Leading in Changing Times: April Resources from Faith+Lead

Ministry is changing quickly—and leaders across the church are being called to adapt with courage, creativity, and deep faith. The April roundup from Faith+Lead gathers a range of timely courses, cohorts, and resources designed to meet leaders where they are and equip them for what’s next.

This month’s offerings center on a clear need in our congregations: faithful leadership in complex and often difficult circumstances.

On-Demand Learning for Real-Life Ministry

Faith+Lead continues to expand its “God and” series, offering practical and theological grounding for walking alongside people in times of struggle. Courses include:

  • God and Addiction and Recovery

  • God and Mental Health Issues

  • God and Chronic Illness

  • God and Grief and Loss

These courses are designed to help leaders accompany others with compassion, wisdom, and a clear understanding of God’s presence in the midst of hardship.

Another featured course, “Embodying Thoughts and Prayers,” equips leaders for visitation ministry—offering tools for meaningful spiritual care and strengthening relationships within congregations.

Pathways for Growth and Leadership Development

For those sensing a call to deeper leadership, two key opportunities are now open:

  • Spring Cohort School for Lay Ministry – a 12-month journey focused on preaching, teaching, congregational leadership, and spiritual care. This is especially relevant as more congregations are becoming lay-led, by both necessity and discernment.

  • Guided Certificate Cohort (Leadership in Difficult Times) – beginning this April, this four-month program provides structure, accountability, and peer support for those seeking to grow in leadership during challenging seasons.

These pathways reflect a growing reality in the church: leadership is shared, adaptive, and grounded in community.

Free Resources to Support Your Ministry

Faith+Lead also offers several free resources to enrich your ministry right now:

  • The Pivot Podcast (Season 6) explores why cultivating Christian community is so difficult—and what we can do about it.

  • A new ebook, “Pivot 4: What if It’s Not All on You?”, offers theological and practical insights for leaders navigating shared leadership models.

  • A reflection from Working Preacher examines the Narrative Lectionary and its impact on biblical storytelling and congregational understanding.

A Word for This Moment

Across all of these offerings runs a consistent thread: you are not called to do this work alone. As Lutherans, we trust that God is at work in and through the whole community—raising up leaders, equipping the saints, and sustaining the church in every season.

These resources are an invitation to continue growing, learning, and discerning together.

👉 We encourage you to explore the full April roundup and take your next faithful step:

mail.faithlead.org/monthly-roundup-your-next-faithful-step-is-here-1

Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment