{"id":43,"date":"2023-02-08T23:19:07","date_gmt":"2023-02-08T23:19:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.layschoolofministry.org\/press\/?page_id=43"},"modified":"2025-10-16T14:57:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T14:57:21","slug":"lsm-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.layschoolofministry.org\/press\/lsm-history\/","title":{"rendered":"LSM History"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n

History of the Lay School of Ministry<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

1992-1993<\/strong><\/p>\n

Under the leadership of Dick Bruesehoff (assistant to Bishop Knutson) a group of pastors (Greg Kaufmann, Don Wisner, James Homme, and Dick) gathered to envision a program in the Synod that would take seriously our belief in the ministry of all the baptized, and of life long learning. It was believed that to meet the varied ministry needs of the coming millenium, the Synod needed to equip all its ministers (the baptized) in a very intentional way. The Lay School of Ministry grew out of that conversation. Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls agreed to host the LSM, and its members offered to provide free housing for all participants who needed it.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Left to right, Dick Bruesehoff, James Homme, Don Wisner, Greg Kaufmann<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

1993-<\/span>199<\/strong>4<\/span><\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

The first class of the LSM began. Faculty included Prof. Marc Kolden of Luther Seminary (systematics and church history), and Pastors Don Wisner (worship), Greg Kaufmann (Biblical studies), and Dick Bruesehoff (spiritual formation).<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n<\/p>\n
<\/figure><\/p>\n<\/div>
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1994-1995<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to year 2 of the first class, a second group began, with the addition of two new faculty. Their course work remained the same, with Prof. Gary Simpson of Luther Seminary handling the systematics piece and Pastor Mary Jorgensen taking the Biblical studies.<\/p>\n

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Professor Gary Simpson teaches Systematics and Lutheran Theology in our first and second year classes.<\/b><\/figure>\n<\/div>
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1995-1996<\/strong><\/p>\n

The third group of LSM students formed. Since Marc Kolden was named Academic Dean of Luther Seminary, his place on the teaching team was taken by Lois Malcom, also of Luther Seminary.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

1996-1997<\/strong><\/p>\n

Due to the number of laity interested in becoming the fourth group to start the Lay School of Ministry, two new groups were started. In order to provide enough faculty, the Rev. Dale Freberg was invited to teach the Biblical material, along with Mary Jorgensen. The rest of that teaching team remained the same.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

1997-1998<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the departure of Rev. Bruesehoff to Chicago church-wide staff, the Rev. Keith Holste, a D-Min student at Luther Sem. and a pastor in our synod, was asked to teach the Spiritual Formation piece for both years. The fifth LSM class also began this year.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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1998-1999<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to the 6th LSM class beginning their two year course of study, several other firsts occurred. A governing board comprised of past participants was formed. The need for continuing education for past participants was also addressed in two ways. First, a third year option was offered in the area of “biblical evangelism.” The faculty was comprised of Rev. Mark Olson, Rev. Dale Freberg, and Rev. Carm Aderman (Assistant to Bishop Bob Berg). Second, the board decided to offer two overnight retreats each year (one in the Fall and one in the Spring) to past participants. Luther Park Bible Camp was chosen as the site.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

1999-2000<\/strong><\/p>\n

Enrollments of 22 first year, 23 second year and 18 “third” year students. The topic for Year three was “Who is Jesus?” and the extra Track B has a focus on Christian Education, led by Ruth Lundblad. We continued the tradition of a Fall and Spring Retreat. The Fall Retreat featured Pastor Greg Kaufmann, who taught his course on the “Formation of the New Testament Canon.” The Spring retreat featured Dr. Gary Simpson, who answered the question, “Is there a Lutheran Ethic of Marriage?”<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

2000-2001<\/strong><\/p>\n

Enrollment – 24 first year students, 21 second year and 12 Continuing Education. The Continuing Education theme was “Our Neighbor’s Faith.” Friday night Pastor Dale Freberg led the group in a study of Acts. Saturday mornings Luther Seminary faculty and guests explored different world religions. The Fall Retreat was on Judaism, led by Dr. Helaine Minkus. The summer retreat, held at Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp, featured Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe of our companion synod in Malawi.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

2001-2002<\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Enrollment – Year one 26, year two 23, and 28 continuing education. The Theme for the Continuing Education year, taught by Rev. Jeanne Dahl of Luther Seminary, was “Luther and Contemporary Church Issues.” The theme of our retreat, held in April at Luther Park, was “Food and the Bible.” It was lead by John Kurshner, Greg Kaufmann and Nancy Lund.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

2002-2003<\/strong><\/p>\n

Enrollment – 26 first year, 21 second year and 39 continuing ed. students. Continuing Education studied Revelations on Friday. Saturday’s the topic was Science and the Faith. This was led by Augsburg College, Luther Seminary, University of Minnesota, UW-EC faculty and ELCA Church-wide staff. This is the first year where Continuing Ed. students could choose either Friday or Saturday topics, or both.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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2003-2004<\/strong><\/p>\n

Enrollment – 38 first year, 28 second year and 38 continuing ed. students. Continuing Education studies Genesis on Friday with Rev. Dale Freberg. Saturday the topic is Christian Ethics taught by Dr. David Fredrickson of Luther Seminary. Students could choose either Friday or Saturday topics, or both.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2004-2005<\/strong> <\/p>\n

Enrollment – 19 first year, 38 second year and 27 continuing ed. Continuing Education changed its format this year, offering weekend long classes with the same professor and topic. Continuing ed. offered three different topics: Grief and Loss\/Substance Abuse (two sessions), Islam (two sessions) and Biblical Translation (5 sessions). Continuing ed. participants were able to take one, two or all three topics.<\/p>\n

May 2005 Closing Worship<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Continuing Ed has Kal Rissman was the instructor on Grief and Loss…<\/b><\/p>\n

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Above, Rev. Kara Skatrud (with her parents Roger and Marilyn). Kara was the speaker at our final worship.<\/b><\/p>\n

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May banquet for all learners.<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Howard and Bonnie Weber, Pr. Dave and Joyce Anderson, Tim Fehr, Dee Schlieve, Gay Fehr and Vicki Fankhauser.<\/strong> Pr. Dave, Dee and Gay provided music for the closing worship service.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Our Fall Retreat was at Chetek Lutheran with Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe from Malawi. This two day retreat centered on church music, church history and day to day life in parishes in Malawi. A part the cost of this retreat for many participants was covered by a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.<\/p>\n

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Diane Kaufmann, Companion Synod Coordinator with synod members who have traveled to Malawi.<\/span><\/b>\"\"
Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe<\/b><\/p>\n

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Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe<\/b>
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Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe, Bishop Joseph poses with Lauren and Marc Likkel.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2005-2006<\/b><\/p>\n

The Lay School of Ministry Board was pleased that 67<\/strong> past participants signed up for the Continuing Education class for the 2005-2006<\/strong> LSM year. 27 first year students and 17 second year students were enrolled.<\/p>\n

As we did last year, the Board decided to again combine the Friday evening and Saturday morning Continuing Ed classes into one. Courses ran Friday evening from 7-10 PM and Saturday morning from 8:30 – Noon. This allowed us to bring in some exciting faculty members from around the country who are knowledgeable about our topics.<\/p>\n

The theme for this year was Martin Luther and the Reformation Era<\/strong><\/em>. Theses classes were filmed for Select Learning’s Luther’s Legacy for Laity<\/a><\/em><\/strong> DVD resource<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The September 9-10, 2005 session was presented by LSM founder, Dick Bruesehoff, Director of Leadership Support with the Division For Ministry of the ELCA. His first topic area was roots of Lutheran spirituality. He also took us on a visual tour of Reformation sites.<\/p>\n

September 2005 First Session photos<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/strong>Bonnie and Howard Weber and Diane Kaufmann, all LSM Board members register new students and hand out texts and name tags.<\/b><\/p>\n

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<\/strong>Board member Carol Braun, Board Treasurer, Howie Weber and our meals coordinator, Vicki Fankhauser.<\/b><\/p>\n

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<\/b>LSM Dean, John Ku<\/span>rschner sets out our Continuing Ed. texts. Luther and the Reformation Era was the topic.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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<\/b>First Year text books.<\/b><\/p>\n

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Dr. Gary Simpson, teaches first and second year Theology and Systematics.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Pastor Mary Jorgenson taught Bible to first and second year LSM students.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Pastor Greg’s first session finds students drawing biblical timelines from memory?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Bethany and Beverly work on their timeline together – now what goes where and when?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Pastor Don Wisner, who teachers Worship to first and second year students, visits with Pastor Dick Bruesehoff, <\/span><\/strong>our lead of continuing education instructor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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67 continuing education students attended this year. Dick gave us a visual history of the sites of the Reformation<\/span>.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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All of this year’s contining ed lectures were taped for Select Media who chose 4 sessions to create instruction DVDs for the greater church.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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After the session, Dick visits with some continuing ed. students at lunch.<\/strong><\/p>\n

November 11-12, 2005 session was presented by Kathryn Kleinhans from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. She focused on Luther’s The Bondage of the Will, with attention to the themes of sin, necessity, and salvation. She also covered the issues of sin, forgiveness and penance with some applicability to current issues.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Kathryn “Kit” Kleinhans signing books for students<\/b><\/p>\n

Our December 9-10, 2005 we met with Professor David Lose from Luther Seminary. He presented on key ideas of Luther with particular focus on Luther’s doctrine of two kingdoms. How did that doctrine play out then – the peasants war – and how does it play out now?<\/p>\n

The January 13-14, 2006 session was presented by Professor Timothy Wengert of Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Professor Wengert spoke on the formation and importance of the Book of Concord. Professor Wengert is the editor of the current edition of the Book of Concord we use as a text in LSM. He also touched on Philip Melanchthon.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Professor Timothy Wengert<\/b><\/figure>\n

The February 10-11, 2006 session was presented by Darrell Jodock, Professor at Gustavus Adolphus College and chair of the Teaching Theologians of the ELCA. His topic was Other Themes in Luther and their Relevance For Today. By other, Darrell means, themes in addition to Justification By Grace Through Faith. Darrell talked about the importance of “God active in the world” and about its implications for our vocation in the world. Other themes covered included: Luther’s theology of the cross, the centrality of community and the importance of creation.
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Professor Darrell Jodock, from Gustavus Aldophus College, teaches continuing education. Filmed for Select Learning’s <\/span>Luther’s Legacy for Laity.<\/span><\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

In March 10-11, 2006 our focus was on the life and importance of Martin Luther with Professor Kurt Hendel of Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.<\/p>\n

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Pastor Don Wisner teaches the 1st and 2nd year Worship classes – Christian Baptism and symbols.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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Professor Kurt Hendel from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago taught continuing education class – Life and Importance of Martin Luther.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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Part of the Spiritual Formation Class involves Covenent Groups that meet monthly to share and discuss the aspects of the LSM classes.<\/b><\/p>\n

Our April 7-8, 2006 session was to be with Jane Strohl, Professor of Reformation History and Theology at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in Berekely, CA. Her topic was to be “Other Voices of the Reformation.” Who were the people that the Lutheran Confessions label as “our opponents” and what were their positions? Included wasto be: The Catholic Reformation and the Council of Trent, the Reform tradition, both the Zwinglian and Calvinist movements, the Anabaptists, and the radicals. However, due to health issues, Professor Strohl was rescheduled for a summer retreat. In her absence due to illness, Companion Synod Coordinator, Diane Kaufmann spoke on the recent Malawi Choir tour and Arlan Bergquist spoke on our Synod’s gift of a portable church to the Texas-Louisianna Synod in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.<\/p>\n

Bonus: Our guest presenter for the May 12-13, 2006 session was Mphatso Thole (Companion Synod Coordinator, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malawi.)<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pastor Mary Jorgensen taught Spiritual Formation – here she is meeting with the second year group that will be completing their basic course at LSM on this day.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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Students completing the first two years of Lay School recieve a symbolic cross during the closing worship each May.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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Our Continuing Education class had Mphatso Thole, Companion Synod Coordinator from our companion church in Malawi. <\/b><\/span>Mphatso’s counterpart in our synod is Diane Kaufmann – shown here along with Tim Fehr who’s helping Mphatso load his presentation.<\/b><\/p>\n

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Mphatso demonstrated many things about <\/span>Malawi life. Including things as basic as a garden hoe used to p<\/span>repare their fields to plant corn – the staple food in much of Malawi.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Professor Jane Strohl – PLTS came for a special summer retreat session held in Rice Lake and taught the course she missed due to illness – all Lay School participants were welcome.<\/p>\n

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Jane Strohl was unable to teach her contining ed. class on the the orginal time slot due to an illness. She came and presented her topic (Other Voices of the Reformation) later in 2006. The class was held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake.<\/b><\/p>\n

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Board Retreat. The LSM Board held their own retreat at Luther Park in 2006 to create the study guide for Select Learning’s<\/span> Luther’s Legacy for Laity<\/span><\/em>. Left to right, Tim Fehr, Howard Weber, Janelle Thompson, John Kurscher, Diane Kaufmann, Sandy Kurschner, Bonnie Weber, and Gay Fehr.) Pastor Greg Kaufmann is the Synod advisory member on the Board and he took this picture.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2006-2007<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the 2006-2007<\/strong> LSM year we experienced our first low enrollment year and didn’t begin a new first year class – second year graduated 24 and continuing ed had over 30 attend. Faculty changes included Don Wisner retiring and the Board was pleased that Pastor David K. Anderson from Immanuel in Eau Claire took the worship class. Pastor Mary Jorgensen switched from teaching Biblical Studies to Spiritual Formation.<\/p>\n

The Continuing Education topic was The Apostle Paul and the First Century World.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

September: Dr. David Tiede (Augsburg College) Dr. Tiede, a recognized Lukan scholar, introduced us to Paul and the first century world using the book of Acts as his lens. Luke’s Acts could very well be titled the Acts of Peter and Paul, with Peter dominating the first 12 chapters and Paul the final 16! How can Luke’s Paul inform our own calls to be active in loving service in the 21st century?<\/p>\n

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    \n
  1. Professor David Tiede, from Augsburg College taught “Paul according to the book of Acts” for the continuing education class. <\/b><\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Pastor Greg Kaufmann taught Bible for the second year class this year.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    October: Dr. Darrell Jodock (Gustavus Adolphus College) and Dr. Karla Suomala (Luther College) Drs. Jodock and Suomala, both experts in Judaism, introduced us to Paul the Pharisee. Herod’s temple wasn’t destroyed by the Romans until 71 CE, and since Judaism was still a key player on the world religious scene until that time, and since Paul claims to be the best Pharisee that ever lived…well sort of….they introduced us to the various versions of Judaism of that time, and what that meant for Paul as he travelled from one city to another.<\/p>\n

    \"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Bishop Bob Berg taught the October Spiritual Formation class.<\/b><\/li>\n
    2. Gustavus Adolphus Professor Darrell Jodock team taught the continuing education class on the topic of various versions of Judaism at the time of Paul.<\/b><\/li>\n
    3. Luther College Professor Karla Suomala was the co-presenter.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      November: Dr. Phil Quandbeck III (Augsburg College) Dr. Quanbeck, leader of study trips to Greece, and participants in archeological digs, and an expert on Paul’s use of Greek rhetoric in his letters, introduced us to the urban context of Paul’s ministry. How Paul did his ministry in the different cities of Greece and Asia Minor (modern Turkey) was Dr. Quanbeck’s focus. He also shared stunning slides of the ruins of the cities Paul visited.<\/p>\n

      \"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Rev. David K. Anderson, from Immanuel Lutheran in Eau Claire became our new Worship instructor. Dave replaced Rev. Don Wisner who retired.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Dr. Phil Quandbeck III (Augsburg College) was our continuing education class instructor this month. He introduced us to the urban context of Paul’s ministry, and how Paul did his ministry in the different cities of Greece and Asia Minor, including some stunning slides of his trips there.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Pastor Anderson and Phil Quanbeck. (Yes, Dave is a graduate of the Yale Divinity School.)<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        December: Dr. David Rhoads (Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago) Dr. Rhoads is Paul! He has memorized a number of NT books, including Galatians. When Dr. Rhoads stands in front of the class and “talks us through” the entire book the letter comes alive. Dr. Rhoads shared how Paul’s lens on why the cross is good news colors how we see the different Gospel’s take on the same issues.<\/p>\n

        Jan. – May. Dr. David Fredrickson (Luther Seminary, St. Paul) The LSM was pleased to welcome back Dr. Fredrickson. An expert on Paul, and a frequent traveler to the cities Paul visited, Dr. Fredrickson shared his insight with the class as he took the group through the seven genuine letters of Paul.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. 28 Lay School Attendees received their Lay School crosses at the closing worship.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Pastor Kaufmann was asked to preach by the class.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
          <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

          2007-2008<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Enrollment – 42 first year students, and 52 Continuing Education. No second year class.<\/p>\n

          Continuing Education.<\/strong> The topic was “From Exodus to Jesus: A Look at the History, Literature and People.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

          Faculty included Phil Ruge-Jones, Texas Lutheran; Dennis Olson, Princeton Theological Seminary; Esther Menn, LSTC; Ralph Klein, LSTC; Gary Stansell, St. Olaf College; Jim Aageson, Concordia College,<\/strong> Minnesota; Monte Luker, Southern Seminary; Paul Hanson, Harvard and Casey Elledge, Gustavus Adolphus College .<\/p>\n

          \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Professor Gary Simpson signed his new book War, Peace, and God: Rethinking the Just-War Tradition.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n
          2. Esther Menn covered (without notes, which were in her lost luggage) Eschatology, Messianic Expectations, Angels, Demons and Satan. She did a great job too; most of the class never knew she was doing this all from memory.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Professor Ralph Klein, from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, taught the continuing ed. class in November. He covered various post Exilic books of the Bible. The Lay School Board over the summer purchased the ‘Countryman’ wireless microphones for both of our larger classes.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n
            2. Ralph covered Haggai, Zechariah 1-8, Malachi, Ezra, Nehemiah and Chronicles.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Professor Jim Aageson, from Concordia College in Moorehead, MN was the continuing ed. instructor.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n
              2. His topic was “The Jewish Religious and Social World from the Second Century B.C.E. to the time of Jesus.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                \"\"\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Paul Hanson from Harvard, was the continuing ed. instructor. His topic was Apocalyptic Literature.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n
                2. During breaks, Paul signed his latest book<\/span> The Dawn of Apocalyptic: The Historical and Socialogical Roots of Jewish Apocalyptic Eschatology<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n
                3. Mary Jorgensen’s Spiritual Formation Class experienced whole-body prayer.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  \"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Casey Elledge from Gustavus Adolphus College taught the continuing ed. session on<\/span> “The Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls.” <\/span><\/em><\/b><\/li>\n
                  2. Gay Fehr and Dee Schlieve were part of the Immanuel Lutheran – Eau Claire, worship team that played music for the <\/span>Now the Feast and Celebration<\/span><\/em> worship service.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n
                  3. Don Schlieve, Pastor Greg Kaufmann and Pastor David Anderson made up the rest of the musicians.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n
                  4. Pastor Amy Odgren, Assistant to the Bishop, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, was the preacher for this final worship service.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
                    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

                    2008 – 2009<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Enrollment – 22 first year students, 32 second year and 61 Continuing Education.<\/p>\n

                    Continuing Education. The topic was “The Gospels – Canonical and Noncanonical.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    September, Mark Allan Powell, Trinity Seminary, introduced the class to Gospel Literature. October, Ray Pickett, Lutheran Seminary in the Southwest, covered Luke. November, Richard Caemmerer Jr., Grunewald Institute, presented on Art and the Gospels. December, Jim Boyce, Luther Seminary, covered Matthew. January, Sarah Henrich, Luther Seminary, covered the Non-Canonical Gospels. February, Hans Wiersma, Augsburg College, presented on Film and the Gospels. March, Susan Briehl, Valparaiso University & Wartburg Seminary, covered John. April, Audrey West, LSTC, presented on Parables and the Gospels. May, Phil Ruge-Jones, Texas Lutheran University, did a live performance of the entire Gospel of Mark (which was filmed and is now available from Select Learning<\/a>). He also led us on discussions of the oral tradition and the Gospels as well and covering additional aspects of Mark.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

                    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

                    2009-2010 <\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Continuing Ed – Topic<\/strong>: “The Old Testament Prophets”<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                    Our instructor in September, from Princeton University, was Professor Jeremy Hutton, who spoke on the Former Prophets.<\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Jeremy’s father, Professor Rod Hutton, from Trinity Seminary, spoke on Amos & Hosea in October.<\/p>\n

                    In November our speaker was Monte Lucker from Southern Seminary on Micah.<\/p>\n

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                    In December, Eli Beach from St. Ambrose University, taught on First Isaiah.<\/p>\n

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                    Professor Paul Hanson, from Harvard University, covered Jeremiah in January.<\/p>\n

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                    Dr. Chip Bouzard, from Wartburg College, continued with 2nd & 3rd Isaiah in March.<\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Bill Urbock, from UW-Oshkosh led us on discussions of Jonah and other prophets.<\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    James Vigen, director of the Luther Institute, covered the topic: The Prophets Today.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

                    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

                    2010-2011 <\/b><\/p>\n

                    Enrollment – <\/span>15 first year students, 23 second year and 45 Continuing Education.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Continuing Education Topic: “Christian History Overview”<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    This year’s continuing education class was shared using Skype with a group meeting at Trinity Lutheran in Lawrence, Kansas. Part of the expenses were covered by a Thrivent grant. Here’s our sound and video technician, Graeme Fehr, getting set up to connect live to Lawrence. They were able to send questions and get answers from the presentors are well.<\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    September 2010 \u2013 Martin Marty – University of Chicago – “A Short History of Christianity”<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Dr. Marty divided his presentation into three parts.<\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    I. A satellite view of the Christian presence in history. Just as a satellite views features of and on the earth from a great distance, one which reduces them and makes their outlines clear, this first session will involve us “getting the big picture in which some main features will stand out.” This would in a sense be a timed “geography” of the faith, the who and what and when and where of Christian doings, without the detail. Such an approach helps participants do their own sorting out of significances. Beginnings, early growth, acquiring empire, crusading, building cathedrals, fashioning systems of theology will make their appearance.<\/p>\n

                    II. When a hurricane comes, many can flee its path. However, medical officials, firefighters, mass communicators, chaplains, and the like have to stay on the scene despite the dangers. In this second presentation we will move in closer, observing the structures, institutions, professions, and agencies of the Christian church, to see how leaders and followers interact in their efforts to serve and enjoy God and God’s creation. Here there will be occasion to look at the arts and hear the music of Christianity, to study the way it communicates its meanings.<\/p>\n

                    III. When storms come and go, it is the people “in the huts” in the pathway that feel them most. This third presentation will follow the outlines of what many today call “the people’s history of the faith.” In it we will take an historical look at practices, folklore, culture, ways of life, rituals, ways of coping, and ways of living out adventures, not always with the aid of popes and poets, but living out many meanings of the faith which historians formerly overlooked.<\/p>\n

                    In all three cases we will be mindful of “what are the uses of Christian history.” Dr. Marty likes to quote a British scholar who explained why he was an historian: “Because I find everything so odd, and I wonder how it got that way.” Others say, “we study history in order to interrupt and overcome history.” Abraham Lincoln guides others: “If we could first know where we are and whither we are tending, we might know what to do and how to do it.”<\/p>\n

                    He also expounded on the history of Dr. Hans Bibfeldt and his profound influence on Dr. Marty’s career.<\/p>\n

                    October 2010 – Kurt Hendel – LSTC – “Reforming the Church”<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    He addressed the following themes:
                    1. Heresy and Orthodoxy-with special focus on the Christological debates of the fourth and fifth centuries
                    2. Monasticism-which will include a concise survey of major monastic movements and some discussion of monastic ideals
                    3. Theological reform-with particular concentration on Luther
                    4. Reform of Piety-an exploration of German Pietism, especially Spener and Francke
                    5. Social Reform-Reformation; Anglican Evangelicals; Social Gospel<\/p>\n

                    November 2010 – Phil Krey – LSTP – “Church in Times of Crisis”<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    What is the role of the Bible in three major controversies over heresy and schism in the Early Church: The Trinitarian Controversy, the Donatist Controversy in North Africa, and the Pelagian Controversy? The role of the Bible was always more complicated than one might assume from our modern perspective. It was the interpretation of the Bible and trajectory of that interpretation that usually was decisive in the church catholic. A biblicist perspective, no matter how well grounded in the scriptures or in tradition, often lost out to the church’s conversations with culture, philosophy, and need for inclusivity in a changing historical context. What are the parallels to our current debates about the role of the Bible in the church and how can we learn from ancient heresies in modern dress?<\/p>\n

                    December 2010 – Guy Erwin – California University – “Sex, Marriage, Men and Women”<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Dr. Erwin’s presentation was cut in half by a record snowfall that began Friday evening during class. By Saturday morning we were forced to cancel Lay School classes, although 15 class members managed to get in and were fed breakfast. Not only was Lay School cancelled, but so were all flights out from the Chippewa Valley Airport – for three days! Guy made it home finally later on Monday.<\/p>\n

                    January 2011 – Kit Kleinhans – Wartburg College – “The Development of Doctrine”<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Friday evening: How the Creeds Came to Be<\/p>\n

                    Saturday: How Our Understanding of the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion Developed<\/p>\n

                    Suggested readings were:<\/p>\n

                    Alan Richardson, Creeds in the Making<\/em> or Frances Young, The Making of the Creeds<\/em><\/p>\n

                    Here is more detail under the two main topic areas.<\/p>\n

                    Why do Christians believe what we do? Many of our treasured Christian beliefs and practices have developed over time as Christians faithfully applied the Scriptures to new issues in changing contexts. Our two focus points will be the development of the Apostles and the Nicene Creeds in the early church and the development of Lutheran understandings of the sacraments at the time of the Reformation.<\/p>\n

                    February 2011 – Darrell Jodock – Gustavus Adolphus College – “Transforming Society” <\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    March 2011 – Mark Tranvik – Augsburg College – “Peace and War”<\/b><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    April 2011 \u2013 Mark Wilhelm – Vocation and Education – ELCA “Unifying the Church”<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    An enduring hope for a unified Church, in the face of seemingly unending disputes and disunity, is a major theme in the history of Christianity. Christian leaders from St. Paul to the voting members of the ELCA’s 2009 Churchwide Assembly have called upon Christians to remember that despite their disagreements they have “one Lord, one faith, one baptism;” that is, one Church. This session will explore the struggles and debates over unity and disunity in the Church. He identified the events and ideas that are considered by most historians to be the primary markers of the struggles and debates around ecclesial unity, from Imperial Rome’s hope to unify the Church through the Council of Nicaea to the contemporary ecumenical movement and the ELCA’s commitments to “unity in diversity” through its bi-lateral full communion agreements. In doing so, we will explore the question, “What does it mean for the Church to be unified?”<\/p>\n

                    May 2011 \u2013 Samuel Torvend – Pacific Lutheran University – “Missionary Outreach”<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    Such terms as “God’s mission” and “missional church” have recently emerged among North American Lutherans and other communities of the magisterial reformation. Indeed, church agencies and religious entrepreneurs offer “strategies” which will extend the church’s “mission” in our increasingly pluralistic culture. We pondered the question, “Why should Christians think of missionary outreach in the first place?” Why not “stay home” and tend to our own little corner of the world? We then explored different models of what it might mean to be an “apostolic” community today: Paul among the Romans; Patrick with the wild Irish ;Benedict’s mission among invaders; De Las Casas’ struggle with “Christian” conquistadors; Matteo Ricci in the Chinese imperial court; and Lutherans in Cameroon. On June 12, 2011, Christians will celebrate the Pentecost festival of the Spirit’s outpouring some two thousand years ago. How might our study of missionary outreach offer us different ways to participate in that continual outpouring today?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

                    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

                    2011-2012<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Enrollment – 25 first year students, 13 second year and 62 Continuing Education.<\/p>\n

                    Continuing Education Faculty & Topics
                    Lutheran Answers to Real Questions <\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Sept 9-10 Susan McArver (Southern Seminary) <\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Topic: Why do Lutherans make such a big deal about our baptism? What do we mean when we say that all the baptized are called to live out their vocation in the world? What does ministry in daily life look like through the many stages of our lives?<\/p>\n

                    Oct 7-8 Eli Hernandez, Assistant Director for Outreach, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Topic: As an immigrant church, should Lutherans be a part of the national debate over immigration? Does the Biblical perspective on the \u201csojourner in our midst\u201d help shape what Lutheran\u2019s bring to the conversation? What has been our own history with immigration? Do we have an ethical perspective on the pressures that drive immigration, and the administrative bottlenecks that contribute to the rising tide of undocumented immigrants?<\/p>\n

                    Nov 11-12 Carol Schersten Lahurd (LSTC) <\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Topic: What is the role of Lutheranism in a religiously pluralistic society? How should the ELCA relate to the varied Jewish traditions represented in the USA? What should our role be towards our Islamic neighbors? Should we work together with other faith traditions on social issues?<\/p>\n

                    Dec 9-10 David Fredrickson (Luther Seminary)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Topic: What should the church say regarding the criminal justice system? Does the fact that the vast majority of people incarcerated are minorities go against our own Scriptural roots? Does criminalizing everything actually lead to a safer society? What should we say about rehabilitation of those who are incarcerated?<\/p>\n

                    2012<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Jan 13-14 Bishop Mark Hanson (ELCA Presiding Bishop)<\/b><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    Topic: What is the calling of the church, and what is the best way to organize it? As a church committed to becoming a more missional church, how should we be structured? Does the current structure of our ELCA make sense in the 21st century? What does the emerging church movement have to teach us?<\/p>\n

                    Feb 10-11 Ralph Klein (LSTC) <\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Topic: Why do so many people fight about how to interpret the Bible? What did Martin Luther think about the Bible? Do Lutherans believe \u201cin the Bible?\u201d What do Lutherans have to say about inerrancy, infallibility and authority? Does the Left Behind series fit with a Lutheran understanding of the Bible?<\/p>\n

                    March 9-10 Jim Martin-Schramm (Luther College) <\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    Topic: If heaven is our home, why should Lutherans care about ecological issues? Should we get involved in current scientific debates over cosmology, evolution or genetics? Does our Lutheran confessional heritage call us to care for the earth and what humans are doing to it? Do Lutherans offer a unique perspective in the debates over the interlocking problems of global warming, energy consumption, water availability and usage, and the loss of species?<\/p>\n

                    April 13-14 Gary Simpson (Luther Seminary)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Topic: Why should Lutherans care about the culture wars going on in our country? What is the vocation of the church in a polarized society? Should the church work for the common good of the society it finds itself in? Should the church be concerned about the growing economic inequality in the USA? How dangerous is the declining civic engagement and why should Lutherans care?<\/p>\n

                    May 11-12 Phil Ruge Jones – (Texas Lutheran)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Topic: Why do Lutherans emphasize the theology of the cross so much? Doesn\u2019t God want to bless us? Why do Lutherans reject the very popular \u201cprosperity gospel\u201d movements? Does the theology of the cross leave any room for a theology of glory? What difference does this actually make in our own lives of faith?<\/p>\n

                    Lay School Of Ministry Year One had 27 students, Year Two had 14 students and the Continuing Education Class had 67 students. This year, Karl Jacobson, Augsburg College , taught Systematic Theology for both groups 1 and 2 while Professor Gary Simpson, Luther Seminary, was on sabbatical. Again, this year’s continuing education class was shared using Skype with a group meeting at Trinity Lutheran in Lawrence, Kansas. Also, for the first time, audio pod-casts of the continuing ed sessions were given to Select Learning – www.selectlearning.org<\/a>. These podcasts are available for downloading on the Select Learning web site.<\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Karl Jacobson (Augstana College) discussed a point with Elaine Mann<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

                    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

                    2012-13<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Enrollment – 22 first year students, 20 second year and 51 Continuing Education.<\/p>\n

                    LSM Continuing Education
                    Book of Faith Meets Missional Church<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

                    Sept. 14-15 Stephen Bouman, (Executive Director of Congregational and Synodical Mission, ELCA)
                    Bishop Duane Pederson and Director of Evangelical Mission, Amy Odgren of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin<\/p>\n

                    This month’s faculty made the case for a more missional orientation given our context and culture, stated the biblical imperative, provided some tools that folks could use with their own congregations, and provided examples as to what the missional church looks like synodically and nationally (successes\/failures of those who have boldly stepped out in Christ\u2019s name to witness to and serve neighbor as disciples, as individuals living out their baptismal vocations and as the community of faith.<\/p>\n

                    \u201cThe Biblical Roots and Current Reality of the ELCA as a Missional Church.”<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

                    Friday<\/strong><\/em>: Bishop Duane Pederson<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    Stated the case and explain why the missional church is crucial for our time and culture.<\/p>\n

                    Steve Bouman<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    Bible overview of missional imperative<\/p>\n

                    Saturday – <\/strong><\/em>Amy Odgren<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    Mission planning tools and ways to explore mission context and do intentional strategic planning
                    Amy Odgren<\/strong> \u2013 Reviewed what\u2019s happening on the territory of our synod;with examples of how the missional church is lived out
                    Steve Bouman<\/strong> \u2013 Overall movement of the ELCA that\u2019s missional in orientation; reviewed what\u2019s happening across the country<\/p>\n

                    Oct. 12-13<\/strong> David Tiede (Past President of Luther Seminary and past Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation, Augsburg College)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"

                    Apostolic Israel: How the Communities of Jesus were Scripturally Formed to Serve God\u2019s Mission<\/em><\/strong>
                    Overview:<\/strong> The Bible is the Church\u2019s Book of Faith<\/em>, and every assembly of believers is a community of interpretation in its worship, witness, and action. These sessions explored how Jesus and his communities of followers heard God\u2019s apostolic calling to them in Israel\u2019s scriptures. The Holy Spirit is at work both in what is written and how you read the scriptures.<\/p>\n

                    October 12 Session One: \u201cAll the Rest is Commentary!<\/em><\/strong>
                    At the time of Jesus, Israel\u2019s scriptures (Torah, Prophets & Writings) were interpreted in varied communities. Their traditions embodied diverse convictions and defined their places in the world. Their hand-written scrolls were not yet our \u201cBook of Faith,\u201d but Israel\u2019s scriptures were the common ground of the people of God and the contested ground for identifying faithfulness. Session One introduced this variety of communities of interpretation, exploring the social and theological worlds into which Jesus came. It wasn\u2019t simple then. It isn\u2019t now.<\/p>\n

                    October 12 Session Two: \u201cThat is What I Came Out to Do!\u201d<\/em><\/strong>
                    Jesus is still remembered as a teacher and his followers are often called disciples or learners. Appreciating his profound interpretation\/enactment of the \u201cscript\u201d of Israel\u2019s scriptures is one of the best ways to understand why Jesus was so authoritative, and so adamantly denounced. Session Two investigated how Jesus enacted an embodied scriptural vision of God\u2019s mission. Less original or heroic than often thought, Jesus was obedient to his role in the scriptural story.<\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    October 13 Session Three: \u201cAn Instrument I have Chosen!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Paul, \u201cA Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee,\u201d Paul\u2019s abiding concern was Israel. In writing to churches, he opened the apostolic gates of Israel\u2019s scriptures in the light of Jesus\u2019 life, death, and resurrection. He is often credited (and blamed) for the ways the communities of Jesus\u2019 followers reached out to the varied peoples and nations of the Roman world. In Session Three, the Apostle Paul taught us to read the scriptures to mobilize for mission.<\/p>\n

                    October 13 Session Four: \u201cThat My Salvation may Reach<\/em><\/strong> to the End of the Earth!\u201d<\/strong><\/em>
                    The four Gospels were probably written during the last third of the first century. The first three include many of the same stories. Selections from all four are read every week in Christian communities, then interpreted with deep deference to local pastoral and liturgical realities. Session Four sampled how varied selections (gospel pericopes<\/em>) stir again with new power and challenge in the light of their apostolic (Spirit driven) vitality.<\/p>\n

                    Nov. 9-10 Marty Stortz (Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation, Augsburg College)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \"\"
                    Dr. Stortz looked with us at the Beatitudes in Matthew’s gospel as a strategy for the mission church. We’re called by blessing, which is itself kind of counter-cultural when you think about it. The beatitudes commission blessed disciples to be a blessing for others. Together they describe a church that is not tethered to place, but bound by practices. And the great thing about practices is that you take them with you.<\/p>\n

                    The missional church is about the apostolate, a group of disciples that moves out in the world. It’s no longer the abbey, a place where people are sequestered, nor a campus where people come to you. The missional church is discipleship – with legs.

                    “Called by Blessing: The Beatitudes as Strategies for a Missional Church”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n