Why We Love Faith + Lead
One of the great privileges we have at Ministry Forum is curating and highlighting resources that genuinely strengthen the Church’s ministry across Canada. This week, we’re taking a minute to shine a light on the work of Faith + Lead - a resource that many in our community have already encountered, and one we’ve referenced many times in our emails and website posts.
About Faith + Lead (In their own words):
Faith+Lead from Luther Seminary is the only non-degree theological learning platform uniquely combining trustworthy theological education, community, spiritual formation, and practices to meet the 21st-century challenges of the Church.
Faith+Lead emerged out of Luther Seminary’s 2017 vision statement: “The Holy Spirit calls Luther Seminary to lead faithful innovation for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a rapidly changing world.”
With our emphasis on theologically sound, accessible, and pedagogically rich learning, we offer a space where you can engage at your own pace, ensuring a journey tailored to your individual needs and schedule.
Recognizing that traditional degree programs alone were insufficient to help churches address a changing cultural environment, we began developing resources to meet the needs of today’s ministry landscape.
Podcasts
Faith+Lead hosts three podcasts:
The Pivot Podcast shares lessons and stories from faith+leaders who are dreaming of new possibilities for God’s church.
Enter the Bibleguides you on a journey through the books of the Bible, providing insights on how Scripture can shape our lives today. Each episode focuses on one or two books of the Bible in fun, engaging, and authentic conversations between Luther Seminary faculty and guest Bible scholars who are experts on the book(s) in question.
Working Preacher Weekly conversations on how to proclaim an authentic Word in challenging times, through the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary.
Blogs, On-Demand Courses and Free Downloads
Faith+Lead offers a wide range of resources designed to support practical, day-to-day ministry.
Their blog features regular articles on topics relevant to church leadership, spiritual life, and the changing landscape of ministry.
Free downloads and e-books that can be used in personal study or shared within ministry contexts. These resources are typically focused on specific topics and are designed to be accessible and immediately useful.
On-demand courses that allow participants to engage at their own pace covering ministry areas like leadership, stewardship, rural ministry, innovation, and faith in contemporary contexts.
NEW - The School for Lay Ministry
The School for Lay Ministry is a 12-month journey designed to help participants grow as faithful and effective lay leaders. It is created for those who are taking on increased leadership in their congregation or who want to deepen their theological foundation while building practical ministry skills.
Throughout the program, participants learn how to craft and deliver sermons, provide spiritual care with healthy boundaries, plan and lead meaningful worship, and engage Scripture in preaching and teaching. The course also explores church history, congregational leadership, financial management, and navigating ministry in a digital age.
The learning experience includes a carefully structured curriculum, monthly three-hour cohort gatherings with a trained pastor, and access to a supportive community of peers. Participants complete 120 contact hours across 13 sessions, combining theological reflection, skill development, and practical application.
Each month includes on-demand lessons that can be completed on a flexible schedule, along with opportunities to apply what is being learned directly in a ministry context. By the end of the program, participants may also receive a Faith+Lead Certificate in Lay Ministry, alongside tools and practices they can continue using in their congregations.
If you have not yet explored Faith+Lead, we warmly encourage you to do so. Whether through their podcasts, blog, downloadable resources, or this School for Lay Ministry, you may find just what you need!