News

Bishop-elect Benjamin Quanbeck, chosen to lead the Montana Synod beginning September 1, brings a leadership vision grounded in trust, collaboration, and gospel-centered hope. In an interview with Living Lutheran, Quanbeck emphasized supporting congregations and leaders with the tools they need to thrive—and letting the Spirit lead from there. His mantra, “people over programs,” shapes his pastoral and adaptive approach to ministry. Get to know his vision, values, and hopes for the synod by reading the full interview in Living Lutheran —click here.

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The North Carolina Synod has elected its first woman bishop, the Rev. Emily Hartner, who brings a bold vision of abundance and creative collaboration to her new role. With experience across a variety of ministry contexts and a deep love for her home synod, Hartner encourages congregations and leaders to share their gifts freely to meet one another’s needs.

She begins her term August 1 and will be installed on November 15. To learn more about her leadership perspective and hope-filled vision for the future of the church, click here to read the full interview from Living Lutheran.

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Philip Hirsch, newly elected bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod, shares a bold and hopeful vision for the future of the ELCA—one that both honors our Lutheran roots and embraces Spirit-led innovation. Drawing from a lifetime of leadership across the church and a passion for justice and inclusion, Hirsch lifts up the urgent need to reach new generations, name systemic barriers, and return to the heart of the gospel. His leadership begins this fall, and his insights reflect key themes identified by over 11,000 ELCA members nationwide. Click here to read the full Living Lutheran interview.

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Peter Strickland, general manager of BMG Music Group in Nashville and a longtime member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, Tennessee, reflects on his faith, family, and vocation in the high-paced music industry. From launching Blake Shelton’s career to producing Jimmy Fallon’s Grammy-winning album, Strickland shares how his Lutheran values—grace, integrity, and community—guide both his leadership and life. Click here to read the full feature in Living Lutheran.

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On July 1, Augsburg Fortress released The Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition, a fully updated resource featuring the NRSVue translation, revised articles, and insights from over 50 ELCA pastors and scholars. With fresh perspectives on Jewish-Christian relations, updated notes on biblical figures, and new study tools like “Together by Grace: Bible Conversations,” this edition invites readers into a deeper, more inclusive engagement with Scripture. Click here to read the full interview with co-editor Laurie J. Hanson in Living Lutheran.

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In her deeply personal reflection, Elise Seyfried invites us to rediscover our shared humanity through a simple, sacred act: writing a letter to a stranger. Drawing on Lutheran theology and real-life encounters, she challenges us to move past fear and isolation toward connection, empathy, and prayer. Click here to read her full essay on Living Lutheran.

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Can we pick and choose when it comes to belief? ELCA pastors Emmy Kegler and Natalia Terfa think we can—and must. Through their podcast Cafeteria Christian, the two rostered ministers explore how faith can be lived authentically even amid doubt, rejection of harmful traditions, or questions about organized religion. They speak candidly about their experiences, theological roots in Lutheranism, and the deep desire for a more sincere, inclusive, and justice-centered faith practice.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering their work, their story offers insight into what it means to “do faith better” while staying rooted in grace and love. Click here to read the full article in Living Lutheran.

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In a post-election world still marked by anxiety and division, Pastor Aaron Fuller challenges us to move beyond sky-gazing and step into action. Drawing on the story of Jesus’ ascension, he reminds us that living faithfully means participating in Christ’s work here and now. It’s not about waiting—it’s about witnessing. Click here to read the full reflection from Living Lutheran.

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Jillian Russell blends two callings—outdoor ministry and emergency response—into a life of deep service and faith. From summer camp counselor to firefighter/EMT, Jillian shares how her congregation’s radical hospitality shaped her leadership and how she continues to live out her faith in diverse ways. She reminds us that grace isn’t confined to church walls and that intentional relationships are at the heart of Lutheran identity. Click here to read her story on Living Lutheran.

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In this inspiring profile from Living Lutheran, Brenna Holmes shares how her life of faith is rooted in community, service, and empowering the next generation. From leading children’s choirs at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Ohio to guiding high school students toward bright futures through her work with I Know I Can, Brenna embodies Lutheran values in every sphere of life. Her story reminds us how vocation and faith come together to form safe, welcoming spaces where others can grow.

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A new Pew Research Center study shows that Christianity in the U.S. has remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2024, prompting a mix of cautious hope and honest reflection among ELCA leaders. Lutheran scholar Christian Scharen and ELCA researcher Adam DeHoek unpack what the numbers mean for congregations navigating post-pandemic realities, generational shifts, and a spiritually curious—but often institution-wary—public. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.

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Author and wellness coach Heidi Barr’s new poetry collection, Church of Shadow and Light, explores themes of personal and collective healing, spiritual connection, and the holy found in life’s everyday tensions. In this Living Lutheran interview, Barr reflects on how shadow and light shape her writing, her understanding of church, and the faithful path toward peace in uncertain times. Click here to read the full interview at Living Lutheran.

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What happens when a faithful few decide they’ve had enough of throwing away plastic foam? At University Lutheran Church in Norman, Oklahoma, an environmental ministry sparked by Sunday morning trash bags has grown into a unique and impactful recycling operation—complete with a “densifier” machine, student volunteers, and community partnerships. This one-of-a-kind program has now sold over 20,000 pounds of compressed foam logs for reuse, showing what’s possible when a congregation puts their faith into earth-friendly action. Click here to read the full story in Living Lutheran.

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A small Lutheran congregation in Indiana transformed an abandoned church into the Apple Tree Center, a vibrant ministry offering affordable childcare, community meals, and hope for families like Rachel Gallo’s. Guided by prayer and partnerships, this ministry lives out Christ’s call to serve. Click here to read more at Living Lutheran.

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