Grass Valley, California

Confronting Confusion About the End-Times

Dr. Charles A. Gieschen
July 16–20, 2018

This class will study how Paul addresses confusion about the end-times in his letters to the Thessalonians. Topics such as the intermediate state, Antichrist, the return of Christ, the wrath of God, judgment, rapture, resurrection and vocation will be addressed through a study of these two letters that exhibit Paul’s pastoral care for a congregation confused about eschatology. (3 CEU)

Pensacola, Florida

Life of Children in the Church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Dr. David P. Scaer
November 14–16, 2018

At the center of this course are a collection of essays published under the title Infants and Children in the Church: Five Views on Theology and Ministry (B & H Academic, Nashville, Tennessee, 2017). The instructor and theologians from Orthodox, Catholic, Reformed and Baptist traditions present their doctrines and practices regarding children. A similar collection of essays dealing with the Lord’s Supper can be consulted in Four Views on the Lord’s Supper (Zondervan, 2008). Participants are encouraged to read in the Confessional Lutheran Dogmatics series the instructor’s Baptism and The Law and the Gospel and the Means of Grace.
The instructor’s bibliography, of which some is online at www.ctsfw.edu/dr-david-scaer, will provide additional opportunities for discussion. (1.5 CEU)

Atlanta, Georgia

Today’s Options in Sermon Form

Dr. Carl C. Fickenscher II
June 11–13, 2018

A practical preaching course that presents, theologically critiques, and illustrates a variety of sermon forms available on the contemporary homiletical scene. Forms include several inductive and narrative options, phenomenological preaching, and others. (1.5 CEU)

Peoria, Illinois

The Lutheran Way with the Liturgy

Dr. Naomichi Masaki
June 5–7, 2018

At this time, when we are surrounded by various views and opinions on worship and liturgy, and in the context of having opportunities to learn from other Christian traditions concerning the questions of the liturgy, there is a possibility of doing it the Lutheran way. Rather than adopting what others are doing and seeing if we can find some theological justification for this, Lutherans go to the heart of the matter, the Gospel. We will reflect on liturgy with several key points in mind, such as Amt Christi (Office of Christ), δόσις and λῆψις (giving and receiving), sacramentum/beneficium and sacrificium, Gnadenmittelamt (means of grace) and Gnadenmittelsami (means of grace office) and Christian vocation. We will seek to confess the coherence of doctrine, liturgy and Christian life. (1.5 CEU)

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Early Christian Mercy to the Secular Culture

Rev. Chad Kendall
July 23–27, 2018

This course will be an investigation into the Scriptures, looking particularly at the way the apostles speak of compassion and mercy. Emphasis will be toward Clement of Alexandria’s approach to teaching the Christian faith in a Gnostic world. Further, this course will examine scriptural texts exegetically and will consider how, in light of Clement’s approach, the Church may communicate the Scriptures and draw people into the Church in our modern-day Gnostic and Postmodern culture. (3.0 CEU)

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Credo: Bringing Meaning and Balance to the Secular Mind

Rev. Chad Kendall
July 9–13, 2018

Creeds and Confessions come from Holy Scripture, bringing meaning to a world lost in contrived, secular ideologies. This course will be an examination of creedal theory, looking particularly at scriptural insight into creedal form and statements in the Greek New Testament. It will examine how God regarded creedal form in the Scriptures and how Scripture was used to bring these formulas to the Gentiles. Some historical background from the Patristic period will be considered with regard to their own understanding of creeds and historical beginnings, leading up to the formulation of the ecumenical creeds. Further, this course will explore ways to take Scripture’s creedal formulas into the secular culture bringing meaning and instilling hope in the realities of Jesus Christ. (3.0 CEU)

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Formula of Concord in the Life of the Church

Dr. Naomichi Masaki
August 8–10, 2018

The Book of Concord is central to the life of our church, but it is often found underused or even misused. In this course, we will focus our attention on the Formula of Concord. Amazingly contemporary and invaluable, the Formula will be found as practical a handbook as the Small Catechism. This rich confession of the Gospel is open for anyone, pastors and the people of God. (1.5 CEU)

Davenport, Iowa

Scripture and Sacramentality

Dr. Dean O. Wenthe
June 11–13, 2018

This course will offer hermeneutical and theological investigation of Israel’s history and the life of Jesus of Nazareth with particular focus on the Incarnation as foundation for the Scripture’s description of sacraments. The meaning of Baptism and Eucharist and their relationship to the Gospel in the context of the parish will be explored. (1.5 CEU)

Gonzales, Louisiana

Oswald Bayer as Resource for Pastoral Theology

Prof. John T. Pless
July 23–25, 2018

Bayer’s contributions to Luther studies and systematic theology are well known in Lutheran and ecumenical circles. This course will unpack several of the fundamental motifs of Bayer’s work that have deep implications for pastoral theology: justification by faith alone as basis and boundary for pastoral theology, the distinction between Law and promise in preaching and the Sacraments, absolution as performative speech, the ethic of gift, the three estates and Luther’s oratio,meditatio, tentatio. (1.5 CEU)

Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Gospel of John: A Sacramental Catechesis

Dr. William C. Weinrich
June 18–22, 2018

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. (3.0 CEU)

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Apologetics for the 21st Century

Dr. Adam S. Francisco
July 30–August 1, 2018

Scripture enjoins us to always be prepared to make a defense when non-Christians ask us why we believe what we believe and, sometimes, why they, too, should consider Christian belief. This course is an introduction to this particular aspect of the apologetic task. It covers the historical Christian apologetic tradition, assesses the various methods employed by apologists and especially focuses on the various charges made against and challenges posed to Christian belief today. (1.5 CEU)

Rochester, Minnesota

Luke and the Christian Life

Dr. Peter J. Scaer
June 11–13, 2018

Having become Christians, people often ask, “What now?” In this course we will discuss Luke’s vision for the Christian life. In particular, we will discuss the Christian’s role as family member, citizen and neighbor. See how Luke’s theology of the cross is applied to daily living. (1.5 CEU)

St. Cloud, Minnesota

The Book of Job

Dr. Jeffrey H. Pulse
June 25–27, 2018

Job had always been of great interest to the faithful Christian. Does this book contain the answer to our suffering? Do we receive a picture of how things work in the heavenly realms? We will look into Job with an emphasis on the ancient Hebrew understanding of their relationship with God and how this is carried out. An examination of the various themes, such as God vs. Satan; understanding suffering in the life of the child of God; death and resurrection; etc. will take place in the context of the use of Job in the parish setting. (1.5 CEU)

Flathead Lake, Montana

Gospel of Mark

Dr. James Voelz
July 30–August 4, 2018

This CE class will consider in great depth the Gospel of Mark, which is the current focus of Series B Gospel pericopes. Students are asked to buy volume 1 of the Concordia Commentary (Mark 1:1-8:26), which contains the introductory material, text, notes and commentary on the first half of the Gospel. The author has finished writing part two and is currently putting the material on computer for CPH, with all slated to be finished this spring. Class sessions will deal with introductory material, key pericopes of volume one and then, especially, material from volume two.
Students should be prepared to work thoroughly with the Greek of 1:1-8, 4:1-20, 7:1-23; 8:22-26 from volume one, and then, anticipating volume two, 8:27-33, 9:30-37, 9:38-50, 10:17-27, 10:35-45, 12:35-37, 13:24-37, 14:1-11, 14:32-42, 15:33-39, 16:1-8. We will discuss these pericopes and much more. (Passages underlined are from Series B but in weeks past; those in bold will occur after the conference.) (3.0 CEU)

Hickory, North Carolina

Lutheran Giants: Luther, Gerhardt and Bach

Kantor Richard Resch
July 9–11, 2018

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)

Knowles, Oklahoma

Early Christian Mercy to the Secular Culture

Rev. Chad Kendall
June 11–13, 2018

This course will be an investigation into the Scriptures, looking particularly at the way the apostles speak of compassion and mercy. Emphasis will be toward Clement of Alexandria’s approach to teaching the Christian faith in a Gnostic world. Further, this course will examine scriptural texts exegetically and will consider how, in light of Clement’s approach, the Church may communicate the Scriptures and draw people into the Church in our modern-day Gnostic and Postmodern culture. (1.5 CEU)

Rogue River, Oregon

1 Corinthians and a Pauline Model for Ministry

Dr. Peter J. Scaer
July 16–18, 2018

This course aims to take a fresh look at Paul the pastor, especially as he dealt with the many problems which beset the congregation at Corinth. In this regard, we will discuss the ways in which secular values began to infiltrate Corinthian theology. We will take special note of the way in which Paul sensitively dealt with the matter of Apollos, who, though a great teacher, introduced some unsound notions to the Corinthian congregation. By studying Paul as a pastor, we will offer suggestions as to how a pastor might firmly but sensitively lead his congregation in the way of the Lord. A pastoral approach to such topics as closed communion and speaking in tongues will be considered. (1.5 CEU)

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Theology and Church Music

Kantor Richard Resch
August 6–8, 2018

This course will offer a study of the relationship between theology and the music of the Church. Ancient and modern church-music forms will be studied. Present-day parish music concerns will be addressed with special emphasis on the theological function of music as proclamation history of the Church and programmatic for us today. (1.5 CEU)

Plano, Texas

Who is Jesus? Confronting Current Christological Controversy

Dr. Charles A. Gieschen
June 26–28, 2018

This class will review the challenges to the divine identity of Jesus that have arisen over the past two centuries and are seen regularly in the media today, especially at Christmas and Easter. Ways of confronting these controversies, based upon careful historical study of New Testament texts being done by several scholars, will be discussed.
Course Outline

1. Introduction: Challenges to Jesus’ Divine Identity
2. Important Categories for Expressing Jesus’ Divine Identity
1. The Early Worship of Jesus
2. Jesus’ Death as Universal Atonement
3. The Son’s Pre-Incarnate Existence
4. Jesus’ Possession of the Divine Name
5. Jesus’ Self-Identification as the Son of Man
3. The Growing Popularity of the Gnostic Gospels: How Do We Respond?
4. Conclusion: Confessing Jesus’ Divine Identity Today

Riverton, Utah

Confessing Christ in Crisis: Lessons from Hermann Sasse

Prof. John T. Pless
July 16–18, 2018

Hermann Sasse (1895-1976) was one of the most fascinating Lutheran theologians of the 20th century. His life seemed to be lived from one crisis to another including the breakdown of liberalism in the early years of the 20th century, his collaboration with Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a confession against Nazism, and his stirring critique of world Lutheranism drifting into ecumenical chaos. This class will examine Sasse’s response as a confessional and pastoral theologian to the critical events of his day with application to our own time. Special attention will be given to Sasse’s letters to Lutheran pastors and his sermons. (1.5 CEU)

Charlottesville, Virginia

1 & 2 Peter

Dr. Dean O. Wenthe
July 30–August 1, 2018

This exegetical study of the first epistle of Peter, the “Epistle of Christian Hope,” will focus on the epistle’s rich theology, which touches every aspect of Christian living in a world of hostility, uncertainty and paganism. The unique theological formulation is seen as credal statement, with particular emphasis placed on the work of Christ and its hope-giving effect. The course will focus on the practical application of the work of Christ, the spiritual priesthood of all believers and eschatology for the church today. (CEU 1.5)

Lakewood, Washington

Looking Again At (And Listening Again To) Our Preaching

Dr. Carl C. Fickenscher II
June 4–6, 2018

An opportunity to roll up our sleeves and work together to improve our preaching—as well as to unwind and enjoy time away in a pleasant setting. This course is for experienced pastors who are already competent in their preaching and confident enough to receive critique from their brethren. We’ll reinforce fundamentals while also exploring some original ideas in sermon form, sermon delivery, and Law and Gospel. (1.5 CEU)

Seattle, Washington

Leading Ladies of the New Testament

Dr. John G. Nordling
June 4–8, 2018

Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza and other feminist scholars have suggested that Phoebe, Lydia, Priscilla, Junia and other leading ladies of the New Testament were all but ordained ministers and early proponents of the “gospel” of radical egalitarianism. However, a closer look suggests that these particular women were theologically trustworthy and so, for example, would willingly have submitted to the Pauline prohibitions against women speaking publicly in worship (1 Cor. 14:33b-38; 1 Tim. 2:11-14). This course casts new light on how essential women were to the growth of Christianity during the early centuries AD, and how the named women remain paradigmatic to lay and diakonal service yet today. (CEU 3.0)

Almena, Wisconsin

The Devotional Use of Psalms

Dr. John W. Kleinig
August 28–30, 2018

In the Early Church and much of the history of the church Christians practiced meditation by singing or saying the psalms and reflecting on them in the light of their experience of life. Psalm 1, which introduces the whole Psalter, shows us that the psalms were produced by daily meditation on God’s Word. They, in turn, were used to teach God’s people to meditate on God’s word christologically and effectively in all circumstances but most of all in trouble. Psalm 2, a prophetic royal psalm, shows us that they help us to take refuge in God’s Son, for we speak the psalms of David together with Jesus. Since they were inspired by the Holy Spirit, they inspire us with the Holy Spirit. This course will consider how to use the psalms as a handbook for meditation in reflection and petitionary prayer, self-instruction and confession, thanksgiving and praise. (1.5 CEU)

Shawano, Wisconsin

Hermann Sasse as Pastoral Theologian

Prof. John T. Pless
July 9–11, 2018

Hermann Sasse (1895-1976) was perhaps the most important confessional Lutheran theologian of the 20th 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. (1.5 CEU)

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Luther's Antinomian Disputations

Dr. Roland F. Ziegler
June 25–29, 2018

“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 preach faithfully the Word of God and rightly divide Law and Gospel without falling into the errors of antinomianism and legalism.  (3.0 CEU)