"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" -- Ephesians 4:12
We can do more together than we can do alone!
One of our Synod's key functions is to connect congregations and their leaders with resources and opportunities that can sharpen their skills, deepen their faith and enhance their ministries.
This resource page is your home base for information about learning opportunity, resource materials and other services and publications to strengthen your congregational ministry. This page replaces the hard-copy mailing that was discontinued in March 2010. Electronic distribution furthers our efforts to be environmentally friendly and better steward our limited resources.
Our most recent resource links are at right. Click "View all related articles" to search farther back in our archive.
Below are permanent links to frequently accessed resources.
Monthly mailing/resource packet
The Stewardship newsletter that was part of the physical mailing may not be distributed electronically. Issues will be mailed with the statements sent periodically to congregational treasurers.
Featured resources
Discovering your church’s ministry opportunities has never been easier. MissionInsite provides instant access to community information for your church via The MI System. You’ll get desktop, web-based access to demographic data for a variety of geographic levels. Click here to learn more.
The Fisher's Net is an online learning and collaboration platform that your congregation can use to organize councils and workgroups and run online courses. For more information at the Synod Office.
Ideas and insights for active congregations...download for use within SEPA congregations.
Frequently used resources
- Synod calendar
- Compensation information
- Pulpit Supply list
- Parish Paper
- Model Constitution for Congregations
- Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones
Resources by email
There are several ways to get SEPA news and resources right in your email box.
Sign up here for SEPANews, our award-winning e-newsletter.
While you are there, sign up for occasional special interest email lists that are available.
RSS Feeds
Really Simple Syndication feeds "push" content to you via an RSS aggregator site (such as Google Reader or Bloglines) or your web browser.
Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Vocations Staff
The Rev. Larry Hand
Assistant to the Bishop for Vocations and Leadership
Pastor Hand's responsibilities include mobility, the interim ministry network, candidacy for rostered leadership, and coordinating the committee of deans. He relates to the Chester, Lower Montgomery and Upper Montgomery conferences.
Contact: 267.323.3756 |
Bill Harp
Bill provides administrative support to the Asst. to the Bishop, Rev. Dr. Larry Hand and SEPA's Vocations and Leadership initiatives, including Candidacy, Mobility, Interim Ministry, Pulpit Supply and Leadership Development.Contact: 267.323.3744 |
Upcoming Related Events
Vocations and Leadership Links
- ELCA.org > Leadership
- ELCA.org > Become a Leader
- ELCA.org > Candidacy
- ELCA.org > Call process
- ELCA.org > Mobility
Related News
Convocation explores Christianity at the Crossroads
Do you feel the ground shifting beneath your feet? Denominational loyalty is disappearing, replaced by new ranks of the “spiritual but not religious.” People mix and match from various spiritual traditions. Christianity is truly at a crossroads. Explore the upheaval around us at the 2010 Bishop’s Convocation with Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence, and Stephen Bouman of the ELCA’s Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit, Monday, Nov. 15 to Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the DoubleTree Resort (Lancaster/Willow Valley). Reduced price registration through Oct. 1. For more information visit www.ministrylink.org/convocation.
Healthy Boundaries workshop for rostered leaders
Rostered leaders are invited to “Healthy Boundaries,” a workshop on misconduct prevention and SEPA Synod policy, on Wednesday, September 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Havertown. This free workshop is required for rostered leaders new to our Synod and those who have not yet attended the Synod’s prevention and policy workshop.
Join Bishop Burkat for annual Chrism service
On Tuesday of Holy Week, it is our tradition to gather for a service of Word and Sacrament, for blessing of oil, and renewal of ministry vows. The Chrism Service is a time for pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers to revisit and renew promises made at ordination/commissioning/consecration, and blessings for congregational deacons to honor their local ministries. It’s also a time to worship our Lord and be strengthened and renewed as we prepare to lead the faithful to the Cross and Resurrection. This year we will gather at St. Paul’s, Olney, on March 30, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Rostered leaders' reports due Feb. 28
Rostered leaders are requested to file their annual Confidential Reports to the Bishop by Feb. 28. The reports are now available online for download from the ELCA website. Read on for full details.
Explore mutual ministry possibilities
Explore the possibilities of mutual ministry for tending the relationship of pastor and people and broadening your congregation's vision for ministry at two Mutual Ministry Seminars led by Pastor Dick Brusehoff of the ELCA Vocation and Education Unit on March 20 and 21, 2010.
View All Call Process Articles
View All Interim Ministry Articles
Synod News
Join the LDR ReadyChurch initiative
With the hurricane season in full swing and ongoing disaster responses in more than half of the U.S., there is no better time than now to think about how prepared (or not) we are for natural disasters. Disasters can happen at any time and place, often without warning, and it is vital for everyone to prepare ourselves for the possibility that a disaster could affect you.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Addresses Discernment, Repentance, Reconciliation
On a recent morning walk I reflected upon familiar words from Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NRSV). As I walked, I prayed and pondered about this time in the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It is my prayer that we use this time for discerning and engaging; for repenting and reconciling; for restraint but not timidity; and for rejoicing. A Time for Discerning and Engaging Throughout the ELCA I hear people asking, "Is my voice heard? Will my voice be respected as we seek together to discern God's purpose for us?" The answer is yes. Nevertheless, people of deep faith and a desire to be part of this church wonder: Do we mean it when we say we can preach, teach and hold divergent views on sexuality and be full participants in the ELCA's life and witness? Again, the answer is yes.