The Education and Leadership Ministries Commission traces its roots to the formation of the American Sunday School Association in 1824. The Commission's predecessor became a charter member of the International Council of Religious Education in 1922 and was a founding member of the National Council of Churches in 1950.

Throughout its history , the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission has incorporated in its work congregational Christian education, higher education, ministry concerns and biblical translation.

Overall direction for the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission is provided by the Program Commission, representing 27 denominations.

ELMC has 15 program committees working in diverse areas of  educational ministry. They represent the work that the denominations do together to support local congregations in educational ministry. The board's  committees are working groups that generate materials for church education leaders, plan training events, and provide an ecumenical forum for inter-denominational exchange and planning.

● Curriculum and leader formation.
● Family and age level ministries.
● Racial/ethnic culture and special ministries.
● Special needs and settings.
● Projects and explorations