Posts in Leader Resources
Your Voice Matters: ELCA Human Sexuality Study Seeks Feedback by Sept. 30
Your Voice Matters: ELCA Human Sexuality Study Seeks Feedback by Sept. 30

The ELCA has released “Conscience and Conversation,” a new study resource to support churchwide discernment during the reconsideration of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to participate and share feedback with the task force.

The accompanying survey is open through September 30, 2026, and responses will help shape a draft statement for churchwide review. Ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and ensure their voices are part of the conversation.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardHuman SexualityComment
New PLTS Certificate in Church Leadership Launches This Fall
New PLTS Certificate in Church Leadership Launches This Fall

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is launching a new Certificate in Church Leadership in Fall 2026 for lay leaders, those pursuing SAM status, and current SAMs. Flexible 8-week online courses allow participants to enroll in individual classes or complete a 3-course or 6-course certificate focused on practical ministry leadership and Lutheran foundations.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Comment
PLTS Invites Leaders to Explore Faith and Racial Justice This Fall
PLTS Invites Leaders to Explore Faith and Racial Justice This Fall

PLTS is continuing its Racial Justice and Faith Certificate this fall with two six-week online courses: Artistic Practice for Leaders (September–October) and Intersectionality & Social Justice (November–December). Open to clergy, lay leaders, and all interested learners, the program explores faithful responses to racial injustice through an accessible online format.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Beyond Our Church Walls: A Practical Guide for Ministry in a Connected World
Beyond Our Church Walls: A Practical Guide for Ministry in a Connected World

A new book by Lutheran author and technology leader Bill Kalaf offers practical guidance for congregations seeking to strengthen discipleship, outreach, communication, and stewardship through thoughtful use of technology. Beyond Our Church Walls is written for pastors, church leaders, and members—not technology experts—and emphasizes mission-focused, sustainable ministry practices.

Kalaf is also offering his experience and consultation free of charge to Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod. Learn more about the book and how your congregation can connect with him for support.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices
Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices

Join ELCA’s Kendra Stea, Director, Misconduct Prevention, on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Arizona/PDT for a Zoom conversation on safeguarding worshiping communities. This 90-minute session will explore mandated reporting, misconduct response, healthy boundaries, congregational policies, and best practices for navigating difficult situations with care and accountability.

Registration is required. Bring your questions and learn practical tools to help your congregation foster safer, healthier ministry settings. Register here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChild ProtectionComment
Free Tech for Ministry? Your Congregation May Already Qualify
Free Tech for Ministry? Your Congregation May Already Qualify

ELCA congregations and ministries may already qualify for free or deeply discounted technology through platforms like Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits, and TechSoup. Learn how to access tools like Canva Pro, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft 365, email marketing discounts, and even grant opportunities—while stretching your ministry budget and strengthening communication.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Stepping Up to Supervision: Practical Tools for Faithful Ministry Leadership
Stepping Up to Supervision: Practical Tools for Faithful Ministry Leadership

Faith+Lead’s Stepping Up to Supervision cohort (Aug. 18–Sept. 1, 2026) equips pastors, ministry staff, and lay leaders with practical and theological tools for supervising staff faithfully. Through three live Zoom workshops and a year of access to resources, participants will explore how to balance grace, accountability, and effective leadership in ministry settings.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Celebrating Faithful Leaders: Growing in Faith/Diakonia Graduation
Celebrating Faithful Leaders: Growing in Faith/Diakonia Graduation

Join the Growing in Faith/Diakonia community on Saturday, June 27 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix as five graduates are celebrated for their commitment to faith formation and service. Through learning, discernment, and spiritual growth, these graduates reflect how God continues to equip leaders for ministry across the synod. View as PDF here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDiakoniaComment
Save the Date: Executive Skills for Church Leaders Returns in 2027
Save the Date: Executive Skills for Church Leaders Returns in 2027

Executive Skills for Church Leaders returns January 4–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. This leadership development experience equips rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical skills for today’s ministry context. Join the interest list now to receive early updates and registration access: bit.ly/ExecSkills27.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
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, Diakonia Comment
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
Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders
Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders

ELCA Worship has gathered a new round of resources, conferences, and learning opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. Highlights include the Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22), Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College (June 21–July 19), the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference, and resources from Music that Makes Community focused on congregational song, justice, and worship renewal.

Whether you plan worship, lead music, or care deeply about the church’s song, explore these summer opportunities for learning, renewal, and connection. Read the full roundup from ELCA Worship.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation
New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation

ELCA Disability Ministries is preparing a new resource to help congregations better support youth with disabilities through an Individualized Faith Formation Plan (IFFP). Inspired by educational IEPs but rooted in giftedness rather than diagnosis, the process helps church leaders, youth, and families identify strengths, needed supports, and opportunities for leadership in the life of the congregation. Read more from ELCA Disability Ministries.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Growing Faith Together: Supporting Young Families with Creativity and Care
Growing Faith Together: Supporting Young Families with Creativity and Care

Last week’s SYAT Collective gathering with Pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller offered practical, hope-filled ideas for supporting young families in faith. From blessings for expectant parents and meal trains to mentor pairings, family service projects, and devotional resources, participants explored how congregations can help faith take root through presence, creativity, and community. Read more and revisit the Zoom recording.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment
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