Posts in Leader Resources
Leading with Purpose: Women of the ELCA’s 2025 Leadership Gathering

Join Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.

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Leading with Purpose: Women of the ELCA’s 2025 Leadership Gathering

Join Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.

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What Does It Mean to Be a Deacon? Join the April 10 Fireside Chat

Join the ELCA Seminaries for a virtual Fireside Chat on Thursday, April 10, as Deacon Krista Anderson and Deacon Beth Anderson explore the ministry of Word and Service in the ELCA. This engaging conversation will offer insight into the call to diaconal ministry and is perfect for those discerning a call or seeking to understand this unique role in the life of the church.

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Breaking the Stigma: Pastoring with a Dual Diagnosis – Free Webinar on March 26

How can clergy navigate mental health challenges while serving in ministry? Join Rev. Seth Perry for a free one-hour webinar on March 26, 2025 (12:00-1:00 PM CT), as he shares his journey of pastoring with a dual diagnosis. Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, this conversation will address stigma, strengths, and faith-filled recovery. Register here.

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March 2025 Mission Support Memo: Partners in Relationship

The March 2025 Mission Support Memo from ELCA Mission Support connects us as partners in relationship. Hear about how the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin welcomed lay and rostered leaders across the synod to the Grove, providing a beautiful space to wonder, learn, connect, collaborate, and explore how vital ministry can happen in the name of Christ.

This memo also asks to connect with you to get your important feedback about the memo through a short survey seeking to improve this work we do together. We are so grateful to be in partners in relationship across our ELCA synods and congregations. 

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March 2025 Administration Matters Highlights

The March 2025 issue of Administration Matters covers key updates for ELCA leaders, including the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, new clergy tax guides, insurance trends, and best practices for church administration. Learn about managing employee time, navigating clergy tax status, and strengthening your church’s digital presence. Read the full update here: ELCA Administration Matters – March 2025.

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Navigating the Digital World: A Faith-Based Approach to Safety and Ministry

Join the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association on March 25, 2025, for This Isn’t Kansas, Toto: Living in the New Digital World, a special Zoom session with Dr. Patricia Fosarelli, MD, DMin. Explore how to navigate online misinformation, protect vulnerable individuals, and apply digital tools to ministry. Open to all, including non-nurses. Earn 2.0 nursing contact hours. View a PDF flyer here. Register now: LFCNA Event Page.

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Love Your Neighbor: A Workshop on Building Community Collaboration

How can your congregation collaborate with local organizations to make a lasting impact? Neighbors Together: Partners for Innovation is a free, two-part workshop designed to guide churches through the process of forming community partnerships. Learn how to identify potential partners, start meaningful conversations, and launch a neighborhood project that benefits all. Sessions are on March 25 and April 1, 2025 (choose 10 AM or 4 PM Pacific Time). Register today at www.livingtheresurrection.com.

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Worship, Music, and Renewal: Partner Resources for Lutheran Leaders

Looking for ways to deepen your worship ministry? This month’s ELCA Worship partner updates include music and worship events across the country, from Lutheran Summer Music for young musicians to Music That Makes Community training workshops. The Institute of Liturgical Studies, ALCM Conference, and Augsburg Fortress music clinics offer further opportunities for learning and inspiration. Find registration details and new worship resources in our latest blog post. Read more in the ELCA Worship blog post.

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The Future Church: Lessons from Fuller’s Church Leadership Institute

How can church leaders effectively engage the next generation and navigate adaptive change? The latest edition of The Crucible, the Church Leadership Institute’s newsletter, explores these pressing questions. Featuring insights from Future Focused Church, a book by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Ray Chang, this issue highlights research-driven strategies for leading change in diverse church communities. Plus, don’t miss discussions on cultivating transparency in leadership and practical training for managing the business of ministry. Read more and explore these resources—click here.

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Is God Calling You to Lead? Join an Online Discernment Group

Is God calling you to lead? The ELCA, in partnership with its seminaries, is offering Online Discernment Groups—a three-session opportunity to explore church leadership and seminary. Whether you’re considering ministry or just curious, these groups provide a space for reflection and connection. Sign up at elcaseminaries.org or email recruitment@elca.org. Rostered ministers interested in leading a group can email Rick.Summy@elca.org.

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Faith Lens: Confession and Protest

Lent is a season of confession, but have you ever considered it a time for protest? In Luke 13:31-35, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, naming the city’s failure to live up to its ideals. His words are both an expression of love and a call for transformation. Like confession, protest exposes what is broken and seeks restoration. This Lent, how might confronting sin—both personal and societal—bring us closer to God’s justice and love?

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Dismantle: An Anti-White Supremacy Lenten Devotional

ELCA Racial Justice share this devotional, created in response to the call of the 2019 Churchwide Assembly to condemn white supremacy and racist rhetoric. As you journey through Lent, this resource will challenge you and bring you closer to the radical neighbor-love that Christ demands in the Gospels.

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Faith Lens: Fasting for Others

Lent is more than personal sacrifice—it’s an opportunity to refocus our attention on God and others. Inspired by Jesus’ time in the wilderness, fasting can be a practice that transforms not just our habits, but our relationships. This Lent, consider choosing a fast that serves others: share food, spend intentional time with loved ones, or give generously. Read more about how fasting can deepen your faith and community engagement in this week’s Faith LensClick here to read more.

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Reignite Your Ministry: Join the Missional Leadership Cohort (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert)

Discover new ways to lead in changing times! The Missional Leadership Cohort is a nine-month journey beginning March 2025 to equip clergy with tools for transformative leadership. With retreats (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert), coaching, and peer support, this program offers practical insights and theological grounding to help you move from “fixing” to faithful discernment. Scholarships available! Learn more today!

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Festival of Homiletics 2025: A Unique Gathering in Atlanta and Online

The Festival of Homiletics 2025 is set for May 12-15 in Atlanta, GA, and online, offering preachers a time of renewal and learning under the theme “Preaching to Heal the Divide.” This year’s gathering takes place at Peachtree Road UMC, a church celebrating 100 years of ministry. Attendees can explore the church’s rich history and experience the Doves of Peachtree Road, a stunning Centennial art installation. Can’t attend in person? Join online! Register today: festivalofhomiletics.com.

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