Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is not an ecclesiastical government, exercising legislative or coercive powers.

The 298 individual congregations, who make up LCC, have the right of self-government with LCC serving as an advisory body. However, congregations who share LCC’s doctrinal position join the synod in the conviction that such an organization will facilitate their witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Canada and throughout the world. In addition to congregations, membership in LCC is held by all rostered pastors and deacons of the church.

The national office in Winnipeg, Manitoba provides governance direction, resources, and ecclesiastical supervision through a nationally-elected President, Board of Directors and professional staff. In addition, Board committees, Synod commissions, and affiliated entities provide advice and take responsibility for:

Following decisions taken at the 2017 synodical convention, LCC undertook a process to restructure. At that time, members voted to establish three regions: West (Alberta, British Columbia); Central (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and NW Ontario); and East (Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes). Each region is further divided into geographic circuits and are served by a regional pastor.