Something is lost in the daily grind; pastors need to be replenished after a time of hard work. | more »
Council member
Help families move beyond denial; acknowledge the devastating impact of the abuse on all family members. | more »
No one expects a medical emergency at a congregational function, but everyone should be prepared. | more »
Plan for the future with an ELCA Mission Investment Fund consultant. | more »
The goal should go beyond merely raising enough money to pay the bills. | more »
Neatness counts; what message is your congregation sending to the neighborhood? | more »
Congregations need to reassure their members who are affected by the difficulties of unemployment or job transition. | more »
You have 168 hours each week at your personal discretion. How you spend those hours makes all the difference. | 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 »
Important insurance coverage is often overlooked in congregations. | more »
We like to fantasize about pews packed with believers in total agreement. That's not going to happen until the second coming of Christ. | more »
As budgets are being prepared and financial stewardship programs take shape, be bold, nimble and purposeful in your planning. | more »
We will become increasingly reliant on smaller, informal, grass-roots groups for learning and sharing.
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People over 55 will soon make up over a third of the U.S. population, but few congregations focus on this emerging area of ministry. | 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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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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The ELCA Archives may be able to help ELCA congregations struggling to compile the names and dates that mark their history. | more »
A simple piece of wood is changing the way Maurice Webster worships.
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Some of us, even long-time Christians, are sadly uncomfortable with creating our own prayers and moments of devotion. | more »
Call on Faith offers multiple channels that feature inspiration, encouragement and information. | more »
Members of ELCA congregations who serve on the board of a Lutheran social ministry organization will be happy to know that Lutheran Services in America has resources for social ministry organization boards of directors: a study guide, a series of... | more »
Many ELCA congregations are finding that it makes good sense to regularly assess their ministries. “Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work,” one of the volumes in the Congregational Leader series, features a model for annual ministry review and performance... | more »
If inquiring minds want to know, then information-overloaded brains want to scream. That’s what happens to our minds in a world in which too much information is chasing too few brain cells. Because our brains are beset by information at... | more »
Online there are a variety of practical and inspirational resources to promote stewardship as a response of gratitude to God's abundant generosity. | more »
The course addresses basic questions and problems confronted daily by the pastor or lay administrator of a parish. | more »
Recent Comments
blessedchurchmouse: “Great story! Thank you for posting. Blessings : )” | more »
Charles Oberkehr: “This year, we got 7 foot shimmering red streamers and” | more »
Charles Oberkehr: “Thanks for the reminder. Great piece.” | more »
Charles Oberkehr: “Love it! Great story, thanks!” | more »
Peter: “When I hear lawns in a religious context, I tend” | more »