Applications are open for Faith+Lead’s New Christian Communities Leadership Incubator, a 12-month online program equipping leaders to listen, discern, experiment, and cultivate Jesus-centered communities among people not connected to a local church. The $249 program combines courses, workshops, monthly gatherings, coaching, and peer learning—and synod leaders are encouraged to personally invite emerging leaders who may be ready to take this next faithful step.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Pivot producer Joey Goodall traces an unexpected path from a moment in the 1994 Australian film Muriel's Wedding to a nearly 500-year-old prayer practice, the Examen.
Read MoreOur August 2026 Mission Support Memo spotlights a story by First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Minn. of our Southwestern Minnesota Synod strategically using The Generosity Project to build a culture of intergenerational giving and gratitude that eventually allowed them to retire their mortgage - they call it a "Mortgage Miracle". Speaking of stewardship, learn about how your congregation can participate in the Fall “Cultivating Generous Congregations” cohort at a great deal. Finally, hear about how the Congregation and Synod Support Team is adapting to new staffing and structure.
Read MoreThe 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 in Scottsdale, offers pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers space to step away from the demands of ministry for worship, learning, meaningful conversation, and connection with colleagues. Join featured presenter Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos and leaders from across the Grand Canyon Synod as we gather Rooted in God’s Story.
Registration is open through Friday, September 18.
Read MoreLay and rostered leaders are invited to Faithful Listening, Bold Proclamation, three interactive Zoom workshops with ELCA pastor and Womanist theologian Rev. Sharei Green on Sept. 24, Oct. 1, and Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. Arizona/Pacific Time. Explore Community, Gospel, and Kin-dom while strengthening practices of listening and proclamation. Attend one session or all three.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Aaron and Ayana Teter join Pivot to talk about the history of Eastminster Church in Pittsburgh, which spent decades becoming what its own members call a cross-cultural church.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Coaching for Wayfinding in the Commons on Wednesday, September 2, at 11 a.m. Pacific/noon Mountain. This 45-minute online gathering offers community, leadership learning, coach-facilitated conversation and space to discern where the Spirit may be leading—and to leave with an actionable next step.
Read MoreExecutive Skills for Church Leaders returns January 4–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. This leadership development experience equips rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical skills for today’s ministry context. Join the interest list now to receive early updates and registration access: bit.ly/ExecSkills27.
Read MoreMost churches, without ever meaning to, teach people that faith and work belong to two separate worlds. Katie Roelofs joins Pivot to make the case that it doesn't have to be that way.
Read MoreDownload Kingsfold, a new set of theme-and-variations for solo instrument and keyboard by Anne Krentz Organ. The third offering in the LSM Hymn Tune Project, Kingsfold is based on the beloved English folk tune associated with a wide range of hymn texts. Available for a variety of solo instruments and keyboard, the work may be performed in its entirety or as individual movements.
Preview and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress.
Read MoreResources are now available from our August 18 conversation with Kendra Stea, ELCA Director, Misconduct Prevention, on safeguarding worshiping communities. Explore or download Kendra’s presentation covering mandatory reporting, Safe Church policies, misconduct, sex offender covenants, behavior agreements, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Congregational leaders are encouraged to use and share these materials—and to contact the synod when questions or concerns arise.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Foundation Year, beginning August 25 with Christianity in the Lutheran Key. Join others from across the synod for online learning, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement with faith in everyday life. View PDF here.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s August roundup offers new opportunities for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregations to learn and grow, including courses on purpose and money, a new Christian communities incubator, Susan Beaumont’s supervision training beginning August 18, and the fall School for Lay Ministry cohort.
The roundup also includes free resources for The Bible in a Year and the Narrative Lectionary’s upcoming Year of Matthew. Read the August 2026 Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup.
Read MoreIn this episode, Johnny Sertin and Meg Fry talk with hosts Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm about what it takes to build trust in a neighborhood before ever bringing up faith.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm talk with Joey Sherrard about what changed when he started reading Augustine as a pastor for pastors.
Read MoreELCA Worship’s August roundup offers several opportunities for church musicians and worship leaders: more than 40 Lutheran Summer Music performances available on demand, fall webinars from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, October’s Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music, and a formation opportunity for early-career church musicians through the Church Music Institute.
Several opportunities have fall deadlines or registration dates, making this a useful roundup to share with your congregation’s musicians and worship leaders. Explore all partner resources and events.
Read MoreELCA Worship highlights several resources from Augsburg Fortress for congregations and worship leaders, including the 2027 Sundays and Seasons calendar featuring the art of Kelly Latimore, a children’s introduction to the church year, ELW Occasional Services for the Assembly, and a large-print edition of Evangelical Lutheran Worship designed to make worship more accessible. Explore the August worship resources.
Read MoreThe July issue of ELCA Administration Matters offers practical guidance for congregational leaders on three significant financial risks: secure ACH approval practices, church embezzlement and fraudulent donor scams. The issue also highlights Portico Benefit Services’ 2025 Community Impact Report. Explore the July Administration Matters resources.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Director of Misconduct Prevention Kendra Stea on Tuesday, August 18, at 10 a.m. Arizona/PDT for practical guidance on mandatory reporting, involving the bishop, sex offenders in congregations, behavior agreements, Safe Church policies, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Foundation Year, beginning August 25 with Christianity in the Lutheran Key. Join others from across the synod for online learning, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement with faith in everyday life. View PDF here.
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