Our congregation is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. The re-formation of the Church, led by Martin Luther, gave us our name. We need to hear again and again of God's deep love at the heart of all things, a love for all people and a longing for reciprocal love. In Jesus's life we see this love, encouraging us to value not the prizes of the world but rather the opportunity to live in relationship with God. Learn more about the Lutheran denomination on our About Lutherans page, and in The Lutheran, the magazine of the ELCA.

Our mission statement, which expresses the ideals we try to achieve, is displayed above. What do we mean by inclusive community? Who is welcome here at UniLu? Read our Affirmation of Welcome.

Our members are students, professionals, working class, singles, couples, families with children, retired people: life-long Lutherans and transfers from other faiths—or no faith. We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation and welcome all people, regardless of sexual orientation. 

We don't all live in the city, but this is where our church life is centered. We enjoy the strengths of urban life and work to alleviate the problems associated with it.

We are an ELCA campus ministry congregation. Our students come from Penn, Drexel, Temple, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, and many other schools. University Lutheran maintains contacts with other campus congregations through the Christian Association. We encourage students to take an active or leadership role here. Many students join the congregation, although Lutheran students are reckoned to be members simply through participation. There are student dinners, discussion groups, events, and trips in the course of the year.

We are also a parish church. Our members live in University City, other parts of Philadelphia, and the towns and suburbs of southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We receive members, baptize both children and adults, care for our sick and shut-ins, offer educational programs for children and adults, and provide nursery care during worship for young children. The pastor is available for counseling or just talking. The congregation tries to balance the needs of our "resident members" and campus concerns.