Pastors find sabbaticals to be transformative experiences that strengthen and develop the clergy’s ability to serve the congregation. | more »
Leadership
Emanuel Lutheran Church in West Warwick, R.I. was the first ELCA congregation powered by renewable energy. | more »
How do we encounter that gift of abundant life in times of sickness? | more »
Here are some safety tips to follow if you plan to set up an inflatable fun house for a congregational event. | more »
With some help from ELCA Missionary Sponsorship, youth groups in Decorah, Iowa, lead their community to help refugees in Syria. | more »
Something is lost in the daily grind; pastors need to be replenished after a time of hard work. | more »
ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship recipient Dione Miller gets her passion for service from her aunt Carolyn, a former ELCA missionary. | more »
I hope pastors might consider the following points for their benefit and the benefit of those they serve. | more »
Help families move beyond denial; acknowledge the devastating impact of the abuse on all family members. | more »
Many ELCA congregations find themselves in a kind of exile, grieving for what they have lost.
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As one of the ELCA Fund for Leader’s first full-tuition scholarship recipients, Lynnae Sorensen brings a special perspective to her Austin, Texas, congregation. | more »
No one expects a medical emergency at a congregational function, but everyone should be prepared. | more »
It’s time to challenge one another to learn to live in Christ. | more »
For 25 years, Sherman Hicks has fought to make the ELCA a diverse and welcoming place for people from all walks of life. | more »
Stephen Martin, an ELCA chaplain, spent a year helping his sisters and brothers in the armed forces cope with the effects of war. | more »
Sara Massey experiences first-hand the impact ELCA Youth Gatherings have on the communities where they are held. | more »
Through the years, the ELCA has had many women who spent their lives restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus Christ’s name throughout the world. | more »
Disasters can happen at any time and place, often without warning, and it is vital for each of us to prepare ourselves. | more »
Attention to health has a positive impact, not just on our own lives, but on the lives of those around us. | more »
Chaplains live and work every day with the people they minister to. | more »
Placing thumbprints and signatures on their new charter was an important milestone for all members at River of Hope, an ELCA worshiping community in Hutchinson, Minn.
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Would your congregation pass a Natural Church Development annual checkup? | more »
Every congregation should have a plan for members to follow when emergencies arise. | more »
The goal should go beyond merely raising enough money to pay the bills. | more »
It is good to identify people in the community who exhibit qualities of wisdom. They seem to be attuned to lasting patterns of meaningful life and purpose. | more »
Neatness counts; what message is your congregation sending to the neighborhood? | more »
One person’s trash is another’s opportunity to serve their neighbors.
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Congregations need to reassure their members who are affected by the difficulties of unemployment or job transition. | more »
We celebrate our 25th anniversary not because we nostalgically long for the past, but because memories give us confidence in God's faithfulness and openness toward God's promised future. | more »
When she was a teenager, Jen Engquist, center, visited Uganda, and since then she's been pursuing her passion for international development and social justice. | more »
In extreme cases of bullying, victims feel compelled to take drastic measures, such as carrying weapons, seeking violent revenge or even considering suicide. | more »
Members of Santa Maria de Guadalupe haven't needed to knock on doors to invite people to church — potential members just show up. | more »
Decorations can have a downside — faulty lights or unattended candles can quickly set your worship space on fire. | more »
There are very few neat and clean endings to the day where everything is accomplished and put away. | more »
You have 168 hours each week at your personal discretion. How you spend those hours makes all the difference. | more »
Children who left for school, for jobs, to follow their dreams or to start their own families are coming back home. | more »
ELCA missionaries David and Mary Kuck witness the true meaning of "freed in Christ to serve." | more »
We are responsible not only for our own keeping of sabbath but also for how our actions affect the ability of others to keep sabbath. | more »
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church assists families and individuals in the area through its Community Resource Center. | more »
Megan Ross, an ELCA deaconess, discovers what it means to live the diaconal life half-way around the world. | more »
As Lutherans, we have abundant resources to offer people dealing with a loss.
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Kaw Prairie Community Church in Lenexa, Kan., started because leaders in the community heard God's call to step out in faith, says Dan McKnight, its pastor. | more »
Is there someone in your present or past who has been a valued guide as you’ve made your way through life? You might also want to read: Calling all mentors Why I give thanks for mentors Bring them in, train... | more »
Stewardship is not only about money; it’s also about using the gifts God has given you. | more »
The plan does not transform the congregation; the conversation transforms the congregation. | more »
Important insurance coverage is often overlooked in congregations. | more »
... and the courtyard, congregations like Zion Lutheran in Superior, Wis., consider how they can best use their gifts to meet the needs of their communities.
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Jensen Seyenkulo, the new Liberian bishop, is working to strengthen unity among members of his church and to make the central office financially self-sustaining. | more »
The ELCA works with the Protestant church in China to train leaders in Sichuan province. | more »
Over the past year, Lutheran volunteers from several states have worked on Misty Weed’s flood-damaged home in Minot, N.D. | more »
These activities contribute to the health and well-being of congregations by building
on the strengths and confidence of those who are involved.
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The books filling your shelves need to be useful to your members and in sync with the teachings of the ELCA. | more »
Even though I grew up with this term, know more or less just what it means, I still think it’s high time to get rid of it. | more »
While always eating at a favorite chain restaurant can provide the comfort of the familiar, it also may reduce the chances of new, unexpected taste adventures. What boundaries have you not expanded because it’s safer and more comfortable to leave... | more »
When Jesus Escamilla received the call to the ordained ministry, he didn't anticipate that it would involve learning to ride a horse. | more »
ELCA member Olivia Neubauer is an elementary school teacher who won’t let anything keep her from teaching — not even turning 100. | more »
Definitely abled youth make new friends in New Orleans as they gear up for the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering. | more »
For the youth at MYLE, the ELCA Youth Gathering is a chance to share their cultures with 35,000 other young people. | more »
Is it in your personal life, such as a health and fitness goal? Is it a new responsibility at home or at work? What makes it a challenge, and how will you be better for facing it? You might also... | more »
Adam Miller-Stubbendick, a pastor from upstate New York, takes a plunge to support the 100 Wells Challenge. | more »
The ELCA's first Sudanese pastor returns to Africa to make a difference. | more »
This is good news for church leaders who might not be seeing as many resources available through the larger, traditional Christian publishers.
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The church’s preparedness and response is a ministry of learning, walking and journeying together as we share our mutual gifts to give and to receive. | more »
Through ELCA World Hunger, members of this church can make a difference, ensuring that the most basic of human needs are met. | more »
Sarah Rossing is one of 19 Fund for Leaders scholarship recipients, thanks to the generosity of John and Mary Satter.
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Her grandmother, mom, daughter and mentor helped Jessica Arneson learn to care for the poor, which has made her a stronger Lutheran and advocate. | more »
Did it require making a plan and meticulously executing it to reach the goal? Did your faith help you stay on track when the going was rough? What did you learn that could benefit others? You might also want to... | more »
Susie Delgado heard racial slurs as a teenager. When it continued with her sons and grandchildren at school, Susie's faith motivated her to end it. | more »
Mark Knutson, pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Portland, says members can see how their faith connects to the world.
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Pete Warmanen, a pastor in Medford, Wis., believes that a sense of childlike enthusiasm is essential to keeping his passion for ministry fresh.
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You will hear comments and conversation that range from anger and frustration, to deep sadness. | more »
Attending an ELCA Youth Gathering offers the opportunity for teenagers to share their faith. "And that's what brings them back to the church," says Elizabeth Fisher. | more »
In the days following Global Village Camp, I realized that my youth-inspired insights on discernment could not have come at a better time.
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I didn’t come to South Africa to say that I’ve been to South Africa or to say that I’ve lived in another country for a year. I came to experience. | more »
Miriam Schmidt says Bratislava International Church, her new congregation, successfully serves a diverse group of people “from more countries than you can count.” | more »
We often know good leaders when we see them, but what qualities do you think make them so? How can you strive to incorporate those leadership qualities in your own life? You might also want to read: Planting the seeds... | more »
Maybe you ran a marathon and afterward felt good about reaching the goal but said once was enough. Perhaps you pursued a career path that was fulfilling and productive, but you’ve now changed directions. You’re grateful for the experience but... | more »
Members of First English Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio, are reducing the energy costs of maintaining their 100-year-old building. | more »
We will become increasingly reliant on smaller, informal, grass-roots groups for learning and sharing.
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Your congregation can become a kind of a "financial outfitter” by marshaling existing capabilities for financial stewardship that are easily available.
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Soon to retire, Elizabeth Platz in 1965 became the first woman to be ordained in the Lutheran church. | more »
Walter had a rare gift for working collegially and encouraged me and so many others as valued partners in the common work of discovering and sharing the gospel. | more »
In his recent blog, John Wertz writes about what the loss of Steve Jobs could mean to Apple and draws a parallel to congregations that have thrived under a charismatic leader only to stumble when that person leaves. Has your... | more »
Those assembled saw, “Why” -- a mission drama and had a Birth Day Party and committed themselves “in the Unity of the Spirit” to “One Church Made New.” | more »
Many congregations need to update their impressions and expectations of seniors, who no longer are the “been-there and done-that” generation. | more »
While these leaders can help congregations and individuals experience tremendous growth, when they leave it can be difficult to fill that’s leader’s role. | more »
We needed to see the breadth of our culture’s change, the depth of the ELCA’s relationships and the expanse of God’s love in Jesus. | more »
Most vandals and arsonists are opportunists, so the No. 1 deterrent is to make it as difficult as possible to gain entry to your facility.
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The church on the inside is in relationship with congregations on the outside. | more »
The Young Adults in Global Mission program offers the opportunity for a one-year journey in international service and learning. | more »
A clear and compelling call is driving the Leiseths to accept a new journey overseas. | more »
Christi Lines, now a principal, didn’t plan to become a teacher. The Holy Spirit had other ideas. | more »
"It's time to say to the evils of this world, 'Go back to the shadows, because the good is taking in the light,'" says Lutheran Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee. | more »
A special children’s program helped pave the way for a new relationship between two ELCA and African Methodist Episcopal Zion congregations. | more »
For Kathryn Lohre, being part of the "priesthood of all believers" is more than just Sunday worship. It's how we see "God calling us in our everyday lives." | more »
To help counter the odds in today's culture against a successful union, our ministries must address each situation's unique needs and circumstances.
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We were joking at a recent meeting that someone’s term had “expired” — as if they were salami accidentally left on the counter. | more »
A U.S. Supreme Court decision on "church and state" deals with what many call the most important "religious liberty" case in decades. | more »
Change is all around us. Some of it is good and some is not. How do you stay open to new ideas so that you can partake of the change that is good? You might also want to read: Good... | more »
The authenticity of discipleship and ministry among our leaders is dependent on the attention given to their own personal and family dynamics. | more »
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