Moving Boldly into the Future: Congregations in Transition Across the Grand Canyon Synod
View reports for our 2026 assembly on our assembly mission and ministry stories page or in this collection of blog posts.
Congregational transitions are among the most important and faithful moments in the life of the church. Across the Grand Canyon Synod, congregations continue to navigate change, discern new possibilities, and trust in God’s provision for the future.
In its report to the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, the Congregations in Transition Team highlighted both the challenges and hope shaping ministry across our synod. Led by Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer, the team includes Coordinator of Congregation Transitions Rev. John Maroni and Transition Coaches Rev. Cherlyne Beck and Rev. Pat Reed, with gratitude also expressed for Rev. Phil Gustafson’s service through April 2026.
The report notes a continuing reality across the church: there are currently more congregations seeking rostered leaders than there are leaders available for call. Yet, as the report reminds us, “this is God’s church. God provides.”
Even amid challenges, the Holy Spirit continues to move. Since June 2025, numerous congregations and ministries across the synod have welcomed newly called rostered leaders, including first calls, ordinations, and installations in Arizona City, Goodyear, San Tan Valley/Florence, Glendale, Apache Junction, Tucson, Phoenix, Peoria, Mesa, and Tempe.
Among those newly serving are leaders in campus ministry, multicultural ministry, Native American ministry, and congregational settings across the synod. Several ministries have also celebrated ordinations and installations, marking joyful milestones in the life of the church.
At the same time, many congregations continue in active transition. Across the synod, congregations are interviewing candidates, preparing ministry site profiles, discerning interim leadership, training Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAMs), and preparing call processes. These transitions reflect both challenge and opportunity as congregations faithfully discern their next chapter in ministry.
The report gives thanks for the many people who make transitions possible: Synod Council members, interim, bridge, and supply pastors, deacons, transition consultants, congregational councils, transition teams, call committees, SAMs, and candidates discerning calls to new ministry settings.
As Lutherans, we trust that the church belongs to Christ and that God remains active even in seasons of uncertainty and change. Together, we continue moving boldly into the future.
To learn more about the call process and congregational transitions, congregations can access the Congregations in Transition: Moving Boldly Into the Future call manual on the Grand Canyon Synod website under the Congregational Resources tab.
