The ELCA has discontinued recommending hymns by David Haas and Cesáreo Gabaráin following allegations of misconduct. Rooted in theological commitments to love and justice, this survivor-centered approach prioritizes the well-being of those harmed by gender-based violence. Learn how these decisions impact worship and explore resources to support survivor-centered practices in your congregation in the latest ELCA Worship blog post.
Read MoreEquip, encourage, and empower your congregation or ministry team with Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training, starting this January! Through nine interactive sessions, you’ll learn practical coaching techniques like powerful questioning and affirming language to help others grow in confidence and faith. Open to all who want to deepen their impact, this training also provides credit toward ICF credentials. Visit faithlead.org to learn more and register today.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, discover a transformative approach to how to write a sermon with the Rev. Dr. Lisa Cressman, founder of Backstory Preaching.
Read MoreAcross the country, thousands of churches face closure every year, but the Rev. Dr. Katrina D. Foster has made it her mission to turn despair into renewal. Known for revitalizing struggling congregations, Pastor Foster blends faith-driven community organizing with innovative fundraising, inspiring both churchgoers and neighbors to support her efforts. From restoring crumbling buildings to creating vibrant community spaces, her work demonstrates how faith and action can breathe life back into churches.
Learn how Pastor Foster’s bold leadership and unwavering dedication have transformed St. John’s Lutheran Church in Brooklyn and discover her proven strategies for revitalizing congregations and fostering community. Read the full NY Times Article for free here.
Read MoreThe Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 invites churches worldwide to pray together for unity, inspired by John 11:17-27 and the theme, “Do you believe this?” Marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, this year’s reflections highlight shared faith through the Nicene Creed. Download the resources, prepared by the Bose monastic community, at oikoumene.org and join this global movement for Christian unity.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Luther Seminary President, the Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke, shares how theological education is evolving.
Read MoreEquip yourself for leadership in a challenging world. The Rocky Mountain Synod’s Excellence in Leadership program begins January 13, 2025. This 13-month journey provides practical tools, emotional intelligence training, and spiritual practices to foster resilience and grace in anxious times. Open to all, this program offers flexible payment options and deep connections with a community of learners. Learn more and register here.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod welcomes Dorothy Anderson, a 2024 graduate of the Sustainable Faith Spiritual Direction program, to our list of spiritual directors. Drawing from decades of experience in ministry and counseling, Dorothy offers Spirit-led guidance and practices like contemplative prayer and Lectio Divina. Contact Dorothy to explore how she might support your spiritual journey or learn more about spiritual direction on our website.
Read MoreThe Epiphany of Our Lord reminds us that God’s love is for everyone, from Magi following a star to seekers across the globe. This Sunday, as you gaze at the heavens, consider how God is revealed in creation and what it means to share Christ’s universal love.
Read MoreDiscover how God’s love is at work in the ELCA through the 2024 Annual Report Cover and Pages, available in two PDFs (download version 1, download version 2). Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton highlights stories of transformation and the impact of Mission Support in advancing ministry.
Read MoreHow do we define success? As college football celebrates a new twelve-team playoff, Advent invites us to reflect on a very different kind of victory. Mary’s song in Luke 1:39–55 reminds us that God lifts up the lowly so that all may share in divine blessings. As we approach the manger this week, let us celebrate the true meaning of success: God’s victory for all.
Read MoreFaith communities across the U.S. are embracing solar power to care for God’s creation and reduce energy costs. Federated Community Church in Flagstaff has cut its energy bills by 96%, while Lutheran congregations nationwide are becoming leaders in climate justice through solar adoption. Supported by incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act, congregations are proving that collective faith can inspire real change. Explore how solar energy helps churches live out stewardship and care for future generations.
Read MoreAlicia Granholm, Dwight Zscheile, and Terri Elton address listener-submitted questions about navigating resistance, fostering trust, and discerning God's will in church leadership today. Listen to the latest Pivot podcast from faith+lead here.
Read MoreThis Monday, December 23, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, join the final session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. As we await the birth of Christ, this week’s focus turns to God’s healing and comfort for a broken world. Come together in song, prayer, and quiet reflection to prepare your heart for Christmas. Register today and share in this closing Advent experience.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod Executive Committee has recommended a 2.5% increase in compensation for rostered ministers in 2025. Congregation councils are encouraged to use the synod’s compensation guidelines, now updated for 2025, and consult inflation benchmarks. Access resources, worksheets, and more at gcsynod.org/compensation.
Read MoreThe ELCA is introducing several updates to the Annual Congregation Report process for 2024. Starting in mid-January, congregations will receive a letter with their ID and password but no printed resources; all instructions and materials will be posted online. A new reporting platform will also launch, offering streamlined tools and embedded instructions. Congregations must file 2023 reports by December 20, as the system will shut down afterward.
Read MoreJoin Mount of Olives in Phoenix for Wednesday Evening Jazz Vespers through Advent, featuring live jazz performances, contemplative worship, and fellowship. Free and open to all, each evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments following. Donations support the church’s Food Pantry, helping over 150 families weekly.
Read MoreAs Advent deepens, join us this Monday, December 16, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for the third session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on how God brings life from places we often consider dead and hopeless. Experience 30 minutes of meditation, prayer, and renewal as we wait in hope for Christ’s coming. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, discover how Beer Church and Trail Church redefine spiritual community in everyday spaces with Bryan Wilkom of Jesus Fit.
This Advent, we explore the power of familiar stories to meet us in new ways. John the Baptist’s words in Luke 3 echo Isaiah’s ancient prophecy, connecting the human condition across generations. As we prepare the way for the Lord, we are reminded that faith, like art, is enriched by reinterpretation. What spiritual stories or art sustain you this season?
Reflect on your Advent journey and take the Faith Lens survey to help guide the future of this resource!
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