Stories of God’s people putting their faith into tangible action in their communities.
The ELCA set sail into the 2020s on the winds of a fresh priority announced by then-presiding bishop Elizabeth Eaton: to become an “innovation denomination.” Two months into the first…
While many people traditionally observe Lent through acts of self-denial, this year we are shifting the way we think. Rather than giving something up, we encourage you to join us in making room for something…
Bethel Lutheran, like many churches, was built for a membership much larger than today’s. Decades ago, more than 1,500 members filled the building’s halls and classrooms. But the Willmar, Minn.,…
Focal verse Let your eyes look directly forward and your gaze be straight before you (Proverbs 4:25). Reflection Some days, doing one thing at a time might be the holiest…
While many people traditionally observe Lent through acts of self-denial, this year we are shifting the way we think. Rather than giving something up, we encourage you to join us in making room for something…
For travel writer and TV host Rick Steves, it matters that his community is cared for. Last December, after Steves learned through a local newsletter that the Lynnwood Hygiene Center—located…
Today we are sharing prompts to inspire you during your personal spiritual time so you can set your intentions for the weekend ahead. Take a moment to reflect on the…
Walking into the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering in the middle of a sweltering summer in Phoenix, Jealaine Marple wasn’t quite sure what to expect. “I was hemming and hawing about…
Focal verse “Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). Reflection There’s an unwritten rule in rural America—at least in…
With the trend in lay ministry only expected to grow, the ELCA’s synod-authorized minister (SAM) program is quickly becoming more important to congregations. A SAM is a layperson who isn’t ordained…
In this video, Judith Roberts, ELCA senior director for diversity, equity and inclusion, reflects on how the National Day of Racial Healing, launched by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, calls us…
Editor’s note: Presented by the ELCA in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing observance, “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the…
This special episode of ELCA Advocacy’s Here I Pod is a conversation between Amy E. Reumann, senior director of ELCA Witness in Society, and Laurie Larson Caesar, bishop of the…
Focal verse “The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4). Reflection You made it—you’re here at the start of a…
As we wrapped up 2025, we took a look at some of our top stories from the year. Below are Living Lutheran‘s five most-read articles from the last 12 months….
You have attempted to access a feature of this website that is only available to members of livinglutheran.org.
A free membership gives you a customized dashboard for curated content based on your interest, the ability to like and save articles, an optional subscription to a weekly email digest “LL Stories”, and more.
Already have an account? log in
If you are a subscriber to the LL Stories email digest from before the introduction of the new website in December 2025, your account is intact, but your password will need to be reset unless you have a login for another ELCA website.
If you have a login for another ELCA website like community.elca.org, directory.elca.org or others you can use the password associated with that login.
Logout
