guntur; Andhra Lutheran College, Guntur, Lutheran High School, Peddhapuram and Rajahmundry are known for their best education for years.   Renowned personalities of the state such as Evangelists, Politicians, and Educationalists are produced by the institutions.  

E.   HOSPITALS

The AEL Church, under the missionaries, had operated several hospitals across the state, providing the best medical care and support to people in need than the state government. These hospitals offered a range of services, from basic medication to specialized treatments, and are staffed by highly renowned medical professionals, saving millions of lives.   Lutheran Hospitals in Guntur, Rajahmundry, Narsapur stands as a landmark to this date. 

A special "Thank You!" to Nelson Francis Wesley and team for giving this updated information on March 6th, 2023