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The Faith+Lead Framework

A Spirit-led way to follow Jesus, lead change, and do church differently.

The Culture Is Shifting. So Is the Church.

We’re rooted in deep theological tradition and shaped for the everyday rhythms of ministry. This is formation for the real world—Spirit-led, theologically grounded, and ready for whatever comes next.

The core beliefs that ground everything we do in God’s ongoing mission of renewal through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

God Is Already at Work

The Triune God is actively creating, reconciling, healing, and restoring the world. We’re invited to notice.

God Is with Us in Jesus

and invites us to join in what God is doing. Jesus joined our humanity so we can follow his lead.

The Gospel Matters

The good news of Jesus Christ is a matter of life and death for the whole world.

God Is the Primary Leader

We don’t carry this mission alone. We discern and follow where God is already leading.

All Christians Are Called

Faith isn’t a performance by clergy. Every Christian is called to participate.

The Holy Spirit Gathers the Local Church

No matter the church structure, Christians are called to worship, pray, read scripture, and serve together.

Key habits and leadership skills ministry leaders need to faithfully navigate change and lead with impact in today’s world.

Connect with God

Grow in Scripture, theology, and spiritual practice to develop a Christ-centered identity that shapes how you live and lead every day.

Tell the Story

Share the good news of Jesus in ways people can actually hear—through words and actions that reflect his love.

Love Your Neighbor

Join your neighbors—especially those who suffer—in acts of justice, compassion, and reconciliation that witness to Jesus’ mercy.

Cultivate Community

Form deep, lifegiving relationships by listening well, naming God’s presence, and honoring diversity inside and outside the church.

Shift Ministry Models

Draw from best practices in entrepreneurship and innovation while staying grounded in the gospel.

Strategic mindset shifts that move churches from survival to Spirit-led innovation and mission.

Pivot 1: Posture

From fixing to listening, discerning, and experimenting

We can’t fix our way out of decline. Instead, we’re called to show up. Pay attention. Try things. The Spirit is already on the move—our job is to join in.

Pivot 2: Focus

From membership to discipleship

Belonging to a church isn’t the same as following Jesus. Discipleship means learning his story, practicing his way, and living it out. Together.

Pivot 3: Structure

From one shape fits all to a mixed ecology

Church comes in more than one shape. Some gather in sanctuaries. Other around dinner tables, hiking trails, or community gardens. The Spirit shows up in them all.

Pivot 4: Leadership

From clergy-led/lay-supported to lay-led/clergy-supported ministry

The future isn’t all on the pastor’s shoulders. It’s time to unleash the gifts of the whole Body of Christ, side-by-side in mission.

Start Your Faith Journey

Understand the challenges facing the church today so that you can be more hopeful, closer to God, and clearer on your next faithful steps.

Watch the video

Maybe You’re Noticing the Shift in Your Own Context

You’re not alone if you’re…

  • Looking for practical tools you can use right now in your ministry
  • Wondering how to do more with limited time, money, and volunteers
  • Exhausted by trying to keep every program afloat
  • Watching attendance dip and wondering what to do about it
  • Trying to lead change in a congregation that resists it
  • Feeling stuck between generations
  • Carrying more responsibility than feels sustainable
  • Wondering how to unlock shared leadership in your congregation

Take Your Next Faithful Step

Ministry pulls you in a hundred different directions. You’re tending people, solving problems, and trying to stay faithful in a world that keeps shifting.

How do you know what to prioritize—or where God is really calling you next?

Join Dr. Alicia Granholm, Senior Director of Faith+Lead, in a powerful, FREE four-part video series (each episode under 20 minutes) that will help you cut through the noise, name what’s real, and discern your next faithful step. Get access by completing the form below.

Video 1:

Church & Culture

Video 2:

5 Core Tasks

Video 3:

Four key pivots

Video 4:

Your Next Faithful Step

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More resources for the whole church from Luther Seminary:

Enter the Bibile
Festival of Homiletics
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