Wartburg Theological Seminary, in partnership with the CaSTLE Project, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Synod Grants. These grants support innovative leadership formation, theological education, and contextual ministry across the church, with a particular focus on rural ministry, synodically authorized ministry, and emerging ecclesial models.
The 2026 grants reflect a broad geographic reach and a deep commitment to strengthening ministry through collaboration between synods, leaders, and educational partners. This year’s recipients represent four key areas of focus.
Lay Leader and Synodically Authorized Minister (SAM) Education
Sierra Pacific Synod
Rocky Mountain Synod
Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod
Mentor Pastor and SAM Training
Western North Dakota Synod
Eastern North Dakota Synod
South Dakota Synod
Southwestern Minnesota Synod
Southeastern Iowa Synod
Western Iowa Synod
Northeastern Iowa Synod
South-Central Synod of Wisconsin
Northwest Synod of Wisconsin
La Crosse Area Synod
Northern Illinois Synod
Indiana-Kentucky Synod
Northwestern Ohio Synod
Upper Susquehanna Synod
Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod
Upstate New York Synod
Virginia Synod
Ecclesiological Transformation
Northwestern Minnesota Synod
Nebraska Synod
Central/Southern Illinois Synod
Northeastern Ohio Synod
Ecumenical Experiments
Northwest Intermountain Synod
Together, these synods represent a wide range of ministry contexts and challenges, from rural and small-town leadership development to ecumenical collaboration and structural innovation. Through these grants, the CaSTLE Project and Wartburg Theological Seminary continue their shared commitment to resourcing leaders who are attentive to context, grounded in theology, and responsive to the evolving needs of the church.
Additional information about the CaSTLE Project and grant-supported initiatives will be shared throughout the coming year as projects unfold.