At a crossroad
Mission & Ministry

At a crossroad

When a torrential rainstorm hit the U.N. Climate Negotiations pavilion in Belém, Brazil, last November, one reporter joked that the scene of flooding and pelting rain was “like the apocalyptic…

Holy rollers
Living Faithfully

Holy rollers

This story begins at a tavern table, as many do. It’s been a long day at a gathering of people from across the windy plains that surround your home. Usually…

Small steps, lasting change
Mission & Ministry

Small steps, lasting change

Editor’s note: April is Financial Literacy Month. In this article, Portico Benefit Services reminds us that it’s a good time to take one faithful step forward, even when the path…

Serving like Christ
Living Faithfully

Serving like Christ

Editor’s note: The ELCA has a long and meaningful history of ministry in rural areas. This story is part of a series highlighting innovative rural ministries in ELCA congregations and communities today.  In…

God is on our side
Theology & Beliefs

God is on our side

Jesus is making his way up to Jerusalem with his friends. What hopes, what expectations they must have had. With this Jesus, a new world is dawning. Soon, our dark…

Was Jesus innocent?
Voices of Faith, Theology & Beliefs

Was Jesus innocent?

Of course he was innocent, responds every ounce of theology and tradition. Our salvation rests on this, that Jesus was fully God and thus incapable of sin, that his suffering and…

Partners in mission, utilizers of space
Living Faithfully

Partners in mission, utilizers of space

Walk into Augustana Lutheran Church in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood on any day of the week and you might mistake it for the neighborhood community center. Seniors attend a memory…

Bearing witness: Put your body where love is needed
Theology & Beliefs

Bearing witness: Put your body where love is needed

Series editor’s note: The 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings” is faithful witness in challenging times. This year various authors will explore what it means for the ELCA, and each of…

“We are worthy by God’s love”
Mission & Ministry

“We are worthy by God’s love”

Women of the ELCA will host its 2026 Triennial Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa, July 16-19, celebrating the theme “I Am Worthy,” based on Psalm 139:14—“I am fearfully and wonderfully…

“A marvelous mystery”
Voices of Faith

“A marvelous mystery”

Thomas Maltman’s latest novel, Ashes to Ashes (Soho Press, 2025), largely takes place against the backdrop of a Lutheran congregation. Maltman—whose spouse, Melissa, is pastor of Servant of Christ Lutheran Church…

Unlocking a new ministry model
Mission & Ministry

Unlocking a new ministry model

Growing up at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensboro, N.C., Lucille “CeCee” Mills, ELCA secretary, saw lay leadership as an opportunity for everyone to have their voice heard in…