Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is launching a new Certificate in Church Leadership in Fall 2026 for lay leaders, those pursuing SAM status, and current SAMs. Flexible 8-week online courses allow participants to enroll in individual classes or complete a 3-course or 6-course certificate focused on practical ministry leadership and Lutheran foundations.
Read MorePLTS is continuing its Racial Justice and Faith Certificate this fall with two six-week online courses: Artistic Practice for Leaders (September–October) and Intersectionality & Social Justice (November–December). Open to clergy, lay leaders, and all interested learners, the program explores faithful responses to racial injustice through an accessible online format.
Read MoreA new book by Lutheran author and technology leader Bill Kalaf offers practical guidance for congregations seeking to strengthen discipleship, outreach, communication, and stewardship through thoughtful use of technology. Beyond Our Church Walls is written for pastors, church leaders, and members—not technology experts—and emphasizes mission-focused, sustainable ministry practices.
Kalaf is also offering his experience and consultation free of charge to Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod. Learn more about the book and how your congregation can connect with him for support.
Read MoreELCA congregations and ministries may already qualify for free or deeply discounted technology through platforms like Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits, and TechSoup. Learn how to access tools like Canva Pro, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft 365, email marketing discounts, and even grant opportunities—while stretching your ministry budget and strengthening communication.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s Stepping Up to Supervision cohort (Aug. 18–Sept. 1, 2026) equips pastors, ministry staff, and lay leaders with practical and theological tools for supervising staff faithfully. Through three live Zoom workshops and a year of access to resources, participants will explore how to balance grace, accountability, and effective leadership in ministry settings.
Read MoreJoin the Growing in Faith/Diakonia community on Saturday, June 27 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix as five graduates are celebrated for their commitment to faith formation and service. Through learning, discernment, and spiritual growth, these graduates reflect how God continues to equip leaders for ministry across the synod. View as PDF here.
Read MoreWondering what gifts God has placed within you? The Growing in Faith/Diakonia Program’s Exploring Your Spiritual Gifts Retreat this July offers a welcoming space for discernment, reflection, and discovery. Join online over three Saturdays and explore how God may be calling you to serve. View invite as PDF here.
Read MoreCould God be calling you to serve in new ways? Growing in Faith/Diakonia invites lay leaders, discerners, and curious learners into a two-year journey of spiritual growth and service. Join an upcoming Zoom information session and explore where God may be leading next.
Read MoreThe ELCA Worship Office has released new worship resources for the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026, offering liturgical texts, preaching helps, music guidance, and civic vocation resources for congregations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to both celebrate and lament the nation’s history, the materials center worship around Christ’s call to justice, humility, mercy, and beloved community.
Resources are available now in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, hosts Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm reflect on a full season of conversations.
Read MoreELCA Worship has gathered a new round of resources, conferences, and learning opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. Highlights include the Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22), Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College (June 21–July 19), the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference, and resources from Music that Makes Community focused on congregational song, justice, and worship renewal.
Whether you plan worship, lead music, or care deeply about the church’s song, explore these summer opportunities for learning, renewal, and connection. Read the full roundup from ELCA Worship.
Read MoreELCA Disability Ministries is preparing a new resource to help congregations better support youth with disabilities through an Individualized Faith Formation Plan (IFFP). Inspired by educational IEPs but rooted in giftedness rather than diagnosis, the process helps church leaders, youth, and families identify strengths, needed supports, and opportunities for leadership in the life of the congregation. Read more from ELCA Disability Ministries.
Read MoreLast week’s SYAT Collective gathering with Pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller offered practical, hope-filled ideas for supporting young families in faith. From blessings for expectant parents and meal trains to mentor pairings, family service projects, and devotional resources, participants explored how congregations can help faith take root through presence, creativity, and community. Read more and revisit the Zoom recording.
Read MoreThe FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Wesley Ellis makes a case that will reframe the way you think about prayer.
Read MoreWorkshops for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now set. On Friday, June 12, participants can choose from two sessions featuring topics like AI in ministry, youth voices, congregational safety, conflict resolution, and more—led by presenters from across the synod.
Review the full workshop lineup, including presenters and room locations, and plan your afternoon of learning at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa.
Read MoreNew worship resources from Augsburg Fortress are now available, including a justice-focused song collection by Bret Hesla, worship planning tools for Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings, Lutheran welcome booklets, and devotional materials for festivals and commemorations. Plus, registration is open for free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinics this summer. Read more from ELCA Worship.
Read MoreThe ELCA Coaching Ministry has released its first-ever 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a record-setting year of accompaniment, discernment, and leadership support across the church. With 6,889 coaching hours and more than 1,500 coaching relationships in 2025, the report shares how coaching is helping leaders, congregations, and communities grow in clarity, courage, and connection through faithful listening and Spirit-led discernment.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, why is Christian community so hard? Jeff Galley & Phil Smith have answers.
Read MoreLooking for hope, clarity, or connection in uncertain times? Wayfinding in the Commons begins Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. (Arizona/Pacific Time) on Zoom, offering monthly gatherings for community, leadership learning, reflection, and practical next steps.
Open to anyone seeking encouragement, connection, or companionship in ministry and life, this online space invites participants to discover together why “hope is a group project.” Learn more and register.
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