In a changing world, the flourishing of theological education invites all of us to work together to embrace both ancient and emerging ways of preparing church leaders to share the love of God.
Every day at Luther Seminary, we discover anew the truth that the Holy Spirit is calling and forming leaders to minister to God’s people in the here and now. While their journeys may look very different from previous generations of seminarians, we are daily reminded that our ancient tradition continues to speak into God’s world today with a word of promise that endures.
Theological education is both old and new: a rich inheritance that is constantly being remade. In this issue of Story, we invite you to explore this “both/and” at Luther Seminary today.
Get to know church historian Jennie Wojciechowski ’19 Ph.D., a wonderful early career faculty member whose teaching cracks open the past for students seeking to follow their sense of call into an unknown future. Hear from brothers Joshua Fisher ’27 M.Div. and Lennox Fisher ’27 M.Div. about how our commitment to lowering barriers for all learners brings together a diverse, ecumenical community that is nevertheless anchored in a Lutheran witness to the gospel.
Get a glimpse of the ways that Luther Seminary continues to uphold and shape Christian leaders as a worshipping community under the creative, pastoral leadership of Dean of the Chapel Steve Thomason ’15 Ph.D. And learn more about how our deeply rooted partnerships throughout the Lutheran communion bear fruit today in supporting future rostered leaders in their discernment, reimagining spaces for teaching and learning, and shaping the future of theological education itself.
In many ways, this moment at Luther Seminary parallels what Christian communities are experiencing all over the world—the intermingling of traditional and innovative forms of worship, service, learning, and discipleship. Thanks be to God for both the old and the new, and in all of it, may we seek to follow Jesus.
Grace and peace,
Robin J. Steinke
President