2009-2010 Academic Catalog

2009-2010 Academic Catalog The 1st Academic Year December 2009 Revision Moving Theological Education Closer to Home.

Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

Contents 2009 – 2010 Academic Calendar................................................................................................................... 5 Personnel ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Faculty ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Staff ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 Board of Directors ..................................................................................................................................... 7 General Information ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Mission ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 Vision......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Theological Values .................................................................................................................................... 7 Welcome to Our First Academic Year ........................................................................................................... 8 The Design of the Institute............................................................................................................................ 9 Admissions to Academy Programs.............................................................................................................. 10 Ministry Certification .............................................................................................................................. 10 Rapid Pastoral Certification .................................................................................................................... 10 Admissions to Graduate School Programs .................................................................................................. 12 Accreditation Status ................................................................................................................................ 12 Master of Divinity.................................................................................................................................... 12 Open Studies Program ............................................................................................................................ 14 Enrollment Policies ..................................................................................................................................... 15 Admissions Status ................................................................................................................................... 15 Course Load/Overload ............................................................................................................................ 15 Full time Status Definition ...................................................................................................................... 15 Course Changes after Registration ......................................................................................................... 16 Course Withdrawals ................................................................................................................................ 16 Audit Policy ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Independent Study Policy ....................................................................................................................... 16 Tuition and Fees .......................................................................................................................................... 16 Time of Payment ..................................................................................................................................... 17 Refund of Fees ........................................................................................................................................ 17 Financial Aid ................................................................................................................................................ 17 2

Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

Student Life Information ............................................................................................................................. 18 Spiritual Life ............................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Food and Lodging .................................................................................................................................... 18 Text Book Purchase ................................................................................................................................. 18 Health Care ............................................................................................................................................. 18 Conferences, Intensives, and Convocations ........................................................................................... 18 Communities of Faith .............................................................................................................................. 18 Academic Policies........................................................................................................................................ 18 Grading System ....................................................................................................................................... 18 Incompletes ............................................................................................................................................ 19 Class Attendance..................................................................................................................................... 19 Progress Review ......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Academic Probation ................................................................................................................................ 19 Academic Integrity Policy ........................................................................................................................ 20 Academic Form & Style .............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Withdrawal from the Seminary .............................................................................................................. 20 Discontinuation ....................................................................................................................................... 20 Ministry Certification Program ................................................................................................................... 20 Required Courses: ................................................................................................................................... 20 Elective Courses ...................................................................................................................................... 21 Ministry Certification Course Descriptions: ................................................................................................ 21 Rapid Pastoral Certification Program.......................................................................................................... 22 Basic Courses: ......................................................................................................................................... 22 Advanced Courses: .................................................................................................................................. 22 Rapid Pastoral Certification Course Descriptions: ...................................................................................... 23 Basic Courses: ......................................................................................................................................... 23 Advanced Courses: .................................................................................................................................. 23 Master of Divinity Program ......................................................................................................................... 25 Accreditation........................................................................................................................................... 25 Program Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 25 Master of Divinity Course Listings............................................................................................................... 26 3

Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (6 Credits) .......................................................................................... 26 Foundations and System (21 Credits) ..................................................................................................... 27 History of Church and Theology (21 Credits) .......................................................................................... 28 Ministry Practice (31 Credits) ................................................................................................................. 30 Open Studies Program ................................................................................................................................ 31 Christian Life Series ..................................................................................................................................... 31 Certification and Transcripts ................................................................................................................... 31 Application Process ................................................................................................................................. 31 Wittenberg Seminars ..................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

2009 – 2010 Academic Calendar June 2009 6/1/2009 Summer term begins

July 2009 7/3/2009 Application deadline for all programs starting in fall 2009

September 2009 9/6/2009 Orientation week begins 9/13/2009 Fall term classes begin

October 2009 10/2/2009 Last day to add/drop a class 10/25/2009 Mid-term break begins

November 2009 11/1/2009 Classes resume 11/2/2009 Last day to withdraw from a class

December 2009 12/12/2009 12/13/2009 12/19/2009 12/20/2009

Fall term classes end Finals week begins Fall term ends Christmas break begins

January 2010 1/2/2010 Christmas break ends 1/3/2010 January term begins 1/8/2010 Last day to add/drop a class for January term 1/18/2010 Last day to withdraw from a class for January term 1/30/2010 January term ends

February 2010 2/7/2010 Spring term classes begin 2/26/2010 Last day to add/drop a class for Spring term

March 2010 3/19/2010 Last day to finish previous term "incompletes" for Fall and January terms 3/21/2010 Mid-term break begins

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Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

3/28/2010 Classes resume

April 2010 4/1/2010 4/2/2010 4/3/2010 4/4/2010

Last day to withdraw from a class for Spring term Good Friday - No Class Holy Saturday - No Class Easter - No Class

May 2010 5/8/2010 Spring term classes end 5/9/2010 Spring term finals week begins 5/15/2010 Spring term ends

Personnel Faculty Bielfeldt, Dennis, B.S., M.A., Ph.D. – Brookings, SD. Freund, Randall, B.A., M.Div. – Hutchinson, MN. Grorud, Scott, B.A., M.Div. – Hutchinson, MN. Nestingen, James, B.A., M.Div., M.Th., Th.D – St. Paul, MN. Russell, William, B.A., M.Div., Ph.D – Seguin, TX. Peterson, Gregory, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. –Brookings, SD Sorum, Jonathan, B.A., M.Div., Ph.D. –Minneapolis. MN Tranvik, Mark, B.A., M.Div., Ph.D – Minneapolis, MN.

Staff Berreth, Nikki – Director of Marketing Bielfeldt, Dennis – President Dillner, Doug – Assistant to the President Morton, Douglas - - Director of the Library Peterson, Greg - - Academic Dean Schmit, Marsha – Communications Assistant 6

Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

Smith, Julie –Dean of Students Tvedt, Daniel - - Director of Development Walker, Tom – Dean of Programming, Instructional Technology

Board of Directors Anderson, G. Barry – Associate Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court – St. Paul, MN Bielfeldt, Dennis – President, Institute of Lutheran Theology – Brookings, SD Erickson, Paul – Entrepreneur/Investor – Sioux Falls, SD Freund, Randy - - Chair of the Board - - Hutchinson, MN Hillerbrand, Hans J. – Professor of Religion, Duke University – Durham, NC Schickedanz, Fred – Real Estate Developer – Calgary, AB Siemon-Netto, Uwe – Director, Concordia Seminary Institute on Lay Vocation – St. Louis, MO Tyler, Kip – Senior Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Master – Omaha, NE

General Information Mission The mission of the Institute of Lutheran Theology is to educate and prepare ordained and lay Lutheran leaders, followers of Jesus Christ, for evangelical vocations SO THAT: they might seek to walk in the WAY of Jesus Christ, to know the TRUTH which is Christ, and to witness resurrected LIFE in Christ for all to see.

Vision The Institute of Lutheran Theology is a network of Christian congregations     

effectively teaching their laity, pastors, and teachers to serve Christ boldly; providing rigorous theological education grounded in Scripture and based in the Lutheran Confessions; proclaiming the true Gospel of Jesus Christ; confronting the false gospels of our day; and engaging our world in response to Christ’s great commission.

Theological Values These are the five foundational theological principles which shape our curriculum and thinking:

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Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

1. Theological Realism: God is real and exists beyond our thoughts and perspectives. Accordingly, we do not pray to ourselves, but to a real God. 2. Semantic Realism: God's gift of language enables us make truth claims about God. Our human perspectives do not ultimately determine what is true or false about God. .

3. Theophysical Causality: God can and does act in the world. His ‘actions’ should not be construed merely metaphorically.

4. A Lutheran Theology of Nature: We must eagerly engage in conversation with science and technology in the humble recognition that God expresses Himself in the natural order in ways that inform our understanding of Him. 5. The Internal Clarity of Scripture: God's revelation of Himself and His will for our lives is stated clearly in the words of Holy Scripture and can be understood by the reader as the Holy Spirit interprets scriptural meaning for us.

Welcome to Our First Academic Year Dear Friends, Greetings in the Name of the Risen Lord!

We begin this year in troubled times for many Lutherans in North America. More than ever there is need for rigorous theological education that is both scripturally-grounded and confessionally-based, education that connects the best of the Lutheran theological heritage with the contemporary intellectual and cultural horizon. It is our goal to prepare faithful, articulate proclaimers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, proclaimers who have the requisite historical background and critical skills to confront passionately the false gospels of our age.

We are beginning our operations in a very particular way. The Institute of Lutheran Theology and its partnering congregations are collaborating to create a “new kind” of seminary education – one that grounds its work inside local congregations. With the support of ILT, pastors and congregations participate in the process that prepares future congregational leaders. Accordingly, there is opportunity to have a campus everywhere that congregations take up the challenge to share our work in equipping the saints for ministry.

We invite you to join us. Come and learn. Come and engage. Come and serve. Together we shall move theological education closer to home.

In Christ, Dennis Bielfeldt, Ph.D. President, Institute of Lutheran Theology

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The Design of the Institute The Institute of Lutheran Theology, together with a network of congregations, has created a new kind of seminary. It is a seminary that grounds its work inside the context of Christian congregations. Students live and learn, faculty teach and serve inside a community of congregations partnered with the Institute of Lutheran Theology. Pastors and members participate first-hand in the process that prepares the future leaders of our congregations. Here are the design features that will serve to enable this new approach to work: Designated Teaching Centers: The Institute of Lutheran Theology creates a school of theology by partnering with congregations to creatively use existing resources and support operation with benevolence funding. This new model not only makes the development and operation of the school affordable, but it places congregations at the heart of the theological education process.

Distributed Residential Campus: The ILT functions in part as a distributed residential campus by using facilities in local congregations to connect students together in virtual classrooms over an interactive video network. Traditional classroom activities are carried out in real time including lectures, student presentations, and classroom discussions. From the student's perspective, the experience of learning will be much like what happens on a traditional residential campus.

Two Schools: The Institute of Lutheran Theology is organized into two schools: the Academy and the Graduate School. The Academy programs are designed to meet general parish needs for Christian education as well as provide non-accredited certifications for church staff and volunteers. The Graduate School provides curricular tracks which culminate in accredited professional and academic degrees in theology.

Embedded Faculty: Many Institute faculty will be active parish pastors or congregational staff whose teaching time is provided by congregations. Many pastors and church staff have theological degrees that prepare them to teach at all levels of theological education. This way of providing faculty makes use of this advanced theological training while keeping ILT professors rooted in the life of congregations. In addition, their location inside congregations, where they meet and work with students, will provide a deep level of contextualization for the entire educational process.

Theological Conferences: To facilitate crucial face to face academic processes, the Institute of Lutheran Theology will gather periodically as faculty, students, and staff at theological conferences, optimally twice each year. This will be a time for intensive seminars, faculty activities, the presentation of papers, and chapel services. Some academic programs will require conference attendance for certification or degree completion. These conferences will be open to public attendance to provide opportunity for new congregations and students to gather with the ILT to better learn how it can serve their needs.

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Admissions to Academy Programs Ministry Certification Admission to the Ministry Certification program involves the submission of the ILT Application form with a recommendation letter from a pastor or a mentor of the local Designated Teaching Center. An entrance interview completes the application process.

List of Required Documents for Ministry Certification The following documents must all be submitted to the Office of Admissions before the admissions process can be started:  

ILT Ministry Certification Application Recommendation Letter from Pastor or DTC mentor.

Admissions Interview The admissions interview may be conducted in person, by telephone, or by interactive video conference.

The candidate is asked to respond to a set of questions provided to them in advance concerning their faith and call to ministry. The interview will be conducted by a representative from the Institute of Lutheran Theology along with a representative from the applicant’s local Designated Teaching Center.

Rapid Pastoral Certification To be admitted to the Rapid Pastoral Certification program, a candidate must fill out an RPC application, submit an entrance essay and provide the required documents including three letters of recommendation with at least one from a pastor. An entrance interview completes the application process.

List of Required Documents for Rapid Pastoral Certification The following documents must all be submitted to the Office of Admissions before the admissions process can be started:     

ILT Rapid Pastoral Certification Application Three letters of Recommendation Criminal Background Check.

Official Transcript from a high school, college, or university.

Application Fee: $50.

Letters of Recommendation The three letters of recommendation need to be from people who have differing relationships with the candidate. One from a pastor is required. The other two should represent other perspectives such as an employer, a teacher, or a colleague. Letters should not come from family members.

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Official Transcript We require some form of transcript which demonstrates the applicant’s prior academic work. Only one transcript is required. We will accept a transcript from a high school, college or university. Applicants are normally required to have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions from all of the institutions that they have attended.

English Language Requirement ILT welcomes international students and seeks to provide an academic and social climate which promotes understanding, acceptance, and personal growth through interaction among Christian people of different cultures and lands. Normally, students for whom English is a second language must pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) proficiency examination in order to be eligible for admission to the program. More information can be found about TOEFL at the Educational Testing Service web site found at http://ets.org.

Admissions Interview The admissions interview may be conducted in person, by telephone, or by interactive video conference.

The candidates are asked to respond to a set of questions provided to them in advance concerning their faith and call to ministry. The interview will be conducted by a representative from the Institute of Lutheran Theology along with a representative from the applicant’s local Designated Teaching Center.

Transfer Students The ILT will accept students transferring into the Rapid Pastoral Certification program from similar programs. The Office of Admissions will consider program requirements and courses completed on a case by case basis. Work will be transferred on the basis of this examination.

Re-Application Individuals who have withdrawn or been discontinued for cause, and those who have been denied admission, should contact the Dean of Students to request information on procedures for re-application.

Admission Timeline – Rapid Pastoral Certification It is advisable for a prospective student to begin early in making plans to enroll in the Rapid Pastoral Certification program. Ordinarily, application for admission should be made by July 1 of the year of admission to the fall program start. Arrangements should also be made to have official transcripts sent as soon as possible. A criminal background check is required. All required documents must be received by the Office of Admissions before an Admissions Interview can be scheduled and admission processed.

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Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

Admissions to Graduate School Programs Accreditation Status At this time the Institute of Lutheran Theology Master of Divinity degree is not accredited, because our accreditation agencies won't accept an application from us until we have actually graduated students. It is our intention to seek accreditation as soon as it is possible; however we must make it clear that we cannot at this time offer an accredited degree. We are, however, working with other accredited schools to ensure that as many courses as possible from our programs will be accredited with hours "banked" on the transcripts of our partner institutions.

Master of Divinity The Master of Divinity degree program is the traditional degree selected by many students who are preparing to serve congregations as pastors and theologians. The Master of Divinity degree requires 90 course credits, equivalent to three years of full-time course work. Students enrolled in the Master of Divinity program are encouraged to enroll in a pastoral residency for the last year of the program, or to take the last 30 credits of courses over two years while completing a two-year residency.

List of Required Documents for Master of Divinity The following documents must all be submitted to the Office of Admissions before the admissions process can be started:      

ILT Master of Divinity Application Three letters of Recommendation Official Transcript from all post-secondary institutions.

Additional Letter indicating special circumstances for consideration of application without a bachelor’s degree. (Only applicants without bachelor’s degree need do this).

TOEFL Proficiency Exam Scores (International Applicants only).

Application Fee: $50.

Official Transcript Applicants are normally required to have their official transcripts sent directly to the Admissions Office from all of the institutions that they have attended.

Academic Requirements Official Transcripts must provide proof of: 



Bachelor’s Degree from an institution accredited by an agency holding membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada (AUCC), or recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the United States.

A minimum GPA of 2.500 on a 4 point scale or equivalent (Applicants with a GPA of less than 2.500 may be admitted in Academic Probation.)

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

One year* of college-level Greek (with a minimum grade of “C”)

(*a semester means 3 credits and two semesters is considered equivalent to one year)

Greek Requirement At least one semester of Greek is required for acceptance into the Master of Divinity program. The second semester must be completed during the first year of study and before any New Testament exegetical courses are taken. Courses from an accredited undergraduate program are acceptable. The ILT Academy also offers Greek that fulfills this requirement.

Letters of Recommendation The three letters of recommendation need to be from people who have differing relationships with the candidate. One from a pastor is required. The other two should represent other perspectives such as an employer, a teacher (especially encouraged if the applicant has recently graduated from college), or a colleague. Letters should not come from family members.

English Language Requirement ILT welcomes international students and seeks to provide an academic and social climate which promotes understanding, acceptance, and personal growth through . Normally, students for whom English is a second language must pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) proficiency examination with an iBT score of 80 or equivalent in order to be eligible for admission to the program.

More information can be found about TOEFL at the Educational Testing Service web site found at http://ets.org.

Master of Divinity Applicants without a Bachelor’s Degree Under certain circumstances a limited number of students can be admitted to the Master of Divinity program without a Bachelor’s Degree. There must be significant evidence from the candidate’s academic track record that they are ready to handle graduate level work. This evidence must be submitted with the application in the form of a letter which details the rationale for admitting the candidate without a bachelor’s degree.

Admissions Interview The admissions interview may be conducted in person, by telephone, or by interactive video conference.

The candidates are asked to respond to a set of questions provided to them in advance concerning their faith and call to ministry. The interview will be conducted by a one or more representatives from the Institute of Lutheran Theology and, when appropriate, a representative from the applicant’s local Designated Teaching Center.

Transfer Students Students at accredited theological seminaries who wish to transfer to the Institute of Lutheran Theology are urged to make early contact with the registrar for an evaluation of their transcripts in order to 13

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identify which courses may meet a portion of the proposed program requirements. Students transferring from unaccredited programs will be considered on a case by case basis. Undergraduate university and college courses are not transferable to ILT programs.

Re-Application Individuals who have withdrawn or been discontinued for cause, and those who have been denied admission, should contact the Dean of Students to request information on procedures for re-application.

Admission Timeline – Master of Divinity Degree It is advisable for a prospective student to begin early in making plans to enroll in the Master of Divinity program. Ordinarily, application for admission should be made by July 1 of the year of admission to the fall program start. Arrangements should also be made to have official transcript sent as soon as possible. All required documents must be received by the Office of Admissions before an Admissions Interview can be scheduled.

Open Studies Program The Open Studies program provides learning opportunities for those who do not wish to enter a degree program. This program may also be used by clergy who wish to take ILT graduate courses for continuing education. Open Studies students are permitted to register for Graduate School courses. Credits obtained while admitted to the Open Studies program may be counted toward a subsequent degree program.

List of Required Documents for the Open Studies Program The following documents must all be submitted to the Office of Admissions before the admissions process can be started:  



ILT Open Studies Application Official Transcript from all post-secondary institutions. Transcripts must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.500 on a 4 point scale or equivalent (Applicants with a GPA of less than 2.500 may be admitted in Academic Probation.)

TOEFL Proficiency Exam Scores (International Applicants only).

Official Transcripts Applicants are normally required to have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions from all of the institutions that they have attended.

English Language Requirement ILT welcomes international students and seeks to provide an academic and social climate which promotes understanding, acceptance, and personal growth. Normally, students for whom English is a second language must pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) proficiency examination with an iBT score of 80 or equivalent in order to be eligible for admission to the program. More 14

Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

information can be found about TOEFL at the Educational Testing Service web site found at http://ets.org.

Admission Timeline – Open Studies Students may begin the Open Studies program at any point in the academic year. The ILT will continuously accept applications and will processes completed files as rapidly as possible.

Enrollment Policies Admissions Status Offers of Admission are awarded with one of the following qualifications:  



Full Admission: This status signifies that the student has met all admission requirements and is a matriculated candidate for a degree.

Conditional Admission: This status is awarded to students who have met all requirements in principle but from whom one or more official documents are still required. When the materials required are provided to the Office of Admissions, the status is changed to Full Admission. The fulfillment of the condition is the responsibility of the student.

Probationary Admission (Academic Probation): In cases where a student with outstanding credentials in all other areas but whose Admission GPA is less than 2.500 (on a 4 point scale) may be admitted on Academic Probation.

Course Load/Overload The normal full-time course load for seminary programs is 30 to 33 credits for the academic year.

Normal maximum course load is 15 credits in any semester or 3 credits in any short term. Requests for permission to overload (i.e.: more than 15 credits per semester or more than 3 credits per short term) must be approved by the Registrar. Permission to overload is not normally granted to students in their first semester or students whose GPA is 3.300 or lower.

Full time Status Definition Full time or part time status only pertains to the Masters of Divinity Degree. A student is considered to be full time when he/she is registered in:  

A minimum of 9 credits in a single semester during the theological study component of the M.Div. degree.

A minimum of 6 credits in a single semester during the pastoral residency component of the M.Div. Degree.

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Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

Course Changes after Registration Students may drop one course or add another at any time during the first two weeks of the semester (or during the first two days of a short term) by seeking approval of the Registrar and filling out the proper forms.

Course Withdrawals After the first two weeks and before the ninth week, a student may withdraw from a course with the approval of the Registrar. A Course Change form must be filled out by the student. When this is done, a “W” is recorded on the student’s transcript. A student who withdraws after the eighth week receives an “F” grade on his transcript.

Audit Policy Courses may be audited by any student who is enrolled in one of the seminary programs. The grade of “Audit” may not be changed to a letter grade. People who are not in a seminary program but have a bachelor’s degree may audit a course by applying to be admitted to the Open Studies Program.

Independent Study Policy Independent studies may be used to earn credit when regular courses in a particular area are not offered. A student requesting an Independent Study must complete an Independent Study Form, negotiate the course with an instructor and submit the completed form to the Provost. Independent Studies may be offered for one, two, or three credit hours, and must ordinarily be completed within a three-month period. Start dates for Independent Studies normally coincide with start dates for the regular semester. Approval for Independent Study must be granted prior to the last day to add/drop courses for the relevant semester.

Tuition and Fees These are subject to change with advance notice. Policies and fees in this section pertain only to courses offered directly from the Institute of Lutheran Theology. Courses offered by partner institutions may have additional fees or alternative policies.

Academy Educational Fees Christian Life Series course fees for an individual student Christian Live Series course fee for a group of students in one location Certification course fee Certification Practicum fee

$ 50.00/course $250.00/course $600.00/course $300.00/course

Graduate School Educational Fees Graduate school courses are charged at the rate required by the provider institution. Normally this will be between $300 and $500 per credit hour. Final cost values for courses will be available to students at the time of registration.

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Adapted Study Fee Some students will require assistance in time shifting and adaptive support of course work due to time zone location, language, or other barriers to study. The Institute of Lutheran Theology reserves the right to require adapted study based on its assessment of student needs and to charge the related fee.

Adapted Study Fee

$ 600.00/term

Other Fees Application fee (Master of Divinity and Rapid Pastoral Certification only) Library fee Late Registration fee Certification Course Audit Graduate School Course Audit (ILT offerings only) Overdue account fee Transcript fee

$ 50.00 $ 30.00/term $ 50.00 $300.00/course $150.00/credit hour $ 50.00/month $ 10.00

Time of Payment Tuition and other fees for all students are payable on or before the first day of the term for which they apply. Post-dated (to the term start date) checks may be used. Students may not be admitted to class if fees are not paid. Students may also make arrangements with the Finance Office to make payments in two installments. For each term the first installment is due on or before the first day of the term, the second installment is due 45 calendar days later. Failure to make the second installment may result in suspension from class. Students with special needs for aid or delay of payment may make arrangements with the Finance Office prior to registration day. Grades and transcripts are withheld from any student who has outstanding financial obligations at the end of the term.

Refund of Fees Students who properly drop classes before the start of the class will be refunded 100% of the tuition for the course. Students properly dropping classes after the start of the class but before the “last day to add/drop courses” will receive a refund of 80% of the tuition for the course. No refund for courses will be given following the “last day to add/drop courses.”

Financial Aid As an emerging school the Institute of Lutheran theology has only a few resources for financial aid available to students. Primary aid for students comes from sponsoring congregations that help students through the local Designated Teaching Center. ILT students are not eligible for US Federal programs for grants and loans while the Institute remains unaccredited.

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Student Life Information Food and Lodging Since the ILT is a virtual organization most students live in the same home and life circumstances they did prior to attending classes. However in certain circumstances students may choose to move closer to one of the ILT Designated Teaching Centers to better facilitate learning. The DTC may be able to provide some assistance in relocating the student’s household, however the primary responsibility for doing so depends on the student. Normally, food and lodging for intensive courses and ILT conferences will be offered by the organizers.

Text Book Purchase The Institute of Lutheran Theology does not require students to use a particular facility for text book purchase. Such low cost providers as Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, eBay, Half.com, etc., are considered sufficient providers of our texts. Students should pay careful attention to the bibliographic information provided in syllabi to make sure that proper editions of the text books are being purchased.

Health Care The Institute of Lutheran Theology does not operate a health center. Due to the virtual environment of the ILT students will normally continue to use local family health services where they reside. Upon acceptance to a pastoral training program students are asked to submit the ILT health form, which names their family physician and provides the seminary ILT with evidence of sufficient health coverage.

Conferences, Intensives, and Convocations Academic assemblies are periodically held and feature learned scholars and parish pastors speaking on subjects pertinent to pastoral education. These assemblies provide opportunities for ILT students, faculty, and staff to gather in a single event to enhance community and provide direct services for students. In some cases assemblies may be required for program and/or course completion.

Communities of Faith The students’ primary community of faith is their local congregation which in some cases will be an ILT Designated Teaching Center. Students will demonstrate their active involvement in their community of faith through their course work and will be sustained in their faith and vocational preparation through the support of the community. The compassion, caring, and nurturing support of ILT faculty, staff, and fellow students will be expressed through classes, team assignments, student activities, and theological conferences.

Academic Policies Grading System Grades are entered as follows:

Point Value 18

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A B C D F I W

Superior Master of material Commendable mastery of material Satisfactory mastery of material Unsatisfactory comprehension of material Failure to master material Incomplete Withdraw

4.00 3.00 2.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Incompletes The grade “I” is given for reasons of major sickness or other unusual circumstances. All incompletes must be satisfactorily removed by the end of the following semester. If not removed by that day the grade of “F” is entered in the student’s record.

Class Attendance Having registered for a course, the student assumes the responsibility for completing all requirements and for regular class attendance. The process, interaction, and creative responses of the class session and online activities are vital to academic success. Absences and tardiness are the mutual concern of the student and instructor. Courtesy suggests that a student confer with his instructor if either of these becomes necessary.

Academic Probation Any program student may be placed on Academic Probation at the time of acceptance to a program (see policy on Admission Status), or at the end of any semester where their cumulative GPA falls below 2.50, or at the end of any semester in which they receive a failing grade.

A student placed on Academic Probation may be limited to nine (9) credit hours of instruction per term, at the discretion of:  

The Admissions Committee if the Academic Probations status is assessed prior to enrollment.

The Academic Dean if the Academic Probation status is assessed after grades have been submitted for the student’s first or subsequent completed term(s).

The purpose of a reduced load is to give those students a reasonable opportunity to clear probation at the end of the semester by improving the standard of their work.

Students remain on Academic Probation for one year. The Registrar reviews the records of students on Academic Probation at the end of each semester. Persons whose academic performance while on Academic Probation does not show clear ability to meet required standards, as indicated by a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher, are discontinued.

Students who are discontinued for not meeting the requirements of Academic Probation may reapply for admission after one year has passed.

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Academic Integrity Policy The Institute of Lutheran Theology expects all of its students to exhibit integrity. This means that the student will not present the work of other people as his/her own, either in exams or in research papers.

While students may certainly support each other and work together in preparing for exams, and while group projects may be assigned in class from time to time, the actual writing of exams is expected to be done without the assistance of any other person, and using only those helps that the professor has specifically indicated may be used. When writing research papers, the student must clearly note, using proper footnoting methodology, when another person’s ideas are being used or quoted. The student must not claim other people’s work as his/her own. Such an act is plagiarism, and will lead to penalties ranging from a mark of 0 on the paper, to failure for the course, to expulsion.

Withdrawal from the Seminary A student who wishes to withdraw from the seminary is asked to secure the approval of the Dean of Students. To be entitled to honorable dismissal from the seminary, a student must have satisfactory conduct and must have satisfied all his/her obligations as outlined on the withdrawal form. A student who wishes a leave of absence from the seminary program for a maximum of one year may do so only with the approval of the faculty.

Discontinuation Enrollment at the seminary is a privilege and not a right and may be discontinued by the President or Academic Dean in consultation with the faculty. Such action may be based upon conduct on the part of the student judged to be inconsistent with the spiritual, moral, or social character befitting a future minister of the Gospel or for academic reasons. Information provided by the student (in applications or while a student) that is inaccurate or misleading shall be considered grounds for discontinuation. The student may appeal discontinuation within ten days through the Provost whose decision will be conclusive and final.

Ministry Certification Program The Ministry Certification Program is designed to provide instruction in basic Christian theological understandings. It is comprised of seven semester long core courses covering theology, church history, and the Bible. It also requires 24 CEUs from the Christian Life series selected by the learner. This program is best suited for congregational staff and lay volunteers. It can also be used as ministry preparation for short term missionaries or anyone that wants to be better equipped in the basic teachings about the Bible, the history of the Christian church, and Christian theology.

Required Courses:    

MC-Theo-100 Principles of Biblical Interpretation MC-Theo-101 Luther and His Catechisms MC-Theo-202 Systematic Theology MC-Hist-201 The History of the Christian Church to 1500 20

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  

MC-Hist-202 The History of the Christian Church 1500 to Present MC-Bible-201 Old Testament Theology and History MC-Bible-202 New Testament Theology and History

Elective Courses 

24 CEUs from the Christian Life Series

Ministry Certification Course Descriptions: MC-Theo-100 Principles of Biblical Interpretation This course introduces and defends the Lutheran notion of the internal clarity of Scripture. Over and against the preceding tradition, Lutherans have always claimed that no intermediary is required to interpret Scripture: Scripture interprets itself. This understanding is defended as the necessary condition of doing Lutheran theology faithfully. Various critical methodologies are introduced and evaluated with regard to the clarity of the Biblical text. Students will carefully examine Biblical texts in light of their internal clarity and learn how to use critical resources for interpreting them for use in preaching and leading Bible study.

MC-Theo-101 Luther and His Catechisms This course studies the life of Dr. Martin Luther within his historical context. His theological innovations are highlighted and related to our contemporary cultural understandings. Special attention is given to his Large Catechism and Small Catechism, documents that display clearly the depth of his thinking.

Students are taught to think theologically in the way of the Lutheran Reformation. Major theological doctrines forged in the Reformation are carefully considered and applied to parish ministry today.

MC-Theo-202 Systematic Theology This course explores, from a Trinitarian perspective, the traditional topics of theology: God, creation, fall, human beings, sin, Christ, justification, atonement, regeneration, Holy Spirit, sanctification, Church, sacraments, eschatology, and vocation.

MC-Hist-201 The History of the Christian Church to 1500 This course examines the development of the Christian Church and doctrine from Christian origins in the first century to the “harvest of medieval theology” in the work of Gabriel Biel. Special attention is given to the ecumenical councils of the church and the development and repudiation of the classical heresies.

Emphasis is placed upon the relevance of church history for Christian proclamation.

MC-Hist-202 The History of the Christian Church 1500 to Present This course examines the development of the Christian Church and doctrine in the reformations of the sixteenth century, the Catholic counter-reformation, the rise of Protestant orthodoxies and pietism, the 21

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Enlightenment, and nineteenth and twentieth century theological development. Emphasis is placed upon the relevance of church history for Christian proclamation.

MC-Bible-201 Old Testament Theology and History This course is an in-depth introduction to the Old Testament. It gives careful consideration for matters of interpreting Old Testament Scriptures and examines theologically the Torah, the Writings, and the Prophets. Old Testament stories are seen against the backdrop of God’s law and gospel.

MC-Bible-202 New Testament Theology and History This course is an in-depth introduction to the New Testament. It gives careful consideration for matters of interpreting New Testament Scriptures and examines theologically the Synoptic Gospels, John, Acts, the Pauline Epistles, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

Rapid Pastoral Certification Program This program is designed to quickly prepare leaders with no prior theological or Biblical training to successfully provide pastoral leadership for a congregation. The three "Basic Courses" provide essential understanding and fundamental skills for pastoral ministry. These three courses must be completed first because they are designed to enable a candidate to begin a regular preaching and teaching ministry in a congregation. The remaining nine courses will be completed at the rate of three courses per term for the next three terms. These advanced courses will round out a rudimentary understanding of church history, Biblical theology, systematic theology, and ministry practices. On completion of the "Advanced Courses," the candidate will undergo a final oral examination. When the results of this examination are satisfactory, the student will receive certification for this program by the Institute of Lutheran Theology.

Basic Courses:   

RPC-Theo-100 Principles of Biblical Interpretation RPC-Theo-101 Luther and His Catechisms RPC-MPrac-101 Proclaiming God's Word

Advanced Courses:         

RPC-Hist-201 The History of the Christian Church to 1500 RPC-Hist-202 The History of the Christian Church 1500 to Present RPC-Bible-201 Old Testament Theology and History RPC-Bible-202 New Testament Theology and History RPC-Theo-201 Lutheran Reformers and The Book of Concord RPC-Theo-202 Systematic Theology RPC-Theo-203 Defending and Spreading the Faith RPC-MPrac-201 Lutheran Worship and Preaching RPC-MPrac-202 Pastoral Theology and Counseling 22

Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

Rapid Pastoral Certification Course Descriptions: Basic Courses: RPC-Theo-100 Principles of Biblical Interpretation This course introduces and defends the Lutheran notion of the internal clarity of Scripture. Over and against the preceding tradition, Lutherans have always claimed that no intermediary is required to interpret Scripture: Scripture interprets itself. This understanding is defended as the necessary condition of doing Lutheran theology faithfully. Various critical methodologies are introduced and evaluated with regard to the clarity of the Biblical text. Students will carefully examine Biblical texts in light of their internal clarity and learn how to use critical resources for interpreting them for use in preaching and leading Bible study.

RPC-Theo-101 Luther and His Catechisms This course studies the life of Dr. Martin Luther within his historical context. His theological innovations are highlighted and related to our contemporary cultural understandings. Special attention is given to his Large Catechism and Small Catechism, documents that display clearly the depth of his thinking.

Students are taught to think theologically in the way of the Lutheran Reformation. Major theological doctrines forged in the Reformation are carefully considered and applied to parish ministry today.

RPC-MPrac-101 Proclaiming God's Word The student will learn basic techniques and methods for studying Biblical passages and discerning a suitable message for preaching. In particular, the student will be taught the proper place of both Law and Gospel in Biblical preaching. Various approaches to developing and delivering a sermon will be examined. The students will write and deliver sermons as a crucial part of their development of proclaiming God's word.

Advanced Courses: RPC-Hist-201 The History of the Christian Church to 1500 This course examines the development of the Christian Church and doctrine from Christian origins in the first century to the “harvest of medieval theology� in the work of Gabriel Biel. Special attention is given to the ecumenical councils of the church and the development and repudiation of the classical heresies.

Emphasis is placed upon the relevance of church history for Christian proclamation. Prerequisites: Basic Course Set.

RPC-Hist-202 The History of the Christian Church 1500 to Present This course examines the development of the Christian Church and doctrine in the reformations of the sixteenth century, the Catholic counter-reformation, the rise of Protestant orthodoxies and pietism, the

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Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

Enlightenment, and nineteenth and twentieth century theological development. Emphasis is placed upon the relevance of church history for Christian proclamation. Prerequisites: Basic Course Set.

RPC-Bible-201 Old Testament Theology and History This course is an in-depth introduction to the Old Testament. It gives careful consideration for matters of interpreting Old Testament Scriptures and examines theologically the Torah, the Writings, and the Prophets. Old Testament stories are seen against the backdrop of God’s law and gospel. Prerequisites: Basic Course Set.

RPC-Bible-202 New Testament Theology and History This course is an in-depth introduction to the New Testament. It gives careful consideration for matters of interpreting New Testament Scriptures and examines theologically the Synoptic Gospels, John, Acts, the Pauline Epistles, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. Prerequisites: Basic Course Set.

RPC-Theo-201 Lutheran Reformers and The Book of Concord This course examines the classical theological roots of the Lutheran Reformation, its leading figures, and its key documents -- especially those collected in the Book of Concord. The objective is that students learn to think theologically in the way the Lutheran Reformation. Major theological doctrines forged in the reformation are carefully considered in light of how they apply to parish ministry today.

RPC-Theo-202 Systematic Theology This course explores from a Trinitarian perspective the traditional topics of theology: God, creation, fall, human beings, sin, Christ, justification, atonement, regeneration, Holy Spirit, sanctification, Church, sacraments, eschatology, and vocation. Prerequisites: Basic Course Set.

RPC-Theo-203 Defending and Spreading the Faith This course in apologetics (“answering theology”) takes seriously God’s mandate to teach and preach “to all nations,” even where Christian faith and proclamation seems problematic or impossible. Students learn the method of correlation whereby the fundamental questions of human existence are mapped to the great symbols of the Christian faith. Human cultural diversity is examined in hopes of framing concrete missional approaches for effectively proclaiming Gospel today. Prerequisites: Basic Course Set.

RPC-MPrac-201 Pastoral Theology and Counseling This course investigates the relationship between the office of pastor, the content of historical faith, and concrete issues arising within a context of pastoral counseling. Emphasis is placed upon the methodological and hermeneutical priority of the law/gospel approach within a context of Seelensorge (care of souls). Prerequisites: Basic Course Set.

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RPC-MPrac-202 Lutheran Worship This course examines the components of Lutheran corporate worship. Students study the theological foundations of worship by examining selected historical and contemporary worship forms.

Contemporary issues impacting worship are also investigated with the purpose of better understanding the presence of God in His Word and Sacrament. Prerequisites: Basic Course Set.

Master of Divinity Program The Master of Divinity degree program is the traditional degree selected by many students who are preparing to serve congregations as pastors and theologians. The M.Div. program is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in theology, history, scripture, and practice to be able to serve as pastors to Lutheran congregations in the 21rst century. As a part of the M.Div. program, students are encouraged to seek placement in a 1-2 year residency in a congregation or ministry.

Accreditation At this time the Institute of Lutheran Theology is not an accredited institution. The ILT is on a path towards accreditation and will seek accreditation as soon as it is possible. We must make it clear, however, that we cannot at this time offer an accredited degree.

Program Requirements Total number of academic course credits: Internship Total number of course credits in M.Div.

90 Hours non-credit 90 Hours

Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (9 Credits)   

MDiv-Theo-101 Luther and His Catechisms (3 Credits) MDiv-Bible-101 Lutheran Biblical Interpretation (3 Credits) MDiv-MPrac-101 Proclaiming God's Word (3 Credits)

Foundations and System (21 Credits)       

MDiv-Theo-110 Philosophy for the Theologian I (3 Credits) MDiv-Theo-220 Triunity (3 Credits) MDiv-Theo-210 Philosophy of Religion (3 Credits) MDiv-Theo-111 Philosophy for the Theologian II (3 Credits) MDiv-Theo-120 Doing Theology Systematically (3 Credits) MDiv-Theo-121 Theology of the Confessions (3 Credits) MDiv-Theo-211 Theology and Science (3 Credits)

History of Church and Theology (21 Credits)  

MDiv-Hist-101 History of Christian Doctrine I:Origins to 1400 (3 Credits) MDiv-Hist-201 Eighteen and Nineteenth Century Theology (3 Credits) 25

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    

MDiv-Hist-301 History of the Lutheran Church I (3 Credits) MDiv-Hist-102 History of Christian Doctrine II: 1400 - 1650 (3 Credits) MDiv-Hist-202 Twentieth Century Theology (3 Credits) MDiv-Hist-302 History of the Lutheran Church II (3 Credits) MDiv-Hist-401 Religions of the World (3 Credits)

Bible (18 Credits)      

MDiv-Bible-110 Matthew, Mark, and Luke/Acts (3 Credits) MDiv-Bible-111 Peter, James, and John (3 Credits) MDiv-Bible-112 Paul (3 Credits) MDiv-Bible-120 Old Testament Scripture (3 Credits) MDiv-Bible 221 Biblical Theology I (3 Credits) MDiv-Bible 222 Biblical Theology II (3 Credits)

Ministry Practice (12 Credits)     

MDiv-MPrac-301 Homiletics I (3 Credits) MDiv-MPrac-401 Homiletics II (3 Credits) MDiv-MPrac-410 Worship (3 Credits) MDiv-MPrac-310 Pastoral Theology and Ministry (3 Credits) MDiv-MPrac-360 Internship (0 Credits)

Elective Courses (9 Credits) A variety of courses will be offered for elective credit. These may include transfer credits if a student is transferring from another institution, as well as new courses listed in the current catalog.

Master of Divinity Course Listings Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (6 Credits) MDIV-Theo-100 Principles of Biblical Interpretation This course introduces and defends the Lutheran notion of the internal clarity of Scripture. Over and against the preceding tradition, Lutherans have always claimed that no intermediary is required to interpret Scripture: Scripture interprets itself. This understanding is defended as the necessary condition of doing Lutheran theology faithfully. Various critical methodologies are introduced and evaluated with regard to the clarity of the Biblical text. Students will carefully examine Biblical texts in light of their internal clarity and learn how to use critical resources for interpreting them for use in preaching and leading bible study. (3 Credits)

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Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

MDIV-Theo-101 Luther and His Catechisms This course studies the life of Dr. Martin Luther within his historical context. His theological innovations are highlighted and related to our contemporary cultural understandings. Special attention is given to his Large Catechism and Small Catechism, documents that display clearly the depth of his thinking.

Students are taught to think theologically in the way of the Lutheran Reformation. Major theological doctrines forged in the Reformation are carefully considered and applied to parish ministry today. (3 Credits)

MDIV-MPrac-101 Proclaiming God's Word The student will learn basic techniques and methods for studying Biblical passages and discerning a suitable message for preaching. In particular, the student will be taught the proper place of both Law and Gospel in Biblical preaching. Various approaches to developing and delivering a sermon will be examined. The students will write and deliver sermons as a crucial part of their development of proclaiming God's word. (3 Credits)

Foundations and System (21 Credits) MDiv-Theo-110 Philosophy for the Theologian I This course is an introduction to some of the most important philosophical tools for thinking theologically. Topics may include elements of the history of philosophy, basic logic, semantic theory, modal logic, and hermeneutical theory. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Theo-111 Philosophy for the Theologian II This course is a continuation of MDiv-Theo-110, this course may include a further examination of the history of philosophy as it relates to theology and a further exploration of logic and semantics, and introduces important philosophical notions influencing the development of theology. Prerequisite MDiv-Theo-110. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Theo-120 Doing Theology Systematically This course is an introduction to systematic theology through an examination of the principles, nature and methods of theological thinking. Special attention is paid to the systematic approaches of Lutheran Orthodoxy, Schleiermacher, and Tillich. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Theo-121 Theology of the Confessions The confessional documents of the Lutheran tradition are unpacked in an effort to understand the historical context surrounding their writing and to develop theological possibilities for our contemporary context. The Augsburg Confession, The Apology, The Schmalkald Articles, the Formula of Concord are examined in detail. (3 Credits)

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Institute of Lutheran Theology 2009-20010 Academic Catalog

MDiv-Theo-211 Theology and Science After examining the various general ways the discourses of the sciences and theology might relate, scientific understandings of the world are examined in order to get clear on the nature of design and the possibilities for divine action and agency. Questions of emergence, reduction and supervenience are also investigated. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Theo-210 Philosophy of Religion This course is an examination of the central claims of Christianity from a philosophical perspective.

Topics include the cosmological, teleological and ontological arguments for the existence of God, the nature and compatibility of the divine properties, the nature of religious experience, the problem of evil, evidence for miracles, and the possibility of survival of death. Prerequisite MDiv-Theo-110. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Theo-220 Triunity This course is an introduction to systematic theological thinking within a Trinitarian perspective. The nature and work of the persons of the Trinity are related to traditional loci of Lutheran theological reflection. Prerequisite MDiv-Theo-111. (3 Credits)

History of Church and Theology (21 Credits) MDiv-Hist-101 History of Christian Doctrine I: From Origins to 1400 A study of the development of Christian doctrine from Christian origins through the theology of the via moderna. Major Christian figures, councils, and heresies are covered. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Hist-201 Eighteen and Nineteenth Century Theology This course examines the breakdown of Enlightenment evidence traditions (e.g., Locke) under the attack of Hume and Kant, and details the development of post-Kantian theological options in the work of Fichte, Schelling, Schleiermacher, Hegel, Ritchsl, Nietzsche and Troeltsch. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Hist-301 History of the Lutheran Church I A history of the Lutheran Church from the Book of Concord, through Lutheran Orthodoxy, to the Prussian Union of 1817 and beyond. The process of the Lutheran emigration to North America and the establishment of new church bodies will be highlighted. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Hist-102 History of Christian Doctrine II: 1400 – 1650 This course is an investigation of the various sixteenth century reformation traditions over and against the basic theological options available within late medieval scholasticism. The Lutheran Reformation is highlighted, and the course of its development is studied through the various inter-Lutheran controversies of the middle sixteenth century, to their closure in the Book of Concord. The nature and method of seventeenth century Lutheran Orthodoxy is also examined. (3 Credits)

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MDiv-Hist-202 Twentieth Century Theology Beginning with the dialectical theology of the early Barth and his rejection of Harnack and nineteenth century liberal theology, this course explores representative theologies of the twentieth century with an eye towards understanding the influence of philosophical perspectives on their development. Major movements are studied including Neo-Orthodoxy, Neo-Thomism, hermeneutical theology, death of God theologies, and liberationist and feminist theologies. Specific thinkers studied include Barth, Bultmann, Bonhoeffer, Rahner, Niebuhr, and Tillich.

(3 Credits)

MDiv-Hist-302 History of the Lutheran Church II This course investigates the formation of Lutheran constituencies in the nineteenth century and their movement towards union, as well as the twentieth century efforts towards cooperation and merger.

The complex relationship between traditional Lutheran trajectories and the twentieth century ecumenical movement will be highlighted. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Hist-401 Religions of the World This course is an examination of the teachings of the main religious traditions of the world for purposes of Christian encounter and response. Attention is given to those features of the traditions, which make them distinct from each other and from Christianity. (3 Credits)

Bible (21 Credits) MDiv-Bible-110 Matthew, Mark, and Luke/Acts This course is an introduction to the Synoptic Gospels and Acts in light of the context of their origination. The course examines the content of these texts in light of their form, composition, coherency and principle theological motifs. Prerequisite: Greek (3 Credits)

MDiv-Bible-111 Peter, James, and John This course is an introduction to the Gospel of John with special emphasis on its structure, its literary features, and its theological emphases. The course will also examine the texts of Peter and James in light of their historical context. Prerequisite: Greek (3 Credits)

MDiv-Bible-112 Paul This course is an overview of the Pauline epistles in light of the context of their origination and their theology. Romans and Galatians will be studied in their original Greek in some detail. Attention will be paid to relating these texts to their history of interpretation. Prerequisite: Greek (3 Credits)

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MDiv-Bible-120 Old Testament Scripture This course provides an introduction of the Torah, the Writings, and the Prophets. The history of Israel is surveyed and selected books studied in light of their historical background. Emphasis will be placed on the content, form, composition, and the theological motifs of these books. (3 Credits)

MDiv-Bible-221 Biblical Theology I This course examines what is often called “Old Testament Theology” with regard to its history, methods, and its leading scholars. Students will examine the texts for their theological significance within their Old Testament context and in relation to the New Testament. Prerequisite: MDiv-Bible 211 (3 Credits)

MDiv-Bible-222 Biblical Theology II This course examines “New Testament Theology” in relationship to the elaboration of classical Christian theological themes. Texts are studied in light of the classical loci of creation, fall, Christ, faith, salvation, eschatology, and ecclesiology. An attempt is made throughout to relate these texts to Old Testament theology generally. Prerequisite: MDiv-Bible 211 (3 Credits)

Ministry Practice (31 Credits) MDiv-MPrac-301 Homiletics I Students learn a model of preaching which takes into account the interplay of exegetical, confessional, pastoral and contextual factors. Class lectures and discussion are accompanied by step-by-step practice in the preparation, writing and delivery of several sermons. (3 Credits)

MDiv-MPrac-401 Homiletics II Students refine and augment their preaching skills, with special attention devoted to different kinds of texts and occasions, sermon planning, articulating Law and Gospel, and preaching addressing the sanctified life. (3 Credits)

MDiv-MPrac-410 Christian Worship This course presents the theology and history of Christian worship, with special emphasis on the traditions of worship that form current practices common in Lutheran worship. (3 Credits)

MDiv-MPrac-310 Pastoral Theology and Ministry This course is a study of the Biblical foundation, theoretical framework, and practical techniques required for the development of skills for pastoral counseling in a Christian congregation. (3 Credits)

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MDiv-MPrac-360 Internship This is a 12-24 month internship in a parish setting under the direct supervision of a pastor-supervisor. (no credits)

Open Studies Program The Open Studies Program provides learning opportunities for those who do not wish to enter a seminary certification or degree program. Open Studies students are permitted to register in credit courses but are not admitted to a program leading to a certification or a degree.

Credits taken while admitted to the Open Studies program may be counted toward a subsequent degree program. However, Open Studies students must successfully complete the full application process for the different program and be admitted before these credits can be applied toward the new program.

The selection of courses available to Open Studies students includes courses in all disciplines. Check the course listings for courses with enrollment limitations. All students must meet all prerequisites (including Biblical languages for exegetical courses).

Open Studies students are subject to the Academic Probation Policy.

Christian Life Series The Christian Life Series presents general interest courses in theology designed for lay people. These courses seek to engage learners in vital matters of Christian life from a theological perspective. In the Christian Life Series, learners will study the Bible, connect with the Lutheran confessions, and theologically confront the issues facing Christians today. This series will also cover many areas of Christian practice such as prayer, worship, witness, the Christian family, and mission.

Certification and Transcripts The Christian Life Series is not a certificate bearing program. It does however award Continuing Education Units that are added to the ILT transcript on the learner's behalf. (One CEU = one contact hour) Additionally, 24 CEU's from the Christian Life Series courses are required for the Ministry Certification program.

Application Process No application is required for the Christian Life Series. The courses can be taken by anyone who registers for them. Registration takes place through a Designated Teaching Center, commonly at a congregation associated with the Institute, or they can be registered for directly through the Institute.

To register for a course through the Institute call 605-692-9337 or write to admin@instituteoflutherantheology.org.

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