The gifts of Lutheran theology, the lens through which we understand and interpret Scripture and see and experience the presence of God in our lives, are precious, profound, transforming, and counter-cultural, which means it is tempting to water them down, so they fit more easily into our human categories and ways of thinking. 

Faith is not fitting God into what we want, but a relationship that begins with, is sustained by, and everlasting in the love of God incarnate in Jesus Christ. It is good for us to continue to take a fresh look at these gifts as we seek to share these gifts with others through preaching the gospel and sharing the sacrament – the means of grace. It is important for us to explore together how these gifts can help us and those we serve as we wrestle together with what it means to be the church, to address “social justice issues.” How do we help our people talk about sexuality in light of the gospel? How do we address the issues we encounter in our public lives – gun violence, immigration, racism – knowing that God is present and at work in all aspects of our lives and this world? 

Bishop Candea and Rev. Adam Wutka, Director of Lay Ministry, will be teaching a two-session online course (90 minutes each) for Parish Ministry Associates and Synod Authorized Ministers, however, others are more than welcome to join the classes. There is no registration required.