God is Resurrecting the Church

I want to share a modified version of my opening devotion from the Wartburg Seminary board meeting, and the metaphor I have been thinking about for some time: “God is resurrecting the church.” I start this post with some verses from 1 Corinthians 15: 35 But someone will ask, ‘How are the dead raised? With what…… Continue reading God is Resurrecting the Church

Unto You, a Savior is Born

Christmas is a labor of love, is it not?  So much had to be done to get us to today—either by you, or by others:  a tree was selected and cut, purchased and brought home, set up and decorated; lights were hung, decorations were placed; cards were written and mailed; food—mountains of food—was shopped for,…… Continue reading Unto You, a Savior is Born

Commemorating Trans Awareness Week

Today in chapel we commemorated Trans Awareness week, and our new homiletics professor, Sam Gilmore (who is fabulous, by the way–we are so blessed to have her here at Wartburg), preached a fantastic sermon. I’d like to share just a few reflections from it. The text was Matthew 23:37–24:14, the passage where Jesus laments over…… Continue reading Commemorating Trans Awareness Week

“Do Whatever He Tells You”

Last week, the ELCA Seminary Leaders got together in person for a few days down in San Antonio, and it was wonderful: wonderful to be in person with these amazing colleagues for the first time; wonderful to think and dream together about the ways the ELCA Seminaries can continue to support the church for the…… Continue reading “Do Whatever He Tells You”

Lingering with the Bible

What are your views on Scripture? I’ve been thinking about this question quite a bit the past few days, for a couple reasons. First, along with colleagues from across the ELCA, I’ve been reading If God Still Breathes, Why Can’t I?: Black Lives Matter and Biblical Authority, by Dr. Angela Parker. Dr. Parker is a…… Continue reading Lingering with the Bible

The 21st Century Church: an Exciting Place to Be

The grave of Johannes Bugenhagen If you were fortunate enough to either be watching or attending [virtually] the NE Iowa Synod assembly, then you were treated to a wonderful opening presentation on Johannes Bugenhagen and church leadership by Wartburg Seminary professor Martin Lohrmann. The NE Iowa Synod is my new synod of roster, and this…… Continue reading The 21st Century Church: an Exciting Place to Be

Henri Nouwen on Christian Leadership

Have you read In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, by Henri Nouwen? I just finished it, and I thought it was fabulous, so I wanted to share some thoughts about it here. Since beginning my new role at Wartburg Seminary, I have been reading different books on leadership, and so when I…… Continue reading Henri Nouwen on Christian Leadership

Advent Thoughts on Running the Race

So, I have another reflection from my Advent devotional; this time on Hebrews 12:1-3: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the…… Continue reading Advent Thoughts on Running the Race