Lutheran Partners

A bimonthly magazine of the ELCA for ordained and lay leaders

Lutheran Partners is a bimonthly magazine of the ELCA that connects those serving in the public ministries of the ELCA by publishing the voices of real people doing real ministry in the real world. It is part of the Vocation and Education unit of the ELCA.

Real People doing Real Ministry in the Real World

		ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Talking about Life's Origins by Dana Hendershot High school youth who go to church know that church and school teach different accounts regarding the creation of life. A pastor shares a few ideas of how to get a discussion going that respects both our faith and the insights of science.

		ONLINE EXCLUSIVE One World: Teaching Our Origins by Kimberlee Eighmy A Christian educator describes the impetus and goals for a curriculum that helps churches integrate science and theology in teaching about origins to children and adolescents.

		ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Sample Curriculum for Upper Elementary and Early Adolescents by Kimberlee Eighmy The sample session excerpt and story included here are from a curriculum containing two upper elementary-aged lessons and one lesson for early adolescents.

		Uses and Misuses of Creation by Ted Peters What do Christians mean by creation? Here are seven ways people of faith refer to life's origin.

		Science and Faith in an Evolving Creation by Grace Wolf-Chase An astronomer says science and religion, and evolution and creation, are not mutually exclusive. Rather, one gathers evidence in order to understand the "what" of the universe, while the other speaks to the source and the meaning of all that is.

		Introducing the Faith, Science, and Technology Alliance by Karl Evans The Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology is dedicated to expanding awareness and promoting conversation about the implications of science and technology for Christian faith and life.

		Preaching and Teaching in a Scientific World: a "Handiwork" Special by George Murphy Our Lutheran Partners Online "Handiwork" columnist offers practical ways for rostered leaders to explore with congregants the findings of science in the context of Christian theology.

		Preaching in Consonance with Science? The Case of Violence in Nature by Paul Santmire Understanding the creation story as a work in progress and God's ultimate purpose to be a peaceable kingdom opens the door for preachers to include in their preaching both science's contributions to the narrative and the Bible's hard truths about nature.