Strengthen Your Church’s Digital Presence: ELCA Offers Free Digital Assessments (Apply Now)

Applications are now open for a limited number of ELCA Digital Ministry Assessments, with 25 slots available through August 2026. Conducted by Evoke Engagement Experts, these assessments provide congregations and ministry organizations with a comprehensive review of their website, social media, and online presence—along with actionable recommendations and a consultation call.

Eligible ELCA congregations and affiliated ministries are encouraged to apply soon, as demand may exceed availability. Additional digital ministry grants—including $3,000 and $30,000 awards—are expected later in 2026, offering further opportunities to strengthen how we share God’s story in a digital world.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 13, 2026Innovation, ELCA Innovation LabComment

Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS

Rev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.

Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.

ELCA World Hunger Opens 2027 Domestic Hunger Grant Applications

ELCA World Hunger is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for 2027 Domestic Hunger Grants through July 1, 2026. Grants of up to $10,000 per year for three years are available for ministries and organizations addressing food insecurity, housing, clean water, job access, human rights, and policy change in their communities.

Congregations and ministry leaders are encouraged to explore the opportunity and review eligibility, timelines, and application materials through the ELCA World Hunger program. Read more and apply here.

New Worship Planning Resources for Year B 2027 Now Available

ELCA Worship is highlighting new May 2026 resources from Augsburg Fortress designed to support worship leaders, musicians, preachers, and congregational planners across the church. Newly released Year B 2027 materials include updated editions of Sundays and Seasons, preaching resources, worship planning calendars, and subscription options to simplify annual planning for congregations and ministry teams.

The update also includes information about free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinics celebrating the ministry’s 70th anniversary, with events scheduled this summer in South Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Readers can explore the complete list of resources, details, and registration information through the original ELCA Worship article: Read more at the ELCA Worship blog.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 8, 2026ELCA WorshipComment

Lutheran Men in Mission Shares Spring 2026 Opportunities and Resources

Lutheran Men in Mission has released its Spring 2026 Ambassador-Gram newsletter, featuring upcoming online studies, a new discipleship course, estate planning resources, ministry tools, retreats, and the June 2 annual meeting. The newsletter also introduces LMM’s new simplified web address, LMM.MEN, and highlights resources available for congregations and men’s ministry leaders.

Read the full newsletter for registration links, study opportunities, retreat information, and new ministry resources designed to help build men for Christ across the church.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 6, 2026Lutheran Men in MissionComment

Faith Lens: Ordinary, Household Acts of Love

This week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection explores John 14:15–21 and Jesus’ promise that God’s Spirit remains present through lives shaped by love. Rev. Rory Chambers reflects on how ordinary acts of care — sharing meals, helping friends, showing kindness, and loving neighbors — become signs of God’s presence in the world.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 6, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Join Us! | ELCA Sumud | Working in Relationship

A video reflection from ELCA bishops, ELCJHL Bishop Imad Haddad, and ELCA Sumud Ambassadors about the ELCA's work for justice in Palestine and Israel through Sumud. Watch on YouTube or download: bit.ly/4vu2KZp.

Breaking the Silence: New Lutheran Ministry Responds to Abuse in Our Communities

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the ELCA is highlighting Unnamed No More, a Lutheran Safe Church ministry supported by a WELCA Katie’s Fund grant. This growing ministry equips congregations to respond to abuse with trauma-informed, faith-based tools—helping churches move from silence to faithful action.

With new ELCA emphasis on child protection and ongoing challenges in congregations, Unnamed No More offers workshops, resources, and support to create safer, more accountable communities. Learn more and explore how your congregation can engage.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 4, 2026Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

Civic Engagement as Discipleship: A Lutheran Call to Vote and Advocate

The ELCA’s latest advocacy blog explores how civic engagement—including voting—is a vital expression of Lutheran discipleship, grounded in our call to serve the neighbor and seek the common good. The piece highlights both the theological foundations for participation in public life and ongoing challenges to equitable access, including voter suppression and recent legal developments affecting voting rights.

As the church continues its nonpartisan public witness, Lutherans are encouraged to engage faithfully—through voting, advocacy, and supporting fair access for all—while remaining rooted in prayer and a commitment to justice. Read more and access the full article here.

ELCABrian FlatgardMay 4, 2026Church and Society, Elections and Voting Rights, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Rev. Taryn Montgomery Elected Bishop of Northeastern Minnesota Synod

The Rev. Taryn Montgomery of Duluth, Minn., has been elected bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, following a fifth-ballot election on April 25 during the synod assembly in Breezy Point, Minn. She will serve a six-year term, succeeding Bishop Amy Odgren, and brings experience as synod minister, pastor, and hospice chaplain.

Montgomery received 166 votes, surpassing the 139 needed for election. Learn more about her background, call, and the work of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod in the full ELCA news release—read more here.

ELCABrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Comment

Practicing Peace: What a 2,300-Mile Walk Can Teach the Church

After witnessing a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace led by Buddhist monks, the Rev. Kristen Glass Perez reflects on how peace is not passive—but practiced. Connecting interfaith experience with Christian traditions like the Sharing of the Peace and the Emmaus story, this article calls readers to live out peace intentionally in a divided and fast-moving world. Continue reading at Bold Café.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Café, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

Choosing Joy in Every Season: A Reflection on Happiness and Faith

In this Bold Café reflection, Karris Golden explores what it means to choose happiness even in life’s most difficult seasons. Drawing on personal experience, Scripture, and daily practices of gratitude, she reframes happiness not as a destination, but as a way of living rooted in faith. With thoughtful questions and a closing prayer, this piece invites readers to reflect deeply on joy, resilience, and God’s abiding peace. Read more at Bold Café.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Café, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

For What Shall We Pray?

For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For those exposed to gun violence at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, and for an end to political violence…
For stabbing victims in north London, and for an end to antisemitism…
For flotilla personnel detained by Israeli forces…
For communities in Oklahoma and Texas in the wake of tornado damage…
For all who live with mental illness, and for all those who support them…
For those who work or live in our prisons, jails, and courts, and for an end to capital punishment…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 30, 2026ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Steady Faith, Strong Traditions: Arab American Lutherans Shaping the Church

In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries lifts up a powerful reflection by Grace El-Yateem on the enduring impact of Arab American Christians in shaping Lutheran life in the United States. Tracing roots from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land to congregations across the U.S., the article highlights a legacy of service, education, and interfaith connection that continues to enrich the church today.

This reflection invites us to recognize how diverse voices strengthen the body of Christ and deepen our shared witness. Read more to explore this important story and its connection to our life together as church.

Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You

In this week’s Faith Lens, reflecting on John 14:1–14, Jesus offers words of comfort to anxious disciples facing an uncertain future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” As today’s world continues to wrestle with violence and fear, this reflection invites us to consider where true safety is found—not in circumstances, but in Christ’s enduring promise to prepare a place for us.

Grounded in Lutheran hope, this resource encourages conversation, reflection, and faithful action—reminding us that even in times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God’s promise and to become safe, welcoming places for our neighbors.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 29, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

You Are Beloved: Young Adult Leaders Share Global Ministry Stories (May 6)

Young adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.

Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.

Faithful Stewardship of Space: Introducing the Church Property Resource Hub

The Church Property Resource Hub is a new ELCA initiative offering tools, training, and shared wisdom to help congregations steward buildings and land faithfully. Designed in response to real needs across the church, CPRH equips leaders to reimagine property as a resource for mission. Learn more about CPRH.

“No More Stolen Sisters”: ELCA Toolkit Guides May 5 MMIW Observance

May 5, 2026 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR). The ELCA invites congregations and leaders to participate by wearing red, sharing resources, and engaging in prayer, learning, and advocacy. A new toolkit provides practical ways to take part and extend awareness beyond a single day.

Rooted in our call to justice and solidarity, this is an opportunity for the Grand Canyon Synod to stand with Indigenous communities, honor those who are missing, and support ongoing efforts for healing and change.

A Sacred Journey: Faith, Aging, and Care at LFCNA’s Annual Educational Event

The Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association invites you to its 5th Annual Valborg Tollefsrud Educational Event, Holy Transitions: Spirituality, Aging, and the Work of Accompaniment, on May 7 (5–7 pm MT via Zoom). Led by Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist, this two-hour session explores aging as a deeply spiritual journey shaped by loss, meaning, resilience, and hope.

Open to Faith Community Nurses, clergy, lay leaders, and all who care for others, this event offers theological reflection and practical insight into accompanying people with dignity in later life. Register today.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 28, 2026Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA), ElderlyComment

Register Now: ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering Set for July 6–9 in Indianapolis

The 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering will take place July 6–9 in Indianapolis, inviting pastors, deacons, bishops, and candidates for call into a time of renewal, connection, and reflection under the theme “Woven Together.” Registration is open through June 5, with early and regular pricing available.

Featuring worship, workshops, keynote speakers, and opportunities for fellowship, the gathering offers space to reconnect with colleagues and be renewed for ministry. Participants may also contribute to a shared fabric art project, symbolizing the diverse stories woven together across the ELCA.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 24, 20262026 Rostered Ministers GatheringComment

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