In the latest news from ELCA Congregational Stewardship, Rev. Tim Brown shares a letter, as well as upcoming events, stewardship resources, and stewardship in the text.
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What does it mean to steward the Christian faith in the 21st century? Terri Martinson Elton’s article, “The Future of Congregations: Cruciform Communities of Hope,” invites congregations to embrace their calling as living communities of faith, hope, and love. Explore how shifting from programs to practices can transform congregational life, foster relationships, and create a vibrant Christian witness. Read more on our blog.
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How can the church lead in a time of “gracious uncertainty”? In his latest Ministry in a Digital Age newsletter, Ryan Panzer explores how faith communities can navigate a year of radical change and emerging technology. Drawing from Oswald Chambers’ words, Panzer emphasizes the church’s role in fostering hope and connection amid uncertainty, with digital ministry as a key opportunity. Read more for practical insights and inspiring examples of faith in action.
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Discover new ways to lead in changing times! The Missional Leadership Cohort is a nine-month journey beginning March 2025 to equip clergy with tools for transformative leadership. With retreats (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert), coaching, and peer support, this program offers practical insights and theological grounding to help you move from “fixing” to faithful discernment. Scholarships available! Learn more today!
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In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we ask, “Is innovation a helpful category for churches seeking to thrive in changing times?”
Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today’s changing religious landscape? In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of “innovation” in church contexts, exploring whether it’s a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission.
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Join the January 29 Beloved Community Gathering hosted by ELCA Coaching to reflect, discern, and take faithful action. This virtual event invites all faith leaders—rostered or not—to move from head to heart to hands in living out their faith. Inspired by Scripture, Martin Luther King Jr., and bell hooks, we’ll explore what it means to build trust and communion in our communities. Details and recordings at ELCA Coaching’s website.
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Prepare your congregation for Lent with free resources from ELCA World Hunger! From an action guide to a Lent devotional calendar and a five-session study, these tools will inspire reflection and action as we journey together to end hunger. Download or order resources today at ELCA.org/hunger/resources and learn how your congregation can make a difference this season.
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Engage with youth, cool off in the pines, and explore stewardship this summer! Campformation at Camp Pinerock, June 30–July 4, 2025, invites three rostered leaders to join for free as Resident Theologians. Travel, room, and board are covered. Apply by March 15, 2025. Contact Pr. Tim Perlick at tim.perlick@gmail.com.
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Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
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Starting January 1, 2025, the IRS standard mileage rate for business travel increases to 70 cents per mile, up 3 cents from 2024. Churches should adjust their reimbursement processes accordingly. Rates for charitable use remain at 14 cents per mile. Learn more about the updates and their implications in this post.
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As people of faith, we are called to courageously address the challenges of our time—from the climate crisis to the rise of authoritarianism. Rev. Dr. Jim Antal invites congregations to embrace their unique vocation as centers of hope and action. In this article from Blessed Tomorrow, learn how your church can integrate testimonies, education, and advocacy into its ministry to transform grief into hope and hope into collective action.
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Discover how congregations can save money while caring for creation! Learn from First Christian Church in Tucson and access free tools like the Go Green, Save Green checklist from One Home One Future. Start your journey to sustainability and stewardship today.
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Curious about chaplaincy in the ELCA? Join the Seminaries of the ELCA and the ELCA Chaplain Corps for a virtual Fireside Chat on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Explore what it means to serve as a chaplain and discover pathways to this vital ministry. The Zoom event begins at 7 pm CST. Register now to secure your spot.
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The National Fund for Sacred Places is offering grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 for preservation projects. Join an informational webinar on February 6, 2025, at 3 PM EST to learn about eligibility and application details. Register now and discover how this program supports sacred spaces across communities.
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Rev. Dr. Willis Johnson's practical wisdom helps church leaders explore hope, justice, and spiritual formation amid division. Listen to the latest Pivot podcast for more.
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Congregations can now receive reimbursements for clean-energy projects like solar panels through the Inflation Reduction Act, with financing available via the Mission Investment Fund. Learn actionable tips for sustainability, updates on Portico’s new president, and IRS mileage rates for 2025 in the latest Administration Matters blog post.
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How healthy is your congregation? As you prepare for Annual Meetings and submit your reports to Churchwide, take time to reflect on your congregation’s vitality. The Grand Canyon Synod offers tools, including a 36-question survey, to help evaluate congregational health and guide future planning. Visit gcsynod.org/vitality to learn more, or contact Pr. David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org for support.
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Join other leaders at the Festival of Homiletics, May 12-15, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, or online for this year’s theme: Preaching to Heal the Divide. Experience renewal, insightful teaching, and rich fellowship. Don’t miss Atlanta’s historic sites and a life-giving week of inspiration. Learn more and register at festivalofhomiletics.com.
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Join ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 17, 2025, for an essential webinar equipping ministry leaders to support migrants and undocumented individuals. Featuring expert immigration lawyers, the session covers “Know Your Rights” guidance, navigating immigration steps, and preparing for ICE interactions. Register today for this free online event and learn how your ministry can make a difference.
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The School for Lay Ministry equips lay leaders with the tools and confidence to serve their congregations faithfully. With live instruction, self-paced learning, and innovative digital ministry training, the year-long program begins January 18, 2025. Scholarships are available. Learn more and register today at faithlead.org.
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