The April 26 Faith Lens reflection, Awe and Belonging, explores Acts of the Apostles 2:42–47 and the early Christian community where “no one was in need.” Rather than beginning with rules or expectations, this community was formed through awe at God’s presence—an awe that led to deep sharing, trust, and belonging. The reflection challenges common assumptions about faith, inviting us to see that authentic Christian community is rooted not in human effort, but in encountering Christ already at work among us.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, what does real church community cultivation actually require? For most churches, the honest answer is: more than we're currently doing.
Read MoreThe fourth and final ELCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion learning module will take place Wednesday, April 29 via Zoom. Featuring Rev. Dr. Andrea L. Walker and Rev. Sonja Ware, this 90-minute session will integrate previous learning, explore bias in coaching, and include a live Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) demonstration. Advance registration is required.
This concluding session invites faith leaders to move from awareness to action, equipping them to embody DEI principles in ministry and coaching contexts. Recordings of previous modules are available for those who wish to prepare or review.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for Leadership in Difficult Times, a guided certificate cohort from Faith+Lead running April 28–July 28, 2026. This live, four-session experience equips leaders with practical skills and spiritual grounding to lead faithfully amid division and uncertainty. Open to rostered and lay leaders alike, the cohort meets monthly on Zoom and offers scholarships. Learn more and enroll at faithlead.org.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA are offering four scholarships to attend the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering, July 16–19, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Each scholarship covers registration plus $500 toward travel and lodging.
Applications are due April 1, 2026, with notifications sent by April 15. Congregations are encouraged to share this opportunity widely. Learn more about the Gathering and how to apply today.
Read MoreInsurance remains one of the most significant challenges facing congregations today. On April 29 at 2:00 p.m. CST (12:00 p.m. Arizona / Pacific Time), the Church Property Resource Hub will host a free Zoom webinar featuring Church Mutual Insurance to help leaders better understand the current landscape and available support.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s April roundup offers timely courses, leadership cohorts, and free resources to equip leaders for ministry in changing times. From the “God and” series on pastoral care to lay leadership training and a new certificate cohort, these opportunities support faithful, adaptive leadership across our congregations.
Explore the full roundup—including podcasts, an ebook, and preaching resources—and take your next faithful step in ministry.
Read MoreInsurance remains one of the most significant challenges facing congregations today. On April 29 at 2:00 p.m. CST (12:00 p.m. Arizona / Pacific Time), the Church Property Resource Hub will host a free Zoom webinar featuring Church Mutual Insurance to help leaders better understand the current landscape and available support.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, why is Christian community so hard to cultivate right now? Dwight Zscheile continues his conversation with Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski.
Read MoreELCA Worship’s April update gathers key opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. Highlights include the 2026 conference at St. Olaf College, the annual conference in Princeton (July 19–22), and Lutheran Summer Music’s ongoing formation through faith and music.
Additional opportunities include student awards from the , with deadlines of May 1 and June 1. These resources support the church’s shared calling to nurture worship that is rooted in Word, song, and community. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreIn this week’s Faith Lens reflection on John 20:19–31, we encounter disciples paralyzed by fear and uncertainty—until the risen Christ appears with a simple but transformative message: “Peace be with you.” Though their circumstances do not immediately change, Jesus’ presence reshapes their fear into purpose, empowering them to move forward in faith.
As we pray for peace in a world marked by violence and division, this reflection reminds us that Christ’s peace is not passive—it sends us out. Grounded in hope and trust in God’s presence, we are called to embody that peace in our congregations, communities, and daily lives: “Let there be peace on earth—and let it begin with us.”
Read MoreA new Women of the ELCA resource, “Resurrection: a holy discipline,” invites reflection on what it means to live as “children of the resurrection” during the 50 days of Easter. The downloadable, multi-session study explores how resurrection shapes daily life here and now.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA is offering scholarships for Lutheran laywomen and those preparing for ordained ministry. Applications are due April 30, 2026. These awards support education and leadership across the church.
Read MoreThe Spring 2026 Gather Bible study, “I AM: God’s holy name and promise,” continues with Session Two focusing on Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John 10. Participants can download materials and watch video supplements to explore God’s guidance and protection in daily life.
Read MoreSpring is a great time to get active, try something new, and build habits that support your well-being. Breathing fresh air, looking for signs of growth, and praying for our planet is a great way to give thanks for creation. Want to go the extra mile? ELCA-Primary health benefit members can explore Burnalong classes designed to help your wellness goals bloom. Check out the April calendar.
Read MoreStarting April 1, ELCA Health Plan members may notice a refreshed experience on the Quantum Health Care Coordinators website and app — including an enhanced provider search designed to make finding high-quality care easier. Contact a Care Coordinator forhelp navigating care, resolving claims and billing issues, and confirming your provider or clinic are in-network.
Read MoreTying up receipts and loose ends? ELCA Health Plan members have until April 30 to submit 2025 claims for reimbursement from your health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). Submit 2025 claims to Further (and 2026 claims to HealthEquity). Not sure what qualifies as an eligible health care expense? This guide can help.
Read MoreIn this Easter reflection, Dr. Jennifer Pietz, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, draws on 1 Corinthians 15.
Read MoreIn this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Tim Wright explores how Easter is not just a celebration—but a divine interruption that transforms everything. Drawing from Matthew 28 and a personal story of injury and recovery, Wright reflects on how both joyful and painful interruptions shape our lives, and how God’s grace ultimately interrupts despair with hope, death with life, and fear with peace.
Grounded in the resurrection, this reflection invites readers to consider how Jesus continues to interrupt our lives today—with love that cannot be undone—and challenges us to share that same grace with others in tangible ways.
Read MoreOur March 2026 Mission Support memo takes us into a two-day training on Facilitation Fundamentals by our ELCA innovation team. It’s a room full of ELCA staff from across the country, across churchwide units, in all levels of positions. Read to hear how valuable folks are finding this approach. Also a tool for our synods is included in the memo, the Thank You Certificate, to celebrate our congregations generosity.
We cherish hearing about the inspiring stories in your synods, regions and congregations - feel free to reach out to Karen at karen.kretschmann@elca.org.
Read More