Faith Lens: Look Up

This week’s Faith Lens reflection explores Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and invites readers to reconsider what “eternal life” really means. Rather than focusing only on heaven after death, the study highlights Jesus’ call to know God deeply, live in unity, and participate in God’s work in the world right now.

Through scripture, reflection questions, and prayer, “Look Up” encourages disciples to lift their eyes beyond fear and isolation toward a life shaped by Christ — “the kind of life that death can’t destroy.”

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 14, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Lutheran Music and Worship Partners Invite Leaders to Summer Learning and Renewal

ELCA Worship is highlighting summer opportunities and resources from Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations that support worship leaders, church musicians and congregational song. Featured events include the Lutheran Summer Music Choral Gathering, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference at St. Olaf College, Music that Makes Community workshops focused on justice and Indigenous partnerships, and The Hymn Society’s 2026 Annual Conference in Princeton, N.J.

These gatherings offer opportunities for spiritual renewal, professional growth, skill-building and community among those who lead the church’s worship life. Registration deadlines and event details are now available. Read the full article from ELCA Worship.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 13, 2026St. Olaf College, ELCA WorshipComment

Strengthen Your Church’s Digital Presence: ELCA Offers Free Digital Assessments (Apply Now)

Applications are now open for a limited number of ELCA Digital Ministry Assessments, with 25 slots available through August 2026. Conducted by Evoke Engagement Experts, these assessments provide congregations and ministry organizations with a comprehensive review of their website, social media, and online presence—along with actionable recommendations and a consultation call.

Eligible ELCA congregations and affiliated ministries are encouraged to apply soon, as demand may exceed availability. Additional digital ministry grants—including $3,000 and $30,000 awards—are expected later in 2026, offering further opportunities to strengthen how we share God’s story in a digital world.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 13, 2026Innovation, ELCA Innovation LabComment

Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration

Registration is now open for this summer’s online Diakonia continuing education courses, with offerings on baptismal living, First Testament prophets, the Gospel of John and introductory New Testament Greek. Open to current students, graduates, instructors and anyone interested in deeper theological learning, the courses will meet online in five-week formats.

Organizational meetings begin in June, with final schedules determined collaboratively after registration. Learn more and register at Diakonia Education.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 11, 2026DiakoniaComment

A Different Way: Growing in Faith Program to Host Christian Nationalism Symposium This November

Save the date for the Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith Program’s upcoming symposium, “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” on Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with virtual participation also available.

Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod, the event will explore faithful Lutheran responses to Christian nationalism through the lenses of hope, courage, discipleship and neighbor love. More details and registration information are coming soon.

Faith+Lead Summer Resources Equip Leaders for a Changing Ministry Landscape

Faith+Lead’s latest Monthly Roundup highlights summer ministry resources including courses on communication skills, faith formation, compensation negotiation, lay ministry training, and supervision. Free theology journals, ministry articles, and downloadable leadership resources are also included to support congregations and leaders navigating a changing ministry landscape.

Read the full roundup and explore all the opportunities and resources available for this season of ministry.

Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 11, 2026faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

ELCA World Hunger Opens 2027 Domestic Hunger Grant Applications

ELCA World Hunger is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for 2027 Domestic Hunger Grants through July 1, 2026. Grants of up to $10,000 per year for three years are available for ministries and organizations addressing food insecurity, housing, clean water, job access, human rights, and policy change in their communities.

Congregations and ministry leaders are encouraged to explore the opportunity and review eligibility, timelines, and application materials through the ELCA World Hunger program. Read more and apply here.

Pivot #176: What the First-Century Church Teaches Us About Belonging Today

In the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Kristofer Phan Coffman discusses what the early church can teach us about forming Christian community today.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 8, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

New Worship Planning Resources for Year B 2027 Now Available

ELCA Worship is highlighting new May 2026 resources from Augsburg Fortress designed to support worship leaders, musicians, preachers, and congregational planners across the church. Newly released Year B 2027 materials include updated editions of Sundays and Seasons, preaching resources, worship planning calendars, and subscription options to simplify annual planning for congregations and ministry teams.

The update also includes information about free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinics celebrating the ministry’s 70th anniversary, with events scheduled this summer in South Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Readers can explore the complete list of resources, details, and registration information through the original ELCA Worship article: Read more at the ELCA Worship blog.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 8, 2026ELCA WorshipComment

Lutheran Men in Mission Shares Spring 2026 Opportunities and Resources

Lutheran Men in Mission has released its Spring 2026 Ambassador-Gram newsletter, featuring upcoming online studies, a new discipleship course, estate planning resources, ministry tools, retreats, and the June 2 annual meeting. The newsletter also introduces LMM’s new simplified web address, LMM.MEN, and highlights resources available for congregations and men’s ministry leaders.

Read the full newsletter for registration links, study opportunities, retreat information, and new ministry resources designed to help build men for Christ across the church.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 6, 2026Lutheran Men in MissionComment

Faith Lens: Ordinary, Household Acts of Love

This week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection explores John 14:15–21 and Jesus’ promise that God’s Spirit remains present through lives shaped by love. Rev. Rory Chambers reflects on how ordinary acts of care — sharing meals, helping friends, showing kindness, and loving neighbors — become signs of God’s presence in the world.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 6, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Ready When It Matters: Creating a Congregational Emergency Plan

Creating or updating a simple emergency plan is a key step in congregational preparedness. This article outlines three essential elements—evacuation, shelter, and communication—and encourages congregations to develop a clear, usable plan that can guide response in a crisis.

Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers practical next steps to help congregations respond calmly and effectively when it matters most.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 5, 2026SecurityComment

A Resource for Every Congregation: ELEA Video + Nurturing Faith Series

ELEA invites congregations and synods to share a short, two-minute video introducing its work across the ELCA. The video highlights the Nurturing Faith Study Series—a resource designed for all congregations—and offers a simple way to connect with tools and support for faith formation. Watch and share to learn more.

Breaking the Silence: New Lutheran Ministry Responds to Abuse in Our Communities

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the ELCA is highlighting Unnamed No More, a Lutheran Safe Church ministry supported by a WELCA Katie’s Fund grant. This growing ministry equips congregations to respond to abuse with trauma-informed, faith-based tools—helping churches move from silence to faithful action.

With new ELCA emphasis on child protection and ongoing challenges in congregations, Unnamed No More offers workshops, resources, and support to create safer, more accountable communities. Learn more and explore how your congregation can engage.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 4, 2026Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

Pivot #175: Finding Identity in Christ: An Old Testament Vision for Community

In the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker explores what the ancient Scriptures have to say about who we are and how we're called to live together.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

“Hope Is a Group Project”: Join ELCA’s Wayfinding in the Commons on May 6

The ELCA Coaching team invites leaders and seekers to Wayfinding in the Commons, a monthly 45-minute online gathering beginning Wednesday, May 6 at 11 am (AZ/Pacific). Meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, participants will engage in community, learning, small-group conversation, and actionable next steps for life and ministry.

Open to all—especially those feeling isolated, curious, or called to lead—this gathering centers the idea that “hope is a group project.” Join via Zoom to connect, reflect, and take meaningful steps forward together in faith and community.

Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 30, 2026Coaching, ELCA CoachingComment

Start Summer Strong: SYAT Collective Offers Tools for Youth Trip Leadership

May 7 at 10:00am (Zoom): The SYAT Collective invites youth ministry leaders to a practical session on preparing for summer trips. Learn how to set behavior expectations, manage group dynamics, and connect with others across the synod. Register here.

Open to both new and experienced leaders, this gathering offers tools, shared wisdom, and encouragement for guiding young people in meaningful, faith-filled summer experiences. Register now to join.

Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You

In this week’s Faith Lens, reflecting on John 14:1–14, Jesus offers words of comfort to anxious disciples facing an uncertain future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” As today’s world continues to wrestle with violence and fear, this reflection invites us to consider where true safety is found—not in circumstances, but in Christ’s enduring promise to prepare a place for us.

Grounded in Lutheran hope, this resource encourages conversation, reflection, and faithful action—reminding us that even in times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God’s promise and to become safe, welcoming places for our neighbors.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 29, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Faithful Stewardship of Space: Introducing the Church Property Resource Hub

The Church Property Resource Hub is a new ELCA initiative offering tools, training, and shared wisdom to help congregations steward buildings and land faithfully. Designed in response to real needs across the church, CPRH equips leaders to reimagine property as a resource for mission. Learn more about CPRH.

“No More Stolen Sisters”: ELCA Toolkit Guides May 5 MMIW Observance

May 5, 2026 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR). The ELCA invites congregations and leaders to participate by wearing red, sharing resources, and engaging in prayer, learning, and advocacy. A new toolkit provides practical ways to take part and extend awareness beyond a single day.

Rooted in our call to justice and solidarity, this is an opportunity for the Grand Canyon Synod to stand with Indigenous communities, honor those who are missing, and support ongoing efforts for healing and change.

Grand Canyon Synod

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