All rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.
Read MoreThe 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.
Read MoreA seven-week Zoom course—Renewal and Resilience: A Depth Psychology Approach for Clergy—offers active clergy a space to explore burnout, internalized pressure, and hidden congregational dynamics. Led by Rev. Richard Mallory, the program runs Tuesdays from Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Limited to 8 participants.
Read MoreJoin us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, Jason Jensen of InterVarsity shares how his engineering mindset failed in cross-cultural ministry—and how it reshaped his view of spiritual authority.,
Read MoreJoin 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 »
Read MoreJoin the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, October 2–4, 2025, led by Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán and a team of practitioners. This online gathering will equip leaders for cross-cultural ministry, offering practical tools to strengthen relationships with the Latine community. Cost: $250 individual / $600 congregation. Register here. Download the full flier here.
Participe en el Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latine, del 2 al 4 de octubre de 2025, dirigido por el Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán y un equipo de líderes. Este encuentro en línea ofrece herramientas prácticas para el ministerio intercultural y para fortalecer relaciones con la comunidad latine. Costo: $250 individual / $600 congregación. Regístrese aquí.
Read MoreELCA Coaching invites you to take part in a series of free opportunities this September, including Creating Beloved Community gatherings, decolonization workshops, and supportive spaces for leaders. All events are subsidized by the ELCA and offered at no cost to participants. In addition, applications are open for the final Segment 1 Basic Skills Coach Training of 2025 (beginning September 25), with an Everyday Life Coaching training starting October 14. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.
Read MoreJoin over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.
Read MoreThe 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.
Read MoreJoin us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, Dr. Alex Fogleman, author of "Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice," explores how the early church's approach to catechesis can revolutionize modern discipleship formation.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod grant cycle opens Sept. 8 and closes Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight) for projects that advance our GCS Strategic Plan. Up to $15,000 per award (about $175,000 total available). Priority for innovative, collaborative proposals. Applicants should attend the September webinar (registration posted soon) and must submit the application (Word/PDF, proper file name), a Statement of Financial Position, and (for congregations) last year’s/current Mission Support. Decisions by Jan. 24, 2026; funding begins Feb. 2026. Apply: gcsynod.org/grants. Contact office@gcsynod.org / 602-957-3223.
Read MorePray Without Ceasing continues this week with a liturgy for August 21–27, drawn from Metro D.C. Bishop Leila Ortiz’s call to prayer and fasting. The prayers lift up the vulnerable, our communities, leaders, and the church in this urgent time. Congregations and individuals are invited to use the liturgy and join weekly Thursday Zoom calls to connect with others across the ELCA. Learn more and join the movement.
Read MoreAll rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.
Read MoreMajor changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.
Read MoreDownload a new free arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2025 by Anne Krentz Organ: Beach Spring for solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. Based on the well-known shape-note hymn tune, this versatile work is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project and can be performed either in full or as individual movements. Listen and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, Grace Pomroy shares insights about how congregations can move beyond traditional stewardship campaigns to engage people's entire financial lives.
Read MoreNew fall programming from Thriving Leadership Formation invites you into deeper connection and growth—with free and low-cost online offerings for church leaders, ministry teams, and spiritual seekers. From weekly Lectio Divina and monthly spiritual practice gatherings to a new Enneagram panel series and team-building workshops, there’s something for everyone this season. Read the full newsletter →
Read MoreOver 1,000 people gathered in Phoenix, July 28–Aug. 2, for the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly under the theme For the Life of the World. Daily worship services celebrated baptism, Holy Communion, justice, lament, and prayer—culminating in a sending service affirming our call as Christ’s body in the world. Blue vestments on Wednesday and Thursday symbolized hope and the longing for justice and peace. The ELCA has shared behind-the-scenes photos from worship preparations and services, offering a closer look at the people and moments that shaped our time together. Click here to explore the gallery and reflections.
Read More
