Posts in Leader Resources
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Download resources, a new litany and more

Women of the ELCA offers several ways to put faith into action this fall, beginning with resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and confidential, 24/7 support for survivors. Upcoming opportunities include the Oct. 15 Thankoffering Service and Boldcafe conversation on consent, an Oct. 22 racial justice gathering, a Nov. 4 tour information session and a new Bible study featuring Hagar, Ruth and Mary Magdalene.

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From All Saints to Lent: Resources for Worship Leaders

Prepare for the coming seasons with music for All Saints through Transfiguration, seasonal devotionals and ELW planning resources. Upcoming webinars feature healthy singing as we age on Oct. 22 and songs of justice and community on Nov. 10. A devotional promotion offers free shipping on qualifying orders of 100 or more through Jan. 6. Explore the October resources and register for the webinars.

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Registration 101: Get Ready for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering

Preparing to bring youth to the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? The Registration 101 webinar offers guidance from Gathering leadership to help congregational leaders and adult volunteers prepare for registration. Share this resource with your planning team as you support young people’s journey of faith. Watch the recorded webinar.

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Serving Neighbors Together: A New Lilly Endowment Grant Opportunity

Lilly Endowment’s Serving Neighbors initiative offers planning grants up to $50,000 and, by invitation, implementation grants up to $5 million to strengthen congregation–community partnerships. Concept papers are due January 19, 2027, with virtual information sessions November 2 and 3. Eligible organizations supporting groups of congregations may apply; individual congregations seeking funds for their own programs are not eligible. Explore the opportunity and registration details.

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Make Your Mark: Youth Retreat in St. George, November 13–15

Make Your Mark! Students in grades 8–12 are invited to the CRC Fall Retreat November 13–15, 2026, at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Explore faith through the stories of Esther, Moses, and David and Goliath, with games, service, worship, and friendship. Cost: $50 plus transportation. Register and pay by October 26.

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Generations Together: Build Connections Across Ages on October 22

Help every generation grow in faith together. ReFocus Ministry’s Generations Together online conference on October 22, 2026, offers keynote speakers, practical breakouts, and live ministry conversations for pastors, lay leaders, and volunteers. Registration is $35, or $50 for VIP access with recordings, resources, and Q&A opportunities. Learn more and register.

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Faithful Leadership for a Changing Church: October Resources

Grow your ministry with Faith+Lead’s October offerings: the School for Lay Ministry begins October 10, and New Christian Communities Leadership Incubator applications close October 31. Explore on-demand learning in adaptive leadership and congregational care, plus free resources for faith reflection, a four-week Acts study, and preaching informed by Indigenous scholars.

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Save the Date: LuTMA Ministry Conference, June 15–17, 2027

Save June 15–17, 2027, for LuTMA’s hybrid ministry conference, open to pastors in permanent and interim calls. Dr. David R. Brubaker will explore congregational change, conflict, polarization, and community partnerships, with a pre-conference practitioner panel also planned. Registration opens in 2027; venue and schedule details are forthcoming.

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LDA Expands Pathways to Christian Service and Chaplaincy

The Lutheran Diaconal Association has introduced a Rostered Minister Pathway for those with previous diaconal preparation and can now endorse eligible members pursuing professional chaplain certification. Its Traditional Pathway remains available, with no career change required. Explore opportunities with the LDA for a lifelong calling to Christian service.

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Called to Cultivate Something New? Apply for the Leadership Incubator

Applications are open for Faith+Lead’s New Christian Communities Leadership Incubator, a 12-month online program equipping leaders to listen, discern, experiment, and cultivate Jesus-centered communities among people not connected to a local church. The $249 program combines courses, workshops, monthly gatherings, coaching, and peer learning—and synod leaders are encouraged to personally invite emerging leaders who may be ready to take this next faithful step.

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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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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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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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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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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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