It’s hard for us to imagine a time when the Bible wasn’t widely and inexpensively available in one’s own language. As such, we need to stretch our imagination to fully…
When a person passes on to life eternal, their last will and testament dictates how their earthly wealth and assets will support the people and institutions they loved. The same…
As churches across the nation face continuing challenges in maintaining their membership and financial resources, congregations are increasingly looking to pool resources and work together. Though cooperation brings challenges, congregations…
From the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine in February, Lutherans have joined the worldwide effort to help, with generous donations of money, goods and service. The…
Over its 25 years, the ELCA Fund for Leaders has provided money to over 1,100 promising deacon and pastoral candidates so they could attend ELCA seminaries. For many, the Fund…
Many congregational leaders are concerned that members of “Gen Z”—those born between 1997 and 2012—are dropping out of church life. Though leaders can take consolation knowing that the trend isn’t…
Ministry has never been an easy calling. There are long hours, sufficient but not especially great pay, and the responsibility not only for the souls of a congregation but often…
It’s been said that God calls us to plow the fields where we live. And, so, every congregation adapts to serve its local mission field, each with its own needs,…
When the Florida-Bahamas Synod decided to give $956,251 to ELCA churchwide ministries, the amount wasn’t arbitrary. It was a “tithe”—10%—of the proceeds from a sale of real estate that netted…
Martin Luther believed in questions. If he had not questioned the prevailing theology of salvation back in the 16th century, we might be worshiping in a very different kind of…
At no other time in recent memory have Americans been so polarized on almost every issue. The divisiveness is taking its toll on our personal relationships, our community spirit, our…
As the pandemic eases its grip on our world, life is settling into a new normal that may spell difficulty to many churches. People who stayed away from congregational life…
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