Homepage / Academy Catalog / Lutheran Characteristics of Preaching
Lutheran Characteristics of Preaching
Explore the values and perspectives that make preaching explicitly Lutheran. [FREE Mini-course]
About this Course
Are you a trained and experienced ministry leader who is new to the Lutheran tradition? Or perhaps a synod leader wanting to supplement your current library of materials to train lay leaders? This course is your guide to sermonizing in the Lutheran tradition and understanding the values and focus areas of Lutheran preaching.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
Lutheran Characteristics of Preaching aims to help learners understand the characteristics and focus areas that make preaching explicitly Lutheran. Lutheran preaching is commonly mistaken as a kind of style rather than a set of emphases. The course isn’t about learning a style of preaching, but a way of thinking about the task of preaching and the interpretation of the text that naturally follows the lead of Martin Luther. Learners will consider how preaching is a manifestation of God’s grace and will leave feeling more prepared to meet the needs of Lutheran congregations.
Modules
Lutheran Characteristics of Preaching
In this course, you will:
- Understand the essential characteristics of Lutheran preaching beyond traditions and habits.
- Develop your ability to receive and proclaim God's grace.
- Apply these characteristics as you listen and preach in your context.
Get to Know Your Instructors
Shauna Hannan
The Reverend Dr. Shauna Hannan is the President of Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Illinois. She has experience as part of the core doctoral faculty of the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, and professor of homiletics at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, among others.
Hannan is the co-author of “Scripting a Sermon: Using the Wisdom of Filmmaking for Impactful Preaching” (Westminster John Knox Press, 2024) and “The Peoples’ Sermon: Preaching as a Ministry of the Whole Congregation” (Fortress Press, 2021), as well as numerous articles and contributions to various books and journals.
Hannan earned her M.Div. from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1998 and her Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey in 2011. She is ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has long been active in ELCA candidacy and leadership formation.
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
$0
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
Need financial support?
Check out the newest courses
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 support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!