Three interconnected tracks. Three flexible semesters. One formation journey — built for lay leaders exactly where they are.
You don't need to commit to the full year to get started. Enroll one semester at a time — in one track, two, or all three. Every semester stands on its own.
Each semester covers all three tracks simultaneously. Join for one semester and receive a complete unit of learning — or stay for the full year.
A 9-month foundational survey of the Old Testament, New Testament, and ELCA Lutheran theology — with a second-year Level 2 path for those ready to go deeper.
Foundational survey — ideal for new students or those with limited biblical background.
Creation narratives, the fall, Noah, and the call of Abraham — establishing how God relates to humanity.
God delivers Israel and forms a people. The Ten Commandments, Levitical law, and what it means to live as a holy community.
Israel's poets, kings, and prophets speak to justice, lament, praise, and hope. Survey of major and minor prophets.
Introduction to all four Gospels, their portraits of Jesus, and the Synoptic problem. Life, teaching, and mission.
The passion narratives, resurrection accounts, and the birth of the church through the Holy Spirit.
Romans, Galatians, and 1 Corinthians anchor Lutheran theology. Justification by grace through faith.
Luther's story, the 95 Theses, the Small and Large Catechisms, and the Book of Concord as the foundation of ELCA identity.
Lutheran sacramental theology — Baptism and Communion — plus liturgy and the theology of vocation in daily life.
How Scripture, Lutheran theology, and daily life connect. Social justice, ecumenism, and discipleship.
Depth & application — for Level 1 graduates or those with existing biblical background.
Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles — the rise and fall of the monarchy and what it reveals about faithfulness and failure.
Israel in Babylon: Ezekiel, Daniel, and Second Isaiah. The return under Ezra and Nehemiah. Apocalyptic literature and its influence.
A deep dive into the theology of the Fourth Gospel — incarnation, 'I Am' sayings, the Farewell Discourse — plus 1, 2, 3 John.
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and the Pastoral Epistles — plus Hebrews' high-priestly Christology.
Close reading of the Augsburg Confession, Apology, and Luther's Catechisms. Why these documents still define Lutheran identity.
How Lutherans make moral decisions. Two-kingdoms theory, natural law, and a survey of ELCA social statements.
ELCA in relationship with other denominations: full communion partners, the LWF, and the global Lutheran family.
How do Lutherans interpret the Bible? Historical-critical method, the rule of faith, Scripture's authority, and difficult texts.
Pulling it all together for active ministry and discipleship. Preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and leading a congregation.
Nine modules of formation grounded in Lutheran vocation theology — built around what lay leaders actually do on the ground in their congregations.
Define your role, authority, and boundaries. Lutheran understanding of vocation. Collaboration with pastor and council. Healthy leadership identity.
Lead prayers and worship elements confidently. Plan worship with Lutheran instincts. Communicate transitions. Practice presence.
Build a simple sermon structure. Proclaim law/gospel. Connect text to life. Communicate with clarity and pastoral tone.
Practice listening and presence. Basic care conversation flow. Prayer in care settings. Referral and boundaries.
Facilitate discussion well. Ask better questions. Handle difficult comments. Plan a session with flow and accessibility.
Practice invitation that fits Lutheran culture. Hospitality as discipleship. Community partnerships. "Neighbors not projects."
Build simple systems: communication, calendars, meetings. Lead volunteers. Document decisions. Reduce chaos.
Design a belonging pathway. Clarify "next steps." Connect worship, relationships, and formation. Avoid "friendly but closed" patterns.
Basic conflict skills. Community care beyond church walls. Resilience rhythms. Supervision and support networks.
Formation for lay leaders who want to engage public life faithfully — justice, community, interfaith partnership, creation care, and public witness. Ends with a capstone project due May 15.
Name your theology of mission. Connect worship, discipleship, and public life. Clarify vocation in the world.
Practice listening posture. Asset mapping. Plan a low-pressure listening step with your community.
Distinguish charity from justice. Learn basic advocacy pathways. Engage public issues without partisan shortcuts.
Collaborate without losing your center. Build trust. Learn boundaries and shared language with interfaith partners.
Understand local drivers. Move toward sustainable models. Connect charity to dignity and community agency.
Build cultures of safety and belonging. Recognize bias patterns. Strengthen congregational practices for inclusion.
Link stewardship and climate. Pick doable steps. Integrate worship and community action around creation care.
Tell your story. Handle conflict online. Basic crisis comms. Practice calm clarity in public-facing communication.
Plan public rituals. Pastoral sensitivity. Collaborate with civic partners. "Show up" faithfully in community life.