Pastors find sabbaticals to be transformative experiences that strengthen and develop the clergy’s ability to serve the congregation. | more »
Leadership
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 »
Something is lost in the daily grind; pastors need to be replenished after a time of hard work. | 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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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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
In extreme cases of bullying, victims feel compelled to take drastic measures, such as carrying weapons, seeking violent revenge or even considering suicide. | more »
Decorations can have a downside — faulty lights or unattended candles can quickly set your worship space on fire. | 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 »
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 »
As Lutherans, we have abundant resources to offer people dealing with a loss.
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Stewardship is not only about money; it’s also about using the gifts God has given you. | more »
Important insurance coverage is often overlooked in congregations. | 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 »
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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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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Many congregations need to update their impressions and expectations of seniors, who no longer are the “been-there and done-that” generation. | 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 Young Adults in Global Mission program offers the opportunity for a one-year journey in international service and learning. | 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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The authenticity of discipleship and ministry among our leaders is dependent on the attention given to their own personal and family dynamics. | more »
Bob first traveled to Tanzania on a companion synod trip hosted by the Nebraska Synod in 2001. He’s still there. | more »
During these hard economic times there are many people struggling in silence, their pain invisible. | more »
Many senior ELCA members are not ready to sit back in the rocking chair. Why not put them to work? | more »
It’s not about some people being irrelevant. It’s about “how God is becoming relevant to new people and how we can all get behind that,” says Bjorn Peterson. | 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 »
The course addresses basic questions and problems confronted daily by the pastor or lay administrator of a parish. | more »
Recent Comments
Brian Beckstrom: “You're welcome Marcus. Thanks for reading.” | more »
Marcus Kunz: “Thanks for a great post, Brian.” | more »
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 »