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Crash Course: God
The biggest question—who is this God we seek, doubt, and love?
About this Course
Crash Course: God was designed to equip you with the tools and insights to explore who God is—and why that matters.
What you’ll learn:
Do you ever find yourself grappling with life’s big questions about God—questions like, How do I know God exists? or Why does God allow suffering?
These are deeply human questions, and you’re not alone in wondering.
We’ve all wrestled with foundational questions about God, and Crash Course: God is your space to begin finding answers. With your eyes on Scripture and a seasoned pastor guiding you through theology and practice, we’ll dive into a deeper understanding of God’s existence, character, and presence in the world together.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey of discovery or supporting others who are asking these questions, Crash Course: God will equip you with the tools and insights to explore who God is—and why that matters.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Who Is God?
In this module, you will:
- Know that the essence of God is love.
- Know what the Bible says about God.
- Learn about God as a community of three persons whose mission is to love the world.
- Discover similarities and differences of God in the Old and New Testaments.
How Can I "Know" if God Exists?
In this module, you will:
- See faith is a relationship with God.
- Consider the difference between faith and "knowing."
- Learn doubt, or questioning God, can co-exist with faith.
- Understand attempts to prove God's existence throughout history.
How Does God Relate to Us?
In this module, you will:
- Learn basic Christian understandings of living a "good life."
- Consider different ways people have followed God.
- Explore how different faith traditions view the human/God relationship.
Can I Talk With God?
In this module, you will:
- Learn what prayer is.
- Learn about the Lord's Prayer.
- Explore three types of prayers.
Why Is There Suffering?
In this module, you will:
- Learn about sin.
- Explore how God is present in the midst of suffering.
- Consider why we can have faith in the midst of suffering.
What Does It Mean to Be Created in God's Image?
In this module, you will:
- Learn about the theological concept of "imago Dei."
- Consider the impact of the concept on ecology and the human body.
- Consider how they can live into God's image of them.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged 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:
8 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Stephanie Luedtke
Associate Pastor, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, Plymouth, Minnesota
Stephanie Luedtke is a minister, educator, and artist. She often combines the three, weaving education and arts through her ministry or ministry into arts education. Stephanie is a rostered Pastor in the ELCA with 25 years of experience in ministry of various sorts, and holds a Master’s Degree in Worship Arts. She enjoys helping people of all ages find meaningful ways to worship, learn, and to be in faithful community together. Through her work in schools, private settings, churches, and at the judicatory level, and independent work as a consultant, coach, and curriculum writer, Stephanie has always tried to follow her passions and assist others in doing the same.
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.
Enroll in this on-demand course
$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
Popular
Access this on-demand course
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.99 per month
- 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!