Posts in Leader Resources
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24

As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders are invited to a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, with a local gathering option in the Grand Canyon Synod. This morning workshop connects congregations to regional teaching and local conversation and complements the January 22–24 in-person PLTS gathering. For details, contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders

ELCA Coaching is offering a full month of free January opportunities for ministry leaders, including gatherings, workshops, formation offerings, and racial justice and wellness training opportunities—most requiring advance registration. Additional subsidized leadership trainings begin in April. These resources support leaders across the ELCA, helping strengthen ministry, deepen resilience, and remind us that nobody journeys alone. Learn more at elcacoaching.org/events.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
New in 2026: PLTS Launches Online Racial Justice & Faith Certificate Program
New in 2026: PLTS Launches Online Racial Justice & Faith Certificate Program

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering a new Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Program in 2026, featuring 6-week, online, asynchronous courses open to clergy and lay leaders alike. The first course, Womanism and Social Justice, begins February 9, with enrollment requested by January 25.

Courses cost $250, with discounts for PLTS alumni and congregational groups, and four completed courses lead to a certificate. Designed to connect faith with action, this program supports participants in confronting racial injustice and dismantling white supremacy through liberative theological reflection and practice.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Racial JusticeComment
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders

ELCA Coaching is offering a full month of free January opportunities for ministry leaders, including gatherings, workshops, formation offerings, and racial justice and wellness training opportunities—most requiring advance registration. Additional subsidized leadership trainings begin in April. These resources support leaders across the ELCA, helping strengthen ministry, deepen resilience, and remind us that nobody journeys alone. Learn more at elcacoaching.org/events.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Praying Together in 2026: How Prayer Ventures Connects Church and World
Praying Together in 2026: How Prayer Ventures Connects Church and World

As the new year approaches, Prayer Ventures offers a simple way to ground your daily life and ministry in prayer. These short, daily petitions—shared each day on Living Lutheran and available as monthly PDFs on the ELCA resource site—connect us to the global mission of the church and the needs of our neighbors.

Whether used personally or in congregational settings, Prayer Ventures is a timely and accessible resource for anyone looking to incorporate intentional prayer into 2026.

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ELCA, Leader Resources, PrayersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26

Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership course begins January 26, 2026, guiding pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with trust, curiosity, and collaboration. This nine-week online cohort, taught by the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, helps participants listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and empower others to discern their callings. Cost is $375 with scholarships available. Enroll now →

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
December ELCA Coaching Opportunities: Free Support, Learning, and Community
December ELCA Coaching Opportunities: Free Support, Learning, and Community

Explore a full month of free December ELCA Coaching events, including the Creating Beloved Community series, writing workshops, and decolonizing worship sessions—all fully subsidized by the ELCA. Registration links, dates, and upcoming 2026 training opportunities are available, with reduced-cost training options for leaders beginning in January and April. Visit elcacoaching.org/events for details.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24

As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders are invited to a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, with a local gathering option in the Grand Canyon Synod. This morning workshop connects congregations to regional teaching and local conversation and complements the January 22–24 in-person PLTS gathering. For details, contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Explore Advent and Christmastide 2025: Stories, Worship, and Events Across Our Synod
Explore Advent and Christmastide 2025: Stories, Worship, and Events Across Our Synod

Celebrate the season of Advent and Christmastide with the Grand Canyon Synod! Visit our 2025 Advent and Christmas page to explore stories, worship opportunities, and events from across our congregations. We invite you to share your own seasonal news or event as together we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and rejoice in the light that has entered the world.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards

Portico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.

This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Practical Tools for Thriving Church Leadership – January 2026 in Carefree, AZ
Practical Tools for Thriving Church Leadership – January 2026 in Carefree, AZ

Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and faith leaders for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, a weeklong continuing education retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ, January 5–9, 2026. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by expert facilitators. Registration includes lodging, meals, and programming. Register now »

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards

Portico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.

This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
New Courses, Resources, and a Year-End Sale: December Faith+Lead Roundup
New Courses, Resources, and a Year-End Sale: December Faith+Lead Roundup

Faith+Lead’s December Monthly Roundup features new courses—including Family Systems: Tools for Ministry and a new Spanish-language theology course—along with boundary-training for Christian leaders, an updated certificate catalog, and details on the School for Lay Ministry launching in January. Free resources include a new ebook on Spirit-led discernment, a “Bible in a Year” podcast preview, and Working Preacher newsletter subscriptions. Read the full update and explore training opportunities for you and your congregation.

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Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, faith+leadComment