Posts in Leader Resources
Strengthen Your Church’s Digital Presence: ELCA Offers Free Digital Assessments (Apply Now)
Strengthen Your Church’s Digital Presence: ELCA Offers Free Digital Assessments (Apply Now)

Applications are now open for a limited number of ELCA Digital Ministry Assessments, with 25 slots available through August 2026. Conducted by Evoke Engagement Experts, these assessments provide congregations and ministry organizations with a comprehensive review of their website, social media, and online presence—along with actionable recommendations and a consultation call.

Eligible ELCA congregations and affiliated ministries are encouraged to apply soon, as demand may exceed availability. Additional digital ministry grants—including $3,000 and $30,000 awards—are expected later in 2026, offering further opportunities to strengthen how we share God’s story in a digital world.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardInnovation, ELCA Innovation LabComment
Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration
Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration

Registration is now open for this summer’s online Diakonia continuing education courses, with offerings on baptismal living, First Testament prophets, the Gospel of John and introductory New Testament Greek. Open to current students, graduates, instructors and anyone interested in deeper theological learning, the courses will meet online in five-week formats.

Organizational meetings begin in June, with final schedules determined collaboratively after registration. Learn more and register at Diakonia Education.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDiakoniaComment
A Different Way: Growing in Faith Program to Host Christian Nationalism Symposium This November
A Different Way: Growing in Faith Program to Host Christian Nationalism Symposium This November

Save the date for the Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith Program’s upcoming symposium, “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” on Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with virtual participation also available.

Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod, the event will explore faithful Lutheran responses to Christian nationalism through the lenses of hope, courage, discipleship and neighbor love. More details and registration information are coming soon.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, DiakoniaComment
Faith+Lead Summer Resources Equip Leaders for a Changing Ministry Landscape
Faith+Lead Summer Resources Equip Leaders for a Changing Ministry Landscape

Faith+Lead’s latest Monthly Roundup highlights summer ministry resources including courses on communication skills, faith formation, compensation negotiation, lay ministry training, and supervision. Free theology journals, ministry articles, and downloadable leadership resources are also included to support congregations and leaders navigating a changing ministry landscape.

Read the full roundup and explore all the opportunities and resources available for this season of ministry.

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Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
ELCA World Hunger Opens 2027 Domestic Hunger Grant Applications
ELCA World Hunger Opens 2027 Domestic Hunger Grant Applications

ELCA World Hunger is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for 2027 Domestic Hunger Grants through July 1, 2026. Grants of up to $10,000 per year for three years are available for ministries and organizations addressing food insecurity, housing, clean water, job access, human rights, and policy change in their communities.

Congregations and ministry leaders are encouraged to explore the opportunity and review eligibility, timelines, and application materials through the ELCA World Hunger program. Read more and apply here.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGrants, ELCA World Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment
Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial
Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial

The ELCA Worship Office has released new worship resources for the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026, offering liturgical texts, preaching helps, music guidance, and civic vocation resources for congregations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to both celebrate and lament the nation’s history, the materials center worship around Christ’s call to justice, humility, mercy, and beloved community.

Resources are available now in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSemiquincentennial, ELCA WorshipComment
New Worship Planning Resources for Year B 2027 Now Available
New Worship Planning Resources for Year B 2027 Now Available

ELCA Worship is highlighting new May 2026 resources from Augsburg Fortress designed to support worship leaders, musicians, preachers, and congregational planners across the church. Newly released Year B 2027 materials include updated editions of Sundays and Seasons, preaching resources, worship planning calendars, and subscription options to simplify annual planning for congregations and ministry teams.

The update also includes information about free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinics celebrating the ministry’s 70th anniversary, with events scheduled this summer in South Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Readers can explore the complete list of resources, details, and registration information through the original ELCA Worship article: Read more at the ELCA Worship blog.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

The FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurity, grantsComment
Lutheran Men in Mission Shares Spring 2026 Opportunities and Resources
Lutheran Men in Mission Shares Spring 2026 Opportunities and Resources

Lutheran Men in Mission has released its Spring 2026 Ambassador-Gram newsletter, featuring upcoming online studies, a new discipleship course, estate planning resources, ministry tools, retreats, and the June 2 annual meeting. The newsletter also introduces LMM’s new simplified web address, LMM.MEN, and highlights resources available for congregations and men’s ministry leaders.

Read the full newsletter for registration links, study opportunities, retreat information, and new ministry resources designed to help build men for Christ across the church.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLutheran Men in MissionComment
Ready When It Matters: Creating a Congregational Emergency Plan
Ready When It Matters: Creating a Congregational Emergency Plan

Creating or updating a simple emergency plan is a key step in congregational preparedness. This article outlines three essential elements—evacuation, shelter, and communication—and encourages congregations to develop a clear, usable plan that can guide response in a crisis.

Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers practical next steps to help congregations respond calmly and effectively when it matters most.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
A Resource for Every Congregation: ELEA Video + Nurturing Faith Series
A Resource for Every Congregation: ELEA Video + Nurturing Faith Series

ELEA invites congregations and synods to share a short, two-minute video introducing its work across the ELCA. The video highlights the Nurturing Faith Study Series—a resource designed for all congregations—and offers a simple way to connect with tools and support for faith formation. Watch and share to learn more.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment
Breaking the Silence: New Lutheran Ministry Responds to Abuse in Our Communities
Breaking the Silence: New Lutheran Ministry Responds to Abuse in Our Communities

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the ELCA is highlighting Unnamed No More, a Lutheran Safe Church ministry supported by a WELCA Katie’s Fund grant. This growing ministry equips congregations to respond to abuse with trauma-informed, faith-based tools—helping churches move from silence to faithful action.

With new ELCA emphasis on child protection and ongoing challenges in congregations, Unnamed No More offers workshops, resources, and support to create safer, more accountable communities. Learn more and explore how your congregation can engage.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
“Hope Is a Group Project”: Join ELCA’s Wayfinding in the Commons on May 6
“Hope Is a Group Project”: Join ELCA’s Wayfinding in the Commons on May 6

The ELCA Coaching team invites leaders and seekers to Wayfinding in the Commons, a monthly 45-minute online gathering beginning Wednesday, May 6 at 11 am (AZ/Pacific). Meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, participants will engage in community, learning, small-group conversation, and actionable next steps for life and ministry.

Open to all—especially those feeling isolated, curious, or called to lead—this gathering centers the idea that “hope is a group project.” Join via Zoom to connect, reflect, and take meaningful steps forward together in faith and community.

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Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Start Summer Strong: SYAT Collective Offers Tools for Youth Trip Leadership
Start Summer Strong: SYAT Collective Offers Tools for Youth Trip Leadership

May 7 at 10:00am (Zoom): The SYAT Collective invites youth ministry leaders to a practical session on preparing for summer trips. Learn how to set behavior expectations, manage group dynamics, and connect with others across the synod. Register here.

Open to both new and experienced leaders, this gathering offers tools, shared wisdom, and encouragement for guiding young people in meaningful, faith-filled summer experiences. Register now to join.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, SYAT Collective, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment
Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You
Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You

In this week’s Faith Lens, reflecting on John 14:1–14, Jesus offers words of comfort to anxious disciples facing an uncertain future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” As today’s world continues to wrestle with violence and fear, this reflection invites us to consider where true safety is found—not in circumstances, but in Christ’s enduring promise to prepare a place for us.

Grounded in Lutheran hope, this resource encourages conversation, reflection, and faithful action—reminding us that even in times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God’s promise and to become safe, welcoming places for our neighbors.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Choose Your Path: Workshops Announced for the 2026 Synod Assembly
Choose Your Path: Workshops Announced for the 2026 Synod Assembly

Workshops for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now set. On Friday, June 12, participants can choose from two sessions featuring topics like AI in ministry, youth voices, congregational safety, conflict resolution, and more—led by presenters from across the synod.

Review the full workshop lineup, including presenters and room locations, and plan your afternoon of learning at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Faithful Stewardship of Space: Introducing the Church Property Resource Hub
Faithful Stewardship of Space: Introducing the Church Property Resource Hub

The Church Property Resource Hub is a new ELCA initiative offering tools, training, and shared wisdom to help congregations steward buildings and land faithfully. Designed in response to real needs across the church, CPRH equips leaders to reimagine property as a resource for mission. Learn more about CPRH.

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Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Church Property Resource Hub (CPRH)Comment