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Spirit-Led Solutions through Human-Centered Design
Address Adaptive Challenges with Discernment and Creativity
About this Course
Spirit-Led Solutions through Human-Centered Design was designed to explore the art of human-centered design for faithful application in our uniquely challenging ministry environments.
What you’ll learn:
Each member of your congregation or community is fearfully and wonderfully made, and every challenge you face together is commensurately complex. How can you gain a deep understanding of the needs and stories of these diverse humans around you—and use that understanding to seek spirit-led solutions to the multilayered problems that arise in your community?
Come join us as we dive deep beneath the surface, exploring the art of human-centered design for faithful application in our uniquely challenging ministry environments. Together, we’ll walk through techniques for discerning people’s needs, fostering empathy, igniting creative problem-solving, and embracing an iterative design process. These compelling and expertly guided modules provide practical exercises and real-world examples meticulously tailored to a faith community setting. You’ll be equipped to use human-centered design principles to faithfully build your own implementation plan for creating change or addressing a challenge in your setting!
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Introduction to Human-Centered Design (HCD)
In this module, you will:
- Develop working definitions of systems thinking, adaptive vs. technical problems, and human centered design.
- Celebrate the image of God in ourselves and others.
- Choose a problem that you want to work with as you continue through the course.
Empathy
In this module, you will:
- Understand the role of empathy in the design process.
- Practice strategies for developing empathy.
- Choose a problem that you want to work with as you continue through the course.
Defining the Problem
In this module, you will:
- Learn to think in terms of systems and unseen variables.
- Develop a strategic definition of your problem.
- Consider the cost of this work.
Ideation
In this module, you will:
- Generate possibilities for addressing your problem.
- Practice creative thinking.
- Develop an idea for prototyping.
Prototyping and Testing
In this module, you will:
- Learn the value of prototyping and testing.
- Develop an appreciation for the iterative process.
- Create and test a prototype to address your problem.
Iteration and Implementation
In this module, you will:
- Commit your project to God.
- Practice iteration.
- Design a preliminary implementation plan.
- Take a first step into implementation.
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:
8 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Ramón Pastrano IV
Founder and Board Member of Twin Cities-based ImpactLives, Inc., and Founder of ThirdSphere LLC
Dr. Ramón Pastrano IV is a founder and board member of Twin Cities-based ImpactLives, Inc., and founder of ThirdSphere LLC, a center for transformational leadership in cultural competence, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Pastrano earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications/Media Studies from Briar Cliff University. His advanced degrees include a Master of Science in Management from the U.S. Naval Supply Corps School, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary, and a Doctorate in Global Contextual Leadership from Bethel University.
After 15 years as a surgical consultant and medical device specialist with Ethicon, Medtronic, and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Pastrano has received numerous awards, including the Doctor Act Award, presented by TRANS4M Council for Research and Innovation in Switzerland. This award is given in recognition for outstanding achievement in Social Innovation.
Pastrano has traveled extensively for leadership engagement and humanitarian efforts throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Supply Corps School, he also served as a Commanding Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
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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!