Core Focus Areas

NELC emphasizes evangelism among Santali, Boro, and Bengali communities, who form the bulk of its over 85,000 baptized members. The church runs health centers, community programs, and a main hospital in Mohulpahari, Jharkhand, alongside theological training and education initiatives. It owns assets like the Mornai Tea Estate in Assam’s Kokrajhar district and aligns with broader Lutheran priorities such as gospel proclamation, self-supporting congregations, and social services.

Historical Strategy

Founded in 1868 by Danish missionary Hans Peter Boerresen and Norwegian Lars Olsen Skrefsrud, NELC adopted its current name in 1958 with headquarters in Dumka. Early efforts included inventing the Santali Latin alphabet by missionary Paul Olaf Bodding to support literacy and outreach. As part of the United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India, it pursues mission, education, and healthcare without caste distinctions, mirroring patterns in related Lutheran bodies.