In this latest Pivot podcast, Beth Felker Jones explores why Protestant faith still matters in a moment when many are converting to Catholicism, embracing Orthodoxy, or deconstructing entirely.
Read More
Beginning January 1, 2026, ELCA-Primary members in the Grand Canyon Synod have access to expanded mental health and wellness services through Spring Health. These EAP benefits include therapy, coaching, and flexible care options that support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
One of the synod’s Spiritual Directors, David Bullock, is now available as a Spring Health coach while continuing to offer free monthly spiritual direction. Rostered ministers are also invited to explore the synod’s full list of spiritual directors as trusted companions for discernment, renewal, and faithful ministry.
Read More
A recording and resources from Possibilities in Partnership, a synod-wide Zoom conversation held January 15, 2026, are now available. Led by Rev. David Pavesic, the gathering invited congregations to imagine new ways of sharing ministry, leadership, and resources in a challenging season.
This post includes the full video recording, downloadable slides, an image slideshow, and a link to the ELCA’s new Church Property Resource Hub. It also outlines upcoming opportunities for deeper discernment, including future online sessions and a potential in-person event this fall.
Read More
In this week’s Faith Lens reflection for January 25, 2026, repentance is reframed not as shame or judgment, but as an invitation into God’s unfolding reign of justice, healing, and community. As Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee, Matthew presents repentance as a turning toward hope—especially for those living under despair, exclusion, or injustice.
Drawing on Isaiah and Matthew’s Gospel, the reflection invites readers to consider who hears this good news most clearly today, how Jesus’ anti-imperial vision challenges the status quo, and how we are called—together—to follow, heal, and share the work of God’s kingdom.
Read More
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report cover is now available for congregational use. Congregations are encouraged to use this cover for annual reports and meetings as a way to connect local ministry with the wider work of the ELCA.
The 2025 report highlights our shared life in Christ, grounded in Colossians 2:6–7, and offers a snapshot of how Mission Support, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Where Needed Most help carry out God’s work across the church and the world. Download the cover and preview what’s inside.
Read More
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.
Read More
The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.
Read More
The National Fund for Sacred Places is now accepting applications, offering $50,000–$500,000 in grants plus expert support for congregations undertaking major historic preservation projects. An informational webinar will be held Thursday, January 22 at 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM AZ) to help congregations determine eligibility and learn more.
This program, led by Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports churches seeking to preserve their buildings while strengthening long-term ministry and community impact. Learn more and apply at fundforsacredplaces.org.
Read More
The IRS has released the 2026 standard mileage rates, effective January 1, 2026. The business rate increases to 72.5 cents per mile, while the charitable rate remains 14 cents per mile. Medical and certain moving rates decrease slightly to 20.5 cents per mile.
These updates affect pastors, church staff, and volunteers who drive in service of ministry. Congregations and leaders should review reimbursement policies and budgets in light of the new rates for the coming year.
Read More
Faith+Lead from Luther Seminary now offers eight online, self-paced certificate programs designed for today’s ministry leaders. These non-degree micro-credentials provide focused, practical learning in areas such as biblical foundations, leadership in difficult times, rural ministry, spiritual formation, and theology and church history.
Each certificate includes on-demand courses, structured reflection, and verified completion that can be shared with judicatory leaders. Designed for busy pastors and lay leaders, Faith+Lead certificates empower leaders to deepen their calling and lead with confidence—right where they are.
Read More
In this latest Pivot podcast, Keith Bodner shares how a moment of panic in the pulpit led him to rediscover the confrontational power of Jesus' money parables.
Read More
The latest Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup offers new on-demand courses, free funding resources, leadership pathways, and podcasts designed for ministry in a changing church. Highlights include a free Funding Forward course, new training on community-based ministry and church finances, the School for Lay Ministry beginning January 24, a free ebook on church history and discipleship, and new Bible and leadership podcasts.
Explore what’s new—and find learning opportunities that fit real ministry life—by reading the full Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup from Faith+Lead.
Read More
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.
Read More
In this latest Pivot podcast, Pastor Brian Brown shares what it actually takes to build church unity across racial and cultural lines.
Read More
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report cover is now available for congregational use. Congregations are encouraged to use this cover for annual reports and meetings as a way to connect local ministry with the wider work of the ELCA.
The 2025 report highlights our shared life in Christ, grounded in Colossians 2:6–7, and offers a snapshot of how Mission Support, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Where Needed Most help carry out God’s work across the church and the world. Download the cover and preview what’s inside.
Read More
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering a new Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Program in 2026, featuring 6-week, online, asynchronous courses open to clergy and lay leaders alike. The first course, Womanism and Social Justice, begins February 9, with enrollment requested by January 25.
Courses cost $250, with discounts for PLTS alumni and congregational groups, and four completed courses lead to a certificate. Designed to connect faith with action, this program supports participants in confronting racial injustice and dismantling white supremacy through liberative theological reflection and practice.
Read More
On the Second Sunday after Epiphany, Faith Lens invites us to reflect on how we name and symbolize God. Drawing from John 1:29–42 and Psalm 40, this week’s reflection explores the powerful images used for Jesus—Lamb of God, Messiah, Rabbi, Spirit like a dove—and asks how our language, symbols, and art shape what we believe and proclaim about God in the world today.
In a time marked by fear, despair, and constant noise, this reflection encourages communities to consider how words, images, and creative prayer can point again to Christ in our midst. Through discussion, poetry, and practices like Anne Lamotte’s “Help, Thanks, Wow” prayer, participants are invited to name God with intention—and to let those names become a witness of hope, gratitude, and praise.
Read More
ELCA Worship shares upcoming opportunities from partner organizations, including the Institute of Liturgical Studies’ 2026 conference at Valparaiso University, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference at St. Olaf College, Lutheran Summer Music 2026, and student awards from the Center for Church Music.
Registration deadlines, nomination opportunities, and awards for young musicians and artists are approaching. Learn more and explore upcoming events →
Read More
ELCA Worship highlights new offerings from Augsburg Fortress, including Love Outpoured: Devotions for Lent 2026, a free webinar series on hymn improvisation with David Cherwien, Martin Luther’s Easter Book, and Bible People: Monologues for Lent.
These resources support worship planners, musicians, and congregations seeking fresh, faithful approaches to the church year. See what’s new for 2026.
Read More
The Consultation on Common Texts has approved a provisional update to the Revised Common Lectionary addressing passages historically misused to justify anti-Judaism. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America encourages congregations to test these texts during a three-year trial beginning Advent 2025.
New preaching guidance, hymn suggestions, and worship resources are available, and congregations are invited to offer feedback during the trial period. Explore the resources and learn how to respond.
Read More