CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The board of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Division for Ministry certified the Lutheran House of Studies in Kansas and Missouri, and Christ Lutheran Church, Baltimore, as ELCA lifelong learning partners. The board met here March 9-11.
The Lutheran House of Studies is a program of the Central States Synod -- one of the ELCA's 65 synods -- based in Shawnee Mission, Kan. A three-year curriculum will provide a variety of theological education courses for clergy and lay members in sites across Kansas and Missouri.
Christ Lutheran Church, located in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore, offers a schedule of educational classes and special programs to help people maximize their spiritual, relational, emotional and physical potential. Through emerging communication technologies, Christ Lutheran provides continuing education opportunities in biblical studies, systematic theology, church history, ethics and practical theology across the mid-Atlantic states.
The Rev. Richard J. Bruesehoff, director for leadership support, ELCA Division for Ministry, said being certified as the church's lifelong learning partners has many meanings, obvious and subtle.
On the surface, he said, Lutheran House of Studies and Christ Lutheran Church will be listed among more than 35 other lifelong learning centers and seminary programs in the ELCA Yearbook, they can claim the designation in their publicity, they can publicize their missions and programs in ELCA publications, and they can list their events on the "Lifelong Learning Opportunities" database at http://www.elca.org/dm/edopps/ on the ELCA Web site. The Yearbook is an annual directory of ELCA congregations, ministers, units and institutions.
"Just below the surface, however, are opportunities yet to be explored," said Bruesehoff. He said he sees a growing demand for continuing theological education in the ELCA.
"Everywhere I turn I see evidence of the development of the interdependent network of theological education providers," said Bruesehoff. He said he was delighted to welcome two more members to that network.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
