This year, Luther Seminary launched the Biblical Preaching Graduate Certificate, a six-course program designed for individuals with little to no preaching experience who feel called to share the Word in their local communities. Similar to other graduate certificate offerings, students in the biblical preaching program learn alongside peers enrolled in various degree programs, gaining exposure to the diverse callings and roles of Christian public leaders. This unique environment fosters growth, equipping participants with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive as effective leaders.

Last year, Luther expanded its Jubilee Scholarship program to include graduate certificates, a decision driven by a collaborative experiment with several synods to address evolving leadership needs. This initiative highlights Luther’s core strengths: delivering high-quality, flexible theological education while meeting the church’s need for accessible and affordable learning opportunities. The graduate certificates provide a practical and impactful pathway to equip more leaders for service in a changing world. The scholarship expansion also paved the way for the introduction of the new Biblical Preaching Graduate Certificate.

“Being a Christian public leader in today’s world is complex; there are no simple answers,” says Terri Elton ’98 M.A., ’07 Ph.D., dean of academic affairs. “Helping current and future leaders think theologically—as well as theoretically and practically—gives leaders multiple ways of approaching the challenges facing local churches and ministries today. I also hope the certificate awakens within leaders a desire for being a lifelong learner and opportunities for accessible and affordable theological education.”