Lutheran Principles for Ministry

How can Lutheran principles ground life, leadership, and ministry?

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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.

What You'll Learn

  • Why love is foundational to Lutheran faith, and how to practice love in ministry.
  • The key elements of the Lutheran Confessions.
  • What it means to incorporate Lutheran foundations and ways of being into your own work and daily rhythms.
  • Insights into theological principles around sin, the sacraments, worship, and God’s grace.
  • How to develop a grounded confidence in God’s ongoing activity through the Lutheran tradition.
  • Methods to cultivate authenticity and forgiveness within your congregation.
  • Opportunities to expand your sense of wonder and gratitude for God’s creative work in your life and ministry.
  • Strategies for listening to God’s voice through the Bible.

About this Course

  • Modules

10

  • Learning Elements

78

  • Videos

16

  • Practices & Activities

24

  • Time

8 hours, 30 minutes

  • Price

$55

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Here's What's Inside...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
You'll Learn How to Shift Ministry Models
A woman wearing a lavender coat, a white beret, and black boots stands facing a church with ornate religious iconography and golden crosses on its facade, framed by decorative iron gates.

Root your ministry in the rich gifts of the Lutheran tradition as you navigate the complexities of faith leadership in our changing world. Together, we’ll foster adaptive and creative approaches to ministry that align with God’s faithful work.

What to Expect

  • Unlimited access to all course materials, including a detailed course handbook.
  • A complimentary account in the Faith+Lead Learning Lab, a private online community where you can connect with fellow learners and leaders navigating this course together.
  • If you're already a Faith+Lead member, click here to access this course—it's included in your membership at no additional cost: https://lab.faithlead.org/courses/lutheran-principles-for-ministry/

Ready to Enroll?

Enroll in this one on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all on-demand courses plus more with Faith+Lead Membership →

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$55

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Access to 20+ on-demand courses

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Access to all workshops and their recordings

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Access to member-only live Q&A monthly interviews

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Access to monthly group coaching

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Access to this on-demand course

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Access to an online supportive community

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Access to 20+ on-demand courses

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Access to all workshops and their recordings

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Access to member-only live Q&A monthly interviews

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Access to monthly group coaching

Join Membership

Need a scholarship? Apply here.

Looking for just in-time training resources?

Use this on-demand course as a complementary ready-made resource for small groups, Bible studies, discipleship growth, and equipping lay leaders in your specific ministry setting.

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Meet Your Instructor

  • Mark Tranvik

    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.

Connect as you learn

Connect inside the Faith+Lead Learning Lab

Learning happens best when you do it together with folks who are on the same journey as you are.

That's why our private social network, the Faith+Lead Learning Lab, hosts conversations about course content with other learners, instructors, TAs, and community leaders.

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Study together with a small group or congregation

Want to bring Lutheran Principles for Ministry to your Bible study, small group, or even your entire congregation?

Choose "Enroll a Group" at checkout and select how many people you'd like to provide access to the course. You can go through the course together in-person, watch lessons together via Zoom, or even create a private group in the Learning Lab where participants can connect asynchronously.

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