ELCA Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop
Saturday, January 24, 2026 | Hybrid & Local Synod Gatherings
“As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we often struggle with that ‘E’ word,” says Pastor David Pavesic, Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) for the Grand Canyon Synod.
Yet evangelism—sharing the good news of God in Jesus Christ through word and deed—is central to who we are and who we are called to be. This January, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited into a supportive, practical opportunity to reflect on that calling together.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, congregations and leaders are invited to participate in a one-morning Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, offered as a hybrid gathering in partnership with Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) and ELCA Region 2 synods. The timing of this event is to be determined.
This workshop is especially well-suited for lay leaders, rostered ministers, and congregational teams who may not be able to travel to Berkeley for the full three-day event, or who wish to participate alongside others from within the synod. The morning will blend shared online teaching with in-person, local conversation, grounding big ideas in real congregational life.
The gathering will include:
Worship, scripture, and prayer
Teaching and presentations from ELCA and PLTS leaders via Zoom
Story-sharing and conversation at local gathering sites
Time for congregations to reflect, plan, and pray together
Each synod is encouraged to host this gathering in ways that fit its own context and leadership. Within the Grand Canyon Synod, participants will have the option to gather locally (details forthcoming).
This Saturday workshop is intentionally connected to the January 22–24, 2026 in-person Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop at PLTS in Berkeley. Together, these two opportunities invite leaders to engage at a level that works for them—either by traveling or by gathering close to home. More info here: Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS in Berkeley.
As Pastor David Pavesic, Director for Evangelical Mission, reminds us: “Let us connect people to create opportunities to communicate Christ.” This workshop is one way we do exactly that—together.
For more information about the Saturday, January 24 gathering, or to express interest in participating locally, please contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.
