The Church Is Richer Than We Remember

Across the ELCA, congregations are filled with wisdom, faith, creativity, and deep love for their communities. Too often, these gifts remain untapped—not because they are lacking, but because they have not been fully resourced or connected.

A new, churchwide effort is emerging to change that.

Rooted in Lutheran theology and shaped by the priesthood of all believers, this movement brings together people, tools, and knowledge from across the church to empower congregations to thrive through shared leadership. We believe the church already has what it needs—our work is about helping those gifts meet one another.

A Collaborative Vision for Congregational Strength

This is not a program imposed from outside. It is a collaborative network of ELCA congregation members, leaders, and partners who are committed to sharing resources so that churches in need can flourish.

Together, we gather and offer:

• Theological grounding that is deeply Lutheran and accessible to all

• Practical resources for worship, teaching, leadership, and care

• Training and encouragement for lay leaders to step confidently into their calling

• Models of ministry shaped by cooperation rather than scarcity

• Connection to others across the church walking a similar path

At its heart, this work trusts that God calls and equips the whole body of Christ—not just a few.

Empowering the Baptized for Faithful Leadership

Luther reminded the church that baptism is not the starting line—it is the commissioning. Through baptism, every believer is entrusted with responsibility for the life and mission of the church.

This movement exists to help congregations:

• Recognize and cultivate the gifts already present among their members

• Share leadership in ways that are faithful, joyful, and sustainable

• Build confidence and clarity around what lay-led ministry can be

• Strengthen their identity as fully Lutheran, fully church

When members are equipped and trusted, congregations discover new energy, deeper participation, and renewed purpose.

More Than Support—A Shared Ministry

Rather than asking, “What are we missing?” we ask:
“What can we share?”

This is about congregations helping congregations. About pooling the church’s collective wisdom. About replacing isolation with connection and uncertainty with possibility.

It is a vision of church where no congregation stands alone—and where leadership is multiplied, not centralized.

Come Be Part of What God Is Doing

If you believe the church is strongest when it works together…
If you are passionate about empowering lay leadership…
If you long to see congregations renewed through shared resources and mutual support…

We invite you to learn more.

Explore the vision. Join the collaboration. Discover how the Spirit is moving through the whole people of God.