Build practical ministry skills and make space for renewal at Executive Skills for Church Leaders, January 3–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Open to pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, the retreat explores grace-centered leadership, finances, staff support, and the Enneagram. Residential and commuter options are available; programming begins January 4. Learn more and register.
Read MoreWho might be waiting for an invitation? Reflecting on Matthew 22:1–14, ELCA’s Faith Lens explores God’s abundant grace and our calling to welcome others—especially those on the margins. Discover discussion questions and a simple activity to help turn welcome into friendship and belonging.
Read MoreFor all those affected by war and armed conflict around the world, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Syria, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For the three-year anniversary of the attacks in Gaza…
For elections and political transitions around the world…
For lawmakers and courts of law…
For all affected by the spread of disease…
For safety amidst ongoing student protests in France…
For flooding in Spain and all affected by natural disasters…
For all in the path of Tropical Storm Isaias…
For Nobel Prize recipients and all gifts of discovery, research, and curiosity…
Questions about sexuality and the ELCA touch faith, conscience, and belonging. Begin our five-week Learn and Discernseries with a 33-minute conversation about the history behind the church’s teaching and reconsideration process, paired with the ELCA’s Conscience and Conversation study.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA offers several ways to put faith into action this fall, beginning with resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and confidential, 24/7 support for survivors. Upcoming opportunities include the Oct. 15 Thankoffering Service and Boldcafe conversation on consent, an Oct. 22 racial justice gathering, a Nov. 4 tour information session and a new Bible study featuring Hagar, Ruth and Mary Magdalene.
Read MoreObserve Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 12 by honoring Indigenous cultures, resilience and sovereignty. Explore ELCA Indigenous ministries and Truth and Healing resources, learn about the peoples whose homelands include your community, and take a concrete step to support Indigenous voices.
Read MoreLutheran World Federation leaders met with Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 1 to discuss Christian unity and hopes for a shared commemoration of the Augsburg Confession’s 500th anniversary in 2030. Their conversation highlighted the confession’s original call for dialogue and the continuing journey toward reconciliation, shared witness and communion. Read the story in Living Lutheran.
Read MorePrepare for the coming seasons with music for All Saints through Transfiguration, seasonal devotionals and ELW planning resources. Upcoming webinars feature healthy singing as we age on Oct. 22 and songs of justice and community on Nov. 10. A devotional promotion offers free shipping on qualifying orders of 100 or more through Jan. 6. Explore the October resources and register for the webinars.
Read MoreAt Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery, Alabama, Gathered by Grace helps students facing food insecurity through pantry support and meals at campus events. Supported by an ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread grant, the ministry connects nourishment with learning, family well-being and relationships rooted in care for neighbors. Read how your gifts support this ministry.
Read MoreEvangelical Lutheran Worship turned 20 on Oct. 3, marking two decades of nourishing congregations through word, sacraments and song. Celebrate with a beloved hymn, anniversary trivia or free ELCA resources that help worship leaders explore the book’s richness and flexibility. Read more and explore the resources.
Read MoreChaired by Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer, the ELCA Conference of Bishops welcomed six new bishops during its Sept. 22–26 meeting in Chicago. Discussions addressed churchwide ministry, consultation on benefit changes, leadership formation and ongoing discernment around Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Read the ELCA report.
Read More“Love takes shape in what we do,” says Pastor Chris Honig of Ascension Lutheran Church in Riverside, Illinois. In this brief ELCA video, community gardening brings “God’s work. Our hands.” to life—a reminder that faith calls us to serve our neighbors. Find inspiration for your congregation’s ministry. Watch the ELCA video. Download at https://bit.ly/4xZawdM.
Read MorePreparing to bring youth to the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? The Registration 101 webinar offers guidance from Gathering leadership to help congregational leaders and adult volunteers prepare for registration. Share this resource with your planning team as you support young people’s journey of faith. Watch the recorded webinar.
Read MoreCrossings’ new “Law and Gospel” podcast offers weekly conversations on upcoming lectionary texts for preachers, Bible study leaders, and curious listeners. Shared by Pastor Matt Metevelis, this resource connects Scripture with daily life and Christ’s promise of freedom and new life. Listen on Spotify.
Read MoreExplore how grace frees us to serve our neighbors at the Crossings Conference, January 10–13, 2027, in St. Louis or online. Speakers include Elizabeth Eaton, Piotr Małysz, George Heider, and Sarah Hinlicky Wilson. Early bird pricing ends October 9, 2026.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Diaconal Association has introduced a Rostered Minister Pathway for those with previous diaconal preparation and can now endorse eligible members pursuing professional chaplain certification. Its Traditional Pathway remains available, with no career change required. Explore opportunities with the LDA for a lifelong calling to Christian service.
Read MoreAn expanded ELCA partnership brings Realm church management and Vanco Giving together, with exclusive pricing and implementation packages for ELCA congregations. The platform connects giving, member records, communications and other ministry tools. An informational webinar is Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. Arizona and Nevada time / 11 a.m. Utah and Navajo Nation time. Read the announcement and find webinar details.
Read MoreHow can we lead faithfully through disagreement? Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin shares how a campus conflict became an opportunity for apology, listening and renewed relationships. Grounded in Lutheran commitments to community and mutual flourishing, her reflection invites us to practice reconciliation in our congregations, families and workplaces. Read her reflection in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreWhen the future feels uncertain, belonging to Christ gives us courage to keep going together. In Faith Lens for October 4, Pastor Ian McConnell reflects on Philippians 3:4b–14 and neighbors caring for one another in Minneapolis, connecting faith with practical love. Youth leaders will find discussion questions, activities, and a prayer to help young people imagine a future rooted in God’s love. Read the full Faith Lens reflection.
Read MoreFind community and a next step for life and ministry at ELCA Coaching’s Wayfinding in the Commons, Wednesday, October 7, on Zoom. This 45-minute gathering begins at 11 a.m. in most of Arizona and Nevada; noon in the Navajo Nation and St. George, Utah. Join fellow leaders and seekers for grounding, leadership learning, and coach-facilitated conversation—and leave with at least one actionable step.
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