October Update from Pastor Mark

Back in the winter of 2022, at a Rostered Ministers meeting of the West Conference at Lower Coon Valley Lutheran Church, Bishop Felix asked if I would be interested in representing the La Crosse Area Synod on the Board of Directors of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), one of the seminaries of the ELCA. A three-time graduate of LSTC (MDiv, ThM, PhD), I was honored to be asked, and accepted the invitation. After phone calls with member of the Governance Committee and the Seminary President, James Nieman, I was received onto the Board at its November 2022 meeting. It is an amazing group of committed and faithful leaders, and the experience has been perhaps the most meaningful service I have been part of. Every meeting is like a heavy dose of leadership development and continuing education!

Since then, I have served on the Academics and Community Committee and, in summer 2023, became part of the President’s Review Team that focuses not only on the work and well-being of the president but also the effectiveness of the Board. Last fall, I also began serving on the Oversight Board of LSTC’s new teaching and learning initiative: Project Starling. This is a strategic approach to theological education that extends the seminary’s educational reach through asynchronous learning. Unlike more conventional courses, asynchronous learning allows learners to access materials and engage in educational activities at their convenience – and where they live and work. (You can read more about Project Starling, including “why this name?” at lstc.edu. Search “Project Starling.”) Some of the learners who will benefit from such an online, asynchronous initiative include those preparing for various ministries in the church in such programs as Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) or as Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAM). This will be an important resource for our La Crosse Area Synod as we seek to raise up pastoral leaders within our congregations. Importantly, Project Starling will expand, not replace, LSTC’s existing degree programs and courses. The seminary, which recently relocated within the Hyde Park neighborhood on Chicago’s south side, will continue its residential instruction grounded in its “Public Church curriculum.” In addition, this initiative will also be a resource for those seeking not church service roles but to be better leaders within their congregations or to become more faithful disciples. Think “your own continuing education!” That means you!

I share all of this about LSTC with you now to let you know that starting here in October I will begin a two year term as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at LSTC (to be followed by a two year term as Board Chair). When I was approached to consider being nominated for this leadership role, I reached out both to our Council President, John Heim, and Bishop Felix, both of whom gave their support. I then shared my decision with the entire Congregation Council, who have also been not only supportive but encouraging. I look forward to this opportunity for still deeper service to this seminary community and to the wider church.

One more thing: this is a time of transition at LSTC. You may be aware that President Nieman announced last May his plan to retire at the end of January 2025. So the seminary is in the early steps of a search process for the school’s next president. Remember in your prayers President Jim Nieman, the faculty and staff, and students at LSTC. Pray, too, for the Board, the Search Committee, and for me as I embark on this new venture. (Just to be clear: No – I am not leaving Our Redeemer! And most of our meetings are virtual, via Zoom.)

In peace,
+ Pastor Mark 

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November Update from Pastor Mark