In the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Josh Packard explains why institutional trust has shifted to relational trust, and what that means for how churches engage younger people.
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Even in exile, God calls us to thrive. In Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7, the Israelites longed for deliverance, but God’s message through Jeremiah urged them to build homes, plant gardens, and seek the good of the city where they lived. This same call echoes today in communities facing exclusion and oppression, including the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride and National Coming Out Day. Thriving in difficult times is not surrender—it is faithful resistance, rooted in trust that God’s promises endure beyond empire and circumstance.
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Augsburg Fortress highlights new worship materials for fall and winter, including the Together by Grace Bible Conversations webinar (Oct. 15), Humble and Holy Advent devotional, insights on the three-year lectionaries by Gail Ramshaw, and a new Music Sourcebook. These resources support worship leaders and congregations in planning and prayer. See the full list of resources on the ELCA Worship blog.
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This October, ELCA Coaching offers free events and trainings for leaders, including sessions on mental health, right relations, beloved community, and decolonizing worship. Registration is required for some opportunities. Visit elcacoaching.org/events for details.
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Arizona’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) is open for FY2025/2026, providing up to $100,000 total per applicant to fund target hardening and security enhancements for at-risk nonprofits. Eligibility requires meeting FEMA NSGP nonprofit standards plus either (a) no federal award in 2024–2022 or (b) inability to front costs for the federal program. Application deadline: Wed., Oct. 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Submit to hs@azdohs.gov. Info & forms: azdohs.gov/az-nsgp. Webinars: Wed., Sept. 17, 1:00 p.m. and Thu., Sept. 18, 1:30 p.m.
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Drawing from her journey from corporate consultant to ministry executive, Nicole Massie Martin reveals how most leadership models ignore the very heart of Christian faith and why pastors are burning out trying to lead like the world instead of following Jesus.
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This week’s Faith Lens reminds us that even the smallest measure of faith is enough for the work God calls us to do. In Luke 17, Jesus uses exaggerated, even humorous, images—uprooting trees, masters serving servants—to teach that faith is already present within us and sufficient for the tasks ahead. Habakkuk, Paul, and Jesus all echo the same truth: though the work of discipleship can be difficult and even seem impossible, God equips us with the gift of faith to endure, serve, and trust in God’s promises.
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Join over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.
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All rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.
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This October, ELCA Coaching offers free events and trainings for leaders, including sessions on mental health, right relations, beloved community, and decolonizing worship. Registration is required for some opportunities. Visit elcacoaching.org/events for details.
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In this episode of the Pivot podcast, discover a life-giving model of shared leadership that prevents burnout and multiplies ministry impact with Dr. Eun Strawser.
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In Luke 16:19–31, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, urging his listeners to heed “Moses and the prophets” rather than wait for extraordinary signs. As Lutherans, we trust that salvation comes by grace alone, yet this story challenges us to consider where we act like the rich man, Lazarus, or the brothers—and how repentance calls us back to God’s Word. The parable reminds us that we already have what we need to live faithfully: Scripture, community, and the gift of Christ.
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ELCA Disability Ministries has released its Fall 2025 updates, including a free Nov. 17 webinar on creating accessible church spaces on a budget. You’ll also find a recap from the Churchwide Assembly, reflections on mental health and disability, new teaching tools, and upcoming awareness events. Learn how your congregation can take faithful, practical steps toward greater inclusion and hospitality. Read the full newsletter here.
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Sept. 30 marks the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, honoring the children impacted by these institutions and acknowledging the church’s role in their harm. Congregations are encouraged to participate by offering prayer, wearing orange, and engaging in ELCA resources. Join us Sunday, Sept. 28 or nearby, as we remember, repent, and commit to healing. Resources and suggested liturgy available at elca.org/IndianBoardingSchools.
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Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, October 2–4, 2025, led by Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán and a team of practitioners. This online gathering will equip leaders for cross-cultural ministry, offering practical tools to strengthen relationships with the Latine community. Cost: $250 individual / $600 congregation. Register here. Download the full flier here.
Participe en el Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latine, del 2 al 4 de octubre de 2025, dirigido por el Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán y un equipo de líderes. Este encuentro en línea ofrece herramientas prácticas para el ministerio intercultural y para fortalecer relaciones con la comunidad latine. Costo: $250 individual / $600 congregación. Regístrese aquí.
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In this episode of the Pivot podcast, Brandon O'Brien reveals the unique advantages of smaller congregations in today's culture.
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The Fall 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Grant cycle is now open, with $175,000 available to support ministries. Watch the grants webinar recording and apply by October 31, 2025. Proposals that align with the synod’s Strategic Plan and show collaboration with other ELCA ministries are strongly encouraged. Funding begins in February 2026.
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The Grand Canyon Synod is offering a simplified and time-saving process to help congregations update their governing documents to the 2025 ELCA Model Constitution. With support from an experienced synod consultant, congregations can ensure compliance, avoid common errors, and streamline the process. Download the guide and access official ELCA resources to begin your update today.
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In the latest Boundless magazine from the ELCA, a standout story titled “A Rural Revival” highlights how congregations in North Dakota are empowering lay leaders to serve as Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs). With no pastor in sight and a hunger for sustainable leadership, rural Lutherans — including full-time farmers — trained locally through a synod vitality grant, creating a model that others across the ELCA can follow. As the Grand Canyon Synod continues expanding opportunities for SAMs, this grassroots movement offers hope and a powerful vision for ministry in small communities. Read the full Boundless Summer 2025 magazine (PDF or flipbook) here.
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The Youth Night of Connection planned for October 26, 2025, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, has been canceled. Organizers thank all who showed interest and hope to reschedule at a later date. Updates will be shared at a later date.
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