Bethesda is a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and works cooperatively with LCMS on a number of national and international initiatives. Bethesda's Board of Directors is currently made up of men and women from the LCMS, Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Sharing the love of Christ with children and adults who have developmental disabilities is the main focus of Bethesda's ministry. We also provide resources to educate friends, families, congregations and other service providers about developmental disabilities.