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The Concentration in Theology and Public Life Studying Theology and Public Life is a way to Prepare for Ministry and a way to gain special, critical skills. Bearing witness at the crossroads of history and hope calls us to reflect theologically about the role of the church in public life. Washington, D.C., an international crossroads of government, political and economic policy, and also a center of ecumenical and interfaith diversity as well as a major academic center, affords distinctive opportunities for contextual immersion, spiritual formation and theological reflection. This concentration challenges students to interact, reflect and respond in dynamic, changing contexts through immersion in this international, political, social and ecumenical setting. M.DIV. CONCENTRATIONS In our call to prepare students for faithful discipleship we recognize the rich diversity of gifts these students bring with them to the task of theological education. To create the maximum potential for students to grow in their gifts for ministry, in addition to the standard outline of the curriculum we offer the following two concentrations: Theology and Public Life, and Town and Country Church Ministry. Normally, at the end of their first year of study, a student, in consultation with his or her advisor, and with the support of the student's judicatory body, may select one of these. A concentration enables the student to take active direction in his or her learning for the flourishing and deepening of their gifts for ministry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The concentration's six courses consist of the following: 5.103 Church in the Urban Scene 5.105 -Theology and Public Life Four other courses related to their area of focus, ( i.e. social ministry, public policy, ecumenical and interfaith issues, and ethics) will be identified in consultation with their advisor. Integral to the concentration are site placements in settings such as, The Lutheran Office of Governmental Affairs, homeless shelters, shelters for women and children, AIDs and HIV ministries, Bread for the World, Lutheran Social Services and congregations involved in unique and dynamic community ministry Residential accommodation is available in Washington for a limited number of students at the Lutheran House of Studies. Coursework is available through the Washington Theological Consortium, (see page 12).
This course examines the history of church-state relations and identifies contemporary theological implications. Attention will be given to strategies in grassroots community organizing, public policy advocacy, and includes a “study tour” through Washington’s various faith based public ministries. (Steinke) Spring Semester, 2003, Washington, DC. 3 credits 5.105DC THEOLOGY AND PUBLIC LIFE. The purpose of this course is to prepare Church leaders to respond theologically in the public arena while still being attentive to the nuances required to steer a course through the public and private arenas. The course includes an Action/Reflection component, which is the opportunity to integrate academic rigor with the practice of ministry. Alongside the traditional classroom, the action/reflection component of the course provides an opportunity to test ideas against the actual events of ministry in the public square. This course may be substituted for Integrative Seminar II for students residing in the Washington, DC area. (Steinke) Fall Semesters 3 credits
5.103DC CHURCH IN THE URBAN SCENE. Visiting diverse faith communities on site whose ministries demonstrate
compassionate service and justice advocacy. Study and reflection on the
biblical motif of “Welcoming the Stranger and Hospitality to the
Sojourner.” Fulfills Church in Society M.Div. requirement (Hicks)
Fall Semesters in Washington, DC |
