wfn.org | ELCA Ministry Board Certifies Two New Lifelong Learning Partners

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 9, 2001

ELCA MINISTRY BOARD CERTIFIES TWO NEW LIFELONG LEARNING PARTNERS
01-076-FI

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The board of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) Division for Ministry certified the Lutheran House of
Studies in Kansas and Missouri, and Christ Lutheran Church, Baltimore,
as ELCA lifelong learning partners.  The board met here March 9-11.
     The Lutheran House of Studies is a program of the Central States
Synod -- one of the ELCA's 65 synods -- based in Shawnee Mission, Kan.
A three-year curriculum will provide a variety of theological education
courses for clergy and lay members in sites across Kansas and Missouri.
     Christ Lutheran Church, located in the Inner Harbor area of
Baltimore, offers a schedule of educational classes and special programs
to help people maximize their spiritual, relational, emotional and
physical potential.  Through emerging communication technologies, Christ
Lutheran provides continuing education opportunities in biblical
studies, systematic theology, church history, ethics and practical
theology across the mid-Atlantic states.
     The Rev. Richard J. Bruesehoff, director for leadership support,
ELCA Division for Ministry, said being certified as the church's
lifelong learning partners has many meanings, obvious and subtle.
     On the surface, he said, Lutheran House of Studies and Christ
Lutheran Church will be listed among more than 35 other lifelong
learning centers and seminary programs in the ELCA Yearbook, they can
claim the designation in their publicity, they can publicize their
missions and programs in ELCA publications, and they can list their
events on the "Lifelong Learning Opportunities" database at
http://www.elca.org/dm/edopps/ on the ELCA Web site.  The Yearbook is an
annual directory of ELCA congregations, ministers, units and
institutions.
     "Just below the surface, however, are opportunities yet to be
explored," said Bruesehoff.  He said he sees a growing demand for
continuing theological education in the ELCA.
     "Everywhere I turn I see evidence of the development of the
interdependent network of theological education providers," said
Bruesehoff.  He said he was delighted to welcome two more members to
that network.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html