Dr. Jacobson’s New Role

Dr. Thomas Jacobson Named Ecumenical Officer for NALC

Thomas Jacobson, Assistant Professor of History at ILT’s Christ College, has been named the new Ecumenical Officer for the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) by Bishop Dan Selbo. The role was previously held by Pr. David Wendel as a part of his broader role as Assistant to the Bishop.

In this role of Ecumenical Officer, Jacobson will serve as the NALC’s main contact with other church bodies, both within and outside of the Lutheran tradition. From the beginning, though committed to its Lutheran heritage, the NALC has had a strong commitment to ecumenical relationships that faithfully enhance a shared Christian witness in North America and around the world.

Reflecting on this appointment, Jacobson acknowledges the importance of maintaining and building on existing contacts and relationships with groups such as the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church in North America. He also sees opportunities for new conversations and relationships to develop with Protestant Christians in North America with similar histories to that of the NALC.

This role is part time, which means that Thomas looks forward to continuing his service both as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Thornville, Ohio and teaching with ILT.

Dr. Jacobson’s recent book Pain in the Belly: The Haugean Witness in American Lutheranism, was published in 2024 and is available for purchase in bookstores and online. Visit https://cst.ilt.edu/pain-in-the-belly-a-book-by-dr-jacobson/ for more information.