Christ is Risen!

This is the day that changes everything. Christ’s resurrection is the fulfillment of God’s promises (Luke 24:44-29). It accomplishes our justification before God (Romans 4:24-25). It brings us new life today through baptism and faith (Romans 6:1-4). As the “firstfruits” of the resurrection, we who are in Christ will also be raised on the Last Day (1 Corinthians 15:20-24). There is nothing that Christ’s resurrection does not touch. The sainted theologian Jaroslav Pelikan has one of the simplest and yet most profound statements about Easter: “If Christ is risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is not risen—nothing else matters.” What more is there to say? And now he sends us into the world to bring this Good News to all people. This great sending of Jesus is inextricably tied to his resurrection. In the same breath of his teaching about him fulfilling the Scriptures, he sends: “repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in [my] name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). We will be reminded of this in the weeks ahead, as the culmination of Easter is celebrated with Jesus’ Ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He promised at his Ascension: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8-9). At Pentecost, the first Christian sermon, preached by the Apostle Peter, concludes with the promise: “the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 1:39). All things are new! Blessings as you, through word and deed, make known this victory of Christ to those near to you and far!

Exciting News Part 1: CMPL Tuition

One of the five cornerstones of the CMPL program (in addition to Biblical, Reformational, Missional, and Global) is that the tuition costs be “Affordable.” I set a personal goal of getting the full cost of an M.Div. degree to under $16,000 total. Through the generous support of the Institute of Lutheran Theology and TheCenter.info, we can confirm the 2025-26 cost to students (or congregations) to be $163 per credit hour. That works out to less than $14,700 total cost for 90 credit M.Div. degree. And, of course, by studying in context, there are no moving or associated costs, and students can continue to work or serve in ministry will they work on their degrees.

Exciting News Part 2: MA in Congregational Leadership

At the request of several congregations, CMPL and ILT have collaborated on a special Master of Arts program designed to provide an exceptional theological education for lay leaders: the Master of Arts in Congregational Leadership. This program, like all at ILT, is taught fully online. This track is designed to provide a biblical, theological, and practical foundation for lay leaders in Lutheran congregations. The courses cover the foundations of biblical and Lutheran theology, with courses in congregational leadership and ministry. Graduates will be equipped to serve in their current or expanded roles, working with their pastor in leading Lutheran congregations in their mission in the community and the world. And, if students wish to continue their studies, the courses will apply toward either a Master of Ministry or Master of Divinity. By taking one course at a time over the four academic terms each year, students can complete the program in less than four years. Studying full time would complete the program in less than two years. We are excited that at least three congregations hope to send several leaders each! Please contact the Dean for more information.

Exciting News Past 3: Fall Courses Announced!

The Institute of Lutheran Theology’s fall semester courses have been scheduled. Among those of interest to CMPL students are:

• PTE 501 Faith, Knowledge and Reason
• HST 645/745 Luther’s Theology of the Cross
• PTE 510 Ethics in Lutheran Perspective
• PTE 520 Theology and World Religions
• HST 603/703 Church, Spirit & the Two Kingdoms
• HST 6XX/7XX History of Missions
• HST 502/712 History of Christian Thought II: The Reformation
• PT 501 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry:
• BT 503 Biblical Hermeneutics

Among the instructors are Dr. Robert Benne, Dr. Jack Kilcrease, Dr. Jeffrey Kloha, Dr. Robert Kolb, Dr. Daniel Lioy, Dr. William Schumacher, a special surprise “Rock Star” prof whom we’ll announce shortly, and others. For information about tentative schedules and which courses would be best in your program contact the dean.

If you are interested in learning more about the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership and opportunities to support the students, please contact the dean at .