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Lutheran Principles for Ministry
How can Lutheran principles ground life, leadership, and ministry?
About this Course
Lutheran Principles for Ministry is designed to walk alongside you, offering support and guidance as you find your footing in ministry within a Lutheran context.
What you’ll learn:
Have you been called to step into ministry within a Lutheran context? Lutheran Principles for Ministry is here to walk alongside you, offering support and guidance as you find your footing.
Each module of this on-demand course invites you to explore the heart of Lutheran theology through key sections of the Book of Concord, the Bible, and virtual visits to imagined church communities facing real-world challenges. As you go, you’ll reflect on how Lutheran principles come alive in ministry, and consider how they might be applied in your own unique setting.
This course creates space to explore the rich theological and spiritual foundations of the Lutheran Confessions, providing opportunities to apply that learning in your ministry setting immediately. Through guided reflections, spiritual practices, and actionable insights, you’ll journey toward a grounded confidence in God’s ongoing work through the Lutheran tradition—and through your ministry.
Modules
Introduction to Love
In this module, you will
- Learn how love is foundational to Lutheran faith.
- Develop an attitude of accepting and resting in God’s love.
- Practice love in ministry.
Creation
In this module, you will
- Learn about God’s creative and redeeming nature.
- Develop your sense of wonder and awe for God’s creative work.
- Identify how God's creative work is present in your life and ministry.
Sin
In this module, you will
- Expand your definition of sin beyond simply bad behavior.
- Practice confession and repentance.
- Brainstorm how you and your ministry might move in the direction of connection when sin is present.
Christ
In this module, you will
- Learn theological principles around God’s gift of grace.
- Accept God’s grace and the gift of Jesus.
- Develop ideas for cultivating authenticity grace and forgiveness in your congregation.
Word
In this module, you will
- Understand ways that God speaks through the Bible.
- Develop skills in listening to God.
- Explore how Luther’s three uses of the law may be helpful in your community or ministry.
Baptism
In this module, you will
- Understand the role of baptism as a sacrament.
- Live into your current state defined by the liturgy of Holy Baptism.
- Explore ways to invite others to live into that liturgy.
Worship and Supper
In this module, you will
- Understand the significance of worship and communion.
- Talk with God about your doubts.
- Examine what God has done and is doing in your ministry or community.
Vocation
In this module, you will
- Understand the concepts of vocation and calling.
- Develop your ability to listen to God’s invitations.
- Consider how your calling affects your ministry.
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:
10 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.
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
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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!