ILT Fall Board Meeting

The ILT Board of Directors meeting was in session this week starting Wednesday, September 25 through Friday, September 27.

In this three-day meeting, the board members discussed the increased student enrollment numbers, expansion of the Center for Congregational Revitalization, ILT Publishing and publications. They talked about the future of ILT and how to further increase student awareness and enrollment.

The board also discussed many items on their agenda including the review of the mission statement, an update on the board structure, how to move advancement forward, as well financial and marketing plans.

 ILT’s Military Discount

Starting this year, ILT is implementing a 10% military discount to all students who are active-duty or veterans of US military service. ILT is honored to have US military service members taking courses from us. Many of these students are seeking to become pastors now that their military service is completed.

We have worked closely with Veterans Affairs up to this point, but recent educational rule changes have limited the financial help coming to students who are veterans. This ILT military discount will help students continue to pursue their calling to become pastors and chaplains.

One of the strengths of ILT’s online curriculum is allowing non-traditional students to continue their education and fulfill their calling while living their lives wherever they are in the world, whatever they may be doing. This is an important option for people who are veterans or are serving in the U.S. military, at home and all over the world, who want to continue their education and follow a Christian calling.

We are honored to have ten US military veterans on our rolls, and we ask for your continued prayers and support for those among us serving their country.

Donate Your Thrivent Choice Dollars^® to ILT

Ready to give back? One of the easiest ways to donate to ILT is through Thrivent Choice Dollars.

Eligible Thrivent members can contribute to organizations and causes they care about—and influence how Thrivent distributes some of its charitable grant funding through Choice Dollars. According to Thrivent.com, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provided more than $100 million to help congregations, communities and individuals in need last year. You can make a personal donation to ILT and Thrivent pays the processing fees.

How to Direct Choice Dollars^® Online

1. Visit www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice.
2. Select “Direct Choice Dollars.”
3. Log in with your user ID and password. Click “register” if you are a first time user.
4. Search the catalog of organizations to find Institute of Lutheran Theology.
5. Click on “Direct Now” to direct designated Choice Dollars.

How to Direct Choice Dollars^® By Phone

1. Call 800-847-4836 and when prompted, say “Thrivent Choice.”
2. Press 1 to direct Choice Dollars.
3. A representative will work with you to direct Choice Dollars.

Quarterly

You can instruct Thrivent in January, April, July and October as to where you would like your funds to be directed.

Annually

Funds are distributed in January, after they have accumulated for the year. The deadline annually is March 31st.

Eligibility Requirements

According to Thrivent.com, To be eligible to participate in Choice Dollars, you must be a benefit member age 16 or older. Individual eligibility is also based on:

• Holding a Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership position
• Having $800 or more in annual premiums of qualifying insurance products
• Having $20,000 or more in contract value of qualifying products.

By choosing ILT to receive your Choice Dollars you are helping prepare the next generation of faithful Lutheran preachers and teachers. Make ILT your Choice today!

A Call For Help

ILT is educating international students who need credentials to do the work God has called them to do. These students are not able to pay the full tuition cost but rely upon donors to help with this overwhelming cost. Their tuition amount for this fall semester totals $55,000, and we would appreciate your help in supporting ILT’s international calling and the calling of its students.

ILT’s unique online educational model is a great option for international church leaders and teachers, allowing them to remain in their home countries and work in their ministries as they earn the necessary credentials. We have been able to train and support many international students from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Madagascar. Most of these students have been church body leadership or seminary faculty.

Pastor Jordan is from South Sudan. Because of civil war, Jordan was forced to move, with many South Sudanese people, to a refugee camp in Gambelia, Ethiopia. They started a college and seminary there, and ILT works with this school to provide theological support and to train faculty members. Jordan is seeking a Ph.D. degree to give him the credentials to help train pastors in Ethiopia.

ILT is helping many students from Madagascar to earn credentials they will use to teach in their college and seminary. Voaly is getting his MA while serving at the Malagasy Lutheran Church in Madagascar. Jean is an ILT student getting his PhD, Daniel is getting his STM, and Lucas is getting his MDiv. ILT has provided education to members of the Malagasy Lutheran Church with the help of a long-standing partnership with a nonprofit group, Friends of Madagascar.

Martin is a leader in the Lutheran Church of Myanmar. In this role, he not only oversees the pastors and congregations of this church body, but also their schools. Martin is currently seeking a Ph.D. with ILT’s Christ School of Theology to have the credentials he needs for this role. Another ILT student, Lal, is also studying for his PhD within the Lutheran Church of Myanmar.

Paul is getting his PhD while serving in Ethiopia, and John is studying for his PhD from the Evangelical Worship Center in Nigeria. An accredited degree from an American school goes a long way to help with their own teaching and accreditation.

Please consider sending a check to ILT, PO Box 833, Brookings, SD 57006 to help fund the tuition for these dedicated international students. Click to DONATE today, and be sure to select the International Fund button.

Paulson to Address 2024 Augsburg Lutheran Churches Fall Gathering Conference

You are invited to participate in the annual gathering of the Augsburg Lutheran Churches at the Use of the Law Conference, September 23-24 at Econolodge in Brookings, SD. The conference will enjoy Steve Paulson’s address on issue.

In Lauri Haikola’s book “Usus Legis,” Haikola presents the three sides disputing a third use of the law: Lutheran Orthodoxy, the so-called Antinomians, and Luther’s legacy.  The conference will take up those three sides, discuss them, and then take a look at the current situation wherein the controversy is still present, sometimes more heated than others. “Usus Legis” is discussed through three major presentations and further discussion led by John H.G. Rasmussen and Timothy J. Swenson.

Presenters will be:

• Ken Howes on topic: “17th Century Lutheran Orthodoxy
• Steve Paulson: “The “So-Called” Second Antinomians”
• Nick Hopmann on topic: “Martin Luther’s View”

Delivering sermons for critique\discussion will be:

• Mark Jamison
• Rich Little
• Samantha Carlson
• Michael Giese

The Tuesday afternoon session features a panel discussion of our current situation hosted by John H.G. Rasmussen, Timothy J. Swenson, and the previous presenters. Rasmussen, Swenson, and Howes have translated Haikola’s book into English. Given favorable publication schedules, copies of the book will be for sale at the conference.

The open-to-all gathering will be held in the Econolodge Inn and Suites on Monday and Tuesday, September 23-24, from 8am-5pm. Call 605-692-3111 for room reservations, ask for Augsburg Lutheran Churches group.

The registration fee is $100 and includes the banquet meal, two noon lunches, break-time snacks, and the printed materials.

Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uses-of-the-law-tickets-934666973077?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information or to register, contact Timothy J. Swenson, 701-421-1108, preachermantim@gmail.com or Lenae Rasmussen, 915-238-9000, pastorlenae@gmail.com.

Organizers cordially invite you to register and participate in the annual gathering of the Augsburg Lutheran Churches in September 2024. Three major presentations and further discussions, led by John H.G. Rasmussen and Timothy J. Swenson, will primarily focus on Lauri Haikola’s “Usus Legis.”

Distinguished presenters include:

• Ken Howes: “17th Century Lutheran Orthodoxy”
• John H.G. Rasmussen: “The “So-Called” Second Antinomians”
• Nick Hopmann: “Martin Luther’s View”

Delivering sermons for critical discussion:

• Mark Jamison
• Rich Little
• Samantha Carlson
• Michael Giese

John H.G. Rasmussen and Timothy J. Swenson will host the Tuesday afternoon session featuring a panel discussion concerning the current church environment.

Event Location and Lodging

The two-day gathering, open to all interested parties, will be held at the Econolodge Inn and Suites on Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24.

A group of rooms has been reserved under the name “Augsburg Lutheran Churches.” If you plan to attend, please call the Econolodge and ask for the group name to make your room reservation.

Econolodge Inn and Suites
2515 6th St, Brookings, SD 57006
605-692-3111

Registration

The registration fee is $100.00 and includes the banquet meal, two noon lunches, break-time snacks, and the printed materials.

More information is available from Timothy J. Swenson or Lenae Rasmussen who may be respectively reached at:
Timothy J. Swenson
701-421-1108
preachermantim@gmail.com

Lenae Rasmussen
915-238-9000
pastorlenae@gmail.com

Click the button below to register online on EventBrite.
(Schedule and more information included on event page)

Register Online

Announcing PTE 603: Philosophy of Religion & Celebrating Academic Achievements

We are thrilled to announce that the Fall 2024 semester at Christ School of Theology will include the course Philosophy of Religion (PTE 603). This course fulfills requirements for various Master’s programs and can also be taken as an elective across all Master’s programs.

About PTE 603: PTE 603 will use a lecture and discussion format, fostering thoughtful dialogue on critical questions facing the church today. Topics include:

• Arguments for God’s existence
• Religious epistemology
• Divine attributes and Divine simplicity
• The problem of evil
• The soul
• Postmodernism
• The challenges of belief and faith in contemporary culture

Meet the Instructor: We are delighted to welcome Dr. Rod Ford as the instructor for this course. Dr. Ford earned his D.Min. from Christ School of Theology in May 2022 and has been pursuing his Ph.D. with us since then. We warmly welcome him as an Adjunct Professor to our ranks.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact:

• Dr. Daniel Hackmann at dhackmann@ilt.edu
• Dr. Rod Ford at rford@ilt.edu

Register Now for PTE 603: Secure your spot for this insightful course by registering today!

Celebrating Academic Achievements

We are proud to announce that John Brown Okwii, an ILT Ph.D. student from Nigeria, has recently published a book entitled “Research Methodologies: A Guide for Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Researchers and Professionals.”

This book is an invaluable resource for students and professionals alike. We congratulate John on this significant achievement and wish him continued success in his ministry and teaching responsibilities in Jos, Nigeria.

Contact us for more information on John’s book.

The 2024-2025 academic year begins on August 21. We are about six weeks away from beginning ILT’s 15th fall semester. This semester will offer about 50 courses taught by 24 Christ School of Theology or Christ College faculty members. Courses taught range from the certificate program all the way through the Ph.D.  No matter the level of study, students will study classical theology and grapple with what it is that God is calling them to do.

While you will recognize most of our professors teaching this fall, there are new faces as well, e.g., Dr. Andrea Vestrucci and Dr. Erik Herrmann of the Christ School of Theology and Dr. Nick Hopman in Christ College. These new professors bring with them research and teaching competencies that will enhance  the student’s education.

There is still time to enroll! Whether you are thinking about becoming a pastor, need an undergraduate degree, or want to work on your next level degree, ILT has many options to help you meet your educational goals.

If you are thinking of taking classes from ILT, please contact Joel Williams at admissions@ilt.edu or click the button below to apply.

Apply Now!

Celebrating Our Graduates: A Memorable Ceremony at the Institute of Lutheran Theology

Yesterday, on June 6, 2024, the Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT) hosted a heartwarming and inspiring Graduation Ceremony to honor the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of our latest graduates. The event was a true testament to the faith, perseverance, and commitment of each individual who crossed the stage.

We are incredibly proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the following graduates:

• Megersa Gibe – Pastoral Ministries Certificate
• Philip Dearing – Bachelor of Arts in Ministry
• Samantha Carlson – Master of Ministry
• Loren Christensen – Master of Ministry
• Jacob Kaufman – Master of Ministry
• Micah David Johnson – Master of Divinity
• Richard Earl Brunk, Jr. – Doctor of Ministry

These graduates have shown exceptional dedication to their studies and their callings. From the foundational work in pastoral ministries to advanced theological and ministerial training, each graduate has made significant strides in their academic and spiritual journeys.

Megersa Gibe received the Pastoral Ministries Certificate, marking the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful journey in ministry. Philip Dearing was awarded the Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, showcasing his deep commitment to serving the community and spreading the word of God.

We were also honored to confer the Master of Ministry degree to Samantha Carlson, Loren Christensen, and Jacob Kaufman. Their advanced studies and commitment to ministry will undoubtedly make a significant impact in their respective fields and congregations.

Micah David Johnson earned the Master of Divinity, a degree that signifies a profound understanding of theological principles and a readiness to lead with wisdom and compassion.

Finally, the highest academic honor of the day went to Richard Earl Brunk, Jr., who was awarded the Doctor of Ministry. His rigorous scholarly work and dedication to the field are an inspiration to all of us.

The Graduation Ceremony was not just a celebration of academic achievements but also a moment to reflect on the spiritual growth and the future contributions these individuals will make to their communities and the broader church. Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate this significant milestone, offering heartfelt congratulations and blessings.

At ILT, we are committed to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation needed to lead and serve effectively. Yesterday’s ceremony was a testament to the success of that mission.

We congratulate all our graduates on their remarkable accomplishments and look forward to witnessing the incredible ways they will contribute to the church and the world. May God bless each of you as you continue your journey in ministry.

Save the Dates!

June 24-28, 2024

in Brookings, South Dakota

The Christ School of Theology will be hosting the second Theologians in Residence Week on June 24–28 this summer. Topics to be discussed this year will again have to do with the intersection and relationship between theology and science, with special focus on theological responses to, as well as uses of, artificial intelligence. Themes such as causality, theophysical causality, personhood and computational metaphysics (as a start!) and associated ethical considerations will be broached.

Both Dr. Dennis Bielfeldt and Dr. Daniel Hackmann will be on site at the ILT Library in Brookings, South Dakota during the whole week to welcome, work with and interact with students and faculty that attend. A distinct advantage of meeting at the ILT Library has obviously to do with the immediate availability of various collections and reference works there. In addition to the opportunity to meet and discuss together in person, we will be offering hybrid sessions during the week that will allow those who are not within reasonable travel distance to participate virtually with those at the ILT Library.

While the primary audience for the week’s session will be doctoral students and candidates, advanced master’s degree candidates, faculty members, board or board of regents members are also warmly invited to attend.

A flyer with further details, including the week’s schedule, housing and eating arrangements, etc. with an appropriate registration page will be available soon.

We’re looking forward to a week of exciting and stimulating discussions, fellowship and theological work together!