New Jersey District (LCMS)
The New Jersey District is one of the 35 districts of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS), and comprises the state of New Jersey; five of the state's congregations are in the non-geographic English District, and five more are in the SELC District. The New Jersey District includes approximately 54 congregations and missions (the fewest of any geographic district), subdivided into 6 circuits, as well as 24 preschools and 5 elementary schools. Baptized membership in district congregations is approximately 14,000. [1]
The New Jersey District was formed in 1972 out of part of the Atlantic District. District offices are located in Mountainside, New Jersey. The Rev. Dr. Anthony J. Steinbronn was elected District President in 2012.[2] Delegates from each congregation meet in convention every three years to elect the district president, three vice presidents, circuit counselors, a board of directors, and other officers. The 15th regular convention was held June 4-7, 2009 under the theme "Chosen for a Purpose" (based on Isaiah 49:5-7). The 16th regular convention will be held May 31-June 2, 2012 in Mt. Laurel, NJ under the theme "Believe, Belong, Bless” based upon Philippians 2:1-11.[3]
Presidents
- Rev. Walter L. Zeile, 1972-85
- Rev. Donald W. Sandmann, 1985-2000
- Rev. William R. Klettke, 2000-2012
- Rev. Anthony J. Steinbronn, 2012-present
Oldest congregations
- 1858 - Saint John First Lutheran Church, Bridgeton, New Jersey
- 1886 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Clifton, New Jersey
- 1887 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Closter, New Jersey
- 1895 - Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, New Milford, New Jersey
- 1896 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Bloomfield, New Jersey
- 1899 - Zion Lutheran Church, Maywood, New Jersey
- 1900 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Cliffside Park, New Jersey
- 1905 - Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, New Jersey
- 1905 - Zion Lutheran Church, Westwood, New Jersey
- 1908 - Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Only church in Pennsylvania: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milford, Pennsylvania (2007)
Largest congregations
- Membership totals include all baptized members and are according to the LCMS website.
- 1003 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Flemington, New Jersey
- 611 - Our Savior Lutheran Church, Fair Lawn, New Jersey
- 514 - Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, New Jersey
- 483 - Zion Lutheran Church, Westwood, New Jersey
- 475 - Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fords, New Jersey
- 458 - King of Kings Lutheran Church, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
- 454 - Redeemer Lutheran Church, Westfield, New Jersey
- 404 - Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, East Brunswick, New Jersey
- 400 - Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Howell, New Jersey
- 372 - Holy Faith Lutheran Church, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
- 362 - Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Tinton Falls, New Jersey
- 362 - Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Bordentown Township, New Jersey
- 345 - Village Lutheran Church, Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey
- 317 - Somerset Hills Lutheran Church, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- 295 - Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hackettstown, New Jersey
- Only church in Pennsylvania: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milford, Pennsylvania, 13
