Life Long Learning

Lutherans believe that learning has a crucial role in theology. To that end, we are also committed to "vocational discernment", the nurturing of insight and understanding into your vocation — and the vocation of all Christians. We hope these links will assist you on your journey.

An Affirmation of the Generation of an ELCA Social Statement on Education
The Vocation and Education unit of the ELCA welcomes the opportunity for the ELCA to generate a social statement on education. From our point of view, the very identity of Lutherans and of the "Lutheran" church has always been bound up with bold affirmation of teaching and learning as an appropriate response to the grace of God. It is important that we clarify our understanding of the connection between faith and learning in terms that speak to the people, and to the social conditions, of the 21st century.

Faith and Wisdom — Life Long Learning Opportunities for People of Faith
Faith and Wisdom is a searchable database that will allow you to locate learning opportunities throughout the world.

Directory of Life-long Learning Partners
Find contact information for ELCA Continuing Education and Life Long Learning Centers.   PDF, 30KB

SELECT Video Resources
SELECT is a program of continuing theological education videos designed for small groups.   PDF, 48KB

The ELCA College and the Church: Strengthening the Partnership
Keynote address at “Here We Stand,” A Gathering of ELCA Colleges and Seminary Presidents and Bishops of Regions 3 & 5 August 19, 2002, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Resolution Affirming the Teaching Mission of the Church
An official statement of the Board of the Division for Higher Education and Schools on March 27, 2004

Teaching as a Form of Servant Leadership
The reflections that follow stem from 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher in higher education. They represent neither a personal memoir nor a systematic analysis of issues surrounding the role of the teacher/professor in higher education in the year 2000. In what I take to be solidly Lutheran fashion, their status is more . . . paradoxical.   PDF, 42KB

The Fisher's Net
The Fisher’s Net delivers online theological education courses and resources to learners worldwide.

Vocational Opportunities
The affiliated agencies, institutions, and congregations of the ELCA are good places to use your talents in God's service. They are places to work-out your vocation, not just a job.