Growing
In Faith

We understand that faith is nurtured in
many ways—through learning, engaging
in worship, and providing needed leadership
and funding for current and future ministries.

Vocation

As members of the ELCA, we believe that we all have a calling, a vocation, to follow Christ’s example, living a life of meaning and purpose in service to the common good. To work every day, in what we say and do, to share God’s boundless love with the world. Regardless of whether your job title is teacher, firefighter, CEO, or Mom, the church has limitless opportunities to become a leader in this call to service.

Learn how to become a rostered leader.

Learn how to become a ELCA leader.

View list of current candidates for rostered leadership.

Lay School of Ministry

The Lay School of Ministry assists lay people developing a deeper Christian identity and participating in the mission of the whole church. The curriculum emphasizes the understanding of the Bible, spirituality, worship, and Lutheran theology. The school provides students with opportunities to evaluate their past and present ministries, while receiving guidance from peers, seminary professors, clergy, and lay staff.

View the Lay School’s website.

Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry is alive and well in our synod. Although it is primarily carried out at the congregational level, there are also opportunities for youth to be involved at the synodical level.

The Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) is open to high school youth in our synod. The LYO board has youth and adult representation from each of our seven conferences. Board members are elected by their peers each year at Godstock, the high school youth gathering that takes place in November. The board also sponsors a Middle School Gathering.

If you would like to learn more about the LYO or invite a board member to speak at your congregation, contact Carole DeJardin ( ).

The Youth Workers Network allows professionals and volunteers who work with youth to gather, share ideas, resources, conversation, and ongoing education in youth ministry. They meet as a group quarterly at Chetek Lutheran Church in Chetek, Wisconsin.

Learn more about the network by contacting our synod office.

Bishop's Initiative

The Bishop's Initiative is an effort by the six synods of Wisconsin to be intentional about raising up leaders for the church. Raising up leaders happens best when both home and church partner in deeply instilling the Christian faith during the first third of life. The Vibrant Faith Ministry website provides various resources to assist your congregation in raising up leaders.

View 2012 Certification School Application

Learn more on the Vibrant Faith Ministry website.

Partnership Ministries

View a partial list of partnership ministries that reveal the breadth and depth of our ministry and mission in the name of Jesus Christ.

View partnership ministries.

Synod Resource Center

Looking for a book, video, Bible study or worship resources? Our Synod Resource Center can help! You can visit the center at 1005 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, and browse through the many resources housed there or you can access files electronically by clicking the link below. Either way, you will find a wealth of information to meet your needs.

Learn about the Synod Resource Center.

Endowments and
Charitable Gift Planning

Christian stewardship means wisely managing all that God has given us, including the assets we accumulate over a lifetime. The whole church is prepared to support congregations and individuals with charitable gift planning. Address the following in your congregation:

Congregational Endowments
If your church is the recipient of a legacy gift, are they prepared to wisely put it to use? Does your congregation have an endowment, but it's inactive or only a few know it exists? We can assist your congregation in establishing, promoting, and growing your endowment.

Individual Estate Planning
Do you have a living will to ensure your wishes are carried out? Without a will, the state will determine where your assets go. Maximize your assets while you are alive, plan for zero taxes when you die, so you can generously provide for your family and favorite charities.

As a recipient of a generous grant through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, we have contracted with Gift Planning Services to help all members of our congregations with endowments and personal gift planning to help ensure your wishes are carried out.

Contact Gift Planning Services and
make charitable giving part of your
stewardship strategy as a congregation and as an individual.

Learn about the ELCA Foundation.

Find ELCA Regional Gift Planners.

Learn about the Mission Investment Fund.

Fund for Leaders

Support a fund that provides help with tuition costs for Master of Divinity students from our synod who are attending ELCA seminaries.

Learn about the Fund for Leaders.

First Call Debt Reduction

A fund to help new pastors in their first call to reduce education debt. Our synod is determined to address the growing debt that the average seminarian carries into their first call. It is our intent to develop a culture in our synod that strongly supports our first call pastors by helping them reduce education debt.

Growing In Faith