Posts in Leader Resources
Pivot Podcast: Rooted for the Road Ahead
Pivot Podcast: Rooted for the Road Ahead

Season 7 of the Pivot Podcast asked how the old treasures of the Christian tradition, its practices, liturgy, scripture, and doctrine, can reach people today and shape the way we lead, pray, and live among our neighbors.

To accompany the season, we've created a free guide, Rooted for the Road Ahead: A Season 7 Guide from Faith+Lead's Pivot Podcast. Each episode page has a short description, a key quote, and a few questions for reflection or group discussion. At the end you'll find books from our season guests. Download the guide.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment
ELCA Expands Access to Connected Giving and Church Management
ELCA Expands Access to Connected Giving and Church Management

An expanded ELCA partnership brings Realm church management and Vanco Giving together, with exclusive pricing and implementation packages for ELCA congregations. The platform connects giving, member records, communications and other ministry tools. An informational webinar is Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. Arizona and Nevada time / 11 a.m. Utah and Navajo Nation time. Read the announcement and find webinar details.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardStewardship, VancoComment
Faith Lens: Rooted in Christ When the Future Feels Uncertain
Faith Lens: Rooted in Christ When the Future Feels Uncertain

When the future feels uncertain, belonging to Christ gives us courage to keep going together. In Faith Lens for October 4, Pastor Ian McConnell reflects on Philippians 3:4b–14 and neighbors caring for one another in Minneapolis, connecting faith with practical love. Youth leaders will find discussion questions, activities, and a prayer to help young people imagine a future rooted in God’s love. Read the full Faith Lens reflection.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Hope Is a Group Project: Join ELCA Coaching October 7
Hope Is a Group Project: Join ELCA Coaching October 7

Find community and a next step for life and ministry at ELCA Coaching’s Wayfinding in the Commons, Wednesday, October 7, on Zoom. This 45-minute gathering begins at 11 a.m. in most of Arizona and Nevada; noon in the Navajo Nation and St. George, Utah. Join fellow leaders and seekers for grounding, leadership learning, and coach-facilitated conversation—and leave with at least one actionable step.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Prayer and Public Life: Worship Resources for Election Season
Prayer and Public Life: Worship Resources for Election Season

ELCA Worship’s election resources now include an “Affirmation of Vocation in Civic Life,” recognizing our holy calling to serve neighbors through public life. Find readings, prayers, and song suggestions for congregational worship and home devotions, alongside resources for public witness, civic engagement, and ongoing community prayer. Read more on the ELCA Worship Blog.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, ELCA WorshipComment
Planning Ahead: Church Property Resources and November Webinars
Planning Ahead: Church Property Resources and November Webinars

Explore affordable student housing, a “How to Rent Well” resource, and collective purchasing opportunities in the latest ELCA Church Property Resource Hub newsletter. Plus, find November webinars on disaster preparation (Nov. 5) and sustainable generosity (Nov. 16). Read the full issue for resources and event links to share with your congregation’s leaders.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChurch Property Resource Hub (CPRH)Comment
Spiritual First Aid for Intergenerational Trauma: Oct. 13
Spiritual First Aid for Intergenerational Trauma: Oct. 13

Learn practical ways to support people affected by intergenerational trauma at LFCNA’s Oct. 13 session with Jamie Aten, PhD. Nurses, rostered ministers and lay leaders are welcome. 4–6 p.m. in most of Arizona and southern Nevada; 5–7 p.m. in Utah and the Navajo Nation. Cost: $30 for members/$50 for nonmembers; 2.0 nursing contact hours available with full attendance and a completed evaluation. Learn more and register.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment
From Gathering Plans to Advent Renewal: Join SYAT on Zoom
From Gathering Plans to Advent Renewal: Join SYAT on Zoom

Join SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: October 8 at 6:30 p.m. for a 2027 National Youth Gathering info session, November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and December 10 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, SYAT Collective, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment
Faith Lens: In Jesus, God Shows Us We Can Trust
Faith Lens: In Jesus, God Shows Us We Can Trust

What makes someone trustworthy? ELCA’s Faith Lens explores Matthew 21:23–32, connecting Jesus’ parable of two sons with the trustworthiness God reveals in Christ. Reflection questions, group activities, and prayer help youth consider how their actions reflect their words. Smaller-church leaders will also find an invitation to share their experiences through a listening project survey. Explore this week’s Faith Lens.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Your Voice Matters: ELCA Human Sexuality Study Seeks Feedback by Sept. 30
Your Voice Matters: ELCA Human Sexuality Study Seeks Feedback by Sept. 30

The ELCA has released “Conscience and Conversation,” a new study resource to support churchwide discernment during the reconsideration of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to participate and share feedback with the task force.

The accompanying survey is open through September 30, 2026, and responses will help shape a draft statement for churchwide review. Ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and ensure their voices are part of the conversation.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardHuman SexualityComment
Pivot #192: Early Christian Theology: What Augustine, Irenaeus, and Justin Martyr Still Teach the Church Today
Pivot #192: Early Christian Theology: What Augustine, Irenaeus, and Justin Martyr Still Teach the Church Today

In the latest Pivot podcast, Warren Smith, professor of historical theology at Duke Divinity School, joins Dwight and Terri to talk about his new book, Early Christian Theology: A History, and what the first several centuries of Christian thought have to say to church leaders today.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment
Match Your Money to Your Mission With Portico Social Purpose Funds
Match Your Money to Your Mission With Portico Social Purpose Funds

Portico Social Purpose Funds offer ELCA Retirement Plan members a way to consider investments through the lens of Lutheran social teaching, screening for practices that conflict with church values while supporting positive social impact.

Explore your options, review the fund descriptions and consider whether your retirement selections match your mission.

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Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPortico, Church and SocietyComment
Faith Lens: What the Vineyard Workers Teach Us About Needing One Another
Faith Lens: What the Vineyard Workers Teach Us About Needing One Another

In Matthew 20:1–16, Jesus’ vineyard parable invites us to wrestle with fairness, grace, and our need for one another. This week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection considers how congregations and groups can welcome new people, navigate conflict, and work together for the good of the whole community.

Read “Laboring Together,” by Pastor Adrianne Meier, for discussion questions, a group activity, and prayer resources. Read the full Faith Lens reflection.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment