For many congregations, church-as-we-know-it is struggling and may soon vanish. When LeaderWise, as church consultants, work with congregations we often hear the same FIVE THEMES; however, these FIVE THEMES hinder congregations from stepping into the future. Read a recent article by Rev. Cindy Halvorson, a staff associate with LeaderWise about the FIVE THEMES and Why They […]
There will be three Zoom Meetings prior to the actual Assembly. They will take place the week of May 22-25. All voting members are encouraged to attend all three hearings. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions regarding the 2025 Proposed Budget and 2024 Proposed Compensation Guidelines. The Assembly Orientation will provide directions for […]
There will be three Zoom Meetings prior to the actual Assembly. They will take place the week of May 22-25. All voting members are encouraged to attend all three hearings. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions regarding the 2025 Proposed Budget and 2024 Proposed Compensation Guidelines. The Assembly Orientation will provide directions for […]
There will be three Zoom Meetings prior to the actual Assembly. They will take place the week of May 22-25. All voting members are encouraged to attend all three hearings. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions regarding the 2025 Proposed Budget and 2024 Proposed Compensation Guidelines. The Assembly Orientation will provide directions for […]
SAVE THE DATES. June 9-10, 2023, in person, at Gustavus Adolphus College. View all information about the event.
Get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering! Join Pr. Jon Wendt, the SW MN Synod Gathering Champion, for an informational Zoom meeting about the upcoming 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. Sunday, August 13th @ 3pm Monday, August 14th @ 7pm Both Zoom gatherings will be the same presentation and will be […]
Get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering! Join Pr. Jon Wendt, the SW MN Synod Gathering Champion, for an informational Zoom meeting about the upcoming 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. Sunday, August 13th @ 3pm Monday, August 14th @ 7pm Both Zoom gatherings will be the same presentation and will be […]
A Stewardship Zoom Training for Rostered Ministers led by GSB Fundraising What if your congregation told stories of the way that the people’s lives are impacted by your ministry? What if the people who generously give of their time and resources to your congregation knew that their giving made a difference? Rev. Pete Reuss will […]
A Stewardship Zoom Training for all congregation leaders led by GSB Fundraising Most church communications focus on WHAT the congregation does. We talk about the number of people fed at a dinner, or the number of kids in Sunday School, or the number of homebound visits the congregations makes. This information is nice but doesn’t […]
Location: Holiday Inn & Suites Airport, 2040 W. Russell St., Sioux Falls, SD. The 2023 Fall Theological Conference is planned especially for Pastors, Deacons, TEEM Students, Interns, Synod Authorized Lay Ministers currently serving a congregation, and paid staff youth coordinators. In the liturgy of ordination, those called to rostered ministry commit, and ask God’s help, […]
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will join congregations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota on Oct. 17 at 12 p.m. Central time for a regional conversation on God’s Love Made Real. The Rev. Craig Schweitzer, bishop of the ELCA Western North Dakota Synod, will host […]
Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 American Lutheran Church, Windom 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Click here to register! Are you looking for a safe and brave space to address racism, but you’re not sure where to start? Are you looking to get away and talk about hard things that matter to you? Are you looking to […]
November 17-18 -OR- November 18-19, 2023 Willmar Conference Center – 2100 Hwy 12 E. Willmar, MN Please visit the Junior High Youth Gathering webpage for more information and registration. All students in 6th-9th grade are welcome to attend!
Save the Date Tuesday, November 21, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. In Person at the SW MN Synod Office in Redwood Falls, MN $40 per person Click here to register! Sexual misconduct by rostered and other religious leaders is one of the most serious challenges faced by the church today. Violation of the sacred […]
“Annual Meetings and Annual Budgets: A Time to Give Thanks and Look Ahead” Thursday, Nov. 30 - Zoom Gatherings: 2:00 p.m. for Rostered Ministers, 7:00 p.m. for Congregation Council Members. The agenda will include: -Word and Prayer -Brief synod news updates -Annual budgets and annual meetings do not need to be boring, dreaded, or confusing. […]
Come gather together as we enter the season of Advent with learning opportunities to equip congregations as we live the Word today!! Saturday, December 2, 2023 8:30am - 3:00pm Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar Click here to visit the Equipping Congregations Day webpage for the registration, schedule, and workshop description!! Are you registered? Please double check […]
Sunday, January 21, 2024 3:00pm at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. All are invited to attend. Individuals and congregations representing several different Christian denominations in southwest and west-central Minnesota, will gather together for an Ecumenical celebration of the Word of God. The service is held as part of the annual Week […]
This workshop can help bolster your skills in interviewing and negotiating compensation for a call in Ministry. Open to all women: Interested in adding these skills to their professional toolbox First call candidates preparing for interviews with congregations Female rostered leaders in mobility The same Zoom workshop is offered three separate times: Tuesday, January 23rd […]
Thursday, January 25th 2:00 p.m. - Session for Rostered Ministers 7:00 p.m. - Session for Lay Leaders Click here to RSVP. We've all been in situations where people have different expectations of each other; unclear and crossed-up expectations can lead to frustration. This is especially true in the church where relationships and expectations can take […]
This workshop can help bolster your skills in interviewing and negotiating compensation for a call in Ministry. Open to all women: Interested in adding these skills to their professional toolbox First call candidates preparing for interviews with congregations Female rostered leaders in mobility The same Zoom workshop is offered three separate times: Tuesday, January 23rd […]
This workshop can help bolster your skills in interviewing and negotiating compensation for a call in Ministry. Open to all women: Interested in adding these skills to their professional toolbox First call candidates preparing for interviews with congregations Female rostered leaders in mobility The same Zoom workshop is offered three separate times: Tuesday, January 23rd […]
Conference: Great River Date: Feb. 4th @ 2:30 p.m. Meeting Location: Zoom Conference Dean: Pr. John Gabrielson
Conference: Minnesota Valley Date: Feb. 4th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Peace Lutheran Church, Winthrop
Conference: Lakeland Date: Feb. 4th @ 4:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Faith Lutheran Church, Spicer
No matter where congregations are located, no matter the size, congregation leaders are aware that we need to plan for the safety and security of the people who come through our doors, staff and worshipers. Retired Kenyon Police Chief Lee Sjolander provides training to help you make plans to develop your own safety & security […]
Conference: Prairie Date: Feb. 18th @2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: First Lutheran Church, Marshall
Conference: Scenic Valley Date: Feb. 18th @2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Redwood Falls
Conference: Shetek Date: Feb. 18th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Christ Lutheran Church, Slayton
Conference: Lac Qui Parle Date: Feb. 18th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Our Savior’s Lutheran, Montevideo
Conference: Watonwan River Date: Feb. 25th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Madelia
Conference: Crow River Date: Feb. 25th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield
Conference: Glacial Ridge Date: March 3 @ 3:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Alberta
All 9th-12th students are invited to the Synod’s annual Senior High Youth Gathering! It will be held March 8-9, 2024 at Best Western Convention Center in New Ulm, MN. This event is coordinated and planned by the SW MN Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO). The theme this year is “Forever Unbroken,” based on Romans 8:37-39. The […]
