Posts in ELCA
Faithful Listening, Bold Proclamation: Fall Workshops for ELCA Leaders

Lay and rostered leaders are invited to Faithful Listening, Bold Proclamation, three interactive Zoom workshops with ELCA pastor and Womanist theologian Rev. Sharei Green on Sept. 24, Oct. 1, and Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. Arizona/Pacific Time. Explore Community, Gospel, and Kin-dom while strengthening practices of listening and proclamation. Attend one session or all three.

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Leading Through Change: Transitional Ministry Training Begins October 1

Are you discerning intentional interim ministry—or looking for stronger skills to lead a congregation through change? The Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association’s Basic Education in Transitions begins online October 1, followed by an April 2027 residential week in San Antonio.

The training equips pastors and ministry leaders to navigate congregational dynamics, conflict, grief and adaptive change while discerning the future God is inviting communities to discover. Registration is now open.

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Stolen Stories Episode 3 Explores the Intifadas and Oslo Accords

Episode 3 of ELCA Sumud’s five-part “Stolen Stories” series explores the Intifadas and Oslo Accords through Palestinian Christian voices. Hear pastors, bishops, and scholars offer historical and theological context while sharing the lived experiences of Palestinians in their own words.

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ELEA Seeks Part-Time Membership Director

The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA / ELCA Schools & Learning Centers) is seeking a part-time, fully remote Membership Director to help support approximately 1,200 Lutheran schools and early learning centers nationwide. The position is approximately 20–25 hours per week with a flexible schedule and is open until filled.

Candidates with administrative or membership-development experience, particularly within an ELCA congregation, synod or organization, are encouraged to apply.

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Bishop Curry Calls Lutherans to Be “Trusted Messengers” This Election Season

ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls Lutherans to be “faithful, informed and engaged” this election season—and to serve as trusted messengers in a time when misinformation can undermine trust and participation. Grounding civic engagement in our baptismal calling, love of neighbor and the commandment not to bear false witness, Bishop Curry encourages congregations and individuals to seek accurate information, participate thoughtfully and help strengthen their communities.

His Aug. 19 message also highlights new ELCA election resources, including the ELCA Election Engagement Toolkitand a Sept. 3 toolkit launch webinar. Read Bishop Curry’s full message and explore the resources →

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Stolen Stories: Palestinian Christians Share History in Their Own Words

ELCA Sumud’s five-part Stolen Stories video series centers Palestinian Christian pastors, bishops and scholars as they tell their history in their own words. Watch the first two episodes, “Nakba” and “Naksa,” and listen to the lived experiences and theological witness of our Palestinian siblings in Christ.

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From Lutheran Freedom to Racial Justice: Watch and Join the ELCA Series

Watch the first two webinars in ELCA Racial Justice Ministries’ series equipping the church to dismantle white supremacy—including “Freedom of a Christian,” featuring Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD, our 2026 Fall Gathering speaker. Meet Dr. Santos through this timely exploration of Lutheran freedom, justice and our calling to serve our neighbors.

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What Do the “Four Freedoms” Have to Do With Lutherans?

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Living Lutheran explores President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms”—freedom of speech and worship, and freedom from want and fear—through a distinctly Lutheran lens.

Leah Taber connects these enduring ideals with unity in Christ, reconciliation, community, grace and faith, asking what it would mean for Lutherans to embody these commitments in our congregations, communities and civic life. Read the full reflection in Living Lutheran.

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Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Resources from Kendra Stea

Resources are now available from our August 18 conversation with Kendra Stea, ELCA Director, Misconduct Prevention, on safeguarding worshiping communities. Explore or download Kendra’s presentation covering mandatory reporting, Safe Church policies, misconduct, sex offender covenants, behavior agreements, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.

Congregational leaders are encouraged to use and share these materials—and to contact the synod when questions or concerns arise.

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August Good Green News: Creation Care Resources for Lutherans

Lutherans Restoring Creation’s August Good Green News features upcoming opportunities for worship, learning and action, including Nature, Spirituality & Church in the Wild on August 25, Season of Creation resources, the 2026–27 EcoPreacher cohort, an environmental spirituality summit with Bill McKibben, and an ELCA creation-care film series beginning September 2.

Explore these events, new resources and more ways for individuals and congregations to connect Lutheran faith with care for God’s creation.

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The Generosity Project Finds a New Home

The Generosity Project has a new online home! For several years, the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team helped host this cross-generational ELCA stewardship resource. We celebrate its next chapter and give special thanks to Grand Canyon Synod member and longtime project champion Linda Staats for her passion and leadership.

Explore The Generosity Project and discover resources for cultivating generosity, discipleship, and faith from generation to generation.

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Lutheran Men in Mission Shares New Resources, Retreats and Fall Opportunities

Lutheran Men in Mission’s Summer 2026 Ambassador-Gram features newly revised men’s ministry resources, a new DIY half-day retreat series, fall One Year to Live retreats and Bold Gatherings, weekly online Bible and book studies, a discipleship course, and a Sept. 8 legacy giving webinar.

Explore the opportunities and resources available to help congregations strengthen men’s ministry and discipleship.

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Women of the ELCA Celebrate “I Am Worthy” Gathering and Look Ahead to 2029

Women of the ELCA welcomed 1,000 registered participants to the “I Am Worthy” Triennial Gathering, July 16-19 in Des Moines, following the Thirteenth Triennial Convention. Explore highlights and photos from the gathering—and look ahead to the 2029 Triennial Gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, with pre-registration savings available through September 1.

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From Scarcity to Sanctuary: When Church Property Becomes Ministry

With declining membership and limited finances, Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan didn’t have abundant resources—but it did have space and a willingness to take a leap of faith. Twenty years ago, the congregation began sheltering LGBTQIA+ young adults experiencing homelessness. Today, Trinity Place remains open every night, offering shelter, community and a path toward greater stability.

In Living Lutheran, the story becomes an invitation for congregations to consider how underused buildings and land might serve their neighbors. The article also introduces the ELCA Church Property Resource Hub, which helps congregations explore faithful and creative possibilities for their property. ⁠Read “From Scarcity to Sanctuary” in Living Lutheran.

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A Big Deal: How Lutherans Helped Shape the Pennsylvania Lottery

What do Lutheran pastors, community organizing and the Pennsylvania Lottery have in common? In Living Lutheran, retired ELCA pastor P. Richard Grove recalls how Lutheran leaders helped organize older adults around affordable public transportation in the early 1970s—and how that advocacy contributed to a system that has since provided billions of dollars in benefits for Pennsylvania’s older adults.

Part of Living Lutheran’s America 250 series, the firsthand account offers a fascinating glimpse into Lutheran engagement in civic life and the lasting consequences of community organizing. ⁠Read “A Big Deal” in Living Lutheran.

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