The synod's goal to “Identify, Equip and Nurture Whole & Healthy Leaders” means a commitment to the development and ongoing support of healthy leaders.
Becoming healthy leaders starts with our holistic selves—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social—cultivating and practicing a discipline of self-care. We are called to a sacred ministry centered on caring for those entrusted to our care in our ministry setting; that call includes care for ourselves as well as our families.
With the right resources, we are able to provide better care for our families, congregation, and community.
All rostered ministers are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education each year. Review the NC Synod Continuing Education Guidelines for more information.
Learning never ends. This page is meant to encourage, promote, and equip leaders' learning across this synod, this church, and beyond.
Lifelong Learning Grants
Rostered ministers are eligible for financial support for professional continuing education activities. Applications are reviewed quarterly.
Welcome
Continuing Education Resource Library
In the tabs to the left, you'll find continuing education content for rostered ministers, church staff, leaders, and volunteers.
Welcome!
Continuing Education Learning Topics
Is there a topic you'd be interested in learning about with other leaders around the synod?
Administration
Administration Resources for Rostered Ministers and Staff
Special thank you to Jim LaDoux at Vibrant Faith for his consistently fabulous work in this area.
Email Tammy today with questions. Thanks!
Legal Issues: Best Practices for Recording and Livestreams
From a legal perspective, what should our congregation consider when live-streaming worship and other activities and posting photos on social media? This document from ELCA Legal answers that question.
Visit LinkConflict Management
Conflict Management Resources
"If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
Matthew 18:15-20
A note from Bishop Tim…
1 Corinthians 1: 10Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 11For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. 12What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13Has Christ been divided?
Some of the most amusing moments of my ministry have occurred while interviewing others to work in the various congregations I have served. “So what interests you in this secretarial position at our church?” I asked a candidate in Boone. “Well,” she replied, “I’ve worked in a law office for several years now, and I’m honestly just sick and tired of how people can treat each other so terribly, so when I saw this position advertised, I thought, ‘Wow, wouldn’t it be great to work in a place where everybody always gets along for a change!’” Her assumption seemed to be the rule rather than the exception: Church people always love one another, and therefore they never behave in anything other than a loving way.
She should have read St. Augustine’s daily prayer for the late 4th/early 5th century when he served as Bishop of Hippo in northern Africa. “Lord, save us from the forces of evil and from all these Christians.” Apparently the 5th century job description for bishops was similar to that of the 21st. Manage conflict. Note that I didn’t say “resolve.” That state of bliss, in between Eden and the coming fullness of the kingdom, because of sin (curved in on self) will be a constant challenge in every community. Families. Governments. Elections. And yes, congregations. Paul urges the early church in Corinth to stop their squabbling by focusing not on their constant divergence of opinion but on their common baptism into Christ.
As our NC Synod has been hard at work over the past year envisioning how best to educate and equip leaders, we’ve developed the Leaders Learn program. It seemed wise to me and to Tammy and the team who wrestled with which topics to address near the top of our Leaders Learn is, in fact, CONFLICT. We plan to do just that. Not how to sweep it under the rug in denial (most of our congregations already do that quite well), but as Deputy Barney Fife said, by noticing it, naming it, and then nipping it in the bud. Managing it.
Stay tuned for our NC Synod Leaders Learn program for both rostered leaders and lay congregational leaders, especially as we do our best through the synod staff and committees to help us all address and manage the issue of conflict. The bottom line for us is the same as for Paul and the Corinthians. Focus on Christ.
Bishop Tim Smith
1 Corinthians 1: 10Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 11For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. 12What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13Has Christ been divided?Faith Formation
Faith Formation Resources
How are you being formed in faith? In this changing world, it’s easy to throw our hands up and surrender. Surrender to the temptation to claim Sunday school is not always working. I happen to worship in a community where it works and 70-80% of the worshipping community is involved. I know it’s not that way everywhere. What works? What doesn’t? How can we inspire each other to wonder about how we might do these things better?
Below are several options to help you get your Faith Formation continuing education hours in. Enjoy!
- All Faith Formation Resources
- Continuing Education Options
- Recommendations
Youth & Family Network Meetings (Monthly)
Face to Face | 90 Min Each | Free
Contact us to learn more!
Visit LinkELCA YM Network 3rd Tuesday conversations (33 available)
Online | 30 Min Each | $205 for 3 Years
Watch Video"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20
Financial Stewardship
Financial Stewardship Resources
The vision of the North Carolina Synod is to invest in, inspire and equip steward leaders and congregations, creating a culture of generosity for the sake of God’s mission. Our Synod has an active table of steward leaders who stand ready to help leaders and congregations. Let me know if you are interested in one of our programs or if there is a stewardship need you have that these programs do not address.
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- Financial Stewardship Resources
- Recommendations
Why Don’t More People Give? Here’s why.
Among pastors and church leaders, this has to be one of the most common laments. “Why don’t people give more?” we ask.
Visit LinkFinancial Rules of Thumb for Clergy
Considering The Possible Advantages of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for Clergy
Visit LinkFaith + Finances + Freedom Brochure
Building sound financial practices through education for our rostered ministers.
View DocumentPortico Pre-Retirement Webinar
Portico pre-retirement webinars make it easy to learn about retirement planning anytime, anywhere. This free series is led by a team of experienced retirement specialists from Portico.
Watch Video10 Minute Toolbox – Stewardship is Hope
Stewardship is Hope. Stewardship doesn’t have to be a chore. Pastor Mike Ward of Gronlund Sayther Brunkow (GSB) shares the hope he finds in the ministry of Stewardship.
Watch Video“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
North Carolina Synod Options:
Stewardship for all Seasons
A year-round stewardship program with mentoring from Pastor Mike Ward
Faith+Finances+Freedom
This is the program developed after extensive research of leaders in our Synod, designed to address the economic challenges facing rostered leaders. The program has Three Ways to Win: We will assist in promoting Healthy Leaders who will in turn lead Vital Congregations who in turn will contribute to Fourishing Communities. The major elements of Faith + Finances + Freedom are as follows:
Lifeline Distribution Fund
Designed to alleviate education debt, credit card debt, emergency needs, retirement savings, emergency savings, and partnering congregations who are interested in affording a full-time pastor.
- Educating rostered leaders about financial well-being through programs like Financial Peace University, Good $ense and free financial planning
- Educating lay leaders in congregations about financial well-being through a series of videos called “Mike at the Mic”; and a pre-assembly Workshop in 2017 for church treasurers and financial secretaries.
Health & Wholeness
Health and Wholeness Resources
The Wholeness Wheel is increasingly used by ELCA individuals and organizations as an important learning and discernment tool. It illustrates that wellness is multi-dimensional — made up of spiritual, vocational, intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and financial dimensions of well-being.
Spiritual well-being is intertwined with and influences our well-being in all other dimensions.
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- Recommendations
- Resource Documents
The Wholeness Wheel
The Wholeness Wheel is increasingly used by ELCA individuals and organizations as an important learning and discernment tool.
Visit Link“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
North Carolina Synod Options:
Stewardship for all Seasons
A year-round stewardship program with mentoring from Pastor Mike Ward
Faith+Finances+Freedom
This is the program developed after extensive research of leaders in our Synod, designed to address the economic challenges facing rostered leaders. The program has Three Ways to Win: We will assist in promoting Healthy Leaders who will in turn lead Vital Congregations who in turn will contribute to Fourishing Communities. The major elements of Faith + Finances + Freedom are as follows:
Lifeline Distribution Fund
Designed to alleviate education debt, credit card debt, emergency needs, retirement savings, emergency savings, and partnering congregations who are interested in affording a full-time pastor.
- Educating rostered leaders about financial well-being through programs like Financial Peace University, Good $ense and free financial planning
- Educating lay leaders in congregations about financial well-being through a series of videos called “Mike at the Mic”; and a pre-assembly Workshop in 2017 for church treasurers and financial secretaries.
Ministry Resources
Ministry Resources for NC Synod Leaders
Find devotions and bible resources, recommendations, and videos / webinars.
- All Ministry Resources
- Devotions & Bible Resources
- Recommendations
- Video / Webinar Resources
On a Budget
Continuing Education for Leaders on a Budget
So, you have a small budget for continuing education. How might you complete your 40 hours?
Let’s start here!
Video Courses
NC Synod Video Courses
We are committed to lifelong learning. In addition to our Leadership School courses, we are planning several video courses that will initially take place “live” but be recorded for others to use.
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- Israel and Palestine Conflict
- Recommended Resources
- Supporting Documents
The Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation (Michael Chabon and Ayelt Waldman)
Book on current Palestinian life.
Visit LinkOur first video course is Israel and Palestine Conflict: A Christian Perspective. This course was primarily taught by Michael Connor, Ph.D.
Dr. Michael Connor first visited Israel and the West Bank in October 2012 as part of a mission trip arranged by Mission Opportunities Short Term (MOST) and Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem. He was inspired by community initiatives led by Dr. Rev. Mitri Raheb to provide hope and purpose in Palestine. Dr. Connor currently leads the Palestine Ministry at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, North Carolina, which partners with Bright Stars of Bethlehem.
In 2017, Dr. Connor spent 3 months in Palestine and Israel as a volunteer Ecumenical Accompanier, providing “protective presence” for people like bedouin shepherds and schoolchildren in the South Hebron Hills area of the occupied West Bank. The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme is under the auspices of the World Council of Churches.
Dr. Connor is a retired biostatistician with over 40 years of professional experience in health care analytics and research. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Grove City College in Pennsylvania, and master’s and doctor of public health degrees in biostatistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Rev. Rhodes Woolly, St. John’s, Salisbury co-teaches one of the classes as well. Rhodes Woolly is the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. For 22 years he has served congregations in Virginia and North Carolina, with particular focus on discipleship, ancient-future worship, global engagement, and finding clarity in the Christian narrative. Of late he has been interested in leveraging the church as the natural location for “conversations that matter,” and developing a new model that connects faith, vocation, and leadership. He has degrees from Lenoir-Rhyne, the University of South Carolina, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and is currently enrolled in a doctor of ministry program at Emory University. In addition to his work at St. John’s, he serves on the Board of Trustees at Lenoir-Rhyne, the LTSS Advisory Council, the Board of Directors of Downtown Salisbury, Inc, and as a third grade reading mentor.
Thank you both for your leadership!
Virtual Gathering Workshops 2020
NC Synod Gathering Virtually Workshops
In 2020, we were unable to meet in-person for our first annual Synod Gathering due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So several of many continuing education workshops planned for the summer event were transitioned and held virtually in the fall, instead. Here you'll find many recordings and valuable content from those workshops which can be referenced and used in your ministry context.
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- Adaptive Leadership
- Attitude Impacts Outcome
- Faith and Science
- Opioid Crisis
- Rule of Love
- Virtual Gathering Workshops 2020
THE OPIOID CRISIS: The Faith Community Responds
Workshop Facilitated by Elizabeth Brewington
In 2018, 6 North Carolinians a day died due to an unintentional medication or drug overdose. As people of faith we are called to respond to this overdose crisis with compassion and fight the stigma that is so prevalent when it comes to drug use. This session covered basics of what is going on in the state and country when it comes to the overdose crisis, what is harm reduction, how harm reduction connects to our faith, and ways that faith communities can respond to this crisis.
SEE ALSO: The Opioid Crisis Follow-Up Information
View DocumentMINISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Workshop Facilitated by The Rev. Malcom Lerch
You likely have a Community College near you. Like your congregation, the community college changes lives. This workshop explores ways you can get involved in your community college, grow personally, and share your talents in a very diverse community.
Visit LinkSUPPORTING THE SIGNATURE MINISTRIES OF THE ELCA
Workshop Facilitated by The Rev. Marissa Krey
Being church together means you are already a part of transformational ministries with a global impact. Are you curious about what’s new at ELCA World Hunger? Itching for an update from Global Mission? This session explores the activities of our church on a global scale, and how you and your congregations are an integral part of these life changing ministries.
Visit LinkTHE IMPORTANCE OF ENGAGING QUESTIONS AROUND FAITH & SCIENCE
Workshop Facilitated by The Rev. Will Rose
One of the answers young adults give when asked why they leave “organized religion” is the perception that the Church is “anti-science”. We don’t have to have all the answers but we can be more permission giving and open when it comes to the big questions we all wrestle with. This workshop explores some of these questions and provides resources in engaging them.
SEE ALSO: Session Prep & Recommended Resources
Visit LinkADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: Moving to Change
Workshop Facilitated by Bishop Erik Gronberg, PhD
Systems theory has become well known across the church in recent years. Understanding and diagnosing the system leaders can identify where the system is operating well, and more frequently, not well. The challenge is how to move beyond identifying and diagnosing the system into leading change. Adaptive leadership provides tools for moving to action. Designing leadership experiments, gaining small wins, can help move a broken system into action and greater health.
SEE ALSO: Adaptive Leadership Presentation Slides
Visit LinkTHE RULE OF LOVE: A Reverse Confession of Sin
Workshop Facilitated by The Rev. Dr. Keith Copeland
We confess that we have sinned by not loving God with our whole heart and not loving our neighbors as ourselves. What if a congregation had a vision in their own words of what that love should look like in practice? The Rule of Love is a behavioral covenant process engaging the whole congregation. Participants will be introduced to this tool for making love the rule of life and relationship.
SEE ALSO: Rule of Love Introductory Video & Rule of Love Handout
Visit LinkATTITUDE IMPACTS OUTCOME: Moving Beyond COVID-19 Fears to Greater Faith & Congregational Vitality
Workshop Facilitated by The Rev. Jeff Linman
The events of 2020 have stirred fear throughout the world and within the church. Prior to the pandemic, 80-90% of congregations in the United States were plateaued or declining. Many were worried about their future. It’s too soon to know what impact the pandemic will have on the church. Some congregations may be revitalized. Others may be demoralized. Two things are certain: 1. Change is coming and congregational life will look different. 2. The attitude of congregational leaders and members will impact their future. Moving beyond fear and anxiety is an essential first step in our journey forward. This workshop offers a simple process to help congregations move from fear to faith and from despair to hope as they re-gather by sharing their fears and focusing on God’s abundance rather than their limitations. The result: greater congregational vitality!
SEE ALSO: Session Prep & Additional Resources
Visit LinkATTITUDE IMPACTS OUTCOME: Session Prep Blog
5 Big Attitude Differences that Separate Growing Churches from Declining Churches by Carey Nieuwhof
Visit LinkFAITH AND SCIENCE: Session Prep Podcast
Listen to a conversation and interview with Ilia Delio on episode 134 of Pete Enns’ podcast, The Bible for Normal People, entitled “Grounding God in Evolution”
Visit LinkFAITH AND SCIENCE: Recommended Resource
Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology (subscribe to their newsletter)
Visit LinkFAITH AND SCIENCE: Recommended Resource
Science for the Church: Bridge-builders of faith, science, and and culture (subscribe to their email list)
Visit LinkFAITH AND SCIENCE: Recommended Resource
Center for Christogenesis: Exploring Love at the Heart of the Universe – founded by Ilia Delio
Visit LinkContinuing Education Events
