Office of the Rector

Theological Education is a charism–a gift from God that is entrusted to humans like you and me. Lutheran theology of vocation affirms that all beings are entrusted with charisms that are beneficial to neighbors. Each is gifted with something to offer to community–indeed, the world–and each of us needs the gifts of others. Moreover, a community has what it needs when each being develops, hones, and offers gifts and receives the gifts of others. Theological education as a charism draws out the God-talk and God-giftedness at work in humans and all creation. It is a dwelling kind of attention–a contemplation that leads to and reflects on faithful action in the world. 

Theological education must always be steered toward life in the world God loves. Sometimes we find that we can love the world directly and sometimes we find that we can love the world only because God does. Either way, our ability to love the world is predicated on God’s love that precedes us. And because God’s love and the world itself exceed us, our love for God and the world can never be domesticated, tamed, or fetishized. Theological education for the life of the world includes dwelling with the reality that we, too, are the world, with all of mystery and frailty that entails. This means that the charism of theological education, intended for the good of community and the building up of the Body of Christ must also continually be received by those who give it.

As a seminary we are in a moment of new discernment, called to offer theological education for the whole people of God. We do not yet know how this will change us. Our starting point must be God’s Yes to the world–indeed, the affirmation that God’s love for the world is new every morning. We are stewarding the gifts God has given us in order to meet today’s spiritual hunger and equip activities of holy curiosity. Join us in education, worship, and community-building that promotes the life of the world God loves. 

with you on the Way,