In the latest Pivot podcast, host Dwight Zscheile interviews Pastor Ed Doerner from Messiah Lutheran Church about their revolutionary approach to church leadership and community engagement.
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When Jesus declared his identity as the Messiah, some still refused to believe—not because he hadn’t made it clear, but because they couldn’t accept what that meant. This week’s Faith Lens reflects on mistaken identity, from the return of the dire wolf to the confrontation in John 10, and asks: when the truth is right in front of us, are we ready to see and hear it? Read more and reflect on how your own self-understanding is shaped by faith.
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Clergy Financial Resources is a proud sponsor of the 2025 Synod Assembly, helping offset the cost of electronic voting. As part of their sponsorship, they’re offering a free download of their 2025 Clergy Housing Guide using coupon code GCS2025. Learn more about their tax, payroll, and bookkeeping services for churches and clergy in this PDF or at clergyfinancial.com.
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Nominate a leader by June 2 for the ELCA’s inaugural Building Resilient Leadership cohort—a 12-month program supporting justice-centered community projects. Participants receive seed funding, monthly training, and mentoring to grow their leadership and deepen their impact.
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From in-depth resources on the Revised Common Lectionary and church calendar to practical guides for worship planning, ELCA Worship highlights this month’s offerings from Augsburg Fortress. Explore new titles like A Three-Year Banquet, Using Evangelical Lutheran Worship Vol. 3: Keeping Time, and preorder the new Lutheran Study Bible(NRSVue). Plus, get ready for Sundays and Seasons: Year A and sign up for summer music clinics in five U.S. cities. To read the full list of resources and explore how they support worship leaders, planners, and musicians across the ELCA, click here.
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Explore this month’s free offerings from ELCA Coaching—vigils, trainings, and healing spaces centered on justice and faith. Events include a vigil for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, a gospel concert marking the 5th Angelversary of George Floyd, and the next round of Moving Toward Right Relations training. All are welcome.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, discover effective approaches to Gen Z spiritual formation in this insightful Pivot Podcast episode featuring Eric Huseth.
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Join thousands of pastors and leaders May 12–15 for the Festival of Homiletics—online or in Atlanta—as we worship, learn, and preach to heal the divide. Experience inspiring sermons, theological lectures, and uplifting worship grounded in Lutheran theology. Register today at festivalofhomiletics.com.
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Ministry is hard—and full of questions without easy answers. On May 22, join the Rev. Dr. Michael Binder for Faithful Adaptation: Leading Change with Hope, an online workshop that offers tools to move beyond shallow fixes and into deeper, Spirit-led transformation. This 90-minute session is free with a Faith+Lead membership. Learn more and register here: https://lab.faithlead.org/event/faithful-adaptation-leading-change-with-hope/
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The School for Lay Ministry begins May 17, 2025, offering a yearlong journey to equip lay leaders for faithful service in preaching, care, worship, and leadership. This online program includes live cohort meetings, flexible learning, and practical resources grounded in Lutheran theology. Tuition is $600, with scholarships and payment plans available. Learn more and register.
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On Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!
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Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries and author of "The Big Relief," joins Pivot Podcast hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton to discuss grace-centered ministry in an exhausted world.
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In the wake of violence and despair, Jesus’ first words to his disciples after the resurrection were words of peace—spoken not once, but three times. This week’s reflection from Faith Lens invites us to shift our gaze from Doubting Thomas to the mission Jesus gives: to be sent, empowered by the Spirit, and grounded in a peace that brings life abundant. As global conflict continues and hope feels scarce, the resurrection reminds us that peace is not only possible—it is purposeful. Discover how Christ’s peace sends us into a broken world as agents of hope.
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After the fullness of Holy Week and Easter, church leaders are invited into a time of renewal. Resurrection Rest is a free 16-minute guided meditation for pastors, deacons, and ministry leaders, offering space to breathe, reflect, and receive. Listen and let resurrection rest settle in: thrivingleadershipformation.org.
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Ministry can be exhausting—but you don’t have to go it alone. ReNEW is a free four-week email series offering spiritual practices, podcast episodes, and practical tools to help leaders move from burnout to joy. Sign up today and take the first grace-filled step toward sustainable, life-giving ministry.
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Want to lead worship with a guitar around the campfire? Join Camp ALOMA in Prescott, April 25–27, for a weekend retreat focused on learning how to lead and support campfire worship. Designed for guitar players with basic chord skills, the $110 weekend includes lodging, meals, and musical leadership training grounded in Lutheran faith. Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.
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Struggling to make sense of your federal student loans? Join a free webinar hosted by Portico and Resourceful Servants on Tuesday, April 29 at 11am Central with Kim Miller from LSS Financial Counseling. Learn about recent changes and get your questions answered. Registration is open now. A short video preview and 1:1 counseling options are also available.
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Is your church prepared to communicate faithfully in a crisis? Join a free live webinar on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 1:00–2:30pm, as part of the Thriving Leadership Formation series. Learn how to build a crisis communications team, develop a ministry-specific strategy, and gain sample statements to guide your response. Pre-registration is required: bit.ly/EventsTLF.
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Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.
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