Educators Meet to Discuss ELCA Colleges and Universities

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Division for Higher Education and Schools (DHES) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) sponsored the eighth annual Vocation of a Lutheran College Conference Aug. 1-4 at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. The theme, "A Lutheran College - - What should set it apart?" was discussed by keynote speakers, and in small groups and worship.
There are 28 ELCA colleges and universities in the United States.
Arne Selbyg, DHES director for colleges and universities, said the events strengthen the connection between the ELCA and the institutions.
"The conference played a major role in reviving among college faculty and administrators a sense of pride in the mission of colleges that are related to the Lutheran church," said Selbyg. "The conferences also have helped dispel the distrust that many of the faculty and administrators at these colleges have felt for the church because they were not aware of the Lutheran emphasis on academic freedom and the freedom of a Christian."
A total of 105 college and university faculty, staff and administrators, including five ELCA college presidents, attended the event. Guest speakers discussed what the Lutheran college experience should be like. During his presentation, the Rev. Stanley N. Olson, bishop of the ELCA Southwest Minnesota Synod, said the church should have a place at "every table" in a Lutheran college and that visibility is key.
"Mission statements are vital for internal identity," Olson told participants. "I wonder about the glitzy printed material that is sent out to prospective students. Is the Lutheran connection prominently promoted? Have some colleges, or their marketing people, concluded that the Lutheran connection is a disadvantage to be kept a secret? Others seem to treat it as an asset. I argue that the connection is real, ought to be evident and can be an asset."
Olson was recently elected executive director of the ELCA Division for Ministry, effective Nov.1.
Other speakers were Paul K. Formo, president, Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan.; Carol A. Gilbertson, professor of English, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa; the Rev. Bruce A. Heggen, campus pastor, University of Delaware, Newark, Del.; Kit Kleinhans, professor of religion, Wartburg College; Gregg Muilenburg, professor of philosophy, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.; Selbyg; and Curtis L. Thompson, professor of religion, Thiel College, Greenville, Penn.
The process and criteria for a college or university to become related to the ELCA was reviewed and discussed at the conference. The ELCA's constitution deems it the responsibility of DHES to make recommendations to the Church Council on long-term educational policies, including the establishment of ELCA colleges and universities.
More than three-quarters of the 66 member ELCA Conference of Bishops received their undergraduate education at a Lutheran college, said Selbyg. He said it is important for there to be ELCA affiliated colleges and universities.
"These colleges and universities have a foundation that helps provide excellent education to their students and help these students to become strong leaders in their communities and congregations," said Selbyg. -- -- --
For a complete list of ELCA colleges and universities, visit http://www.elca.org/dhes/colleges/college.html on the Web.

*Amy Wineinger is a junior at Wartburg College. This summer she is
an intern with ELCA News and Media Production.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html