Kairos Courses

Kairos courses marked in this list with an asterisk (*) have potential for graduate credit as an independent study course. All courses are held in Stub Hall unless otherwise noted.

You can register for all KAIROS classes online.

Register online for Kairos courses!

September 18-19, 2008
DISCERNMENT FOR THE PRACTICE OF INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY

Have you wondered what Intentional Interim Ministry is all about? Have you wondered whether you would be suited for this challenging ministry? If so, plan to attend this seminar offered by KAIROS and National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP).

Seminar Leaders:
Kent A. Garlinghouse, ELCA pastoral consultant, educator, transition specialist, Northwestern Minnesota Synod
Tuition: $125
Contact Hours: 11
Class Times:
Thursday, 1-9 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m.-Noon

Register Online Now!

September 22 - 24, 2008
PROCESS PREACHING: A SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING EXTEMPORANEOUS SERMONS

This course is full.

Process Preaching is a system for delivering sermons freely without reading a manuscript or simply speaking off the cuff. The system emphasizes the importance of first creating the sermon by writing a full manuscript. Without reading or memorizing the manuscript, preachers are then taught to speak freely what they have written through a specific kind of oral  rehearsal.
The system recognizes the tremendous difference between the oral and written worlds of communication. Process Preaching enables the preacher to use oral language to express the thoughts and ideas of a written text.

A message from your instructor is below.
It is vitally important to bring a sermon manuscript that you will be preaching shortly after returning home from the seminar. You will have a chance to try out extemporaneous delivery right away.

An email sent 2-3 weeks prior to the class will include the class schedule and will emphasize the need for this sermon.


This course is underwritten by the Julius Quello Preaching Fund.

Maximum Enrollment: 15

Seminar Leaders:
Jerry Larson, D.Min., Luther Seminary
Tuition: $160
Contact Hours: 11
Class Times:
Monday, 1:00-4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Includes one individual half-hour session with instructor either Monday or Tuesday after 2:30 p.m.

This course is full.

September 29 - October 3, 2008 *
BUILDING CARING CONGREGATIONS

Theologian Jurgen Moltmann has pointed out that the term "church" is not always a helpful term since it can be understood as part of the structures (e.g. patriarchy, hierarchy) that work against a eschatological, relational vision of today's life together as the people of God. The view of God unfolding within the life of the Triune God, building human community that is also revolutionary, new and constantly renewed,is perhaps better described with words such as "life in community."
This course will explore:

• How we can partner with God in building
  caring communities in our congregations
  
• How forms of non-violent communication can
  be important to such work
  
• The role of embodied forgiveness in the context
  of our lives together as the people of God

Seminar Leaders:
Roland Martinson, Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary
Janet Ramsey, associate professor of congregational care leadership, Luther Seminary
Theresa Latini, assistant professor of congregation and community are,Western
Theological Seminary, Holland, Mich.
Graduate Credit Adviser: Roland Martinson
Tuition: $250
Contact Hours: 20
Class Times:
Monday, 7:30-9 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m.-Noon

Register Online Now!

October 6 - 10, 2008 *
ANNUAL LECTIONARY STUDY: THE GOSPEL OF MARK

This year's annual lectionary study with members of Luther Seminary's New Testament and preaching faculty is an exegetical examination of the Gospel of Mark. Lectures, and group discussion will help you gain theological insights and preaching ideas for the coming year.

This course is underwritten by the Julius Quello Preaching Fund

Seminar Leaders:
Luther Seminary Bible and preaching faculty
Tuition: $250
Contact Hours: 20
Class Times:
Monday, 7:30-9 p.m.
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m
Friday, 8:30 a.m.-Noon

Register Online Now!

October 13 - 14, 2008
PREACHING SEMINAR: THE EVANGELICAL PROPHET: PREACHING ISAIAH FROM ADVENT TO EPIPHANY

The words of Isaiah gave form to the early church's understanding of Jesus Christ, and they continue to be indispensable to proclamation of the gospel message. Using passages that appear in the Revised Common Lectionary from Advent to Epiphany, we will focus on how that rich poetic tradition may speak to the preacher's imagination and illuminate Christian lives, even in the complex social situations of our own time.We will look at specific examples of how Isaiah figured in the civil rights and peace movements in North America and how it is currently used by the Christians of Southern Sudan. There will be some opportunity for participants to work on their own ideas for preaching Isaiah.

This preaching seminar comprises the eleventh annual Arndt and Emily Halvorson Preaching Series event. This gift provides resources to highlight and encourage fine preaching in the life and ministry of the church.

Recommended Reading
Wondrous Depth: Old Testament Preaching, Ellen F. Davis, (WJK 2005)
Unbounded by Time: Isaiah Still Speaks, William Holladay (Cowley 2002)

Seminar Leader: Ellen F. Davis, professor of Bible and practical theology, Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C., is interested in theological interpretation of the Old
Testament with particular concern for Christian preaching. Her current work focuses on developing an exegetical and theological base for responsible
practices of land care and food production. A lay Episcopalian, she has been involved in interreligious dialogue for more than 30 years.

Special price: Register for both Oct. 13-14 and
Oct. 15-17 courses and save $25. Package price $275

Tuition: $150
Contact Hours: 10
Class Times:
Monday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Register Online Now!

October 13 - 16, 2008
BUILDING INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP SKILLS AT MOUNT OLIVET RETREAT CENTER, FARMINGTON, MN

This course has been cancelled.

For the purposes of this training, leadership is defined as: "mobilizing a group of  people to work on their tough issues."  Ronald Heifetz, Leadership Without Easy Answers., 1994, Harvard University Business Press. 
The rationale for this training event is the belief of the trainers, from personal experience and viewing the church around the country, that the church lacks skilled and trained leaders.
The church has many great managers—those who can get work done—but few leaders—those who can mobilize a group to work on their tough issues.  Therefore, because of the times in which we live, it is imperative that we work to develop trained and skilled leaders who can empower congregations to work on their tough issues to lower the barriers that prevent the congregation from accomplishing its ministry. 
Through the use of propositions and scenarios written to reflect the ministry settings of both interim called and conventionally called clergy, each group will work together to build their understanding and practice of intentional leadership skills.

Required Reading
Pre-requisites for this event include reading The 5th Discipline, by Peter Senge; Leadership Without Easy Answers, by Ronald Heifetz; and completing an Insights profile.

TUITION:$425 base fee plus $135 for Insights evaluator for a total of $560.
Housing and meals for four days-three nights at Mt. Olivet is $299.00 for single occupancy
TUITION AND HOUSING TOTAL IS $859
The rate for double occupancy is $250 and the commuter rate is $159. Please call the Kairos office (651-641-3416) to register using those rates.

Seminar Leaders:
Paul N. Svingen, ELCA interim consultant/educator; Minneapolis Area Synod interim pastor; adjunct faculty, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky.
Kent Garlinghouse, ELCA pastoral consultant, educator, transition specialist, Northwestern Minnesota Synod
Susan Baldwin, personal and organizational development consultant, Accredited Insights Associate, Executive-PPL Inc
Tuition: $859
Contact Hours: 30
Class Times:
Event starts at 1:00 p.m. on Monday and ends at Noon on Thursday

This course has been cancelled.

October 13 - 17, 2008
PACKAGE: PREACHING SEMINAR: THE EVANGELICAL PROPHET: PREACHING ISAIAH FROM ADVENT TO EPIPHANY AND CHRISTIAN MINISTRY AND THE PHENOMENON OF ISLAM

See complete course descriptions for individual classes on October 13-14, 2008 and October 15-17, 2008

Seminar Leaders:
Ellen F. Davis, professor of Bible and practical theology, Duke Divinity School,Durham, N.C.
Steven A. Haggmark, associate professor of Islamic Studies and Christian Mission & World Religions, Luther Seminary
Tuition: $275
Contact Hours: 22
Class Times:
Monday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 1-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.-Noon

Register Online Now!

October 15 - 17, 2008
CHRISTIAN MINISTRY AND THE PHENOMENON OF ISLAM

Islam has become the fastest growing non-Christian religion in the U.S. How has that fact already made an impact on how we think of pastoral ministry, social ministries, church leadership, and the social service vocations of many members of our congregations? This course will include:

• A basic introduction to Islam as a system of faith and practice as well as its historical growth and engagement with Christians.
  
• A discussion of challenges facing both Muslims and Christian ministry in many of our communities, with potential resources for church leaders as
  they seek to address these challenges.

Seminar Leaders:
Wedesday, 1-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.-Noon
Tuition: $150
Contact Hours: 12
Class Times:
Steven A. Haggmark, associate professor of Islamic Studies and Christian Mission & World Religions, Luther Seminary

Register Online Now!

October 20 - 21, 2008
THE SPIRIT AND CULTURE OF YOUTH MINISTRY: REVITALIZING YOUR YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY

Back by popular demand. The Spirit and Culture of Youth Ministry is an opportunity to engage the findings of the Exemplary Youth Ministry study of seven denominations around exemplary youth ministry practices. In addition to working with the 44 assets identified from the study, this experience will also engage participants in theological reflection around youth ministry, theories of change and innovation, and developing four significant areas of congregational youth ministry (worship, Bible study, family ministry and service) given these frames. Participants might consider bringing at
least one other team member from among those leading ministries in the first third of life. Pastors are especially urged to attend.

$175; second or more persons from one congregation, $100 each

Seminar Leaders:
Roland Martinson, Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary
Terri Elton, affiliated faculty, contextual theology/Children, Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary
Andrew Root, assistant professor of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary
Hal Weldin, coordinator, M.A. Children, Youth and Family Distributed Learning Program, Luther Seminary
Tuition: $175
Contact Hours: 15
Class Times:
Monday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Register Online Now!

October 22 - 24, 2008 *
PR FOR CHURCHES

If you've ever thought your church could do a better job of communicating—either to current members or to the broader community—then consider investing a few days learning how to share your church's messages more effectively.
This course will address topics like:

• Thinking strategically about communications
  
• The importance of building a brand
  
• How to work with the media
  
• Effective newsletter writing and layout
  
• Using technology—including e-mail, the Web and video—to communicate with current and potential members
  What former course participants had to say:
  "This class was extremely relevant! I can't wait to share all the excellent ideas."
  "This will help us develop materials of quality for visitors, new members, etc."
  "This will help improve what we are doing and move toward excellence."

Seminar Leader: Tim Westermeyer, executive pastor at St. Philip the Deacon Church, Plymouth, Minn., is a second career pastor who came to the ministry as an experienced PR practitioner.Westermeyer worked for 10 years at major public relations agencies in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, where he focused on media relations, special events and crisis communications for technology, corporate and arts-based clients. When he left the business world to enter parish ministry, he was managing the largest account at the largest PR agency in the upper Midwest. In addition to his business experience,Westermeyer holds graduate degrees in theology and ethics from Luther Seminary and The University of Notre Dame.

Tuition: $250
Contact Hours: 20
Class Times:
Wednesday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Register Online Now!

October 27 - 31, 2008
BASIC EDUCATION FOR THE PRACTICE OF INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY TRAINING—PHASE 1

The NALIP Basic Education curriculum is designed for clergy and lay professionals to introduce participants to the practice of intentional interim ministry. Although focusing on Lutheran theology and polity, the event is open to all lay leaders and clergy desiring and/or called to this special ministry in congregations during a pastoral transition.
This course is designed in three phases (Planting, Cultivating, and Harvesting) covering a period of about six months. 

• Phase I (Planting) is a residential week focusing on the theory, theology, leadership skills and congregational systems related to intentional interim ministry. We examine the interim journey through scenarios (propositional learning) the dynamics of pre-entry, entry, stages and tasks of the congregation, emotional systems, conflict, grief, power structures, exiting/closure issues and leadership skills necessary to lead the congregation.
  
• Phase II (Cultivating) is a six month experience in a parish or institutional setting , ideally in a leadership transition, in which the participant in this program "puts into practice" the insights learned in Phase I. During this time you will learn contracting (covenanting), work on personal learning goals and writing critical incident reports, all under the supervision of a fieldwork supervisor.
  Phase III (Harvesting) is the second residential week in which through a group process you will share one of your critical incident reports, review material learned in Phase I, and learn more about the dynamics of congregations in pastoral transition and your leadership skills and needs. You will also discuss the biblical and theological connections in this special ministry as specifically related to the Lutheran church.
  Note: Participants are responsible for securing a ministry context in which to complete Phase II fieldwork requirements. While most participants in the program will have a congregational ministry site, some may not. NALIP program faculty will help you define options available for your fieldwork.
  
• Phase III (May 4-8, 2009) is held at Mt. Olivet Retreat Center, 7984 257th Street West, Farmington, MN 55024-9243 (952-469-2175).  Room and board per person at Mount Olivet is $239 (commuter rate), $363 (double room rate), and $428 (single room rate).  The room/board fees are sent to NALIP, P O Box 4416, Bethlehem, PA 18018-0416, not later than thirty (30) days prior to the starting date of Phase III. Due to increased processing expense, NALIP has found it necessary to reflect an increase in the housing and meal rates from rates previously announced this year.

Seminar Leaders:
Paul N. Svingen, ELCA interim consultant/educator; Minneapolis Area Synod interim pastor; adjunct faculty, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky.
Kent A. Garlinghouse, ELCA interim pastor/educator, Northeastern Minnesota Synod with other instructors
Tuition: $880
Contact Hours: 60
Class Times:
Begins Monday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m.; includes evening sessions Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday which meet until 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday - Friday class begins at 8:30 a.m.; ends Friday, Oct. 31 at Noon

Register Online Now!

November 3 - 6, 2008
NEW VISIONS FOR THE LONG PASTORATE

Most denominational leaders agree that longer pastorates make for healthier ministries. Yet because much momentum is lost in pastoral change, it is difficult for congregations to achieve long-term goals without long-term  pastorates. And the practical skills needed by clergy to continue in one ministry over the long haul are missing. After years of research and experimentation, Roy Oswald has developed ways to address the potential challenges of long pastorates while capitalizing on the strengths of long-term fruitful ministries. As a participant, you are invited to assess your own current pastorate to see if a long-term relationship is in your best self-interest by viewing your ministry through several key theories and self-assessment tools. In addition, participants will engage in a discernment process to ascertain whether they should stay or leave.

Tuition is $400 if received by Sept. 22, 2008; $450 after Sept. 22

Seminar Leaders:
Roy M. Oswald, freelance trainer and consultant and former senior consultant with Alban Institute for 31 years, is known for research focusing on the pastoral role and the dynamics of parish leadership. He also focuses on clergy in longer pastorates and the transitions clergy make when they enter parishes for the first time. Providing leadership for hundreds of conferences and training events in the U.S. and Canada, Oswald frequently consults with local congregations and judicatories where his planning model utilizes norms, myths, and meaning statements from a church's past. He has recently headed studies of the candidacy process, leadership needs of small congregations
and new methodology for assessing ministries using clergy/lay teams.
Tuition: $400
Contact Hours: 20
Class Times:
Monday, 1:30-9 p.m.
Tuesday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Register Online Now!

November 10 - 13, 2008
THRIVING AS AN ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Although the title of this seminar indicates it is mainly focused on the role of associate pastor, any program staff person working full time on a multiple-member staff will find this seminar applicable. The course will focus on the role of a staff person who does not have the responsibility of being the head of staff. For associate pastors taking this course, we will direct this seminar to both those who see their role as a training period, and those who see it as a career choice. Quite often associates and program staff feel like they have little power in a congregational system and must simply fulfill the desires of their heads of staff. The assumption is that power is a commodity that is attached to a role. Instead, we will be training people to see that power is more a function of how the  individual assumes a role rather than of the role itself.We will also be exploring the many opportunities that are afforded to those staff members who do not have the responsibility of being the CEO of the congregation. There are thousands of associates/staff members who are not at all attracted to the role of senior pastor but really want to specialize in other aspects of congregational life. They have the freedom to become exceptional teachers, spiritual directors, program developers, musicians or specialists in working with the various age groups within a congregation. In many ways, the role of associate or program staff person affords some unique opportunities that are not available to those in an administrative role. This seminar will increase awareness of this unique role and its many
opportunities. Participants will return to their places of ministry with renewed vision of their many opportunities and strategies for discovering and exploring them.

Tuition: $400 if received by Sept. 29, 2008; $450 after Sept. 29

Seminar Leaders:
Roy M. Oswald, freelance trainer and consultant; former senior consultant with Alban Institute for 31 years.
Tuition: $400
Class Times:
Monday, 1:30-9 p.m.
Tuesday - Wednesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Register Online Now!

November 17-18, 2008
REVISITING RELATIONAL MINISTRY: FROM INFLUENCING TO PLACE-SHARING

This course will examine a relational approach to youth ministry in order to uncover some of the blind spots in our contemporary understanding of relationships with young people in the church. Then, looking at the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer we will explore ways of deepening and reimagining the practice of relational/incarnational youth ministry. Finally, a paradigm for social relational transformation will be considered that will invite us to be "place-sharers" in ministry with youth.

Seminar Leaders:
Andrew Root, assistant professor, Youth and Family Ministry
Tuition: $175
Contact Hours: 15
Class Times:
Monday and Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Register Online Now!

December 1 - 4, 2008
SCHOOL FOR LAY MINISTRY

Responding to a growing need for and interest in lay congregational  leadership, many ELCA synods provide lay schools of ministry or theology within their synods that offer certificates after a period of training to lay people who wish to participate more fully in their congregations and in their daily lives. In partnership with the synods of the ELCA of  Northeastern, Northwestern, and Southeastern Minnesota; Eastern and Western North Dakota; and South Dakota, Luther Seminary offers programs twice a year that fulfill some of the requirements for these particular synods.

TOPICS for the week:
Sarah Henrich will teach the lectionary study on the Gospel of Mark for the Church. The shortest and earliest of the written Gospels, Mark's fast-paced story of Jesus, begins and ends with surprising abruptness. From Jesus, sudden appearance at the Jordan to his disappearance from the tomb, Mark weaves a challenging web of narratives, sayings and parables to bring us into the presence of a Savior both mysterious and determined. In lecture and discussion we will explore Mark's distinctive telling of the Gospel story: overall structure, major themes, connections with the Old Testament and God's promises, Mark's understanding of the Kingdom, and Jesus' call to discipleship. Come to class with your questions,hopes and concerns so that we engage Mark's Gospel as a word for today.

Rolf Jacobson will offer a brief introduction to the theological and cultural issues of "faith stories." Faith Out Loud will focus on practical aspects of thinking about one's faith story. The course will explore personal experiences, beliefs and faith practices as bases of faith stories.

David Tiede's Apostles of Hope will focus on reading the Acts of the Apostles as the story of how God transforms God's people from focused on self-preservation to empowered in public mission.

Tuition includes banquet

Seminar Leaders:
Sarah Henrich, professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary
Rolf Jacobson, associate professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary
David L. Tiede, professor emeritus of New Testament and president emeritus, Luther Seminary; Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation, Augsburg College, Minneapolis
Tuition: $110
Contact Hours: 16
Class Times:
Monday, 1:30-9 p.m.
Tuesday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Register Online Now!

December 10 - 12, 2008
EFFECTIVE MULTIPLE STAFF MINISTRY: NURTURING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

This seminar is for pastors and staff leaders serving congregations with at least one staff clergy colleague and other program and/or professional staff members. The issues of responsibility, authority and accountability are studied alongside the various human resources issues present in every congregation. This event offers concepts and techniques for managing the staff dynamics unique to the program and corporate-size congregations. Participants in this seminar will complete the online insights evaluator prior to the beginning of the event. Pre-seminar reading will be identified upon registration.

Seminar Leaders:
Paul N. Svingen, ELCA interim consultant/educator; Minneapolis Area Synod interim pastor; adjunct faculty, Louisville Presbyterian Theological
Seminary, Louisville, Ky.
Kent Garlinghouse, ELCA pastoral consultant,educator; transition specialist, Northwestern Minnesota Synod
Susan Baldwin, personal and organizational development consultant, Accredited Insights Associate, Executive-PPL Inc.
Tuition: $325
Contact Hours: 18
Class Times:
Wednesday, 1-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.-Noon

Register Online Now!