We Hear You! Listening Sessions on the Road
Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Rev. 2:7
The Spirit is at work in our churches! And we are listening. This past year I’ve been blessed to meet with many individuals and congregations during the several listening sessions Luther Seminary has been holding across the country. People are excited that we are actively searching out their counsel.
Here’s what we’ve heard:
1. You appreciate being asked about the future of the church and its leaders, to air your concerns and share your hopes and ideas.
2. We’re on the right track! You see the importance of the four major initiatives of Luther Seminary’s strategic plan, and you believe that we are following through on our promises. In particular, you like what you’ve heard about the Centered Life initiative that helps people connect their faith to their daily lives.
3. You want to make sure our students graduate with a firm grasp of the following:
a. Stewardship: teach students about personal stewardship and how to lead congregations in the conversation.
b. Management: offer MBA-type management courses on budget, building results-oriented teams and community, and using technology in the office.
c. Diversity: prepare students to lead in a world of many cultures and religions.
Your concerns are ours, too. We take your comments seriously. Your guidance will inform our conversation as Luther Seminary looks to its future and the future of theological education. God bless you for your advice and your prayers. I look forward to meeting even more of you as we continue these listening sessions this year.
Richard Bliese, President