Teaching J-Term: How the Theology of James Cone Helps Students Embrace Justice By Marvin Wickware At LSTC, we invite students to embrace their calls—to pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, organizing, teaching, and beyond—as calls to public church leadership. Through our public church curriculum, we strive to help our students develop as leaders who not only proclaim the […]
Creating New Pathways for Innovation in Theological Education By Alisha Green Over the last three decades, Rev. Dr. Christian Scharen has seen a precipitous decline in the church and theological education. Younger people in particular have shown increasingly high rates of disaffiliation. These discouraging trends sparked Scharen’s ongoing research journey to seek new approaches and […]
Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen Heals Religious Trauma Through Ministry By Adolfo Luna Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen understands the profound mental health needs of today’s communities. Petersen, John H. Tietjen Chair of Pastoral Ministry, also believes that addressing mental health and trauma are part and parcel of the healing pastoral caregivers can offer. Through her dual […]
LSTC Faculty Contribute to OPA Critique of Current Administration A group of emeriti faculty from LSTC, along with other faith leaders in academia and the public church, have come together to form a renewed “Old Professors Association” (OPA). The OPA recently released a theologically grounded critique of the administration’s current direction, engaging deeply with the […]
LSTC Faculty, Board Reaffirm Commitments to Anti-Racism, Diversity, Justice At its February meeting LSTC’s Board of Directors unanimously endorsed a statement by the faculty, which underscores our school’s unwavering support for students and staff, especially those targeted by the current administration in Washington. The statement reiterates LSTC’s commitment to anti-racism, social justice, eco-friendly measures, and […]
Craig Mueller: Leading Spiritual Formation Craig Mueller, an experienced pastor, spiritual director, and auxiliary faculty member at LSTC, is bringing his parish ministry experience and passion for spiritual formation to Project Starling. With over three decades of experience in ministry, Craig is known for his ability to connect spirituality, preaching, and worship with everyday life. […]
Peter Vethanayagamony: Exploring Church History Among the many exciting courses being developed is “Church’s Witness: A Survey of Church History,” led by Professor Peter Vethanayagamony. In this Q&A, Professor Vethanayagamony shares insights into his course, its scope, and its potential impact on both lay leaders and the wider community. Known for his passion for church […]
Marvin Wickware: Equipping Leaders for Public Church Dr. Marvin Wickware, Associate Professor of Church and Society and Ethics at LSTC, is creating an exciting learning resource for Project Starling, LSTC’s new online theological education platform. His resource builds on the core principles of the public church curriculum, which emphasizes the integration of church and society, […]
Dr. Barbara Rossing Honoring an Illustrious Career After 30 years of teaching New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Barbara Rossing’s final class brought her to a very special place: the Island of Patmos. Long associated with the Book of Revelation, Rossing’s area of expertise, she traveled to the remote location in […]
LSTC is the Place. Now is the Time. Christian Scharen shares his thoughts on embracing new ministries Rev. Dr. Christian Scharen knows we’re at an inflection point. “The traditional way that theological education has been done is just not working,” he states calmly. “Schools are closing, their enrollments are shrinking. All the traditional markers show […]
