Watching the news in recent weeks, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the heartache and trauma in our world. From all injustice that seeks to oppress God’s beloved children to violent conflicts spiraling ever deeper, the weight of human suffering in the present can feel unbearably heavy and the future can feel precarious and uncertain. 

In times like these, I find myself humbled and grateful that the love of God and the promise of a hopeful future reaches into the most desperate and difficult places of heartache, trauma, despair and conflict. God has promised to be present in precisely the places of deepest pain and hopelessness. God’s promise of presence, transformation, and new life is a promise which can be trusted. Our calling as a Luther Seminary learning community is to bear witness to a loving God who can transform the present and give us all the hope of the future. 

This hope, rooted in God’s love, is disruptive because it challenges all schemes of self-salvation and all systems of oppression. This love is consoling because it anchors our salvation in Christ alone and brings hope and healing to divided communities. At Luther Seminary, our joy and our calling is to accompany and prepare future leaders called to witness to this Good News in a world that aches for both disruption and consolation. Alongside our mission to equip leaders for Christian communities, we also aim to help you share the difference Jesus makes in your daily life. Offerings like daily devotions, learning communities, and tools for ministry leaders can help you experience the love of God through connecting with each other, exploring the rich wisdom and spiritual resources of our faith tradition, and praying with and for each other in such challenging times. 

Every day, we walk alongside students who know the enduring truth of these ancient words: “If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” (Psalm 139:11–12) Thanks be to God that whether in joy or in sorrow, Christ abides with us and with all members of the human family.

Please join us in praying for peace in our communities and throughout our world. 

Blessings,

Robin Steinke
President