Posts in Leadership Resources
Worship Resources: Anniversary of the Ongoing War in the Middle East
Worship Resources: Anniversary of the Ongoing War in the Middle East

As we approach the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardIsrael and PalestineComment
Worship Resources for Navigating National Elections: Available
Worship Resources for Navigating National Elections: Available

The ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment
Navigating Election Season with Faith: Tools for Congregational Peace and Understanding
Navigating Election Season with Faith: Tools for Congregational Peace and Understanding

The 2024 Election Season Toolkit from Faith+Lead provides essential resources to help church leaders guide their congregations through the political tensions of election season. Learn how to foster empathy, promote peace, and ground conversations in Gospel values. Access the toolkit and subscribe for updates at faithlead.org/toolkit/2024election.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment
Unleash Your Leadership Potential with the School for Lay Ministry
Unleash Your Leadership Potential with the School for Lay Ministry

Transform Your Ministry in Just One Year with Theologically-Sound Training and Leadership Development. The School for Lay Ministry Learning Community starts October 12, 2024. Join this year-long journey to enhance your leadership skills, deepen your faith, and serve your congregation more effectively. Enroll now to secure your spot!

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardLay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Bishop’s Fall Gathering: Last Call to Register as a Commuter
Bishop’s Fall Gathering: Last Call to Register as a Commuter

Rooms for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering are sold out, but commuter registration is still open through October 7! Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for worship, storytelling, and fellowship at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Meals are included for commuters—register now to secure your spot!

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Embrace the Future: Reimagining Faith in an AI-Driven World
Embrace the Future: Reimagining Faith in an AI-Driven World

Rethink what ministry can look like in our increasingly digital world with the “Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry” Learning Community. This four-week course, starting on October 14, 2024, will equip you with the tools and strategies to integrate AI and digital tools into your ministry, ensuring authentic faith formation and community building in a tech-driven world.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Campaign for Kindness: A Preaching Series to Guide Us Through Election Season
Campaign for Kindness: A Preaching Series to Guide Us Through Election Season

The Campaign for Kindness Preaching Series from the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod is designed to guide congregations through the 2024 election season with messages of kindness, humility, and reconciliation. Starting on a suggested date of October 6, this six-week sermon series encourages pastors to address political anxiety from a faith perspective. Learn more about the resources and join weekly discussions to promote kindness in your faith community.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardElections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Form Lasting Faith Connections This October: Lectio Divina, Enneagram, and Cohorts
Form Lasting Faith Connections This October: Lectio Divina, Enneagram, and Cohorts

This October, Thriving Leadership Formation is offering exciting opportunities to grow in faith and leadership through a Lectio Divina series (bit.ly/TLFLectioDivina), Enneagram workshops (bit.ly/TLFEnneagram), and cohort groups (bit.ly/TLFCohortGroupInterest). Sessions begin the first week of October, and all are welcome to participate.

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Leadership Resources, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardCalifornia Lutheran University, Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Explore New Funding Strategies for Your Ministry with "Funding Forward"
Explore New Funding Strategies for Your Ministry with "Funding Forward"

Facing financial challenges in your congregation? Grace Pomroy’s Funding Forward offers practical strategies to align your mission with your finances. Download a free chapter to explore innovative ways to foster sustainable growth and discover inspiring stories of churches overcoming financial obstacles.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Join the Vital Congregations Journey: Strengthen Your Ministry in Six Sessions
Join the Vital Congregations Journey: Strengthen Your Ministry in Six Sessions

Join the Vital Congregations journey with ELCA and Kindling Faith! This six-month coaching program, starting on September 21, provides congregational teams with the tools to develop strategic plans for thriving ministries. Each monthly session includes practical resources and the support of a trained coach, helping congregations thrive in faith and outreach. Register here or download a flyer here.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA Coaching, United Lutheran SeminaryComment
The Ministry of Less Is More: Free Webinar on Scaling Back for Greater Impact
The Ministry of Less Is More: Free Webinar on Scaling Back for Greater Impact

Feeling overwhelmed in ministry? Join Dr. Alicia Granholm for a free Faith+Lead webinar, “The Ministry of Less Is More: 5 Practices to Cultivate a Flourishing Church by Scaling Back,” on Sept. 23rd, 24th, or 26th. Learn how to prioritize what truly matters and minister from a place of strength and purpose. Register now.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardLay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Bishop’s Fall Gathering: Last Call to Register as a Commuter
Bishop’s Fall Gathering: Last Call to Register as a Commuter

Rooms for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering are sold out, but commuter registration is still open through October 7! Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for worship, storytelling, and fellowship at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Meals are included for commuters—register now to secure your spot!

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Explore Healing-Centered Leadership in ELCA’s Free Equity Workshop on September 18
Explore Healing-Centered Leadership in ELCA’s Free Equity Workshop on September 18

Join faith leaders on September 18 for the third session in the Advancing Equity series, focusing on the Vision Pivot in healing-centered leadership. This free workshop will equip you to reimagine your ministry leadership through a holistic, collective approach to well-being. Advance registration required. Learn more and register today. Wednesday, 9/18/2024, 9 – 11:30 am PDT/MST, 10am – 12:30pm MDT.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Securing Our Worship Spaces: Insights from FBI and Phoenix PD
Securing Our Worship Spaces: Insights from FBI and Phoenix PD

Learn how to protect our churches and communities with insights from the FBI and Phoenix Police Department. During a May 2022 webinar, experts shared critical safety tips for houses of worship, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead. Access the full recording and explore resources to enhance security at your church.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardChurch and SocietyComment
New Resources and Events for Worship Leaders and Musicians: September Update
New Resources and Events for Worship Leaders and Musicians: September Update

Explore new resources and events for worship leaders and musicians in this September’s ELCA Worship Partner Organization Resources and Events! Highlights include ALCM’s Fall Webinar Series, free sheet music from Lutheran Summer Music, and fall workshops from Music that Makes Community. Mark your calendars for key conferences in 2025 and discover fresh resources for the upcoming church year.

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Leadership Resources, News, ELCABrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
The Crucible: Real Leadership Is Learned in the Field, Not Just the Classroom
The Crucible: Real Leadership Is Learned in the Field, Not Just the Classroom

Traditional leadership programs often fall short, focusing more on theory than practical application. In the latest The Crucible newsletter, Tod Bolsinger of the Church Leadership Institute addresses this challenge with The Practicing Change Series, a set of books designed for real-time leadership learning. Additionally, this week marks the final chance to apply for the Business of Ministry Cohort, equipping ministry leaders with essential skills in administration and management. For those in Colorado Springs, a Fuller Seminary training event offers tools for rethinking church leadership. Learn more and register now!

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardTod Bolsinger, Fuller Church Leader Institute, The CrucibleComment
Unlock the Art of Preaching with Diakonia’s Four-Week Course
Unlock the Art of Preaching with Diakonia’s Four-Week Course

Hesitant to preach? Diakonia graduates are invited to a four-week Zoom course titled “Preaching Good News to a World in Shambles,” starting October 19. Led by Reverend Carl Zimmermann, this class will help participants craft and deliver heart-engaging sermons, drawing on resources from Dr. Tom Long and Pastor Barbara Brown Taylor. Register now on Diakonia’s website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardDiakoniaComment
Register by 9/15/2024 for Prepare-Enrich Facilitator Training
Register by 9/15/2024 for Prepare-Enrich Facilitator Training

Enhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. Offered at a discounted rate to Grand Canyon Synod clergy, this workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families. Register by September 15th to secure your spot.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardResurrection Oro ValleyComment