Posts in Leader Resources
Better Together: Exploring Partnership for the Church’s Future
Better Together: Exploring Partnership for the Church’s Future

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into Better Together, a four-session online book study exploring partnership, shared ministry, and the church’s future. Though February sessions have begun, it’s not too late to join—and slides from the first session are now available to help participants catch up.

Offered Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (Arizona time), this study looks honestly at congregational realities while imagining faithful, mission-centered collaboration. Register now and join the conversation about how we will be church—together.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMergersComment
ELCA Adopts Social Message on Child Protection—Free Webinar Series Begins February 26
ELCA Adopts Social Message on Child Protection—Free Webinar Series Begins February 26

On November 12, 2025, the ELCA Church Council adopted a Social Message on Child Protection, calling congregations to strengthen preaching, policies, and trauma-informed care. Wartburg Theological Seminary and the Center for Faith & Child Protection are offering a free webinar series (beginning February 26 at 6:45 p.m. CST) to help leaders implement these recommendations. Pastors and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are encouraged to register and equip their congregations to protect and care for the “least of these.”

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Wartburg SeminaryComment
Faith Lens: The Knowledge of Good: God’s Answer to Shame
Faith Lens: The Knowledge of Good: God’s Answer to Shame

This week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection on Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7 invites us to look beyond blame and consider the deeper reality of shame, guilt, and reconciliation. Rather than focusing solely on “the fall,” Pastor Adrianne Meier highlights how shame isolates—but God moves toward humanity, clothing Adam and Eve and beginning the long work of restoration.

For youth and adult leaders alike, this resource offers discussion questions, activities, and a Gospel-centered reminder that from the very beginning, God’s response to our tangled lives has been reconciliation.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Rostered Ministers: Submit Your Annual Report to the Bishop by March 30, 2026
Rostered Ministers: Submit Your Annual Report to the Bishop by March 30, 2026

The annual Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop is now open and due Monday, March 30, 2026. This report offers rostered ministers an opportunity to reflect on their ministry and connect directly with Bishop Deborah Hutterer as part of our shared life as a synod.

All active (including those on leave or disability) and retired rostered ministers are asked to complete the appropriate online form. Every report is read by the bishop, with care given to each response. Links to both forms are on the synod website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know

The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.

Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Better Together: A Synod Book Study on Partnership, Mission, and the Church’s Future
Better Together: A Synod Book Study on Partnership, Mission, and the Church’s Future

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry. Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Morning sessions start 2/17, evening sessions begin 2/19.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMergersComment
Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time
Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time

Artificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.

The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Artificial IntelligenceComment
Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend
Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend

Are you discerning whether seminary might be right for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a visit and discernment weekend March 13–15 in Berkeley, California, designed for those exploring online seminary education.

Participants will meet PLTS faculty, connect with others in discernment, and learn more about the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, and Lutheran Year programs. Lodging and meals are provided, with travel assistance available. Learn more and sign up at plts.edu/signs.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Faith+Lead February Roundup: Formation for Leadership in Changing Times
Faith+Lead February Roundup: Formation for Leadership in Changing Times

Faith+Lead’s February 2026 Roundup includes new on-demand courses on justice and leadership in polarized times, a free mini-course on shifting from “fixing” to listening, a live February 19 workshop with Dr. Alicia Granholm, and a guided certificate cohort beginning in April. Free Lent resources, a new Bible-in-a-Year podcast, and the Rutlen Lecture are also available. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.

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Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
February Portico Updates: Mental Health, Retirement Planning & Tax Resources
February Portico Updates: Mental Health, Retirement Planning & Tax Resources

Portico’s February updates include expanded mental health support for members with ELCA-Primary health benefits, important reminders about reporting compensation changes within 60 days, and new Retirement Readiness workshops in partnership with Fidelity. Complimentary clergy and congregational tax guides are also available to help you navigate tax season with confidence.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Faith Lens: It is Good to Be Here
Faith Lens: It is Good to Be Here

The Transfiguration may be one of the strangest stories in the Gospels—mountaintop glory, Moses and Elijah, and a voice from heaven. Yet at its heart is a simple truth: when the journey is hard, “it is good for us to be here.” In a world marked by war, discouragement, and disconnection, Christ gathers us into community and kindles hope like a small flame that refuses to go out.

This week’s Faith Lens reflection invites us to consider where we experience renewed hope, how church becomes a mountaintop moment, and how God sustains us together—even as we descend back into a world that still needs healing.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Sing, Create, Renew: 2026 Worship Conferences and Opportunities Across the Church
Sing, Create, Renew: 2026 Worship Conferences and Opportunities Across the Church

ELCA Worship has highlighted several upcoming 2026 opportunities from trusted Lutheran and ecumenical partners, including The Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22, Princeton, NJ), the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (application deadline March 1), the Institute of Liturgical Studies (April 13–15, Valparaiso, IN), and the ALCM Conference (Early Bird deadline March 17). Student awards in liturgical art and church music composition are also open, with $1,000 prizes and spring deadlines.

These gatherings and resources nurture congregational song, liturgical renewal, and theological depth in worship. Read more and access registration details at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Security as Stewardship: A Practical ELCA Resource for Churches
Security as Stewardship: A Practical ELCA Resource for Churches

The ELCA resource Protecting Employees – Security Procedures in the Workplace offers congregations a clear, church-specific starting point for thinking about safety and preparedness. Grounded in care rather than fear, it encourages proactive planning that reduces risk and supports staff, volunteers, and worshipers.

This article highlights the document’s key guidance for leadership, volunteers, and building safety as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s year-long series on congregational security and preparedness.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Walking Together Through Lent and Easter: New Resources and Invitations for 2026
Walking Together Through Lent and Easter: New Resources and Invitations for 2026

Lent and Easter 2026 resources are now live on our site, featuring reflections, worship tools, and opportunities for faithful action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Highlights include the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger, upcoming Lenten events, and new worship resources for the season.

Congregations and leaders are invited to explore, participate, and share their own stories and events at gcsynod.org/share as we journey together from ashes to resurrection hope.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and EasterComment
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know

The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.

Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Leadership in Difficult Times: Registration Now Open for Faith+Lead Certificate Cohort
Leadership in Difficult Times: Registration Now Open for Faith+Lead Certificate Cohort

Registration is now open for Leadership in Difficult Times, a guided certificate cohort from Faith+Lead running April 28–July 28, 2026. This live, four-session experience equips leaders with practical skills and spiritual grounding to lead faithfully amid division and uncertainty. Open to rostered and lay leaders alike, the cohort meets monthly on Zoom and offers scholarships. Learn more and enroll at faithlead.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Lay LeadershipoComment
Rostered Ministers: Submit Your Annual Report to the Bishop by March 30, 2026
Rostered Ministers: Submit Your Annual Report to the Bishop by March 30, 2026

The annual Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop is now open and due Monday, March 30, 2026. This report offers rostered ministers an opportunity to reflect on their ministry and connect directly with Bishop Deborah Hutterer as part of our shared life as a synod.

All active (including those on leave or disability) and retired rostered ministers are asked to complete the appropriate online form. Every report is read by the bishop, with care given to each response. Links to both forms are on the synod website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment