At Calvary Lutheran Church in Richland Hills, Texas, children are learning what it means to lead and serve through their own “Little Lutherans” congregational meetings. The gatherings teach stewardship, worship, and service while giving kids a sense of ownership in church life—complete with budget discussions, art projects, and joyful learning. Read more at Living Lutheran ».
Read MoreAcross the wide plains of North Dakota, eight ELCA congregations have joined together in an innovative shared ministry called Christians in Action. By pooling resources, training lay leaders, and supporting one another in worship and mission, these rural congregations are expanding their reach and deepening their connections in Christ. Read the full story at Living Lutheran ».
Read MoreKathy Lueders, retired NASA associate administrator and member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Florida, reflects on her career in human spaceflight, her commitment to community service, and her grounding in faith. Her story highlights how vocation and discipleship intertwine in surprising ways. Read her story in Living Lutheran,
Read MoreFive years after its release, All Creation Sings continues to shape worship across the ELCA, offering prayers and songs that reflect diverse voices and expansive images of God. David Sims, Augsburg Fortress’ senior music editor, shares how ACS serves congregations and inspires faithful action. Read the full interview in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe ELCA’s social statements are not political add-ons, but expressions of Lutheran faith lived in the world. Kristin Johnston Largen explores the statement The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries, highlighting its call for dignity, equity, and a transformed mindset. As Lutherans, we are invited to move beyond vengeance and violence, embodying God’s mercy in criminal justice and in all relationships. Largen, who is also one of the featured speakers at our 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, brings these insights into conversation with our synod life. Read more in Living Lutheran →
Read MoreFrom the ocean depths to the farthest galaxies, creation invites us to marvel at mysteries we cannot solve. Writer Elise Seyfried reflects on faith, humility, and wonder in an age of scientific discovery. She reminds us that while our striving for knowledge is good, God also calls us to rest in questions that remain unanswered. We are cradled, like children, in the vast love of the Creator who holds both ocean and sky. Read more in Living Lutheran →
Read MorePastors are often pulled in many directions, juggling meetings, preaching, teaching, and community care. But what if the most essential task of ministry is prayer itself? Pastor Mindy Roll reflects on the biblical story of Mary and Martha, the neuroscience of prayer, and her own renewal through contemplative practice. She invites congregations to support their leaders in rhythms of prayer—so that ministry flows not from busyness, but from Jesus’ presence. Read more in Living Lutheran →
Read MoreAt the U.S.-Mexico border, the Border Church brings people together for worship on both sides of the wall. Rooted in prayer, accompaniment, and a ministry of presence, the congregation serves migrants and asylum-seekers while witnessing to Christ’s call for peace and justice. Despite barriers and fear, this community testifies to unity in Christ and hope for a world without walls. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreAn Ohio congregation has transformed a farmland bequest into an ongoing ministry that feeds both local and global communities. Since 2001, St. Mark Lutheran in Van Wert has dedicated all proceeds from its 100 acres to hunger ministries, raising tens of thousands each year to support food banks, shelters, ELCA World Hunger, and more. Rooted in the stewardship of Lutheran farmers, this model continues to multiply gifts for those in need. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreEven in challenging times, hope shows up in the everyday witness of ELCA congregations and ministries. This roundup from Living Lutheran lifts up stories of resilience, leadership, and compassion—reminders that God is active through community and commitment. Click here to read the full feature.
Read MoreIn a new interview with Living Lutheran, author Kaethe Schwehn reflects on her novel The Gospel of Salome, a bold reimagining of biblical times through the lens of fiction. As a Lutheran writer and professor, Schwehn discusses the role of faith, storytelling, and vocation in shaping characters and communities. Click here to read the full interview.
Read MoreKendra Hernandez shares her story of faith shaped by church communities from Las Cruces to Budapest to Baltimore. A lifelong Lutheran and young adult leader, she reflects on finding belonging, serving through YAGM and Global Refuge, and discovering grace in action beyond Sunday mornings. Read her full story in Living Lutheran — click here to learn more.
Read MoreThe ELCA’s 1991 social statement The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective continues to guide how we live our baptismal promises in today’s complex world. Grounded in the gospel and Lutheran theology, the statement calls us to serve neighbors, advocate for justice, and respond with courage and compassion to society’s needs. Read Craig L. Nessan’s reflection in Living Lutheran—click here.
Read MoreFaith formation, like learning baseball, often requires giving children room to practice on their own. In her reflection, Erin Strybis encourages parents to “show up more, say less” and create opportunities for kids to encounter God’s presence in everyday life—whether through prayer under the stars, music on a road trip, or volunteering as a family. Explore practical, Spirit-led ways to nurture faith at home—click here.
Read MoreKristen Papson, recently elected bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, emphasizes the importance of trust, pastoral care, and creating safe spaces for conversation in guiding the church forward. Beginning her new call September 1 and with installation set for October 19, Papson reflects on leadership shaped by listening, humility, and collaboration. Read more from Living Lutheran about her vision for the synod’s future—click here.
Read MoreDespite perceptions that organ music is fading, organists and educators report a strong resurgence of interest in the instrument. Young musicians are pursuing advanced studies, congregations continue to request organists, and new generations are captivated by the instrument’s depth, variety, and spiritual power. Leaders emphasize that investing in church music programs—and recognizing music as vocation and calling—keeps congregations vibrant. The ancient organ continues to inspire worshippers and musicians alike. Click here to read more.
Read MoreThe ELCA is reshaping how future leaders are prepared for ministry, blending traditional seminary education with localized training, mentoring, and online learning. With nearly 60% of congregations averaging fewer than 50 in worship attendance, new models such as Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) and Synod-Authorized Ministers (SAMs) are vital to serving smaller and diverse communities. Programs like Fund for Leaders are also expanding to support these emerging leaders. Together, these changes reflect a reclaiming of the Lutheran vision of the whole people of God in ministry. Click here to read more.
Read MoreElected bishop of the Western Iowa Synod, Scott Dalen brings a vision rooted in connection, presence, and the belief that God works through our “imperfectly good” lives. As he prepares to take office Sept. 1, Dalen shares hopes for collaboration among congregations, a commitment to realistic ministry within constraints, and a reminder that the church’s future depends on all of us working together. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn her August Growing Together reflection, ELCA pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller invites us to pause our rush toward what’s next and savor the gift of now. Drawing on Matthew 6:34, she shares practical ways to practice presence—whether it’s catching fireflies, watching sunsets, or going screen-free for a day. In a world eager to fast-forward, she reminds us that right now is the best place to be. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn her August Growing Together reflection, ELCA pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller invites us to pause our rush toward what’s next and savor the gift of now. Drawing on Matthew 6:34, she shares practical ways to practice presence—whether it’s catching fireflies, watching sunsets, or going screen-free for a day. In a world eager to fast-forward, she reminds us that right now is the best place to be. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.
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