The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) emerged in 1842 from the work of the Rhenish Mission. It has been independent since 1957. Its 78 pastors and 366 full-time staff serve 400,000 members in 60 congregations.

The church maintains several facilities and programs spread throughout the country as part of its witness to society and service to the people of Namibia.
It has a center where women are trained to run nursery schools and residential homes; more than 200 women are employed by the church in these roles. Martin Luther High School offers young people the opportunity to prepare for higher education. The ELCRN Media Center operates a book and media depository and is the church's editorial office. Pastors are trained at Paulinum Theological Seminary, which is operated jointly with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. The Church's AIDS program was established in 1999 in response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. It takes a comprehensive approach focusing on care and counseling for infected persons, care and support for orphans and family members, prevention through awareness and education, outreach to all communities and areas where the ELCRN has a presence, and networking with other organizations. More than 30 home-based care groups have been established.