Frequently Asked Questions

 What is the mission and vision of the ELCA Wittenberg Center?

Since May 9, 1999, the ELCA Wittenberg Center e.V. has been helping people of the 21st century  connect their lives and their faith questions to the stories and events of five centuries of Reformation heritage. The overarching purpose of the ministry is explained in the Wittenberg Center’s mission statement:  “The Wittenberg Center encourages people of faith to explore their heritage and compels the church to be a contemporary witness to the Gospel by promoting a deeper understanding of the theology, heritage and spirit of the Reformation.”

In our increasingly secular world, the church needs to be more than just a historical witness to the faith. We are the church, and we must be contemporary witnesses to the Gospel, bringing its reforming power into the world.  Our witness to the Gospel, grounded in our Lutheran confessional heritage, equips us to be in mission so that we walk together as Christians, teach each other, support and admonish one other.  In mission we open ourselves to change, to ongoing reformation. 

As Lutherans, our roots are in Wittenberg, Germany, birthplace of the Reformation and site of continuing reform.  The freedom of the Gospel has been reborn in this former East German area where people of faith kept the Gospel’s light alive through the darkness of socialist oppression and helped lead their country into a new age. Today they embrace reform and seek opportunities to reach out in mission in a global context.

The Wittenberg Center provides a place to communicate with the people of Wittenberg.  It is also a meeting place where lay people, pastors and scholars  from all corners of the world can explore their mutual heritage, ask questions of one another and share the joys that accompany their Gospel witness.  It is a place where all can be together in mission and explore what it means to move in the freedom of the Gospel.  The Center’s international participants and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) cooperation provide an opportunity to discover avenues for shared learning and mutual encouragement among a unique diversity of voices within the church.

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 How can I organize a program through the Wittenberg Center?

If you are interested in planning a study program or travel seminar to Germany, the ELCA Wittenberg Center can assist you.  You may contact the Center, and we will begin to create a program tailored to your interests and needs.  Or you may look at our "Considerations" sheet to help get you started.  You may also want to check out the "Luther map" to see the many places in Germany with a 'Luther connection'.  We value your input and use your preferences to create a program that fits the needs of your congregation, synod, youth group or special interest group.

 Step one: We work together with your planning team to determine the goals and objectives of the group. Does the group want contact with German Christians? Is the group interested in any special topics (music, recent history, spirituality) or historical figures (Luther, Katharina von Bora, Bonhoeffer, Bach)? Will the group require worship resources? Which cities would the group like to visit?

 Step two: Together with the planning team, we develop a strong itinerary.

 Step three: After we have developed the rough draft of an itinerary, we work together with a ground agent to determine the “practical needs” of the program: bus, type of accommodation (hostel, 4-star hotels, etc), number of meals per day to be included, etc. A proposal, with program pricing, is sent to the program planners.

 Step four: Legal Documents. The program planners sign a contract, called a "Confirmation", with the ground agent. The program planners also sign a document from the ELCA Wittenberg Center, called a "Resource Agreement", which clarifies the relationship of the Wittenberg Center in the program. The program is offered to the program planners by the tour operator as a full package, including all of the Wittenberg Center's resources.  

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Who works at the Wittenberg Center?

The Wittenberg Center currently has a staff of four: Co-Directors, Jean and Steve Godsall-Myers,  Managing Director Jessica Nipp (until august 31), and Bi-lingual Secretary Renate Skirl.

Dr. Jean Godsall-Myers served as an Associate Professor of Humanities and the Coordinator of Overseas Programs at Widener University in Chester, PA. Since coming to Widener in1982, she instructed all levels of German language and literature.  Her areas of research included medieval German literature and the GDR era. She served as Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.  Jean developed a German exchange program with Greifswald Universität in 1992.

The Rev. Stephen Godsall-Myers served as pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester, PA, for 19 years. He also served as pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Philadelphia for four years.  He is a graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.  Steve is also a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School.  He was an Associate at the law firm of Dechert, Price and Rhodes. Steve has been a member of Rotary International.

Jean and Steve share interests in international travel and connections.  They were both students at the University of Hamburg (1972-72). Jean has led a number of university groups on overseas travels; she taught a course preparing students for study abroad.  Jean and Steve led a congregational group on a “Footsteps of Luther” trip through Germany in 2002.  Steve spent a three-month sabbatical in Slovakia.  Both have been involved in a variety of work-week experiences with Calvary’s sister congregation in Martin, Slovakia.  For the past 20+ years, they have enjoyed several Global Mission Events with their two sons, Rob and Tim (and, recently their daughter-in-law, Emily). 

Ms. Renate Skirl has served as secretary, office manager, translator, and local resource person since the beginning days of the Wittenberg Center’s ministry in 1999. A native of Wittenberg, Frau Skirl is a member of the Town Church congregation and brings her skills as a mathematician and a variety of previous experience to this position. She is also one of our popular speakers, sharing with groups what it was like for her to be a Christian during the times of GDR rule in the former East Germany.

            Special thanks to those who served the Center during the time of transition prior to the arrival of Jean and Steve in August 2006 :

Jessica Nipp, who had worked with former directors Bill Swanson and Twila Shock, as a Project Assistant, assumed the responsibilities of Managing Director of the Center in 2005.  Jessica is a graduate of Wartburg College.  She is a Diaconal Minister in the ELCA having received her M.Div. from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. 

The Rev. Dr. Charles H.  Maahs served as Interim Director from October 2005 through April 2006.  For 14 years, Dr. Maahs served as Bishop of the Central States after serving in pastorates for over 22 years. He was the distinguished visiting professor at Gettysburg Theological Seminary in Winter Semester 2002 and adjunct professor at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Winter Semester 2005.

Mrs. Pauline Maahs served as Project Assistant from October 2005 through April 2006.  She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and has worked part time in retail sales.

           The ELCA Wittenberg Center is proud to be a placement site for Global Mission Volunteers. ELCA Global Mission Volunteers serve three-months terms in Wittenberg, working to ensure that the historical and spiritual treasures of the Reformation heritage are available to English-speakers.  They help to interpret Reformation history and its legacy as reflected in the sites, monuments and in the “living stones” of today, both in Wittenberg and other historical locations. The following individuals have served as Global Mission Volunteers in Wittenberg:  John and Carol Bertrand, Maggie Jones, Marta Magnuson, Earl and Chris Mummert, Nancy Peterson, Bob and Mary Ann Pfenning, Jim and Gloria Thvedt, Jack and Mimi White, and Karl Reko.  Also thanks to Nathan Pensack-Rinehart who recently updated our computer network.

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Who supports the Wittenberg Center?

The Wittenberg Center is dependent on contributions and gifts from  congregations, foundations and endowments, and individuals.  In addition, several divisions and units of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America support the ministry of the Wittenberg Center.  ELCA’s Global Mission Unit is the project holder of the Wittenberg Center, financing the salary and benefits of the directors and project assistant. 

Support comes from other divisions and units of the ELCA as well, through financial contributions, participation in boards and committees, in-kind donations and by technical and staff support. Twice annually, the Board of Directors of the ELCA Wittenberg Center meets to assess how the Center is meeting its educational, global ministry, and ecumenical goals.  Detailed reports are prepared by the directors and are reviewed by all supporting unit members of the ELCA.

One additional way in which income is generated for the Center is through its users’ fees and Program Development Fees.  In this way the Center hopes to become self-sustaining.

The ELCA Churchwide units represented on our governing boards include:

- Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations
- Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission
- Global Mission
- Vocation and Education

Other organizations represented on our governing boards include:
 
- Women of the ELCA
- Augsburg Fortress Publishers
- Regional Office in North America of the Lutheran World Federation
- Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
 

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What types of programs does the ELCA Wittenberg Center offer?

Programming at the Wittenberg Center takes the form of:

  1. Spiritual and educational programming designed for members of the ELCA and our partner churches at all levels.  This includes programming for youth, college and seminary students, congregations and synods, sabbatical opportunities and travel seminars for pastors, lay leaders, and college and seminary faculty, continuing education directors and board members of ecclesial institutions. 
  2. A diversity of programming. The ELCA Wittenberg Seminar has developed programs with varying emphases, including: Luther and his reforming colleagues, women of the Reformation, Luther, Bach and church music, Dietrich Bonhoeffer; Lutheran identity, Lutheran and ecumenical spirituality, Eastern German history and culture, Scandinavian church history, Deaf culture and church culture in Germany; and the pathways that brought Lutheranism to America.
  3. International and ecumenical programs, conferences and gatherings which invite cross-cultural and international reflection on the Lutheran tradition and contemporary issues facing the global church. Past examples of these conference themes include homiletics, globalization, women’s and men’s issues and trans-Atlantic dialogue.
  4. Designing readers, resource packets and worship manuals for program participants which enhance the spiritual and educational aspects of the programs. 

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What sorts of resources can the Wittenberg Center provide for my program?

The Wittenberg Center has developed a vast network of contacts in many areas in Germany and Europe. We can provide your program with expert lecturers on Luther, Melanchthon and other aspects of the Reformation; church and community members eager to share with you their experiences of recent German history, interactive programs and introduction to the ministry of the Center, some alternative city tours, worship resources and contact with German congregations. 

The ground agent with whom we work can handle the logistics of your journey, including lodging, meals and transportation.

We are of course also open to discussing new or special requests.

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Can I stay at the Wittenberg Center when I am in Wittenberg?

The Wittenberg Center does not have housing facilities available. It networks with hotels, hostels and local ground agents to arrange lodging for groups.  If you are an individual searching for accommodations in a German city, we suggest that you visit the website of that city, which can be found at http://www.(cityname).de (for example, www.leipzig.de or www.wittenberg.de).  If you would like to make use of the extensive German train system, you can visit www.bahn.de for more information on departure and arrival times and purchasing tickets.

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Do I have to be an ELCA member to take advantage of your services?

Most definitely not! While the ELCA Wittenberg Center is supported by the ELCA, we are very interested in working with our ecumenical and international partners to create and resource travel seminars and conferences.  Our mission is to bring the Reformation heritage into dialogue with issues of the contemporary church, and we understand that the Reformation heritage is one that is shared by faithful members of many denominations. The ELCA Wittenberg Center is eager to help Christians of all denominations explore their identities in light of the Reformation and its modern ramifications.

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What does the “e.V.” in the name ELCA Wittenberg Center e.V. mean?

The “e.V.” behind the Center’s name stands for eingetragener Verein (“registered association”). An e.V. is the German equivalent of a non-profit organization. The initial organizational meeting for the ELCA Wittenberg Center e.V. was held in January of 2001, and in May of that year the Center was entered into the registry of associations by the district court of Wittenberg. This special status brings with it responsibilities and privileges. The association must consist of at least seven members, have a constitution, and be governed by a Beirat (Board of Directors) with an elected Vorstand (Executive committee). Because an e.V. is a legal entity, the ELCA Wittenberg Center e.V. may legally enter into contracts with resource people and organizations.

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 How much does a Wittenberg Center program cost?

Program cost is dependent on multiple factors, including the level of accommodation and type of transportation a group desires, as well as travel season, currency exchange rate, and program content. We will gladly work with you to create and price a program in your price range.

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I have heard that the Wittenberg Center awards stipends to ELCA members every year. Is this true, and do I qualify?

Through its stipend program, the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany) awards numerous scholarships annually to its international and ecumenical partners. Two of the stipends have been earmarked for members of the ELCA, and the ELCA Wittenberg Center has been asked to assist in the identification of suitable ELCA candidates for these two awards.

The EKD stipends, for which the ELCA Wittenberg Center serves as custodian, are available to lay persons, pastors, and scholars of the ELCA who seek to enrich life in the ELCA by pursuing a project or program of study in Germany.  The stipends are for a three-month study program and include a monthly allowance, trans-Atlantic airfare and health insurance.

Per the agreement with the EKD, the two 2001 stipends were awarded for projects which directly benefited the ELCA Wittenberg Center.  Rev. Robert Buckley Farlee initiated his work on a pilgrimage worship resource as the recipient of one of the two 2001 stipends. Kate Flegal, recipient of the second stipend, accomplished much of the work necessary to bring the Internet Sabbatical and Journey Planner to life. Both resources are now available thanks to the good work of these two stipend recipients.

After the initial period in 2001, the EKD Stipends were then awarded to individuals for personal endeavors, designed to benefit the ELCA, including dissertation research and sabbatical projects. The EKD, pleased with the Center’s partnership in finding suitable applicants in 2001, enabled us to award a third 2002 stipend to an ELCA member, a stipend that would have otherwise gone unused.

Further information about the EKD stipends, application forms, guidelines, and information about spouse supplements may be secured from the ELCA Wittenberg Center. The deadline for applications is September 15 of the year prior to the stipend’s intended use.  

Past Recipients of EKD Stipends:

2001: Rev. Robert Buckley Farlee, Cantor at Christ Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and Senior Editor for Music at Augsburg Fortress. Project: Pilgrimage resource document for the ELCA Wittenberg Center.   

Ms. Kate Flegal, graduate of Roanoke College in Virginia. Project: Worked with Wittenberg Center to develop a website sabbatical and journey planning tool.

2002: Ms. Howell Williams, graduate of Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY. Topic: “European and American Religious History and the Current Assessments of the Church in Contemporary Society.”

Mr. Clint Schneckloth, seminary student. Intensive German Course and project: “The Historical Consciousness of the Church’s Reformation Heritage and its Relation to the Modern Evangelical Witness.”

The Rev. Hans Wiersma, Ph.D. student at the Institute for European History in Mainz. Topic: “The Recantation, Rehabilitation, and Reformation of Jakob Probst, Luther's Augustinian Colleague and Friend in the Low Countries.”

2003: The Rev. Larry Trachte, Campus Pastor, Wartburg College. Sabbatical project: "Mission and Wende."

Dr. Mary Jane Haemig, Professor, Luther Seminary. Sabbatical project: “Advent/ Christmas/ Epiphany:  Text, Message, and Seasonal Experience Among Lutherans and Roman Catholics in Sixteenth-Century Germany.”

2004: Mr. Peter Vethanayagamony, Ph.D. Candidate at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Topic:  “Ecumenism in Action: Lutheran-Episcopal Ecumenical Experiments in India During the Early Eighteenth Century, With Special Reference to the Contribution of Benjamin Schultze.”

Dr. Ernest Simmons, Professor of Religion at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. Topic:  “Philip Melanchthon on Education.”

Mr. Thomas Jacobson, Master of Divinity student at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. Seminary Internship.

2005: Dr. Rick Rouse, Executive Director for Church Relations and Continuing Education, Director of Institute for Clergy and Congregational Renewal and Certified Spiritual Director at Pacific Lutheran University. Topic: “Mission and Outreach: Learning From Each Other About the State of the Church in a Post-Christian Culture.”

Ms. Elizabeth Musselman, Adjunct Professor of Theology, Dominican University;  Ph.D. candidate, University of Chicago.  Topic:  "Immersion in Wittenberg:  Luther's Context, Texts, and Legacy."

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I suppose there are lots of Lutherans in Lutherstadt Wittenberg…

 

With such a name, one would expect Wittenberg to be the most “Lutheran” of all cities. After all, this is where Martin Luther lived for over half of his life.  This is where the Protestant movement began when Luther, so the story goes, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church, thus opening the door for debate. In fact, however, Wittenberg is not Lutheran by name at all.  It is a union between the Lutheran and Reformed Churches formed almost 200 years ago.

 

The Reformation spawned two main Protestant churches in Germany: Lutheran and Reformed. From the very beginning, as with the Marburg Colloquy efforts—were made to reconcile the differences and unite the two churches, but these attempts were unsuccessful.

 

After the defeat of Napoleon in the early 1800s, an actual union did occur under the leadership of Friedrich Wilhelm III, who considered himself to be a religious man and who was very interested in the Church. He felt that if there were just one Protestant religion in his domains, both the state and the church would be strengthened. Due to his persistence, the Prussian Union was founded in 1817, the tercentenary of the Protestant Reformation.

 

Friedrich Wilhelm III persisted in developing a uniform liturgy, but some were stubbornly opposed to this. Under the succeeding reign—that of Friedrich Wilhelm IV—many of the Lutheran congregations merged to form the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Prussia. However, despite resistance to the forced unification, the congregations in Wittenberg were not a part of that Lutheran merger.

 

To this day, both the Town Church and the Castle Church belong to the union formed almost 200 years ago. Although they consider themselves Lutheran by tradition and theology, they are not members of the Lutheran World Federation and do not have “Lutheran” in their name.

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