Institute for Renewing Lutheran Theology (IRLT)

One of the exciting things happening within the larger movement of reform in the ELCA is the development of a specific plan for preparing confessional pastors to lead a new generation. Originally talked about as a “house of studies” among members of the WordAlone Network, the multi-faceted project is now being called the Institute for Renewing Lutheran Theology (IRLT).

This seminary level program would use a different paradigm than traditional seminary education. The intent is not to be committed not to bricks and mortar but to Jesus Christ, and to proclaiming the Word of God. Fleet and flexible elements, such as: multiple sites, field education, congregational teaching sites, and electronic communication media will all be a part of the vision. The Institute would be led by solid confessional Lutheran professors and pastors engaged in preparing the next generation in the traditional faith of the Church.

The IRLT has no interest in simply duplicating the work already being done by other institution, nor is it the intention to compete with the religiously pluralistic divinity schools. On the contrary, the IRLT would focus on producing ‘working pastors’ who can go out and serve the congregations of the Lutheran church. It is hoped that IRLT will appeal to the broad center of Lutheranism in America, which includes many from the ELCA, LCMS, LCMC, and others. Global Lutherans are also looking to send students to a place where they can trust the biblical and confessional integrity of a seminary education that is intentionally and unapologetically Lutheran. The IRLT planning group is in discussion with a number of partner institutions for the sharing of resources and facilities.

A development plan is already being put together to make IRLT a reality. Look for more information to be coming soon. A kick-off event is being planned for June 2007, hosted by Mt. Carmel Ministries, in Alexandria, Minnesota. God is making some great things happen among us!

Conference on 'The Authority of the Word'

You are invited to a conference for rostered leaders and laity on “The Authority of the Word and the Life of the Church”, sponsored by Call to Faithfulness – NE Iowa. The conference is being held February 23-24, at Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7401 University Avenue, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Call to Faithfulness is one of the participating partner groups in LC3 and Lutheran CORE, standing for biblical and confessional reform in their region of the church.

Presenters for the event will be: Dr. James A. Nestingen, Professor Emeritus at Luther Seminary in St. Paul MN; and Dr. Karl P. Donfried, Elizabeth A. Woodsen Professor of Religion and Biblical Literature, Smith College in Northampton MA. The conference will be an excellent opportunity to receive a solid grounding in the authority of Scripture, a topic that is not only central to our faith, but is the focus of a new initiative in the ELCA.

The cost is $40 for individuals, or $250 for congregational group registration. Call 319-988-4534 for more information. Registration is requested by February 9, 2007.

Meeting of Ministry Leaders

One of the ways that LC3 can serve as an “association of churches” is by seeking opportunities to bring together people who share a similar faith and mission in Christ.

This month, an informal meeting of leaders will take place at Calvary Lutheran in Golden Valley, MN, to talk about ways we can enhance and support our common ministries. Meeting together will be several local pastors, along with representatives from various ministry organizations, including: EEMN (East European Mission Network), Mt. Carmel Ministries, WMPL (World Mission Prayer League), Youth Encounter, Luther Seminary, and the WordAlone Network. I will be attending on behalf of LC3.

We hope to talk about some intentional and public partnerships that are developing -- not the least of which is our mutual support of the rapidly evolving WordAlone House of Studies. Look for a report from this meeting to be coming later this month.