Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

CELC Theological Educators Hold Online Conference

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                           A screenshot from the GTEC online conference

On February 1, 2, and 3, the Global Theological Education Commission (GTEC) of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference hosted an online conference for Lutheran theological educators. There were 58 registrants from 21 countries; and because they were from around the world, the conference was for only two hours each day (beginning at 6:00 am in the US and ending at 10:00 pm in Hong Kong).

There were four goals for the conference:

  1. That we learn about the educators in our global theological programs;
  2. That we learn about the programs (faculty, students, blessings, challenges, prayer requests);
  3. That we discuss the things that shape and enhance these programs (especially our global theological friends); and
  4. That we explore ways we can help and support each other in the future.

While this conference was hosted by GTEC, it was supported by the staff of  Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and Grow in Grace. Technology Services Coordinator, Jeff Mitchell, facilitated the use of Zoom; Grow in Grace Executive Assistant, Barbara Rickaby, facilitated registration; Grow in Grace Event Planner, Kim Workentine, created a directory of participants and communicated with participants leading up to the event, and Grow in Grace intern, Shawn Marron, provided digital resources that enhanced the sessions.

What blessings were enjoyed through this conference? We learned that we are not alone in the work of training the next generation of pastors. We learned that the Lord is blessing our work around the world. We learned that we have theological friends with whom there can be mutual blessings and encouragement. We counted God’s blessings, listened to each other, prayed for each other, and encouraged each other.

Finally, we recognized the need to keep learning and to keep growing spiritually and professionally. Many of the participants said, “Let’s keep learning from and with each other.”

GTEC is grateful for the feedback it received about the conference. The commission has a number of ideas about ways to continue the conversation and collaboration that was begun in the conference.

Submitted by Prof. Bradley Wordell of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, GTEC Chairman

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies, committed to the teachings of the Lutheran Church found in the Book of Concord of 1580. Established in 1993 with thirteen churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to include thirty-four church bodies today.

Every three years, representatives from CELC churches gather for fellowship and theological study at an international convention. Regional meetings are held in alternate years. These gatherings provide spiritual encouragement for confessional Lutherans who often find themselves quite isolated. Visitors are always welcome at these gatherings

Joint work of the CELC includes the writing of The Eternal Word: A Lutheran Confession for the Twenty-First Century, which testifies to the unity of doctrine enjoyed by CELC churches. The CELC also has a commission to help coordinate and improve theological training in CELC churches.

Speaking about the heart and core of the CELC, former President Gaylin Schmeling wrote:  “The CELC stands ready to give answer to the confident hope of salvation in Christ that is within us. It is a refuge for those seeking confessional homes and a beacon shining the light of the Gospel in a sin-darkened world. Here the central truth of the Reformation, justification by faith alone, continues to be proclaimed. We are declared righteous by nothing we do or accomplish, but alone on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work which is counted as ours through faith in the Savior. He accomplished salvation for all on the cross and announced it to all by His resurrection, declaring the whole world righteous in Christ. This treasure is brought to us personally through the means of grace and is received by faith alone in the Savior which is worked through those very means of grace.”

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