For Leaders

Resources for leadership roles in your congregation.

October 19-21, 2025

Sun 5:30 PM - Tues 3:30 PM

Metropolis Resort, Eau Claire, WI

5150 Fairview Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54701

Fresh Expressions

With Shannon Kiser

Fresh Expressions is about creating new, creative forms of community that meet people where they are—in coffee shops, parks, gyms, neighborhoods—rather than expecting them to come to a traditional building. They focus on building relationships, loving and serving first, and forming faith communities shaped by the culture and needs of the people they serve. Shannon Kiser will share the theology and framework behind the fresh expressions movement, along with real stories of everyday people connecting with their neighbors and starting new communities through this “loving-first” approach. We'll explore why the Church needs fresh expressions, simple and creative ways to engage new people, what this could look like in your context, and how traditional churches and new expressions can work together to grow and thrive.

Upcoming Events for Leaders

  • Fall Theological Conference

    October 19-21 2025

    Time: Sunday Evening, Monday and Tuesday

    Location: Metropolis Resort, Eau Claire, WI

  • Boundaries Training

    Thursday, November 6, 2025

    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Location: Prince of Peace, La Crescent, MN

  • Congregation Council Development Retreat

    Saturday, March 14, 2026

    Time: 9:00 am - Noon

    Location: Journey Lutheran, Onalaska, WI

  • All Synod Caucus Meeting

    Sunday, April 19, 2026

    Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Location: TBD

  • Synod Assembly

    Friday - Sunday, June 5th-7th

    Time: Friday Evening, Saturday, Sunday Morning

    Location: TBD

Rostered Leaders, Presidents, & Treasurers

Constitution Resources

Discernment Guide

  • Share this discernment guide regarding ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with any members who are interested in considering a call to rostered ministry. 

Financial Resources

Holy Conversations

Mission Support

Mutual Ministry Tools

  • From Pastor and People, by Richard Brueschoff, Augsburg Fortress, 2003

    The relationship between the pastor and the people is integral to a congregation's life and ministry. This timely resource offers key insights on tending to various aspects of this relationship, including reflections on the ministry of clergy and laity, the role of a pastor, ministry review, performance evaluation, and much more. Suitable for pastors, congregational leaders and councils, call committees, and anyone involved in church ministry.

    See excerpt from the book.  Though some of the material may be dated, most of it is still very relevant. There is more to the document than the evaluation of a pastor. It is about working together with the congregation, council and pastor in a healthy, mutual relationship. There are evaluation and discussion questions for the church council and the congregation as a whole, as well.

Reports

Support

Worship Resources

Pulpit Supply

Sabbatical Resources

Portico Benefit Services

Portico Benefit Services is a ministry of the ELCA that participates in "God's mission by working to 1) make the most of church resources by providing cost-effective benefits, and 2) strengthen leaders for ministry--financially, physically and emotionally.