Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Are we doing the same in our congregations? In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how we can better listen to and empower children’s voices in faith, drawing from research on Gen Alpha. Learn how creating space for kids to share their perspectives can deepen their spiritual engagement—and ours. How will you welcome the youngest among us?
Read MoreThe ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.
Read MoreThe 2024 Election Season Toolkit from Faith+Lead provides essential resources to help church leaders guide their congregations through the political tensions of election season. Learn how to foster empathy, promote peace, and ground conversations in Gospel values. Access the toolkit and subscribe for updates at faithlead.org/toolkit/2024election.
Read MoreTransform Your Ministry in Just One Year with Theologically-Sound Training and Leadership Development. The School for Lay Ministry Learning Community starts October 12, 2024. Join this year-long journey to enhance your leadership skills, deepen your faith, and serve your congregation more effectively. Enroll now to secure your spot!
Read MoreRooms for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering are sold out, but commuter registration is still open through October 7! Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for worship, storytelling, and fellowship at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Meals are included for commuters—register now to secure your spot!
Read MoreRethink what ministry can look like in our increasingly digital world with the “Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry” Learning Community. This four-week course, starting on October 14, 2024, will equip you with the tools and strategies to integrate AI and digital tools into your ministry, ensuring authentic faith formation and community building in a tech-driven world.
Read MoreThe Campaign for Kindness Preaching Series from the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod is designed to guide congregations through the 2024 election season with messages of kindness, humility, and reconciliation. Starting on a suggested date of October 6, this six-week sermon series encourages pastors to address political anxiety from a faith perspective. Learn more about the resources and join weekly discussions to promote kindness in your faith community.
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens from Mark 9:30-37 reminds us that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in competition or status. Jesus redefines success by challenging us to care for those often ignored. How can we embody this greatness in our own communities? Explore ways to serve and appreciate the “greatest” in God’s eyes.⬤
Read MoreThis October, Thriving Leadership Formation is offering exciting opportunities to grow in faith and leadership through a Lectio Divina series (bit.ly/TLFLectioDivina), Enneagram workshops (bit.ly/TLFEnneagram), and cohort groups (bit.ly/TLFCohortGroupInterest). Sessions begin the first week of October, and all are welcome to participate.
Read MoreFacing financial challenges in your congregation? Grace Pomroy’s Funding Forward offers practical strategies to align your mission with your finances. Download a free chapter to explore innovative ways to foster sustainable growth and discover inspiring stories of churches overcoming financial obstacles.
Read MoreJoin the Vital Congregations journey with ELCA and Kindling Faith! This six-month coaching program, starting on September 21, provides congregational teams with the tools to develop strategic plans for thriving ministries. Each monthly session includes practical resources and the support of a trained coach, helping congregations thrive in faith and outreach. Register here or download a flyer here.
Read MoreFeeling overwhelmed in ministry? Join Dr. Alicia Granholm for a free Faith+Lead webinar, “The Ministry of Less Is More: 5 Practices to Cultivate a Flourishing Church by Scaling Back,” on Sept. 23rd, 24th, or 26th. Learn how to prioritize what truly matters and minister from a place of strength and purpose. Register now.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, dive into the world of Fresh Expressions with Dr. Eliseo Mejia, director of Expressiones Divinas for Fresh Expressions North America.
Read MoreEnhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. This workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families.
Read MoreIn this week’s Faith Lens, we look at the story of Peter rebuking Jesus and the recent challenges in Springfield, Ohio, as immigrants and longtime residents navigate building a new home together. Just as Peter learned to follow God’s leadership, we are called to find our place in the greater story, trusting God’s guidance even when it challenges our assumptions.
Read MoreRooms for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering are sold out, but commuter registration is still open through October 7! Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for worship, storytelling, and fellowship at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Meals are included for commuters—register now to secure your spot!
Read MoreJoin faith leaders on September 18 for the third session in the Advancing Equity series, focusing on the Vision Pivot in healing-centered leadership. This free workshop will equip you to reimagine your ministry leadership through a holistic, collective approach to well-being. Advance registration required. Learn more and register today. Wednesday, 9/18/2024, 9 – 11:30 am PDT/MST, 10am – 12:30pm MDT.
Read MoreLearn how to protect our churches and communities with insights from the FBI and Phoenix Police Department. During a May 2022 webinar, experts shared critical safety tips for houses of worship, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead. Access the full recording and explore resources to enhance security at your church.
Read MoreExplore new resources and events for worship leaders and musicians in this September’s ELCA Worship Partner Organization Resources and Events! Highlights include ALCM’s Fall Webinar Series, free sheet music from Lutheran Summer Music, and fall workshops from Music that Makes Community. Mark your calendars for key conferences in 2025 and discover fresh resources for the upcoming church year.
Read MoreTraditional leadership programs often fall short, focusing more on theory than practical application. In the latest The Crucible newsletter, Tod Bolsinger of the Church Leadership Institute addresses this challenge with The Practicing Change Series, a set of books designed for real-time leadership learning. Additionally, this week marks the final chance to apply for the Business of Ministry Cohort, equipping ministry leaders with essential skills in administration and management. For those in Colorado Springs, a Fuller Seminary training event offers tools for rethinking church leadership. Learn more and register now!
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