Discover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls
Read MoreCurious about chaplaincy in the ELCA? Join the Seminaries of the ELCA and the ELCA Chaplain Corps for a virtual Fireside Chat on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Explore what it means to serve as a chaplain and discover pathways to this vital ministry. The Zoom event begins at 7 pm CST. Register now to secure your spot.
Read MoreDr. Dee Stokes and Rev. Dr. Adam White share groundbreaking insights from their research on what makes preaching truly compelling in the latest Pivot podcast, also featuring our synod’s Pastor Katie Langston.
Read MoreIn the latest news from ELCA Congregational Stewardship, Rev. Tim Brown shares a letter, as well as upcoming events, stewardship resources, and stewardship in the text.
Read MoreWhat does it mean to steward the Christian faith in the 21st century? Terri Martinson Elton’s article, “The Future of Congregations: Cruciform Communities of Hope,” invites congregations to embrace their calling as living communities of faith, hope, and love. Explore how shifting from programs to practices can transform congregational life, foster relationships, and create a vibrant Christian witness. Read more on our blog.
Read MoreHow can the church lead in a time of “gracious uncertainty”? In his latest Ministry in a Digital Age newsletter, Ryan Panzer explores how faith communities can navigate a year of radical change and emerging technology. Drawing from Oswald Chambers’ words, Panzer emphasizes the church’s role in fostering hope and connection amid uncertainty, with digital ministry as a key opportunity. Read more for practical insights and inspiring examples of faith in action.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we ask, “Is innovation a helpful category for churches seeking to thrive in changing times?”
Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today’s changing religious landscape? In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of “innovation” in church contexts, exploring whether it’s a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission.
Read MoreJoin the January 29 Beloved Community Gathering hosted by ELCA Coaching to reflect, discern, and take faithful action. This virtual event invites all faith leaders—rostered or not—to move from head to heart to hands in living out their faith. Inspired by Scripture, Martin Luther King Jr., and bell hooks, we’ll explore what it means to build trust and communion in our communities. Details and recordings at ELCA Coaching’s website.
Read MoreStarting January 1, 2025, the IRS standard mileage rate for business travel increases to 70 cents per mile, up 3 cents from 2024. Churches should adjust their reimbursement processes accordingly. Rates for charitable use remain at 14 cents per mile. Learn more about the updates and their implications in this post.
Read MoreAs people of faith, we are called to courageously address the challenges of our time—from the climate crisis to the rise of authoritarianism. Rev. Dr. Jim Antal invites congregations to embrace their unique vocation as centers of hope and action. In this article from Blessed Tomorrow, learn how your church can integrate testimonies, education, and advocacy into its ministry to transform grief into hope and hope into collective action.
Read MoreDiscover how congregations can save money while caring for creation! Learn from First Christian Church in Tucson and access free tools like the Go Green, Save Green checklist from One Home One Future. Start your journey to sustainability and stewardship today.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is offering grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 for preservation projects. Join an informational webinar on February 6, 2025, at 3 PM EST to learn about eligibility and application details. Register now and discover how this program supports sacred spaces across communities.
Read MoreRev. Dr. Willis Johnson's practical wisdom helps church leaders explore hope, justice, and spiritual formation amid division. Listen to the latest Pivot podcast for more.
Read MoreCongregations can now receive reimbursements for clean-energy projects like solar panels through the Inflation Reduction Act, with financing available via the Mission Investment Fund. Learn actionable tips for sustainability, updates on Portico’s new president, and IRS mileage rates for 2025 in the latest Administration Matters blog post.
Read MoreHow healthy is your congregation? As you prepare for Annual Meetings and submit your reports to Churchwide, take time to reflect on your congregation’s vitality. The Grand Canyon Synod offers tools, including a 36-question survey, to help evaluate congregational health and guide future planning. Visit gcsynod.org/vitality to learn more, or contact Pr. David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org for support.
Read MoreJoin other leaders at the Festival of Homiletics, May 12-15, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, or online for this year’s theme: Preaching to Heal the Divide. Experience renewal, insightful teaching, and rich fellowship. Don’t miss Atlanta’s historic sites and a life-giving week of inspiration. Learn more and register at festivalofhomiletics.com.
Read MoreJoin ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 17, 2025, for an essential webinar equipping ministry leaders to support migrants and undocumented individuals. Featuring expert immigration lawyers, the session covers “Know Your Rights” guidance, navigating immigration steps, and preparing for ICE interactions. Register today for this free online event and learn how your ministry can make a difference.
Read MoreThe School for Lay Ministry equips lay leaders with the tools and confidence to serve their congregations faithfully. With live instruction, self-paced learning, and innovative digital ministry training, the year-long program begins January 18, 2025. Scholarships are available. Learn more and register today at faithlead.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA has discontinued recommending hymns by David Haas and Cesáreo Gabaráin following allegations of misconduct. Rooted in theological commitments to love and justice, this survivor-centered approach prioritizes the well-being of those harmed by gender-based violence. Learn how these decisions impact worship and explore resources to support survivor-centered practices in your congregation in the latest ELCA Worship blog post.
Read MoreEquip, encourage, and empower your congregation or ministry team with Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training, starting this January! Through nine interactive sessions, you’ll learn practical coaching techniques like powerful questioning and affirming language to help others grow in confidence and faith. Open to all who want to deepen their impact, this training also provides credit toward ICF credentials. Visit faithlead.org to learn more and register today.
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