Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

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

Theological Educators Hold Online Conference

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On Friday, January 31, 2025, theological educators of the CELC held an online conference hosted by GTEC—the Global Theological Education Commission. The conference was held from 6:00-8:00 am CDT, which put it in the afternoon in Europe and Africa, and in the evening in eastern Asia. 

About forty educators participated, representing about twenty different countries and church bodies. For the major portion of the meeting, participants were divided into five subgroups depending on their area of expertise—Church History, New Testament, Old Testament, Practical Theology, and Doctrinal Theology. 

The purpose of the meeting was to connect theological educators from around the world with others in the CELC who are doing the same thing in order to provide mutual support, growth, and encouragement. Each breakout group, led by a GTEC member, discussed topics pertaining to their area of expertise. 

The feedback received from participants will be considered by GTEC as it considers future events. It seems that participants appreciated the chance to interact with confessional Lutherans from around the world to discuss the blessed work of theological education together. 

Submitted by Prof. Bradley Wordell, Chairman of GTEC

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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