Summer 2005

Vol.21, No.2

www.luthersem.edu

Also Inside:

Commencement 2005 pages 2-4 A Heart Remembering Gerhard Forde for pages 12-13 Mission

Professor Mons Teig ’s Retires New President pages 14-15 Richard Bliese is at heart a missionary and a pastor. Here’s why. pages 6-9 Commencement 2005 Luther Seminary Sends Out Newest Leaders for Mission

uther Seminary conferred degrees Doctor of Ministry degrees, four on 159 newly prepared servant- Master of Theology degrees, and L leaders of the church at its four Doctor of Philosophy degrees. 136th Commencement, May 22, ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson at Central Lutheran Church, gave the commencement address. Minneapolis. He welcomed the class of 2005 as Luther Seminary conferred two colleagues in ministry, urged them in certificates, 52 Master of Arts degrees, their vocations, and presented ministry five Master of Sacred Music degrees, as “a gift of the Holy Spirit.” ● 84 Master of Divinity degrees, eight

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson gave the commencement address.

M.A. graduate Theresa Endres receives her hood from Professor of Old Testament Mark Hillmer, acting The newly hooded director of the M.A./M.S.M. programs. Neeraj Ekka, Ph.D., beams after receiving his diploma.

Awards for Academic Excellence

ach year several awards for The G.M. and Minnie Bruce Award excellence are given to graduating in New Testament: Kendra Mohn students. The awards given this E The A.E. Hanson Prizes in Homiletics: year are: David LaMar, Andrea Hinderaker, The Graduate Preaching Fellowship: Jo Quanbeck, Edward Daniel Ruen Mark Williamson Luther Seminary Stewardship The John Milton Prize in Old Council Award: Nathan Aaseng Testament: Erik Gronberg

2 STORY Summer 2005 Frerichs and Smith Professors Emeriti William Smith and Receive Christus Lux Wendell Frerichs Mundi Award are recipients of the Christus Lux rofessors Emeriti Wendell Frerichs Mundi Award. and William Smith received the PChristus Lux Mundi Award during the 136th commencement ceremony, May 22. The Christus Lux Mundi Award is Luther Seminary’s most distinguished honor. Frerichs and Smith have prepared generations of church leaders to “go Frerichs earned the bachelor of arts State Hospital; The American and make disciples of all nations” degree from St. Olaf College (1948), Foundation of Religion and (Matthew 28:19), girding them with the bachelor of theology degree from Psychiatry in New York; and the disciplines of prayer and of Christian Luther Theological Seminary (1951), the Sloan-Kettering Institute. and biblical reflection and meditation. the master of sacred theology degree He was director of pastoral counseling from Oberlin Graduate School of endell Frerichs taught for 37 at Wilder Clinic, St. Paul, 1971-74, Theology, and the doctor of theology years at Luther Seminary as and director of community care degree from the University of Basel Wprofessor of Old Testament resources and associate director of in Switzerland. before his retirement in 1995. His training with the Wilder Foundation gift of prayer permeated campus. His Following ordination in 1951, Frerichs in 1974-78. He has been a supervisor straightforward, heartfelt supplications was pastor of Victory Lutheran Church with the Association for Clinical began each of his classes. The Luther in Cleveland, Ohio (1951-54), and Pastoral Education since 1968, and Seminary directory of students, faculty of Trinity Lutheran Church in established one of the first parish- and staff became his daily prayer guide. Stevens Point, Wis. (1954-56). based clinical pastoral education Frerichs was instrumental in developing centers in the country. a course in discipleship to add to the illiam Smith served as In 1973, he developed the Befriender seminary’s curriculum. The course professor of pastoral care program, a lay training program estab- stemmed from his concern about from 1971-1995. Although he W lished to equip laity to assist in the pas- students’ faith in daily life. Today, all retired officially 10 years ago, he toral care ministry of their congregations. master of arts, master of sacred music, continues to nurture seminarians, and master of divinity students meet encouraging their spiritual growth, He began his career at Luther Seminary weekly in discipleship groups. The and helping to strengthen them for in 1970 as a student counselor weekly gatherings include attention the challenges that lie ahead. He is before joining the faculty in 1971. to the word of God, prayer, fellowship, the spiritual director for many a encouragement of vocation, and service. One concern about students came church leader, a listening ear and to Smith's attention in 1982 while He is the author of Take it to the a centering spirit for those in need teaching a course on pre-marriage Lord, Prayer Laments for the Afflicted, of “soul care,” as Smith calls it. and marriage ministry. He was and Real Prayers, which is a treasury Ordained in 1954, he was pastor of unprepared for the number of students of prayers he has written and prayed Navarino (Wis.) Parish (1954-56), who talked about the stress in their over the years. He also produced a own marriages. biblical prayer workbook. and of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis (1956-1971). Smith and his wife Anita sought Frerichs has studied Jewish-Christian relationships and taught courses on the He earned both the bachelor of divinity advice from well-respected marriage subject. He has written a manuscript and master of theology degrees from counselors who helped them develop to help Christians understand what Luther Theological Seminary (1954 Luther Seminary's Marriage Care it means to live as a Jew, not simply and 1968). He completed supervisory program, where couples help each describing Jewish beliefs. For years training in clinical pastoral education other in small ongoing support groups. he led Luther’s annual chapel at Fairview Hospital, Minneapolis; Since 1982, 900 couples have partic- service on Yom Hasho'ah, a day Willmar (Minn.) State Hospital; ipated in Marriage Care while they of remembrance of the Holocaust. Menninger Clinic at the Topeka (Kan.) have been at the seminary. ● 3 STORY Summer 2005 Marbury Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching Announced

resident Emeritus David Tiede as such a surprise,” said Anderson announced the newly created of the chair. PMarbury Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at this year’s Pastor Anderson and his wife, Sylvia, commencement ceremony. It is given have been married for 57 years and by Bradbury and Janet Anderson have a son and daughter, and a son in honor of Brad’s father, the who died in 1992. They have five Rev. Marbury E. Anderson. The chair grandchildren. reflects the Andersons’ love of excellent Janet Anderson, a retired social preaching and their belief that biblical Sylvia and Marbury Anderson are worker, is chair of Luther Seminary’s preaching is the cornerstone of a recognized at the announcement Foundation Board of Trustees. Brad vital, healthy church. of the Marbury E. Anderson Chair Anderson is CEO of Best Buy, Inc., in Biblical Preaching established by A graduate of Augustana Theological headquartered in the Twin Cities. their son Brad and his wife Janet. Seminary, Rock Island, Ill., Pastor The Andersons have two sons, Anderson actively served for 43 years Eric and Jeremy. Dr. David J. Lose, associate professor in Lutheran congregations in Illinois, of homiletics and newly named Texas, Colorado and Minnesota. His academic dean, was named to the fine preaching continues to inspire chair. ● and challenge parishioners.

“Having felt through the years that President Emeritus David Tiede the greatest challenge and most congratulates David Lose, who was important work as a pastor was the named to the Marbury E. Anderson sermon, I’m especially thrilled by Chair in Biblical Preaching. Brad and Janet’s action, which came

Pastor Paul Youngdahl Honored summer camp, Cathedral of the Pines. Youngdahl, along with Pastor Steve with Good Shepherd Award Cornils and Pastor Mary Brown,’91, began Previews at Luther Seminary astor Paul Youngdahl of Mount The honor awarded his deep in 1992. The Previews program Olivet Lutheran Church, commitment to the vocations of invites pastors from around the state Minneapolis, Minn., received young people. Ministry to children P of Minnesota to bring select high the first Good Shepherd Award and young people has been at the school youth to Luther Seminary to during this year’s commencement. heart of his pastoral work. He has explore church vocation and attending mentored thousands of seminary. In the 13 years Previews youth during summers has been held, approximately 2,500 spent at Mount Olivet’s students and pastors have taken part, and congregations throughout Pastor Paul Youngdahl the Midwest have been represented. is given the first Good Many students enrolled at Luther Shepherd Award by President Seminary today had their first seminary Emeritus David Tiede in experience as a part of Previews. ● honor of Youngdahl’s deep commitment to the vocations of young people.

4 STORY Summer 2005 Notes from the Mission Field Leaders with a Heart for Mission

“ hat are you searching for?” Finally, we began the search last What is the answer to the various (John 1:38). These are the year for leaders who might join as searches in John’s gospel? In 1:35-51 Wfirst words of Jesus in the teachers and mentors. Four responded we have the essential dynamic of the fourth gospel, and they point to a to the call. call to discipleship: “coming and seeing” central theme. Throughout the gospel (v. 39). In response to the disciples’ Andrew Root (Assistant Professor people are searching for something; question to find out where Jesus is of Youth and Family) His special for the way to God, for healing, for staying, Jesus responds, “come and see.” gifts lie in the area of grounding meaning in a world of persecution youth and family work upon a rich and suffering, for abundant life, for The invitation of Jesus to “come and theological foundation. light within their darkness, and for a see” means: “The fulfillment of your dreams, aspirations and seeking is place to belong. Jesus points to himself Lois Faraq (Assistant Professor of finally found in the place where as the apex of all seeking with the Early Church History) Her experience I am.” This is not to say that all the words: “I am the way, and the truth, in Egypt and with the writings of disciples had great expectations. and the life. No one comes to the the early church have equipped her Nathanael for one was skeptical. Father except through me.” (14: 6). to teach our students how to confess “Can anything good come out of Christ in a North American culture At Luther Seminary, we spent the Nazareth?” Nevertheless, Philip that is becoming increasingly foreign whole year searching for something, repeats Jesus’ invitation to “come to Christian values and beliefs. too. We have been searching for and see!” (1:46). So Nathanael leaders with a heart for mission. Carol Miles (Associate Professor of follows the invitation and does This “searching” started with a Preaching) Her gifts lie in assisting indeed see greater things, even an focused call for future congregational others to preach boldly from deep open heaven with angels of God leaders. The results can best be within the texts of Scripture, ascending and descending (1:51). described as astounding. Last year’s especially the Old Testament. Here—in the person of Jesus—is the incoming class of 207 students was place where seeking is transformed Paul Hill (Children, Youth and the seminary’s largest in a decade. into missional commitment. Leaders Family Ministry Vocational Mentor Our searching continued with the with a heart for mission pass along Coordinator) The key to Paul’s public phase of the Called and Sent to the world Jesus’ simple invitation, strengths is his ability to challenge campaign, as we sought out leaders “come and see!” What a great message young people with the good news who were willing to support the for a seminary. ● of Jesus from the platform of the seminary with their time, prayers Lutheran confessional heritage. and financial support. The results have been amazing! Toward our All the searches mentioned above, goal of $96.7 million over a five- although diverse in nature, had one year period, we have received over single focus: seeking out leadership Richard Bliese $95 million in just over four years. with a heart for mission. Luther Seminary President

Andrew Root Lois Faraq Carol Miles Paul Hill 5 STORY Summer 2005 A Heart for Mission President Richard Bliese Sees the Mission Field All Around Us

On July 1, Dr. Richard Bliese officially became the president of Luther Seminary. But he is no stranger to the community. Bliese served as academic dean from 2003-2005. In that time he distinguished himself as an enthusiastic learner and a pastoral presence with an eye for detail that also sees the big picture. He is a tireless proponent and scholar of mission, which for him must incorporate more than one definition. Mission is the church being sent into the world to love, serve, preach, teach, heal and liberate. It is “deliverance and emanicipatory action” in the power of the Spirit. And, ultimately, it is “the triune God’s action in the world and in the church to which we are called as servants,” he says.

Perhaps you have met Richard and Nina Bliese. In the past year, Bliese has been a part of the Called & Sent campaign events across the U.S. In the coming year, he will be touring again, holding listening sessions with congregations and indi- viduals across the country. We will let you know where he will 2004: Bliese addresses guests at a be visiting soon. In the meantime, meet Dr. Richard Bliese. Called & Sent event.

programs by recruiting his kids and By Sheri Booms Holm, It All Started at Home family, so we started off at a very Director of Publications “I grew up in a family that really passed on a vision for mission,” Bliese early age. It was wonderful. It’s really said of his youth. “Like any pastor, something how my father took me my father [Bill Bliese, a pastor of the out and mentored me by saying, ichard Bliese is at heart a mis- Lutheran Church of the Missouri ‘Now, watch me do it.’” sionary and a pastor. He served Synod (LCMS)] started his evangelism Rin parishes for 23 years, 11 of Bliese’s mother, Shirley, also provided those as a missionary in Germany a strong role model through her and Africa. commitment to congregational and spiritual renewal. But he will tell you his heart for At Emmanuel Lutheran Church in mission started long before he became Dayton, Ohio, the whole family thrived a pastor or moved overseas. Mission on the congregation’s openness and has been at the heart of every place interest in reshaping its ideas of mission. he’s lived, and every call he and his family have answered. “We had seen evangelical churches 1995: Bliese with parents Shirley and around us thrive and grow, so the Bill Bliese upon receiving his Ph.D. diploma from Lutheran School of question was, why was God blessing Theology—Chicago. all these other congregations and not 6 STORY Summer 2005 A Heart for Mission (continued) from a denomination. Both faculty ours? That started the ball rolling. and students had to work hard just We started asking questions about to keep the seminary afloat. mission, not just exterior outreach, Church placement for the students but interior transformation of the proved difficult, too. But Bliese and congregation.” The congregation his wife, Nina, never imagined that organized Bible studies, small groups, their first call would come from as praise groups, coffeehouses and far away as Europe. Pastor Bernd theatre groups that reached out to Schlottoff of St. Stephanus Kirche, both members and nonmembers Westphalia, Germany, was in the U.S. alike. “Those really were heady looking for a Lutheran pastor com- 1984: Bliese holds his daughter, days,” Bliese recalled. mitted to and trained in evangelism. Stephanie at her baptism in Herne, Entrepreneurial Spirit A mutual acquaintance, Pastor Jack Germany. Bliese is wearing the traditional German Lutheran clerics. By the time he enrolled at Wright Kennedy of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., State University in Dayton, Bliese gave Schlottoff Bliese’s number. ask basic questions: What’s going on was already running the coffeehouses Soon, the Blieses were on their way. here? What is God up to? How do and theatre groups at Emmanuel. Overseas Mission you set up a strategy? The Fish House—the name given to Bliese’s experiences in Europe and the church’s Christian music venue “The temptation here in the States is Africa taught him a whole new vision of which Bliese was the founder and to right off the bat have a couple of for mission that he and his family director—became one of the pre- programs you want to do, and not have embraced—a little twist on mier Midwest stops for well-known listen as well. In-depth listening, an adage: Listen before you leap. Christian artists. “And it became the and how to be a missionary presence place for young people in Dayton to It’s a good thing to take the time in place, is great learning.” go to on a Saturday night—100 to to listen when you’re in a culture At St. Stephanus Kirche in Herne, 1,000 people attended the concerts!” completely new to you and you are West Germany, the Bliese family, a fish out of water, he explained. Bliese is quick to credit Emmanuel which now included children Aaron “You learn how to listen, because Lutheran with this opportunity for and Stephanie, became part of a you really don’t know what you unique evangelism at such a young age. congregation that considered all of should be doing. “They were incredibly permission- its members missionaries. The church giving,” he said of the congregation. “Any place you go, even if you come to felt called to a mission venture that They even assigned two council St. Paul, you need to read the culture,” included a missionary exchange members, local business people, to Bliese said. To do this, he learned to between Germany and Zaire. provide counsel and advice to the young entrepreneur. Seminary Days 1987: Richard and As a student at Christ Seminary- Nina Bliese with Seminex, St. Louis, Mo., mission church members in meant being open to the prompting Bukavu, Zaire. of the Holy Spirit and living a life of faith when seminary finances were iffy from day to day, and students had no guarantee for placement.

Seminex was born out of a 1974 schism between the LCMS and most of the faculty and students of Concordia Seminary, the Missouri Synod’s school of theology. That meant no support—financial or otherwise— 7 STORY Summer 2005 A Heart for Mission (continued) boring Rwanda. “They were working Despite the devastating repercussions The congregation called the Blieses under horrible conditions, and they to border towns like Bukavu, some of to be a part of the exchange. only had about 10 texts to preach the businesses the Blieses helped found from,” he said of the itinerant preachers. survived and are still operating today. The Blieses’ move to Bukavu, Zaire became an eye-opening, life-changing Bliese’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked Back in the U.S. experience for them. “Africa just in. He realized that there were ways When the Bliese family returned to burst my whole notion of mission,” to set up an infrastructure that would the U.S., Bliese’s call incorporated Bliese said. “There you saw a huge completely pay for itself. The church many different roles: graduate student need. There was no functioning set up a language school for expatriates, at Lutheran School of Theology at infrastructure.” The Blieses learned offered development aides to visiting Chicago, the school’s director of quickly that it was up to the church dignitaries, created housing and meeting graduate studies, the Augustana to provide almost everything. It meant space for conferences, and more. In Heritage associate professor of global using one’s whole imagination for this way they were able to wholly mission and evangelism, and part-time what mission could be, and learning support themselves without gift aid, ELCA pastor of a small struggling how to rally the people as a whole. and created much needed jobs. The congregation on the south side of profits went directly to the churches. Chicago, St. Andrew’s Lutheran. Bliese’s initial job was to train the There, he learned how empowered The Bliese family left Zaire right when evangelists who covered an immense members could turn around the life the genocide in Rwanda broke out. area that included Zaire and neigh- of the congregation and its mission to the community. INAUGURATION WEEKEND OCT. 22-24 With only limited time to spend at the church, Bliese called on the members to become ministers themselves. But they were burned out, their energy used up in the demands of daily life—and they let their pastor know this in no uncertain terms.

“It became apparent that our own congregational renewal was increasingly being fueled by assisting our people to live out their callings in their homes, communities and workplaces, instead of focusing on our immediate churchly need to keep our programs well run,” Bliese said.

St. Andrew’s instituted Sunday LIFT (Living in Faith Together) forums to discuss ministry in daily life, and held Wednesday community nights with the goal to encourage people to grow in their faith and witness. Members were encouraged to discover Service of Installation for Richard H. Bliese, Ph.D. as President, their vocations, their gifts and how Sunday, 3 p.m., October 23, 2005 “God has wired you,; and having the Central Lutheran Church, 333 South Twelfth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota confidence that what you do every day is part of God’s mission for the Reception following. world,” Bliese said.

Send online prayers and congratulations to Dr. Bliese by visiting Through this intentional nurturing www.luthersem.edu/president/bestwishes the congregants were caught up in 8 STORY Summer 2005 A Heart for Mission (continued) a sort of centrifugal force, “drawn to Meet the word of God and to Jesus” that centered and informed them, and the Bliese then sent them out in new and dynamic ways, Bliese continued. Family “Once you’ve experienced a vibrant ichard and Nina Bliese met at congregation it’s the best thing. There’s one of the coffeehouse gatherings nothing better. You’re spoiled for any- Rrun by Bliese at Emmanuel thing else, in a blessed sort of way,” Lutheran in Dayton, Ohio. They have he said. been married for 26 years. “We’re Luther Seminary Spoke together as a team,” Bliese said. Bliese’s Language Nina is an art educator and a great Bliese was not interested in coming proponent of public art. In Chicago to Luther Seminary until he was she served as chair of the board of encouraged to read its 2000-2005 the Textile Arts Centre, and was on strategic plan, “Serving the Promise of Chicago's Art Panel which makes Our Mission.” He was galvanized by recommendations for visual-arts grants. what he read. Here was the mission 2005: The Bliese family (counter clock- language he was committed to that Nina is a member of Luther Seminary’s Fine Arts Committee. wise from top): Aaron, Stephanie, the whole school embraced—in fact, Richard and Nina, with dog, Sophie. had input in its creation. One of her first projects at Luther was fundraising for the sculpture Just as exciting for him: “It actually “Living Hope of the Resurrection,” 21, is a theatre major at Illinois had a business plan and action steps!” which now graces the Garden of Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Ill. Although his first year as president the Resurrection outside of She recently completed a semester begins as the strategic plan’s five-year Northwestern Hall. Nina also at Oxford University in England. serves on the board of ARC Retreat span concludes, Bliese still sees it as In the past two years the Blieses Center north of the Twin Cities. the guiding document for the next have enjoyed discovering the five years. First, however, comes a The Blieses have two children. Son Twin Cities. “They are so accessible. time of “depth learning.” Using the Aaron, 25, is a writer and senior at You can easily get to anything from lessons learned as a missionary, Bliese Western Illinois University where he theatre to art galleries,” Bliese said. proposes a period of listening, both studies literature. Daughter Stephanie, “It’s been fun.” ● internally and externally, to determine why the strategic plan has “really caught our imaginations” and why it has been so successful. Only then can Luther build upon the strategic plan’s successes, he said. One of Bliese’s main objectives is to go back to the congregations that were surveyed prior to the creation of the current strategic plan and find out if “we’ve done it right.” “Centered Life, biblical preaching— are we fulfilling the promises we’ve made? Our sense is we’re on the right track, but I think we’ve got ● to go back and check,” he said. 1997: Bliese presides at a baptism at St Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Glenwood, Ill. 9 STORY Summer 2005 Students Help “Put a Face on This Place” Part of the Called & Sent campaign events included hearing from a Luther Seminary student. The students were asked to talk about their own call story, and what Luther Seminary meant to them as they prepared for lives of service to the church.

Sigrid Magid

Called & Sent events. She also thinks By Shelley Cunningham, ‘98 “I like speaking, but I her story was especially effective at Called & Sent events in Phoenix, enjoyed feeling like I was igrid Magid, who will be serving Portland and Seattle, where much able to give something more of the population is unchurched. as an intern at Living Water back. There is so much Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids, S “I’m not from Minnesota, I didn’t Minn., this year, said, “It was amazing important work to be done. grow up in the church,” she said. to see the network of people every- “Especially on the West Coast, you’ve Luther Seminary’s mission where who are drawn to these events. got to speak about the church’s Most had some connection to Luther of preparing leaders is so future in a different way.” Seminary—they knew someone who’d important.” gone there—but others were there Magid was raised in a non-religious because their pastors had recommended household. Her father, who was born Sigrid Magid, they go. It was meaningful to see in Israel, is a strong atheist; her Master of Divinity Student how many different lives and places mother was raised Lutheran but was wouldn’t let her. So she would read had been touched by the work that turned off by a political split in her the Bible and listen to Christian happens at Luther Seminary.” church. Magid and her siblings’ only radio programs in secret. As her faith exposure to the church was when Magid got connected with the campaign grew, she was baptized when she they went to Christmas and Easter after she spoke at a breakfast on went to college, where she became services with their grandparents. campus last year. Her eloquence and active in the Lutheran Student passion for both ministry and the When she was 12 or 13, she says, Movement. After graduation, she seminary made her a natural fit for she started searching. She wanted started teaching high school, but she the upbeat, inspirational tone of the to try going to church, but her dad also began having conversations with 10 STORY Summer 2005 “Put a Face on This Place” “Supporting the seminary “I knew how important it is for a (continued) non-profit institution to have a strong is a given for me. Hearing donor base of people who really believe her pastor about the possibility of in the mission of the organization,” going to seminary. “I wanted some the stories at the campaign he said. “And as a student, I’ve had answers, like, how do you know for event just reinforced that to take out loans to come to seminary, sure this is what you should do,” she so I also know how much the seminary said. “Finally, I had to come to a for me. Things at Luther needs its donors.” As a manager of the place of peace that I wouldn’t ever Seminary are worth being seminary’s annual Phonathon, he saw have the answer—but would always how willing people were to support have the promises that God gave me.” a part of.” Luther Seminary. Still, he saw the Now, she’s preparing for service in Erik Gronberg, ‘05 Called & Sent events as an important ordained ministry. And she and her time to “put a face on this place. father have come to a place of peace People need to hear about the about her path, too. Although he grew up in Texas and professors, the staff, and the students attended on a who make Luther Seminary such a “I like speaking, but I enjoyed feeling football scholarship, Gronberg valuable resource for the church.” like I was able to give something knew Luther Seminary was the back. There is so much important right place for him. “I wanted more This fall, Gronberg began his first work to be done. Luther Seminary’s of the ‘Midwestern experience.’ call at Dr. Martin Luther Church, mission of preparing leaders is so And, I wanted to go somewhere Oconomowoc, Wis.—and became important.” ● where I would have classmates who a campaign contributor himself. were in the same point in life that I was. I’ve met some of my best “Supporting the seminary is a given •••••••••• friends here at seminary,” including for me. Hearing the stories at the his wife, Kendra Mohn, ’05. campaign event just reinforced that for me. Things at Luther Seminary rik Gronberg, the son of a Texas Gronberg’s background in finance are worth being a part of.” ● pastor, grew up “very much in led him to a student worker position Ethe church.” He, too was active in the office of seminary relations. in campus ministry, but didn’t want to follow in his dad’s shoes. “When your dad’s a pastor, all you know of A Donor Story the job is him … and my dad is great and all, but I didn’t want to be my dad.” After graduating, he worked as Brothers Lived Simply, a financial advisor for a couple of years. “It paid well, which was really Gave Greatly important to someone with a lot of student loans, but after six or eight rothers Arthur and Walter Anderson lived a quiet life in rural months, I felt like something was Russell, Minn. They never married, took care of their sister with missing from the equation.” He special needs, and worked the family farm until nearly 80. They started looking into seminary, and B enjoyed music—they played in the local Over 60 band—gardening, was grateful for an admissions and sports and keeping abreast of local and national news. candidacy process that got him really thinking about what he wanted to do. And at their deaths, well into their 90s, they left a legacy of more than $4 million. Through their simple lifestyle, hard work and solid investing “I liked the idea of having something strategies, they were able to bequeath their entire sizeable estate to several different to do every day—and of church and charitable organizations, including Luther Seminary. being the one who decides what to do, and when, and how. I guess I Luther Seminary thanks God for the Anderson brothers. Their love for have more of an entrepreneurial the Lord and for the future of the church is reflected in their gift. ● streak in me than I thought I did.” 11 STORY Summer 2005 Remembering Gerhard Forde

“I have tried through the years

to present the integrity and

truth of the tradition, especially

as found in Martin Luther, in

a way that is interesting,

compelling and exciting.”

Gerhard Forde, ’55, Professor Emeritus

uther Seminary gives thanks richer because of the legacy he a hope and love for it …With his for the witness and wisdom of leaves behind,” shared J. David droll ways, his self-effacing wit, L Professor Emeritus Gerhard O. Whelan, ’95, of Menomonie, Wis. his dry humor he taught me to love Forde, ’55, who died Aug. 9, 2005 Christ and his church,” told Pari “Every day that I work as a pastor after a long illness. For almost 40 Bailey, ’94, ’98, Benson, Minn. and live as a person of faith I hear years he shared his passion for the Gerhard’s words, insisting on a clear Forde also team-taught Lutheran Reformation with generations of declaration of the gospel and its Confessions with James Nestingen, pastors and lay leaders. “I have tried impact on our lives,” wrote David ’71 (M.Div.), ’78 (M.Th.), Professor through the years to present the Zellmer, ’81, Pierre, S.D. of Church History. integrity and truth of the tradition, “I see [the Lutheran Confessions especially as found in Martin Luther, Forde taught systematic theology, course] as a linchpin for other seminary in a way that is interesting, compelling including such courses as “The Theology courses, kind of a crash course in what and exciting,” he said at his retirement of Martin Luther,” “Creation and the Lutheran ministry is, can be and in 1998. Triune God” and “Jesus the Savior.” should be about,” Forde once said. Forde’s online memory book on the “To engage him in constructing Forde taught at St. Olaf College Luther Seminary Web site (www. theology for effective and faithful and before joining luthersem.edu/memorial/gerhard_ Christian witness in the contemporary Luther Seminary as a fulltime forde.asp) is filled with personal world was the closest thing to instructor in 1964. He became glimpses into the impact Forde and encountering the very spirit of full professor in 1974. his teachings have made. Martin Luther,” wrote colleague He received the B.A. degree from Professor Emeritus Lee Snook. “He wrote and taught in a way not Luther College in 1950, and the to dazzle us with his intellect but to “He revealed to me the beauty and B.Th degree from Luther Seminary assure us of God's grace. The church power of this church that preached in 1955. He earned the Th.D. degree is the poorer for his passing, but the Reformation, and instilled in me from in

12 STORY Summer 2005 Forde (continued) Where God Meets Man (1972) and A festschrift, By Faith Alone: Essays 1967. Forde also studied at Tübingen Justification by Faith: A Matter of on Justification in Honor of Gerhard University and was the Lutheran Death and Life (1982). Where God O. Forde, (Eerdmans, 2004) has also tutor at Mansfield College, Oxford Meets Man has been translated into been published. many languages, most recently University, 1968-70. Robin Nice, ’94, Silver Bay, Minn., in Slovakian. A member of the American Academy summed up many sentiments: “Dr. In the past year, two new books have of Religion, Forde was active as a Forde was a giant of theology—but been published: The Captivation of member of the board of dialog, A more a giant in the faith. His is a the Will: Luther vs. Erasmus on Journal of Theology; the Lutheran- voice that will not be silenced Freedom and Bondage (Lutheran ● Roman Catholic dialogue; the by death.” Quarterly Books, 2004), edited by Commission for the new Lutheran Steven Paulson, ’82, associate professor Church; and the editorial board of systematic theology, and A More Contribute and read online of The Lutheran Quarterly. Radical Gospel: Essays on Eschatology, memories of Dr. Forde to In Forde’s memory book, many Authority, Atonement, and Ecumenism www.luthersem.edu/memorial/ spoke of how his writings affected (Eerdmans, 2004), edited by Paulson gerhard_forde.asp them and their faith, in particular, and Mark C. Mattes.

of the Fellows Program is to identify, encourage, develop and equip qualified senior leaders for leadership positions in Lutheran colleges, universities and seminaries.

Candidates were selected based on their dedication to the mission and distinctiveness of Lutheran higher education, a strong record of service to academic institutions, a clear potential for top-level leadership, and on their vocational call to lead these important institutions.

Lull Named to Through intensive retreats and Thrivent Fellows seminars, Fellows gain increased Program knowledge and understanding of Lutheran traditions and values, atricia Lull, Dean of Student stronger awareness of their own Services, was one of 14 named leadership capacities, thorough Pin April to the prestigious knowledge of key management Thrivent Fellows Program, a part issues in Lutheran higher education, of the Lutheran College and discernment of personal and University Leadership Program. professional goals that will equip them to fulfill their callings, a plan Sponsored by the Council of for professional growth, and an College and University Presidents expanded network of relationships of the ELCA, the Division for with other Lutheran higher Higher Education, and Thrivent education leaders. ● Financial for Lutherans, the purpose

13 STORY Summer 2005 Teig grew up on an Iowa farm, a setting far from what he would encounter as a parish pastor in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Los Angeles, Calif. Yet the disparate locales gave him a bigger picture of how the church needed to reach out through worship.

“My experience on both coasts, where you couldn’t take for granted that people would be in church, pressed me in truly imaginative, creative ways,” he said. “I knew people wouldn’t show up for worship unless a lot of thought had clearly been put into it.”

“Worship is like going to the optometrist: you get all these different lenses to figure out which one will Professor help you see more clearly. From the very poor to the Mons Teig Retires very rich, we all need this from Seminary same gospel. But we see the gospel differently through our life experience. Worship

By Shelley Cunningham, ‘98 combines formality and creativity, gives us different ways to order and flexibility, kindness and ow do you measure faithfulness critique, warm piety and social see God.” —by longevity? Truthfulness? engagement, traditional form and Mons Teig HDedication? Integrity? In nine- evangelical passion.” Teig’s faithfulness teen years as professor of worship shines when you consider the at Luther Seminary, Mons Teig has thousands of students he has engaged He believes that good worship starts been all these things. Arland Hultgren, in conversation about what it means with a team of church staff and lay professor of New Testament, who to lead and plan worship as an people who “can put thoughtful, paid tribute to Teig at the spring encounter with the gracious God cognitive, careful time into the faculty/staff dinner put it like this: we know through Jesus Christ. process. We’re finding in the business “We who have gotten to know Mons “Mons has made students aware world today that groups of people at a more personal level have come that what they do in preaching and working together on a project create to know him as one who combines leading worship sets the tone for a more imaginative and better product things that many would like to put everything that goes on in a parish,” than those who work alone. The asunder. In his own way of being, he Hultgren said. danger for pastors planning and 14 STORY Summer 2005 Teig (continued) constantly aware of how it’s been Though he’ll be making the transition leading alone is that they can fall interpreted in the past.” from professor to, he jokes, “a free into routine.” agent,” Teig will continue to shape Teig gives credence to the belief and lead conversation about how As much as he admits “I’d rather that every life we touch can be an worship affects discipleship, through do it myself,” he felt God calling him encounter with the holy. He and teaching workshops, writing, and to leave a larger mark on the church his wife, Shirley, like to engage in consulting with congregations. Which through his teaching. “I have stayed conversation with people they just goes to show: faithfulness doesn’t [at the seminary] because I wanted meet in the course of their everyday end at retirement. ● to help students catch the vision activities—errands, travel, dining of what it was to draw a whole out. One such person whom they community into worship—to discover met was a waitress at a restaurant in that worship isn’t simply something Alexandria, Minn., several years ago. they ‘do’ to them, but that God is “We asked her, like we so often do, making them church in this event ‘So, what do you do when you’re of Word and Sacrament. I want not here?’ She was touched and them to start thinking about why we surprised from this question from do certain things, so that it isn’t just one of her customers,” he said. rote.” It’s been particularly rewarding, “But I believe it’s important to pay he says, because students tell him attention to people pastorally, even that it’s in leading worship that their if you’re not their pastor.” As is turns sense of pastoral identity really out, the waitress had been considering comes into being. Even students following God’s call to serve the who say, “‘I’ve done worship all my church. She kept in touch with the life’ walk away with a real sense that Teigs as she explored entering seminary Send and read best wishes the biblical, confessional material we and visited him during an on-campus and memories of Dr. Tieg talk about is embodied in worship.” tour, and left him a thank-you message at www.luthersem.edu/ in his online memory book when memorybook/teig As a member of the team that created he retired. the Lutheran Book of Worship, Teig traveled through North America to help introduce it to congregations. He remains proud of his work with that team. And, though he’s well aware of the ‘worship wars’ that hit many congregations, he doesn’t necessarily agree with them.

“For me, any discussion about worship style always has been about creative tension. Being faithful to tradition always means making responsible change. If we don’t pay attention, we develop ‘liturgical alzheimer’s’— we lose all memory of where we come from. But we need to keep the conversation going to adapt to a contemporary context.”

He likens discussing worship styles to the way Lutherans read the Bible: “We are constantly saying, how does this speak to us today? But we’re also 15 STORY Summer 2005 Terence Fretheim, ’60, Elva B. Lovell David Tiede, '66, president emeritus Professor of Old Testament, published Faculty and professor of New Testament, God and World in the Old Testament: has been named to the Bernhard M. A Relational Theology of & Staff Christensen Chair in Religion at Creation (Abingdon Press, Augsburg College—the first endowed 2005), an exploration of God’s NOTES chair in the college’s history. Christensen presence and connection was the seventh president of Augsburg with and through our Want to invite a faculty or College and Seminary from 1938-62. created world. staff member to present in The seminary was later merged with Luther Seminary. Tiede will carry Arland J. Hultgren, Asher O. and your congregation? Visit out research and writing, including Carrie Nasby Professor of New www.luthersem.edu/ focus on Christensen's legacy and Testament, was awarded the Lifetime resource guide for work. He also will lecture and conduct Achievement Award for Teaching on-campus workshops, represent the in a Seminary or Divinity School at up-to-date topic listings and college at various events sponsored by the Lutheran School of Theology at contact information. the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Chicago on April 14. The award was Fund, work with Augsburg students presented during the banquet at the who have been designated as “Lilly annual LSTC Leadership Conference. Germany, also in July. The paper was entitled, “What Does It Mean to Be Scholars” and who have demonstrated Craig Koester, ’80, professor of Human? Imagery and the Human an interest in studying for ministry, New Testament, recently published Condition in John’s Gospel.” At the and will seek ways to strengthen the a number of essays: “The Death of meeting of the Studiorum Novi college's ties to key Christian leaders Jesus and the Human Condition: Testamenti Societas at Halle, Germany and communities. Exploring the Theology of John’s in August, he co-chaired the seminars Coming to a Gospel” in Life in Abundance: on the Johannine Writings, which Studies of John’s Gospel in Tribute to focused on the theme of resurrection Town Near You Raymond E. Brown, edited by John in John’s gospel. Marc Kolden, ’66, will be speaking R. Donahue (Collegeville: Liturgical and preaching on Reformation Michael Rogness, ’60, Alvin N. Press, 2005); “God’s Purposes and weekend (Saturday-Sunday, October Rogness Professor of Preaching, led Christ’s Saving Work According to 29-30) at the Lutheran Church of a GIFTS workshop in the Fargo- Hebrews” in Salvation and the New the Master in Corona del Mar, Moorhead area on “The Basics of Testament, edited by Jan van der Watt California. The theme of the Preaching” the weekend of Aug. 6. (Leiden: Brill, 2005); “Conversion, Saturday sessions will be “The Holy Persecution and Malaise: Life in the Community for which Hebrews was Written” in Hervormde Teologiese of Peace Lutheran Church, Studies (Pretoria, South Africa, Lose Named Academic Dean Princeton Junction, N.J., and as a 2005); and “Revelation and the Left teaching fellow and visiting lectur- Behind Novels” in Word & World avid Lose, Marbury E. Anderson er at Princeton Theological (vol. 25, 2005). Professor of Biblical Preaching, Seminary. was named academic dean Koester gave a major paper at the D He is the author of Confessing of Luther Seminary, following Colloquium Biblicum Lovaniense at Jesus Christ: Preaching in a Post- Richard Bliese’s the Catholic University in Leuven, Modern World (Eerdmans, 2003), election as presi- Belgium in July. The paper was entitled and two forthcoming books from dent. Lose joined “Why Was the Messiah Crucified? Chalice Press: New Directions in the faculty in July, A Study of God, Jesus, Satan, and Homiletics, and Preaching the 2000. Previously, Human Agency in Johannine Theology.” Christian Story: Theology Alive he served as a He also gave a main paper at the for Proclamation. ● International Meeting on the Imagery pastor of Prince David Lose in the Gospel of John at Eisenach,

16 STORY Summer 2005 Faculty & Staff (continued) Four Professors Recognized at Commencement Spirit and the Church.” Mark C. rofessors Sarah Henrich, Mary New Testament, Hess is associate Anderson, is the pastor of the Hess, David Lose and Janet Ramsey professor of education leadership, and congregation, which sponsors this were recognized at the 136th Ramsey is associate professor of annual event, called “A Weekend P commencement service, May 22. congregational care leadership. With the Word.” President Emeritus David Tiede Lose was named to the Marbury E. Mary Hinkle Shore, ’86, associate announced Henrich’s elevation to full Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching professor of New Testament, will professor and congratulated Hess, (see article on page 3). ● be one of the leaders of the LENS Lose and Theological Conference at Holden Ramsey for Village in Chelan, Wash., Sept. 26-29. receiving The conference’s theme is “Jesus Christ: tenure. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!” ● Henrich is professor of Sarah Henrich Mary Hess David Lose Janet Ramsey

Pastors! Need an Energy Boost for Order Advent your Ministry? Consider a D.Min. Devotionals “This is a new day for the church. hese are some of the comments for Your It calls for new forms of leadership.” from this year's newest Doctor of Congregation “I felt stuck in my ministry.” TMinistry students. Sound like you? Learn how you can further your Luther Seminary and Pacific “The way we do church is no Lutheran Theological Seminary longer working well. We need a ministry through Luther Seminary's two exciting Doctor of Ministry Programs: are offering Lenten devotion new model.” booklets to congregations. The Biblical Preaching and Congregational Advent 2005 theme is “People “I needed to be re-energized.” Mission and Leadership. Visit Look East.” Cost is $12.50 per www.luthersem.edu/dmin or call 25, plus exact shipping costs. “I wanted a program that the Graduate Theological Education affects my day-to-day work.” To guarantee delivery, orders office at 651-641-3203. ● must be placed by Monday, Oct. 10. Orders received after Doctor of Ministry students enter, work and graduate as a class/cohort in order Oct. 10 will be filled as to promote accountability, collegiality and spiritual wellbeing. supplies allow.

Order online at www.luthersem.edu/advent or contact the Luther Seminary Bookstore at 651-641-3440, toll-free at 1-800-541-4187.

Receive free e-mail devotionals at www.luthersem.edu/email.

17 STORY Summer 2005 projects, including the newest The ‘00s The ‘90s confirmation program from Augsburg Michael Stadtmueller, ’01, and Barbara Hickel, ’90, Luther Seminary Fortress, Here We Stand. This program his wife, Carrie, announce the birth board member, received this year’s features a groundbreaking online of their first child, Gabriel Dean. Spirit of Hope Award from the lesson builder tool, video and audio Gabriel was born Oct. 4, 2004. Montana Synod. She was honored media and a library of presenters' Michael is in his third year as associate for her “perseverance and faithfulness helps. He also led the creation of the pastor at Our Saviour's Lutheran in ministry with the people of the program’s learner resource The Church in Fort Collins, Colo. Montana Synod.” Her former pastor, Lutheran Handbook. The handbook Gerry Rafftery, ’71, nominated her is in its third printing, just six weeks Kris Snyder, ’02, and his wife, for this award. Barbara is serving as after its release. Kristofer is working Randi, announce the birth of their the volunteer chaplain at the Women’s on a new collection of Lutheran first child, Kjersti Margit. Kjersti was Prison in Billings, Mont. educational resources branded born on April 1. Kris began his new “Winking Luther.” call to serve at Ossian and Stavanger Lutheran Churches in Ossian, Alum Elisabeth Johnson, ’94, was called Iowa on Aug. 17. to serve at Trinity Lutheran Church in Watertown, Minn. She began Robert Smith, ’03, is serving a News serving there in March. half-time call as pastor of St. John Lutheran in Coryell City, Texas and Jonathan Case, ’95, joined the pursuing graduate studies in religion, religion department at Houghton politics and society at Baylor You are invited to send alum information to: College in Houghton, N.Y., as associate University. In January 2006, his first Luther Seminary professor of theology in August. For book (co-authored with Charles P. Office of Communication the last eight years, he has served as Lutz), Christians and a Land Called 2481 Como Ave. a missionary theological educator at Holy: How We Can Foster Justice, St. Paul, MN 55108 or e-mail: Kingsley College in Melbourne, Peace and Hope, will be published [email protected] Australia, under the auspices of Global by Fortress Press. Additionally, Smith Additional alumni/ae Partners/Wesleyan World Missions. will present a paper on Dietrich information is on the Luther Seminary Web site at Bonhoeffer at the annual meeting of www.luthersem.edu/alums Carol (Naeve) Caskey, ’95, married the American Academy of Religion Dale Caskey in September 2001. in Philadelphia in November. Diane Koschmeder, ’90, began a new She lives in Rhinelander, Wis. Joshua Schunk, ’04, and his wife, call in September 2004 to Calvary Kelli, celebrated the birth of their Lutheran Church in Irene, S.D. Mark Shiner, ’95, is serving his second first child, Ella Grace on Feb. 7. year as the Catholic chaplain at Kristofer Skrade, ’93, will marry Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y. Pollyanna Tews, ’04, was called to Ivy Palmer on Oct. 1. Kristofer is Previously, he worked as a professional serve St. John's Lutheran Church in the development editor on the musician in New York. His wife, Ohiowa, Neb., on March 13. A service congregational life and learning team Rebecca, is a recently tenured of ordination and installation was at Augsburg Fortress. He was called professor of psychology at Colgate. held on May 1, with Bishop David to this role in March 2004 by Bishop Mark continues to play jazz profes- L. deFreese presiding. Mark Hanson. He has led many sionally in central New York.

In collaboration with the offices of the synod bishops, the President of Luther Seminary has received and verified complaints of sexual misconduct brought against a former faculty member. Luther Seminary understands the seriousness of sexual misconduct and its spiritual and psychological effects. The seminary is open to concerns anyone may have about this matter and is prepared to listen confidentially and with respect to reports about any such past occurrences. Please direct confidential communications to the Office of the President, Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 55108.

18 STORY Summer 2005 Alum (continued) during the fall harvest to support because the Lutheran Church is so Kristen Anderson, ’97, accepted Palestinians. Mark is the regional deeply divided on the issue of a call to serve as associate pastor at representative in Jerusalem and the homosexuality and the place of Salem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, Middle East for the Lutheran World homosexual persons in the church,” Minn. Previously, she served at Federation. Loren is senior pastor of she said. “The argument has created First-Grace Lutheran Parish, Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church a great deal of frustration and Jeffersonville, N.Y. for seven years. in Helena, Mont. confusion …This book is an attempt to broaden the conversation.” Mary James Lindberg, ’98, and his wife, David Sorensen, ’82, began June 1 is pastor of the Lutheran Church of Lori, proudly announce the birth of as senior pastor at First Lutheran Christ the Redeemer in Minneapolis. their first son, Noah James. Noah Church of Litchfield, Minn. David was born April 20. Despite having and his wife, Barbara, have authored to adjust to a lack of sleep, James 17 books, including recent titles Let The ‘70s and Lori are doing well, as is Noah. the Servant Church Arise! and When John Matthews, ’75, senior pastor at James is pastor of First Lutheran You Are Depressed. They have also Grace Lutheran Church of Apple Church in Avoca, Neb. authored two ELCA Stewardship Programs, Smart Living and Where Valley, Minn., recently published Anxious Souls Will Ask… the Christ- Karl Redelsheimer, ’98, married Your Heart Is. They occasionally centered Spirituality of Dietrich Kimberly Aay on May 10, 2003. serve as keynote presenters and Bonhoeffer (Eerdmans, 2005). John Their son, Samuel Hendrik workshop leaders for synod and is vice-president of the International Redelsheimer was born on Feb. 23. regional events. Bonhoeffer Society–English language Martin Halom, ’99, and Melinda Dana Nissen, ’83, published section. His book introduces readers Halom, ’99, have served at University her article “Luther and the Turks” to the faith and faithfulness of Lutheran Church in East Lansing, in Foundation Theology 2005. She Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as shown in Mich., since December 2003. Their serves as pastor of Victory Lutheran Bonhoeffer's prison correspondence third son, Dylan Edwin, was born Church in Minneapolis. from the spring and summer of 1944. on Feb. 14. Dylan joins brothers Dana Peterson, ’84, was promoted Larry Crockett, ’77, concluded his Nicholas (three) and Jaden (two). to executive vice president and chief 16-year tenure as director of the operating officer at Youth Encounter Augsburg College honors program (www.youthencounter.org), St. Paul, this spring. Larry is a professor of The ‘80s Minn. He has served there since Computer Science at the Minneapolis- William Russell, ’81, recently 2001. Dana oversees all of Youth based college. He is also the author published two books through Encounter’s programming and of three books and a frequent speaker Augsburg Fortress. Praying for ministries. He is also co-leading its about Augsburg’s honors program at Reform explores the practical focus new initiatives in missional youth colleges, universities and churches of Luther’s reform—how he wrote ministry programming. He lives with across the country. He will depart the catechism to teach people how his family in Apple Valley, Minn. on sabbatical and return to full-time to pray. Martin Luther’s Basic teaching in 2006. Writings comes with a CD-ROM Kwanza Yu, ’84, received a 2005 resource and expands on the late sabbatical grant from the Lilly Timothy Lull’s first edition. Foundation. As part of her sabbati- cal, Kwanza will give a public lec- The ‘60s Loren Gustafson, ’82 and ’95, will ture on the history of religion in Darrell Jodock, ’66, was appointed travel to Israel this fall to study at Korea at Peking University in chair of the ELCA’s consultative St. George’s College in Jerusalem. Beijing. She will also lecture at panel on Lutheran-Jewish relations. This sabbatical is made possible Luther Seminary in Seoul, Korea. His three-year term began April 1. by grant funding from the Lilly The panel participates in ongoing Endowment’s national clergy renewal Mary Albing, ’85, has written dialogue with Reform Jews. It is a joint program. While in Israel, Loren will Called into Ministry, which is her effort by major Jewish organizations meet fellow Luther Seminary classmate, reflection on her ministry as a lesbian and the national Council of Churches Mark Brown, ’82, and help pick olives Lutheran pastor. “I have written it to foster peace in the Middle East. 19 STORY Summer 2005 Alum (continued) In Memory emeritus. “I’m not retired, but refired,” The panel is producing a book to he said and continued presenting Erman Lunder, ’44, died on April 23. update church leaders about the Bible conferences across the country. Following his graduation from Luther Jewish-Christian dialogue. Darrell is He is survived by his daughter, three Seminary, he led a congregation in the Bernhardson Distinguished grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, Long Island, N.Y., and then was a Professor of Religion at Gustavus two sisters and many extended professor at the Lutheran Bible Institute Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. family members. ● in Minneapolis and Manhattan. In 1978, Erman retired as professor

Recent Grad Is One of Growing Number of New ELCA Missionaries

he Evangelical Lutheran It’s important to remember “that Church in America (ELCA) when going to these different Trecently reported that at countries our role isn't really least 135 new mission personnel giver and teacher, but receiving with the Evangelical Lutheran and learning from them,” Konkol Church in America (ELCA) are said. Halfway through his being deployed through August internship Konkol said he knew 2005, the highest number of global mission work was something new missionaries in recent years. he wanted to continue doing.

“The number of people interested In August Konkol will return to in mission service is overwhelming,” Guyana to serve his first call as said Sonya Lindquist, associate pastor at Emmanuel Parish, a director for international personnel, four-point parish, in Skeldon. ELCA Division for Global He is also serving as the director Mission. of a Lutheran camp and retreat center that hosts mission trips One of the newest to accept from the U.S. Konkol said he is their first calls to serve abroad is looking forward to talking with recent Luther Seminary graduate young people about ordained Brian Konkol. Konkol served his ministry and sharing with them internship in South America, at that God empowers all people Ebenezer Lutheran Parish, a and that they have the ability to three-point parish, in New use their gifts to serve God. Amsterdam, Guyana, from August of 2003 to July 2004. Currently there are 281 ELCA missionaries serving throughout “Realizing how connected we all the world. are … to people all over the Brian Konkol, ’05, spoke at the 2005 (Information provided by ELCA world” greatly impressed Konkol Global Mission Institute member News Service.) ● while in Guyana, he said. dinner in April.

20 STORY Summer 2005 FTE President Ann Svennungsen Finds Joy/Challenge in Call

By Maria Thompson, “I’ve been a pastor for 24 years. It’s What words of wisdom does she have Director of Communications amazing what one is called to and for new Luther graduates entering the sometimes how you are challenged parish? “Pay attention to relationships— s a parish pastor, Ann … I have friends who have made with God, with your family, with Svennungsen, ’81, encouraged a lot more money than I have but mentors and peers. Look for mentors— Amany to listen to where God they always say, ‘You have a very friends and colleagues with whom to is calling them. She’s continuing that interesting life.’ There are lots of share the journey in meaningful ways. call on a much larger scale as the rewards and fulfillment in ministry.” And then, look for young people who first woman president of The Fund you might encourage to be pastors. While Svennungsen is thoroughly for Theological Education (FTE) Be open to the gifts of God drawing enjoying her national leadership role, you into that journey. It’s a lifelong “We’re looking at what comes she does miss many aspects of parish adventure and an amazing journey.” ● next—wonderful, faithful, bright ministry. “It’s been very different not leaders,” she said. She is the first preaching every week, not entering FTE president to come directly out into people’s lives—into the heights of parish ministry. “I can speak with and depths. That’s a really unique integrity and passion about ministry thing about pastoral ministry. Also in Who have been FTE fellows? You and this work. I want young people a parish, you do a host of different may be surprised: President Emeritus to receive an honest description of things during the week and then pastoral work. Through theological present a small work of art on Sundays.” David Tiede, ’66, ELCA Presiding exploration of vocation, we hope Bishop Mark Hanson, Concordia In order to keep learning and feed that talented young leaders will be College President Emeritus and drawn to pastoral ministry.” her ministry, she is proactive about speaking and preaching throughout Luther Seminary Board of Directors FTE is a leading advocate for the year. “There’s a depth of growth member Paul Dovre, and Dean of excellence and diversity in Christian and wisdom in weekly study of Students Patricia Lull, to name a few. ministry and theological education. scripture and theology, reading the The 2005 FTE fellows attending Luther Each year, it provides more than newspaper with the question ‘What are Grant Applehans, Jeff Davis, $1.2 million in fellowships and other do we say?’ based on who we are Andrew Ronnevik, Valerie Veo and support to gifted young people from as God’s people.” She has also been all denominations and racial/ethnic lecturing and writing, including a Eric Wallace. backgrounds. Prior to joining the FTE, recent article in Congregations, Svennungsen was senior pastor at “When a Woman Leads the Flock.” Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minn.

Her passion for her work at FTE comes through loud and clear. “Christian faith is born and nurtured Svennungsen met with 2004 FTE fellow and Luther in community and communities student Karis Thompson at need leaders—people prepared to a recent Twin Cities event. shape, guide and lead …We want to help congregations think of vocation as part of discipleship. There is an ecology of institutions that helps invite young people to think about vocation. There’s a ripple effect.” 21 STORY Summer 2005 2005 FALL EVENTS David W. Preus explores Christian ecumenism, cross- “Tough Issues Christians Award Ceremony cultural dialogue, social and political Face Today” Lectures by Tuesday, Oct. 4, 5 p.m. ethics and congregational ministry. Tony Campolo Wednesday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. Chapel of the Incarnation, The Andrew S. Burgess Lectures in Olson Campus Center Chapel of the Incarnation, Global Mission bring leading scholars Olson Campus Center This year’s David W. Preus Award in global mission to Luther Seminary. honors Jimmie L. Coulthard, CEO Through these lectures, the task of Nationally known speaker and activist and president of the Minnesota global mission today is interpreted Tony Campolo will lead, challenge and Assistance Council for Veterans in the light of the Christian tradition, inspire you and your congregation (MACV). For more than 13 years, the historical experience of the and community as together we look Coulthard has helped veterans who church and the contemporary to the future as people of faith. are homeless or in danger of becoming situation in the world. homeless find transitional and This presentation is one of three events permanent housing. He is an Army at which he will speak. He will also veteran who served in Korea and present “Celebration of Urban Ministry: Vietnam. MACV is the only Minnesota Does Love Live Here?,” during a JUMP non-profit that exclusively supports hip-hop worship service, Oct. 4, 7 p.m. the needs of homeless veterans. at First Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Under Coulthard’s leadership, MACV Minn.; and, “What Does It Mean to has assisted more than 3,000 men Be a Christian in Today’s World?” and women by providing employment, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at Lake Nokomis education and housing opportunities. Lutheran Church, Minneapolis.

Established in 1988, the Preus For more information: www.luthersem. edu/events/campolo.asp Award is presented annually to Ventures in Vocation individuals who have demonstrated Oct. 9–10 exemplary servant leadership in Reformation Celebration Olson Campus Center community and religious life. Features Dinner and This annual event for post-college Singing the Faith Service professionals allows participants to Sunday, Oct. 30 Andrew S. Burgess reflect on their gifts for ministry Lecture on Global Mission 5:30 p.m. Festival Dinner and mission, 7:30 p.m. Singing the Faith “Pluralism, Proselytism discuss the roles of lay and Service and Christian Mission” ordained ministers, Olson Campus Center examine effective church leadership Monday, Oct.3 , 10 a.m. This musical evening will celebrate Chapel of the Incarnation, in today’s world, Norway’s 100th anniversary of Olson Campus Center learn about the programs offered independence and the 975th at Luther Seminary. Dr. J. Paul Rajashekar is the guest anniversary of the country’s exposure presenter at this year’s Andrew S. The conference includes class visits, to Christianity. The service will feature Burgess Lecture in Global Mission. campus tours and discussions with Tim Strand and the University Lutheran He is dean, chair of the faculty and faculty and students. Church of Hope adult choir of the Luther D. Reed Professor of Minneapolis. A free will offering will The cost is $40 per person. Advance be collected during the service. Systematic Theology at the Lutheran registration by Sept. 30 is required. Proceeds from this event will benefit Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. For more information, to request a the Luther Seminary FRIENDS Rajashekar’s interest in religious brochure or to register, visit Endowed Scholarship Fund for semi- pluralism has directed much of his www.luthersem.edu/admissions/ nary students. research—exploring authentic forms ventures, call (651) 641-3521, The festival buffet dinner will feature of Christian witness/mission in a toll-free (800) 588-4373 or e-mail festive Norwegian foods. Tickets are multi-religious world. His work also [email protected]. $14 per person. Advance registrations 22 STORY Summer 2005 2005 FALL EVENTS for the dinner are required Word & World Lectures: quarterly theological journal on by Oct. 26. Call (651) “Biblical Authority Today” Christian ministry within and 641-3419 for ticket Monday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to the world. information. Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center The Luther Seminary FRIENDS Get Ready for is a group of 200 women and men Guest presenter: Gail R. O'Day, Mid-Winter from Twin Cities congregations who Associate Dean of Faculty & Academic Convocation 2006! are committed to supporting the Affairs and the A. H. Shatford Professor “Living Out Our Callings in seminary through prayer, financial of Preaching and New Testament the Community” gifts and as volunteers. Candler School of Theology at Emory Jan. 4–6, 2006 University, Atlanta. Her current A three-day conference that Installation Service for research focuses on the Gospel of explores how congregations and Richard H. Bliese John, the relationship between the individuals are responding Sunday, Oct. 23, 3 p.m. Old and New Testaments and the to God’s love by serving their Bible and preaching. Central Lutheran Church, communities. 333 S. 12th St., Minneapolis These lectures are sponsored by Discover how to help people in A reception will follow the service. Word & World, Luther Seminary’s your congregation connect their personal faith with living in their communities; Learn what others are doing to tackle the needs of their own communities; Gain ideas, strategies and resources that will help your congregation serve its community in new and effective ways.

This is the third in a four-part series that focuses on the Christian’s calling at home (January 2004), work (January 2005), community (January 2006) and in the congregation (January 2007).

The guest speakers are: Diane Kaufmann, deaconess and rostered associate in ministry and companion synod for the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin; Raymond J. Bakke, president of the International Urban Associates, Seattle; and, Gary Simpson, professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary.

Registration will open and materials will be mailed in September. For more information about this event, visit www.luthersem.edu/convo. ●

23 STORY Summer 2005 Table of Contents Commencement 2005...... 2-4 Summer 2005 Vol.21, No.2 Notes from the Mission Field...... 5 Luther Seminary educates leaders for Christian communities A Heart for Mission...... 6-9 + called and sent by the Holy Spirit Students Help “Put a + to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ + and to serve in God’s world. Face on This Place ”...... 10-11 Editor Remembering Gerhard Forde...... 12-13 Sheri Booms Holm Professor Mons Tieg Contributing Writers Retires from Seminary...... 14-15 Shelley Cunningham Maria Thompson Faculty & Staff Notes...... 16-17 Alum News...... 18-20 Luther Seminary, the largest of the eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is accredited by Recent Grad is One of Growing the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Number of ELCA Missionaries...... 20 Canada and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a part of the ELCA’s Western Mission Cluster, along with Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. FTE President Ann Svennungsen finds Joy/Challenge in Call...... 21 The Luther Seminary Story is published three times a year and distributed via third class mail to alumni/ae and donors by Fall Events...... 22-23 Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.

Correspondence concerning The Luther Seminary Story should be sent to Office of Communication, Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, or via e-mail to [email protected].

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID St. Paul, Minn. 2481 Como Avenue + St. Paul, MN 55108 Permit No. 794