In this season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the psalmist who calls us to \u201cgive thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever\u201d (Psalm 107:1). Today, I give thanks to God for big dreams.<\/p>\n
Five years ago, we undertook a holy experiment to reimagine theological education for a new era.<\/p>\n
We launched the MDivX program\u2014an accelerated, two-year Master of Divinity degree with year-round classes and concurrent internships\u2014not knowing where it would lead.<\/p>\n
Today, I am thrilled to be able to quote my colleague Ken Reynhout, director of institutional effectiveness, assessment, and research, in saying:<\/p>\n
\u201cMDivX works.\u201d<\/p>\n
Our data demonstrates that students can be formed for ordained ministry in 24 months.<\/p>\n
These promising results provide a new roadmap for delivering an academically rigorous, theologically grounded seminary education that meets the needs of today\u2019s church and tomorrow\u2019s leaders.<\/p>\n
We have invited the ELCA bishops in early December to a conversation about what we learned. We\u2019re already at work considering how these lessons will shape and strengthen our curriculum going forward.<\/p>\n
One of the lessons I\u2019m holding is to be bold in our imagination as we respond to the Holy Spirit\u2019s call.<\/p>\n
As we enter this Advent season of watchful waiting, let\u2019s give thanks for big dreams\u2014and for God\u2019s faithfulness today, tomorrow, and always.<\/p>\n
Peace and grace,<\/p>\n
Robin J. Steinke, President
\nLuther Seminary<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In this season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the psalmist who calls us to \u201cgive thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever\u201d (Psalm 107:1). Today, I give thanks to God for big dreams. Five years ago, we undertook a holy experiment to reimagine theological education for a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8420,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8687","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-newsletter","8":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n