Dr. Miles Teaching at CLBI; Board Affirms Wittenburg Model

Dr. Leon Miles Teaching at Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute

For the past week, Dr. Leon Miles has been teaching approximately 20 students of the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute (CLBI) through the book of Ephesians as part of the week‑long courses offered in partnership with the Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT). Dr. Mark Mattes has also served as an instructor during the week. Through these classes, students may earn either a one‑year certificate or a two‑year diploma.

The Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute is a Christ‑centered ministry based in Canada that provides biblical and theological education within the Lutheran confession. Serving primarily as a gap‑year program for young adults ages 18–20, CLBI offers Bible courses, ministry training, and educational partnerships—such as its collaboration with ILT—to nurture faithful leaders, support congregational ministry, and strengthen the proclamation of the Gospel both locally and globally.

ILT is grateful for its partnership with CLBI as together they work to equip students with a strong foundation in Scripture, doctrine, and Christian life, preparing them for service in the Church and in the world.

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ILT Board Affirms Wittenberg Model, Strengthening Mission for Church, Academy, and Public Witness

At its recent board meeting, the Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT) took a significant step in clarifying its identity and future direction by formally affirming its institutional scope through what is known as the Wittenberg Model.

The decision came as part of a broader conversation about ILT’s long-term vision and strategic priorities, with board members emphasizing the importance of standing firm in the classical Christian tradition while adapting to new opportunities for global theological education.

A Framework Rooted in the Reformation

The Wittenberg Model, named after the historic center of the Lutheran Reformation, provides a guiding framework for ILT’s mission. Rather than viewing theological education as limited to the classroom, the model integrates three essential dimensions:

The Church — equipping leaders and training pastors to serve congregations faithfully
The Public — engaging culture and society with the Gospel
The Academy — upholding rigorous theological scholarship and intellectual formation

This integrated approach reflects ILT’s commitment to forming leaders who are not only theologically grounded but also missionally active in a rapidly changing world.

Standing Firm While Moving Forward

Board discussions highlighted a shared conviction: ILT must remain deeply rooted in its theological identity even as it expands its reach through new educational models, including asynchronous and global learning initiatives.

“Standing firm in the Gospel while extending our reach is not a contradiction—it’s our calling,” one participant noted during discussions about future strategy.

The affirmation of the Wittenberg Model reinforces ILT’s role as an institution that bridges tradition and innovation, ensuring that its work remains both faithful and forward-looking.

Training Pastors for a Global Church

Central to the board’s vision is the continued emphasis on training pastors and ministry leaders who can serve not only local congregations but also the broader global Church. With enrollment growth and plans for expanded delivery systems—including smartphone-based theological education in the Global South—ILT is positioning itself to meet increasing demand for accessible, high-quality theological training.

The board also explored how these efforts could support a broader goal: placing “a pastor in every church and village,” a vision that aligns closely with the Wittenberg Model’s focus on practical, church-centered formation.

Looking Ahead

As ILT continues to refine its strategic plan, the affirmation of the Wittenberg Model serves as a theological and organizational anchor. It signals to students, faculty, and supporters alike that the institution is committed to standing firm in its confessional identity while equipping leaders to engage the complexities of today’s world.

With this decision, ILT reaffirms its mission: forming faithful leaders who will strengthen Christ’s Church, engage the public square, and contribute meaningfully to the academy—now and for generations to come.

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Discover the Newest Offerings From ILT Press!

ILT Press has released an exciting new issue of Promissio: A Journal of Confessing Theology, titled Theology as Knowledge of God. We invite you to read the full PDF, submit your own work for publication, or sign up to receive future issues at this link: https://promissio.ilt.edu/index.php/pj

The Winter issue of Verba Vitae: A Serious Christian Journal of Life and its Significance is available—featuring thoughtful, deeply engaging reflections on Christian life and meaning. Explore the latest issue, get hard copies, or subscribe on Substack here: https://library.ilt.edu/verba-vitae/