2019 Season
For a complete list of sites and topics for 2019, please check out the flyer for continuing education opportunities!
Complete information and online registration for individual sites will be available as it is finalized.
2019 Continuing Education Flyer
Contact Information
Kara J. Mertz
Administrative Assistant
Continuing Education
CE@ctsfw.edu
260.452.2103
Elberta, Alabama
Preaching Matthew
Dr. David P. Scaer
November 20–22, 2019
A detailed study in the First Gospel as instruction manual for the early Church will be presented. Attention is paid to the organization of the teaching materials into five discourses and the progression from one to the other in preparation of the catechumen to join himself to the church in Baptism and to meet Christ in the Eucharist. Also discussed is the Evangelist’s placement of the episodes from the life of Jesus between each of the discourses. Special consideration is given to the Lord’s Prayer and the relationship of the miraculous feedings to Christ’s offering Himself to the Church in Holy Communion. Along with isagogical materials, the role of Matthew in the fathers of the Church in the first centuries A.D. is discussed to show how Matthew is rightly understood as “The Church’s Gospel.” (1.5 CEU)
Anaheim, California
The Pastor’s Devotional Life
Prof. John T. Pless
June 24–26, 2019
This course analyzes and describes the devotional life of the Lutheran pastor. Attention will be given to the theology of prayer and the challenges of contemporary spirituality as well as classic devotional texts. The course seeks to deepen the student's knowledge of resources available for reading, meditation, and prayer, and to assist him in establishing a regular practice for his own devotional life. We will look at classic and contemporary devotional texts of writers such as M. Luther, J. Gerhard, H. Bezzel, W. Loehe, D. Bonhoeffer, and B. Giertz. (1.5 CEU)
Cupertino, California
Mysteries of the Gospel of Mark, the Churchly Gospel
Dr. Peter J. Scaer
June 11–13, 2019
Mark’s Gospel is perhaps the most mysterious and least appreciated. Largely ignored by the early church and underestimated by modern scholarship, Mark has much to offer today's Church. His portrait of Jesus is strange but compelling. His teaching on the cross and Christ's Gospel message should resonate especially with Lutherans, providing a bridge to the Pauline Epistles. Even more, Mark accentuates the powerfully sacramental character of our Lord's ministry. For Mark, Christ's power manifests itself in Baptism and his enduring presence is to be found in the Bread of the Eucharist. For a Church that so often appears like a boat tossed about on the sea, facing persecution and riddled with doubt, the Gospel of Mark may very well be the Gospel for the 21st Century Church. (1.5 CEU)
Grass Valley, California
Issues in Theological Anthropology for the Ministry
Rev. Scott E. Stiegemeyer
July 8–12, 2019
The human body is the philosophical and theological battleground of our time. Issues of sexuality, natural law, and bioethics challenge the Christian understanding of what it means to be human. This course will mine the Scriptures, Confessions, and Church history for the best foundation of human life. We will trace the notion of the body through the major loci, especially creation, incarnation, and new creation. Participants will be better prepared to face ethical and spiritual challenges with a positive Christocentric vision of human flourishing. Topics will include genetic medicine, human bio-enhancement, and transhumanism. (3.0 CEU)
Denver, Colorado
Luther’s Theology in Today's World
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie
August 19–23, 2019
Is Lutheran theology as Luther himself developed it still relevant today? In a post-modern world that challenges the very existence of truth, can Lutherans still make use of Luther? After reading some of Luther’s most significant writings and recalling their context in Luther's life and career, students will explore the reformer’s insights that are still important and discuss ways in which Lutherans today can demonstrate their relevance to contemporary society. (3.0 CEU)
Norwalk, Connecticut
Law, Virtue, and Life in Christ
Dr. Gifford A. Grobien
June 18–20, 2019
What is the role of the Law in the Christian life? How can we better understand the so-called antinomian controversies of our time? Can virtue be considered as having a place in the Christian life, or does Luther's condemnation of habit exclude any rehabilitation of virtue? This course will explore these issues, as well as offer a positive, comprehensive understanding of the Christian life that does not mingle it with justification by faith before God. (1.5 CEU)
Pensacola, Florida
Christianity in Conflict: 2nd Century Faith as Model for the 21st Century Church
Dr. James G. Bushur
August 6–8, 2019
This course will consider the acts of early Christian martyrs and the theology of the second century, including Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, the martyrs of Lyons, Saints Perpetua and Felicitas, Irenaeus of Lyons, and others. Special emphasis will be placed on their relevance for today. As our contemporary American culture progresses toward a pagan worldview, questions of Christian identity become of paramount importance. In this study, we will have the opportunity to consider these questions and benefit from the wisdom of our early Christian fathers as they preached the Gospel in a hostile environment. (1.5 CEU)
Carlyle, Illinois
Making Music for the Lord: The Role of Choral Music in the Divine Service According to Chronicles and the New Testament
Dr. John W. Kleinig
September 17–19, 2019
The use of instrumental music in the Divine Service has always been regarded with some suspicion because it was not authorized in the Pentateuch or in the New Testament. This course considers what Chronicles has to say about its divine institution, its liturgical function, and its theological significance and how this has influenced the New Testament and the use of choral music in the Lutheran Church. (CEU 1.5)
Elgin, Illinois
C. F. W. Walther Today
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie
June 18–20, 2019
C. F. W. Walther, a founding father of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and its leading theologian in the first generation, had much to say about the topics of his day; but does he have anything to say to people today? This course seeks to answer this question by looking at Walther's ideas regarding topics that are still of interest in the contemporary church. These include topics like: “What does it mean to be a Lutheran” “Does Church fellowship still matter?” “How should church and government interact?” and “How does predestination affect the preaching of the Gospel—if it does at all?” (1.5 CEU)
Peoria, Illinois
Early Christian Preaching and Catechesis in a Pluralist Society
Rev. Chad Kendall
June 4–6, 2019
What does preaching and catechesis look like in the New Testament and in the Patristic period? The Church is entering a period of time which looks more and more like the early days of Christianity. What must pastors consider as they engage in preaching and catechesis in a pluralist society? What does the hearer need to hear? The course will consider major ideological shifts which have taken place in the Western world and how these shifts have affected the piety and faith of Lutherans today. Major Greek themes predominate in the New Testament as the apostles preach and teach. These themes will be examined in the Greek New Testament. Further, select Patristic homilies will be studied with some consideration as to how Patristic themes may aid our preaching and catechesis today. (CEU 1.5)
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Zechariah
Dr. Reed Lessing
July 29–31, 2019
Based upon Dr. Lessing’s forthcoming CPH commentary on Zechariah, this seminar includes a historical overview of the prophet’s setting, his visions, and especially his theology. All participants will receive a Lenten series based upon Zechariah that includes sermons, orders of worship, and a Bible Study. (1.5 CEU)
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Making Music for the Lord: The Role of Choral Music in the Divine Service According to Chronicles and the New Testament
Dr. John W. Kleinig
September 23–25, 2019
The use of instrumental music in the Divine Service has always been regarded with some suspicion because it was not authorized in the Pentateuch or in the New Testament. This course considers what Chronicles has to say about its divine institution, its liturgical function, and its theological significance and how this has influenced the New Testament and the use of choral music in the Lutheran Church. (CEU 1.5)
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Luther's Antinomian Disputations
Dr. Roland F. Ziegler
June 24–28, 2019
“The distinction between the Law and the Gospel is a special brilliant light, which serves to the end that God’s Word may be rightly divided and the Scriptures of the holy prophets and apostles may be properly explained and understood” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration V.1). We will look at Luther’s “Antinomian Disputations” (published in English translation by Lutheran Press under the title “Only the Decalogue Is Eternal” in 2008) as a help in today’s struggle to faithfully preach the Word of God and rightly divide Law and Gospel without falling into the errors of antinomianism and legalism. (3.0 CEU)
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Luther, Gerhardt, and Bach: Giants of the Christian Faith
Kantor Richard Resch
August 5–9, 2019
This study will look at the contributions of Martin Luther, Paul Gerhardt, and Johann Sebastian Bach to the hymnological, musical, and theological heritage of the Christian Church. As towering pillars of Confessional Christianity, what does each man bring to this glorious heritage that so identifies us? And how can we as pastors and church musicians still make faithful use of their good gifts in the Church of today? (3.0 CEU)
Davenport, Iowa
The Gospel of John
Dr. William C. Weinrich
July 29–31, 2019
Although the Gospel of John is frequently interpreted to be without sacramental meaning or reference, the manner in which the story of Jesus is told reveals a pervasive Christological, sacramental, and ecclesial perspective. The narrative about Jesus is a narrative about the life of the church grounded in and instantiated in Baptism and the Eucharist. Thus, the story of Jesus is descriptive of the “Way,” that is, of the manner of life begun and sustained through the Sacraments of the church. It is descriptive of the "Truth," that is, of the reality of grace and faith established in the Sacraments of the church; it is descriptive of the "Life," that is, of the life of God which in Jesus has become the life of man. (1.5 CEU)
Le Mars, Iowa
The Role of the Old Testament in the Church Today
Dr. Dean O. Wenthe
September 16–18, 2019
How does the Old Testament guide the Church today? How can the laws and history of ancient Israel speak relevantly and authoritatively to the community of faith in the modern world? To answer these questions, it is crucial that the Old Testament be interpreted properly. Hermeneutics, the art and science of interpretation, becomes the key step in appropriating the Old Testament text. This course will survey the various efforts, both in academic circles and in parish setting, to formulate an adequate answer. It will seek to formulate a Lutheran and confessional perspective with a view to the actual use of the Old Testament in the preaching, teaching, and larger life of the parish. (1.5 CEU)
Milford, Iowa
Zechariah: Behold Your King!
Dr. Reed Lessing
May 22–24, 2019
Based upon Dr. Lessing’s forthcoming CPH commentary on Zechariah, this seminar includes a historical overview of the prophet’s setting, his visions, and especially his theology. All participants will receive a Lenten series based upon Zechariah that includes sermons, orders of worship, and a Bible Study. (1.5 CEU)
Gonzales, Louisiana
Hermann Sasse as Pastoral Theologian
Prof. John T. Pless
June 17–19, 2019
Hermann Sasse (1895-1976) was perhaps the most important confessional Lutheran theologian of the twentieth century. This course will engage his writings on pastoral issues such as closed communion, the office of the ministry, liturgy, church fellowship, and women’s ordination. Pastors will read and discuss key essays from The Lonely Way – Vol. II. (1.5 CEU)
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Christianity in Conflict: 2nd Century Faith as a Model for the 21st Century Church
Dr. James G. Bushur
June 24–28, 2019
This course will consider the acts of early Christian martyrs and the theology of the second century, including Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, the martyrs of Lyons, Saints Perpetua and Felicitas, Irenaeus of Lyons, and others. Special emphasis will be placed on their relevance for today. As our contemporary American culture progresses toward a pagan worldview, questions of Christian identity become of paramount importance. In this study, we will have the opportunity to consider these questions and benefit from the wisdom of our early Christian fathers as they preached the Gospel in a hostile environment. (3.0 CEU)
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Church, Ministry, and Confession
Dr. K. Detlev Schulz
June 3–5, 2019
This course looks at theological principles that guide our understanding of Church, ministry, and confession and then also asks the additional question: what does this mean for our church serving in North America? (1.5 CEU)
Flathead Lake, Montana
Luther on the Church
Dr. Naomichi Masaki
August 5–9, 2019
Today’s society would say: “We like Jesus but not the Church.” How about our understanding of the Church? Our confession of the Church becomes drastically different depending on where we choose as a point of departure. We may proceed from our point of view, such as faith, holy living, church organizations, like-minded small groups, or from the Lord’s words, His means of grace, and His means of grace office. In this course, we will examine how the confession of the Church comes from our Lord. Ubi Christus, ibi ecclesia. (3.0 CEU)
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Communion and Confession: The Lord’s Supper in Augustana
Dr. Naomichi Masaki
July 22–26, 2019
The Lord’s Supper and the communion fellowship through Augsburg Confession Articles VII and X are the topic of this course. By engaging in an in-depth study of these articles, we attempt to resource ourselves to understand what it means to be in communion fellowship with brothers and sisters in the same confession. (3.0 CEU)
Knowles, Oklahoma
Guys with Funny Names: Nahum, Obadiah, and Habakkuk
Dr. Ryan M. Tietz
June 10–12, 2019
Within Christian Scripture, books about foreign nations are oftentimes overlooked. However, these books function to describe the inbreaking of the kingdom of God with the destruction of evil. This course explores the rich theology of these often overlooked books. (CEU 1.5)
Rogue River, Oregon
The Presence of the Son Before Christ
Dr. Charles A. Gieschen
July 8–10, 2019
This course will study the importance of the Old Testament traditions about the Angel of YHWH, the Name of YHWH, the Glory of YHWH, and the Word of YHWH for early expressions of the identity of Jesus Christ within the eternal mystery of YHWH, the one God of Israel. Select portions of the Pauline Epistles, the Gospel of John, the Epistle to the Hebrews, and Revelation will be examined in order to further the teaching and preaching of Christ from all the Scriptures. (CEU 1.5)
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Early Christian Preaching and Catechesis in a Pluralist Society
Rev. Chad Kendall
August 5–7, 2019
What does preaching and catechesis look like in the New Testament and in the Patristic period? The Church is entering a period of time which looks more and more like the early days of Christianity. What must pastors consider as they engage in preaching and catechesis in a pluralist society? What does the hearer need to hear? The course will consider major ideological shifts which have taken place in the Western world and how these shifts have affected the piety and faith of Lutherans today. Major Greek themes predominate in the New Testament as the apostles preach and teach. These themes will be examined in the Greek New Testament. Further, select Patristic homilies will be studied with some consideration as to how Patristic themes may aid our preaching and catechesis today. (CEU 1.5)
Madison, Tennessee
Luther’s Antinomian Disputations
Dr. Roland F. Ziegler
July 1–3, 2019
“The distinction between the Law and the Gospel is a special brilliant light, which serves to the end that God’s Word may be rightly divided and the Scriptures of the holy prophets and apostles may be properly explained and understood” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration V.1). We will look at Luther’s “Antinomian Disputations” (published in English translation by Lutheran Press under the title “Only the Decalogue Is Eternal” in 2008) as a help in today’s struggle to faithfully preach the Word of God and rightly divide Law and Gospel without falling into the errors of antinomianism and legalism. (1.5 CEU)
Plano, Texas
Lutheran Giants: Luther, Gerhardt, and Bach
Kantor Richard Resch
June 26–28, 2019
This study will look at the contributions of Martin Luther, Paul Gerhardt and Johann Sebastian Bach to the hymnological, musical and theological heritage of the Lutheran Church. As towering pillars of Confessional Lutheranism, what does each man bring to this glorious heritage that so identifies us? How can we as pastors and church musicians still make faithful use of their good gifts in the Lutheran Church of today? (CEU 1.5)
Riverton, Utah
Old Testament Words for New Testament People: The Book of Job and the Problem of Human Suffering
Dr. Dean O. Wenthe
July 15–15, 2019
This course will study the book of Job as a resource for parish ministry, particularly for the pastor’s care of those who have suffered tragedies or face death. It will seek to develop and apply the Biblical vision to the whole spectrum of human suffering, from intellectual problems (theodicy) to the frequent emotional upheavals that the members of the community of faith experience as they live their lives in a fallen order (1.5 CEU)
Charlottesville, Virginia
The Book of Acts: The Church Comes into Being
Dr. Peter J. Scaer
August 5–7, 2019
This class will look at how the Church, as we know it, came into being. Special attention will be paid to Christ’s continuing work through the Holy Spirit. Topics also include the church’s apostolic foundation, its sacramentology, missiology, the place of martyrdom, and the relationship between Peter and Paul. (1.5 CEU)
Seattle, Washington
Today’s Options in Sermon Form
Dr. Carl C. Fickenscher II
August 5–9, 2019
A practical preaching course that presents, critiques theologically, and illustrates a variety of sermon forms available on the contemporary homiletical scene. Forms include several inductive and narrative options, phenomenological preaching, and others. (3.0 CEU)
Almena, Wisconsin
Luther and the Psalms
Dr. Brian T. German
June 4–6, 2019
This course examines some of the most influential works of Dr. Martin Luther on the psalms and places a particular focus on how the psalms shaped Luther as a pastoral theologian. (1.5 CEU)
Shawano, Wisconsin
New Testament Patterns of Pastoral Ministry
Dr. Charles A. Gieschen
June 24–26, 2019
This class will study various portions of the New Testament, especially the words and actions of Jesus and Paul, to see and understand the guidance these texts offer for shaping our pastoral theology and practice. (1.5 CEU)
Jackson, Wyoming
Early Christian Preaching and Catechesis in a Pluralist Society
Rev. Chad Kendall
June 10–14, 2019
What does preaching and catechesis look like in the New Testament and in the Patristic period? The Church is entering a period of time which looks more and more like the early days of Christianity. What must pastors consider as they engage in preaching and catechesis in a pluralist society? What does the hearer need to hear? The course will consider major ideological shifts which have taken place in the Western world and how these shifts have affected the piety and faith of Lutherans today. Major Greek themes predominate in the New Testament as the apostles preach and teach. These themes will be examined in the Greek New Testament. Further, select Patristic homilies will be studied with some consideration as to how Patristic themes may aid our preaching and catechesis today. (CEU 3.0)