Posts in Leader Resources
Time to Report: Submit Your Congregation’s Annual Report by March 1

The Annual Congregation Report (Form A) portal is now open, and all congregations are asked to complete their reports by March 1, 2025. This year’s updated system makes reporting easier, with previous year data displayed, built-in instructions, and forms available in English and Spanish. To access the portal, visit ELCA.org/congregationreport using your congregation’s ID and password. If you didn’t receive this information, contact the Office of the Bishop. Your participation helps shape the future of our synod and the wider church—thank you for being part of this important work!

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Beyond the Walls: Reaching Neighbors with the Gospel in New Ways

Discover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls

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When Worship Is Disrupted: How Congregations Can Respond and Prepare

Is your congregation prepared for a crisis? A Seattle church recently experienced a disruption during worship, underscoring the importance of having a crisis communications plan in place before it’s needed. The ELCA Strategic Communications team has released best practices and planning guides to help congregations prepare for emergencies, ensure clear communication, and work with local partners. Read more and download the full crisis planning resources to protect your congregation.

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Nobody Journeys Alone: Join ELCA Coaching for Beloved Community Gatherings

Join ELCA Coaching’s third-Wednesday gatherings through 2025 to cultivate connection, courage, and care in faith. Facilitated by Jen Kunka and Rev. Carlton Rodgers, these unrecorded sessions provide a sacred space for healing and reflection. Whether you see yourself as a leader or simply seek community, all are welcome. Lean into the risk of belonging—nobody journeys alone. For more details and additional weekly sessions, visit ELCA Coaching.

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Faith Lens: God Among Us

Jesus didn’t lead from above—he stood among the people, teaching on a level place and challenging societal norms about blessings and woes (Luke 6:17-26). His model of leadership, reflected in the Civil Rights Movement, calls us to walk alongside the marginalized, not from positions of privilege. As we reflect on Black History Month, how can we follow Christ’s example and prepare for God’s reign where all share in His blessings?

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Equipping Worship Leaders: New Resources & Events for February

February brings a wealth of opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and faith communities. From Music That Makes Community’s singing workshops to the Institute of Liturgical Studies’ conference on rites of passage, these events offer learning and inspiration. The Lutheran Summer Music Academy seeks young musicians, while the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians provides training and networking for church musicians. Looking ahead to Lent, Augsburg Fortress has released Life Renewed: Devotions for Lent 2025. Discover more about these events and resources in this month’s ELCA Worship update: Read more here.

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Connect with Bishop Hutterer: Submit Your Rostered Minister Report by March 1, 2025

Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.

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Building Beloved Community: Join the ELCA Coaching Book Circle on Indigenous Wisdom

Join ELCA Coaching’s yearlong journey through Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Deloria Jr. Engage in monthly discussions on the second Wednesday of each month in 2025, exploring Indigenous wisdom, truth, and healing. Facilitated by Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin and Jason O’Neill, these gatherings are open to all. Visit ELCA Coaching for details and past recordings.

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Faith Lens: In God’s Economy, Nothing is Wasted

Have you ever felt like your efforts were wasted? In Luke 5, the disciples had a fruitless day of fishing—until Jesus stepped in, transforming their empty nets into abundance. The same principle applies beyond the sea: even waste, like discarded food or manure, can become something life-giving. In God’s economy, nothing is useless. How can we invite God to bring renewal in places that feel like failure? In this week’s Faith Lens, read more on how faith, science, and trust in God’s abundance can reshape how we see the world.

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Journey Through Lent: ELCA World Hunger Resources Now Available

Prepare your congregation for Lent with free resources from ELCA World Hunger! From an action guide to a Lent devotional calendar and a five-session study, these tools will inspire reflection and action as we journey together to end hunger. Download or order resources today at ELCA.org/hunger/resources and learn how your congregation can make a difference this season.

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Beyond the Walls: Reaching Neighbors with the Gospel in New Ways

Discover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls

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The Future of Congregations: Cultivating Cruciform Communities of Hope

What does it mean to steward the Christian faith in the 21st century? Terri Martinson Elton’s article, “The Future of Congregations: Cruciform Communities of Hope,” invites congregations to embrace their calling as living communities of faith, hope, and love. Explore how shifting from programs to practices can transform congregational life, foster relationships, and create a vibrant Christian witness. Read more on our blog.

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Faith Lens: God is Still Near

Simeon and Anna saw something extraordinary in an ordinary moment at the temple: God’s presence in Jesus. Their story reminds us that God is still near, revealing the sacred through everyday things—clean water, fresh air, the beauty of creation. As we care for the world around us, we honor God’s gifts and ensure future generations can experience them. This week, take time to notice where God’s fingerprints appear in your daily life. Where do you see the extraordinary within the ordinary?

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Faith in the Unknown: Gracious Uncertainty in a Digital Age

How can the church lead in a time of “gracious uncertainty”? In his latest Ministry in a Digital Age newsletter, Ryan Panzer explores how faith communities can navigate a year of radical change and emerging technology. Drawing from Oswald Chambers’ words, Panzer emphasizes the church’s role in fostering hope and connection amid uncertainty, with digital ministry as a key opportunity. Read more for practical insights and inspiring examples of faith in action.

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Learn and Fail Like a Skateboarder: Building a Missional Church in Post-Christian America

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we ask, “Is innovation a helpful category for churches seeking to thrive in changing times?”

Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today’s changing religious landscape? In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of “innovation” in church contexts, exploring whether it’s a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission.

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