Pathways to a public church  

Photo: Alex Raabe

Built into LSTC's DNA is the concept that it's important for pastors and other church leaders to witness to the gospel in every aspect of life. That commitment is why LSTC was formed and why it is located on Chicago's south side. The curriculum that LSTC launches when classes begin on Sept. 2 is a new way to prepare graduates to do just that. Although it is still a work in progress, here's what I can tell you about the new curriculum. 

What's different about the new curriculum is that it was designed with the understanding that each student has different experiences, passions, and skills when they enter seminary. Working closely with their faculty advisor, students will map out their own path to become the leaders God is calling them to be.

Advisors will make sure that each student has developed skills and competencies in five key areas: cultural context, spiritual formation, ministerial and public leadership, religious heritage - scripture, and religious heritage - history and theology.

To allow for the different pathways students will take, the faculty reduced the number of required courses for the M.Div. program from 23 to nine. Yes, you read that right.

Those nine are interdisciplinary, team-taught "orienting" courses in the five competency areas. Then students will take a customized mix of higher level courses to complete the 27 needed for the degree.

Master of arts in theological studies and master of arts in ministry degree requirements are a little different, M.A.T.S. students have six required courses and M.A.M. students nine or 10 of 16 courses to complete the degree.

The first orienting class for all first-year master's students is Public Church 1. This year it will be taught by Drs. Richard Perry Jr. and Ray Pickett. In it, they will go out into LSTC's neighborhood to learn what its resources and needs are. Using scripture and other theological resources, they will reflect on how to to publicly witness to the gospel in a specific location. Read the course profile. 

Please pray for students and faculty as they begin to travel these new pathways. We are on the way.

Blessings--

Jan Boden

Director of Communications and Marketing

jboden@lstc.edu

Alumni News   

David Vásquez-Levy

David Vásquez-Levy named president of Pacific School of Religion

The Rev. David Vásquez-Levy (1995, M.Div.; 2001, D.Min.) was elected president of the Pacific School of Religion (PSR) on August 14. He is the school's 13th president and will be one of only three persons of Latino/a descent serving as president of an accredited seminary in the U.S. and its territories. Read more.  

Cuttino Alexander on Day1 radio program

The Rev. Cuttino Alexander (2013, M.Div.), pastor at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Mt. Holly, N.C., was the preacher on the Day1 radio program on Aug. 17. Pastor Alexander was the 2013 recipient of the David H. C. Read Preacher/Scholar Award, given by Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church of New York City.

Nancy Goede publishes Uncovering Lives

The Rev. Nancy Goede (1994, M.Div.), published Uncovering Lives: Discovering One Immigrant Generation's Secrets and Lives of Forgiveness, Grace, and Healing available online from Shook Foil Books. Pastor Goede's search to identify people in old photographs led her on decades-long journey of discovery about her ancestors.

Robert Saler publishes Between Magisterium and Marketplace

In Between Magisterium and Marketplace: A Constructive Account of Theology and the Church, the Rev. Dr. Robert Saler asks "What is the relationship of the church to theology? How does the church relate to the work of creative theological authorship, particularly when authors propose novel claims? And how do ecclesial models, particularly of ecclesial authority, underwrite or authorize how theology is done?" Available from Fortress Press in paperback or e-book.

News from LSTC 

Elizabeth Christensen named new LSTC Gospel Choir manager
This fall, LSTC's Gospel Choir will have a new manager, the second in the choir's 26-year history. Elizabeth Christensen succeeds founding manager Patricia Bartley.

"I am delighted that Liz Christensen will be the first student in that position. She served as assistant director during the 2013-14 school year and will do an excellent job," said Ms. Bartley. Read more.   

LSTC hosts Lutheran World Federation Conference, lecture

Biblical scholars and theologians from around the world will gather at LSTC September 4-10 for the Third Lutheran World Federation International Hermeneutics Conference. The Gospel of Matthew is the focus of the conference.

As part of the conference, on Fri., Sept. 5, the Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert presents a free public lecture, "Matthew's Gospel for the Reformation: 'The Messiah...Sent and Manifested," in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC, 1100 E. 55th St. at 7:30 p.m.

On Mon., Sept. 8, Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will preach at an 11 a.m. worship service in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC. Read more.   

Nominate a distinguished alum

Diane Dardon

Each year, LSTC presents six Distinguished Alumni Awards to outstanding alumni. Do you know an outstanding alum we should honor in 2015? Nominate her or him by Sept. 15. http://www.lstc.edu/alumni-friends/resources/awards.php .

The Alumni Board will review nominations and choose the 2015 Distinguished Alumni at its fall meeting.

You may nominate more than one person. View photos from this year's awards ceremony.  

New Testament Professor Barbara Rossing contributed a reflection on Matt. 22: 15-22 to the 2014 Bread for the World Sunday resources for churches. Download it here.

Explore the World of the Bible   

Sign up now for this extraordinary tour of the Holy Lands led by Esther Menn and Barbara Rossing, Jan. 5-19, 2015. The cost for non-students is just $3,797 and includes almost everything: airfare, lodging, two meals a day, land transportation, site entrance and tour guide fees and tips. To sign up, email Esther Menn. More details are here. Register online here.

Want to make a difference?

Your gifts to the Annual Fund help every LSTC student. Your gift is so important-it helps keep tuition costs down and it also provides grants for students in need. You can make a difference right now by making a gift online. Thank you!

Musical events at LSTC

Music That Makes Community

Music that Makes Community, Sept. 25-27. Register here.  

Bach Organ Project, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.  Learn more and buy a ticket here.  

Pero Multicultural Center Benefit Concert, Oct., 12, 4 p.m. in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC  

Opportunities at LSTC       

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