Formation for a Changing Church: What’s New from Faith+Lead This Month

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Ministry is changing quickly—and leaders across the church are seeking formation that is flexible, practical, and grounded in faith. The latest Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup brings together new courses, free resources, and ongoing learning opportunities designed to support pastors, deacons, and lay leaders navigating ministry today.

Several timely highlights stand out this month, including new on-demand courses, a free funding resource, pathways for lay leadership development, and new podcasts focused on Scripture and ministry in a changing world.

Featured Courses: Available Now

Two newly released on-demand courses invite leaders into deeper reflection and practical skill-building:

  • Listening and Serving: Community-Based Ministry

    This course moves beyond quick fixes, helping leaders cultivate a posture of listening and relationship-based ministry rooted in the real needs of their communities. It’s designed to move from good intentions to sustainable, faithful action.

  • Money and the Mission of the Church

    A practical and theological introduction to conversations about money in congregations, including budgeting, fundraising, and healthy boundaries. Especially helpful for pastors and leaders navigating financial realities with clarity and confidence.

Currently Free: Funding Forward

One standout opportunity: Funding Forward: A Pathway to More Sustainable Models for Ministry is currently available for free using the code FUNDING400 at checkout. This course explores alternative funding models, vocational imagination, and discernment practices that help leaders move beyond constant financial anxiety and listen more clearly for where God is leading.

Pathways for Growth

  • School for Lay Ministry (begins January 24)

    As more congregations become lay-led by choice or necessity, this 12-month journey equips lay leaders with theological grounding, practical tools, and peer learning to serve faithfully in emerging leadership roles.

  • Updated Certificate Catalog

    Faith+Lead’s certificate programs offer focused, self-paced, fully online training that leaders can begin immediately—designed to be ministry-ready and accessible.

Free Resources and New Podcasts

  • Free Ebook: Living Stories: How Church History Forms Disciples Today

    A 28-page collection exploring how church history helps communities move from membership to discipleship, rooted in the “great cloud of witnesses” who have followed Jesus across centuries.

  • New Podcast: The Bible in a Year

    From Enter the Bible, this weekly podcast walks through the entire Bible in 52 episodes, offering accessible insights into each book and how to interpret Scripture faithfully. New episodes release Wednesdays.

  • New Episodes: Pivot Podcast

    Weekly conversations with church leaders and thinkers exploring how God is reshaping ministry today. Designed for clergy and lay leaders alike who are navigating cultural and ecclesial change.

Faith+Lead is a digital ministry of Luther Seminary, offering learning experiences that meet leaders where they are. We encourage you to explore the Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup to find courses, resources, and communities that may support your next faithful step in ministry.

👉 Read the full Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup and explore all opportunities:

mail.faithlead.org/monthly-roundup-get-funding-forward-for-free-more-new-resources

Leader Resources, ELCABrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment