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Lutheranism: Bound and Free
Bound by Grace, Set Free by Love: Discover Lutheranism's Journey
About this Course
Lutheranism: Bound and Free was designed to walk you through a deep examination of the core tenets of Lutheranism, unraveling its historical context, grace-centered theology, and firm roots in the life of Jesus as a model for embodying the love of God.
What you’ll learn:
Dive into the heart of the Lutheran tradition to enrich your faith, empower your actions, and amplify your capacity to share love!
This immersive, self-paced course will walk you through a deep examination of the core tenets of Lutheranism, unraveling its historical context, grace-centered theology, and firm roots in the life of Jesus as a model for embodying the love of God. Through engaging and thoughtfully-designed modules, participants will explore the writings of Martin Luther, the teachings of Jesus, and practical strategies to integrate those revolutionary and life-changing principles into daily life. Come and gain profound insights that will foster your spiritual and personal growth, and equip yourself to radiate God’s love and grace to others.
Join us for this transformative journey. Martin Luther’s personal story is one of movement–out of shame and into the joy of God’s healing love and grace. In his footsteps, may you be emboldened to fully embrace the liberating principles of Lutheranism, emerging as a “bound and free” disciple and striving to embody grace, love, and service in all aspects of your life!
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Bound: Martin Luther
In this module, you will:
- Understand Martin Luther’s struggles with the church.
- Appreciate the role of spiritual crisis in bringing about change.
Bound: Christians Today
In this module, you will:
- Examine the ways that today’s culture spiritually imprisons people.
- Understand God’s disruptive grace.
- Ask God to show you where you need to be free.
Free: Martin Luther
In this module, you will:
- Understand Luther’s definition of faith.
- Realize how this kind of faith was revolutionary for Luther.
- Reflect on where Luther’s faith is reflected in the Lutheran church today.
Free: Christians Today
In this module, you will:
- Understand the relationship between forgiveness and freedom.
- Practice accepting the gift of faith.
Free and Called: Luther
In this module, you will:
- Consider Luther’s revolutionary paradox of freedom and constraint.
- Understand how this paradox has shaped Christian marriage and family life.
Free and Called: Christians in Vocation
In this module, you will:
- Consider the areas to which you are called.
- Assess the risks of living into your vocation.
- Set goals to more freely live your calling.
Free and Called: The Sacraments
In this module, you will:
- Understand how the Lord’s Supper and Baptism reflect the ways Christians are free and called.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course and how to stay connected with your group. You'll also be able to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
9 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Mark Tranvik
Professor of Reformation History and Theology
Mark Tranvik is a parish pastor at heart. He spent almost ten years (1984-93) as a pastor at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. It was a rich experience, full of struggle and joy. While teaching about the Reformation or a theological topic, he pays attention to what is happening in the local churches. One of Tranvik’s favorite things to do is to visit congregations and lead adult forums. He does not want his scholarship to be disconnected from the “real world” of the parish.
Ready to Enroll?
Enroll in this on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all Faith+Lead’s on-demand courses, plus more with a Faith+Lead Membership.
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$55
One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access to 40+ on-demand courses
- Access every live and recorded workshop
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Access this on-demand course
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- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!