How we read John’s Passion on Good Friday matters. We encourage congregations to consider the historical misuse of the phrase “the Jews” in this gospel and to include a contextual note provided by the Consultation on Common Texts. ELCA worship resources are available to guide preachers and worship planners in proclaiming the gospel with care, respect, and theological integrity.
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Join thousands of pastors and leaders May 12–15 for the Festival of Homiletics—online or in Atlanta—as we worship, learn, and preach to heal the divide. Experience inspiring sermons, theological lectures, and uplifting worship grounded in Lutheran theology. Register today at festivalofhomiletics.com.
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Ministry is hard—and full of questions without easy answers. On May 22, join the Rev. Dr. Michael Binder for Faithful Adaptation: Leading Change with Hope, an online workshop that offers tools to move beyond shallow fixes and into deeper, Spirit-led transformation. This 90-minute session is free with a Faith+Lead membership. Learn more and register here: https://lab.faithlead.org/event/faithful-adaptation-leading-change-with-hope/
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107 rostered ministers have already submitted their annual Report to the Bishop—thank you! If you haven’t submitted yours yet, there’s still time. Bishop Hutterer personally reads and responds to each report, offering a chance to share your journey, joys, and challenges in ministry. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report to get started.
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Want to lead worship with a guitar around the campfire? Join Camp ALOMA in Prescott, April 25–27, for a weekend retreat focused on learning how to lead and support campfire worship. Designed for guitar players with basic chord skills, the $110 weekend includes lodging, meals, and musical leadership training grounded in Lutheran faith. Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.
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Still need to submit your 2024 ELCA Congregation Report? The deadline is April 11. This year’s new reporting platform has caused challenges for many, but help is available through FAQs and temporary workarounds. Learn more and access the system before it closes.
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The School for Lay Ministry begins May 17, 2025, offering a yearlong journey to equip lay leaders for faithful service in preaching, care, worship, and leadership. This online program includes live cohort meetings, flexible learning, and practical resources grounded in Lutheran theology. Tuition is $600, with scholarships and payment plans available. Learn more and register.
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Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski joins the Pivot Podcast to explore how ancient traditions speak to contemporary spiritual needs.
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Explore this month’s highlighted worship resources from Augsburg Fortress, including reflections on the Three Days, Bonhoeffer’s take on the Psalms, and how baptism shapes congregational life. Plus, sign up for summer music clinics with top clinicians. Read the full monthly resource on ELCA.
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Lutheran Quarterly is now fully open access—free to read online through Johns Hopkins University Press. This respected journal explores Lutheran theology, history, and public witness, offering valuable insight for pastors, lay leaders, and curious minds alike. Browse articles and deepen your understanding of our shared faith.
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Many ministry leaders today are experiencing profound exhaustion—and you’re not imagining it. In this March update from Thriving Leadership Formation, Director Desta Goehner invites us to reimagine ministry as an ecosystem that requires care, connection, and rest. Explore upcoming Enneagram workshops, join a crisis communications webinar, and discover how to build stronger ministry teams with real tools and real support. Read the full newsletter here.
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How can congregations prepare for possible immigration raids? A new ELCA AMMPARO guide outlines practical steps—like hosting Know Your Rights sessions, connecting with local migrant organizations, and training ministry teams—to equip congregations for faithful response. Rooted in Lutheran theology and updated in response to recent policy changes, this guide offers a path forward rooted in justice, compassion, and love for neighbor. Read the full article at ELCA.org.
¿Cómo pueden prepararse las congregaciones para posibles redadas migratorias? Una nueva guía de AMMPARO ofrece pasos prácticos como organizar sesiones de Conozca Sus Derechos, conectar con organizaciones locales y capacitar a voluntarios para responder con justicia y compasión. Esta guía está arraigada en la fe luterana y actualizada frente a recientes cambios de política migratoria. Leer el artículo completo.
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On Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!
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Is your church prepared to communicate faithfully in a crisis? Join a free live webinar on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 1:00–2:30pm, as part of the Thriving Leadership Formation series. Learn how to build a crisis communications team, develop a ministry-specific strategy, and gain sample statements to guide your response. Pre-registration is required: bit.ly/EventsTLF.
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Join Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.
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Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.
Read MoreJoin Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.
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Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski joins the Pivot Podcast to explore how ancient traditions speak to contemporary spiritual needs.
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Join the ELCA Seminaries for a virtual Fireside Chat on Thursday, April 10, as Deacon Krista Anderson and Deacon Beth Anderson explore the ministry of Word and Service in the ELCA. This engaging conversation will offer insight into the call to diaconal ministry and is perfect for those discerning a call or seeking to understand this unique role in the life of the church.
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How can clergy navigate mental health challenges while serving in ministry? Join Rev. Seth Perry for a free one-hour webinar on March 26, 2025 (12:00-1:00 PM CT), as he shares his journey of pastoring with a dual diagnosis. Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, this conversation will address stigma, strengths, and faith-filled recovery. Register here.
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