Adult Forums
Bible Study: “Angels Around Us”
Angels have become a hugely popular topic. This forum reviews some of stories of angels in the Bible---some very well-known, some fascinating ones totally overlooked. We then consider appearances of angels reported today. One to three sessions.
Bible/Worship: “Bible Verses You Never Hear in Church”
This forum looks at Bible stories and passages omitted from Sunday readings, including the 28 psalms left out of the Lutheran Book of Worship. Why were they left out? This is a stimulating, even entertaining, look at some neglected stories and verses.
Theology/History: “What Is a Lutheran?”
The session begins by portraying the religious and historical situation in Europe about A.D. 1500, immediately before the Reformation. Then we trace the development of Martin Luther and how his study of the Bible and the growth of his faith became a breakthrough and launched sweeping changes in how we understand salvation, Christian life, the nature of the church, and other areas, right up until our time. One or two sessions.
Reformation history: “Martin Luther the Preacher”
We know Martin Luther as a reformer, but seldom realize how much he preached and what he preached about. He lectured at the university to dozens of students, but preached to hundreds of townspeople, and he considered preaching his most important activity. This forum looks at some of his sermons in during the tumultuous years of the Reformation.
Worship: “How To Listen To a Sermon”
This forum helps people get more out of sermons by reviewing what sermons do, how they’re put together, what to look for and what a person can do to prepare for listening. The forum also asks participants for suggestions on what seminary students need to know about their people.
Christian Faith and Life: “Am I Really Born Again?”
Does the term “born-again Christian” apply to Lutherans? Exactly when are we born again, and how do we know? This session examines the meaning of baptism, conversion and salvation in the life of faith.
Christian Life and Society: “A Christian Views TV and Movies” – Television and films have become the dominant media of information and entertainment. They also shape how we think and act, and they exercise enormous influence on our youth, who spend far more time watching the screen than talking with their parents. How do Christians deal with this media, both for themselves as well as for their families? One or two sessions.
Church Life: “The ELCA, the Ecumenical Movement and CCM”
In agreeing to “full communion” with the Episcopal Church USA the ELCA has adopted the historic episcopacy and an expanded definition of the office of bishop. This has profound theological and practical implications which the ELCA members should be aware of.
Church and Society: “The Church’s Role in the Fall of the Iron Curtain”
Who would have ever guessed that the small Monday afternoon prayer groups at St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig, Germany, would lead to the mass demonistrations that toppled the East German regime at the time when the Communist empire was breaking apart? Churches in eastern Europe were at the forefront of these huge changes in society.
Proclamation: “The Gospel Through Stories”
Jesus taught with stories, an old tradition among Jewish people that is still very much alive. Christians tend to “explain” the Bible and their faith. Jewish rabbis tell stories, a tradition neglected by Christians, but which has rich possibilities for faith.
To arrange, call or e-mail: Michael Rogness
Tel. 651-641-3420 (wk), Tel. 651-646-2610 (h)
E-mail: mrogness@luthersem.edu