On November 3, 1961, 14 congregations planted by the NMS and LFCN organised themselves as the KELC.

In 1976, the KELC was accepted as a full member of the Lutheran World Federation.

[3] Some KELC local congregations operate kindergartens and nursery schools.

Cooperation among the various Lutheran churches in Japan is common, particularly with respect to outreach ministries.

Church planting plans are mutually shared in order to avoid duplications.