Equipping people to become Steward Leaders in our homes and congregations, as a response to a generous and loving God who showers us with abundant grace and forgiveness in Jesus.

The Stewardship Team seeks to glorify God by assisting individuals and congregations to identify, develop, and use their resources to further the kingdom of God on earth.

It achieves this by communicating how the mission dollars are spent through the annual narrative budget, letting congregations know of up coming stewardship events across the country, and providing educational opportunities for congregations to learn more what it means to be good stewards of what God has first given to us. 

Stewardship Team members

  • Janis Richert (azrichert@comcast.net)

  • Duane Gilson

  • Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity and Strategic Development

  • Rev. Glenn Schrader

  • Linda Staats

Narrative Mission Plan

The Grand Canyon Synod Narrative Mission Plan, available as PDF and PNG image, will help you explain how mission support funds sent to the Grand Canyon Synod are utilized in God’s work.    

Check out slides and a presentation about this mission plan here.

Click for full screen.

Where does my congregation’s mission support go?

Our 2024–2025 Impact Report highlights how your support empowers ministry across our synod. From guiding congregations in transition to nurturing new leaders, advocating for justice, and forming faith in young people, your generosity fuels a church that walks together. Discover how we Communicate Jesus, Connect People, and Create Possibilities.

Communicate Jesus

Supports 3 Lutheran Campus Ministries (UofA, ASU, NAU) in forming faith-filled student communities.

Helps deliver basic needs to over 70,000 people through partnerships with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) and Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN).

Extends global witness through support of Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief.

Participates in the Lutheran World Federation, joining 145 ecumenical partners in service, relief, and development.

Amplifies interfaith collaboration through Arizona Faith Network (AFN).

Sponsors guest speakers for First Call Theological Education, nurturing theological depth and pastoral imagination.

Offers collaborative retreats and ministry initiatives in coordination with Region 2 synodical partners.

Funds public church ministry and advocacy through Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona (LAMA).

Connect People

Shares mission support dollars with ELCA Churchwide and Region 2, funding ministries across the U.S., globally, and in our synod, including our Director for Evangelical Mission.

Offers a ministry of presence to congregations and leaders during times of crisis and transition.

Leads the Convocation of Rostered Leaders and provides space for rest and renewal through the Retired Pastors’ Retreat.

Helps lead youth faith formation camps, encouraging the next generation of disciples.

Coordinates the Synod Assembly, ensuring voting and discernment reflect congregational identity and mission.

Supports collaboration through the Northeast Valley Consortium, connecting congregations for shared ministry.

Personally connects with every congregation and ministry through 152 visits by Bishop Hutterer and synod staff between July 2024 and June 2025.

Accompany 12 first call pastors and deacons as they begin ministry in the synod, promoting a culture of lifelong learning.

Deepens international relationships with companion synods in Senegal and Mexico.

Invests in theological education through support of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University.

Create Possibilities

Oversees and supports 8 strategic ministries and 5 synod-authorized worshiping communities committed to innovation and growth.

Accompanies 19 candidates discerning their call to and in seminary for Word and Sacrament or Word and Service ministry through the ELCA candidacy process.

Supports pastors and deacons in mobility, call discernment, and vocational leadership including 6 ordinations and 16 installations since June 2024.

Walks with 14 congregations in transition, offering care, coaching, and stability.

Awards grants to 19 congregations, sparking new life in communities of faith.

Equips diverse leaders and innovative ministries through the Mission & Ministry Fund.

Collaborates across denominations with the United Church of Christ and Episcopal Diocese to support Cruzando Fronteras, a vital border ministry.

Sustains Indigenous ministry through ongoing support for House of Prayer, Rock Point.

Promotes spiritual renewal by supporting Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center as a place of rest and discernment.

ELCA NARRATIVE SPENDING PLANS

You may also find the ELCA's Narrative Spending plan to be a great resource, particularly the WDMOG Infographic.

stewardship resources