NRIT Coming Classes
Fall 2022
"Anxiety Makes You Stupid"
and other interesting things to consider about our emotional and family systems.
Together we will navigate the narrow margin between emotional reactiveness and emotional response and consider the ways that emotional systems influence our relationships and how we function as leaders. Together we will go over the foundational elements of Emotional and Family Systems brought to light by Murry Bowen and Rabbi Ed Friedman and unpack some of the ways our biology and our family determine how we think and act towards others and the world around us. No prior knowledge of Family Systems is necessary.
Reverend Jason Asselstine is the Associate to the Bishop in the Montana Synod. He was ordained in 2004 and has served congregations in Northern Minnesota and Choteau, Montana before receiving a call to the Montana Synod staff beginning in 2014. Jason works in the areas of mobility, youth and serves as the director of the Lay Pastoral Associate program. He is responsible for the Montana Synod Nominating Committee and oversees First Call Theological Education. Rev. Asselstine graduated with his Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio and has training in Family Systems Theory through the ELCA Systems Academy. Jason is married to Jennifer and together they have two children, Daniel and Taylor. As a family they enjoy traveling whenever possible and exploring new places and meeting people. They live in Choteau, where they are involved in many community and social activities through church and 4H.
This workshop will be held in-person.
Date: Friday, October 28th
Time: 9am to 3pm
Location: Montana Synod Office, 1221 24th St. South, Great Falls, MT
$50 for Clergy / $30 for LPA and lay persons (5 Contact Hours)
Click Here to Register
and other interesting things to consider about our emotional and family systems.
Together we will navigate the narrow margin between emotional reactiveness and emotional response and consider the ways that emotional systems influence our relationships and how we function as leaders. Together we will go over the foundational elements of Emotional and Family Systems brought to light by Murry Bowen and Rabbi Ed Friedman and unpack some of the ways our biology and our family determine how we think and act towards others and the world around us. No prior knowledge of Family Systems is necessary.
Reverend Jason Asselstine is the Associate to the Bishop in the Montana Synod. He was ordained in 2004 and has served congregations in Northern Minnesota and Choteau, Montana before receiving a call to the Montana Synod staff beginning in 2014. Jason works in the areas of mobility, youth and serves as the director of the Lay Pastoral Associate program. He is responsible for the Montana Synod Nominating Committee and oversees First Call Theological Education. Rev. Asselstine graduated with his Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio and has training in Family Systems Theory through the ELCA Systems Academy. Jason is married to Jennifer and together they have two children, Daniel and Taylor. As a family they enjoy traveling whenever possible and exploring new places and meeting people. They live in Choteau, where they are involved in many community and social activities through church and 4H.
This workshop will be held in-person.
Date: Friday, October 28th
Time: 9am to 3pm
Location: Montana Synod Office, 1221 24th St. South, Great Falls, MT
$50 for Clergy / $30 for LPA and lay persons (5 Contact Hours)
Click Here to Register
Heaven, Hell, Death and Judgement
Class offered via Zoom
November 3rd and 10th from 9am to Noon both days.
Throughout history, questions about heaven, hell, death, and judgment have produced books and movies, many conversations and a few headaches, but very few solidly agreed upon answers. How is it that Jesus will come again to “judge the living and the dead”, if the dead have already been judged? What do we know about heaven and hell from the Bible and what have we absorbed through popular culture? What do we need to know about judgment in order to live faithfully and what can we leave up to God? This class will consider all of these questions, and more, offering you the tools to consider the important questions of faith and the encouragement to remember that all things are in the hands of a merciful and loving God.
Pastor Julia Seymour has served Big Timber Lutheran Church since November 2018. Prior to that, she and her family (spouse and 2 children) lived in Alaska. She likes knitting, reading, and visiting Yellowstone National Park, which she refers to as "her backyard".
Pr. Julia's "Reading Revelation without Fear Class" is recommended (but not mandatory) before attending this class.
Zoom Class on Thursdays, Nov 3rd and 10th - 9am to Noon
6 Contact Hours
Cost: $50
Click Here to Register
Class offered via Zoom
November 3rd and 10th from 9am to Noon both days.
Throughout history, questions about heaven, hell, death, and judgment have produced books and movies, many conversations and a few headaches, but very few solidly agreed upon answers. How is it that Jesus will come again to “judge the living and the dead”, if the dead have already been judged? What do we know about heaven and hell from the Bible and what have we absorbed through popular culture? What do we need to know about judgment in order to live faithfully and what can we leave up to God? This class will consider all of these questions, and more, offering you the tools to consider the important questions of faith and the encouragement to remember that all things are in the hands of a merciful and loving God.
Pastor Julia Seymour has served Big Timber Lutheran Church since November 2018. Prior to that, she and her family (spouse and 2 children) lived in Alaska. She likes knitting, reading, and visiting Yellowstone National Park, which she refers to as "her backyard".
Pr. Julia's "Reading Revelation without Fear Class" is recommended (but not mandatory) before attending this class.
Zoom Class on Thursdays, Nov 3rd and 10th - 9am to Noon
6 Contact Hours
Cost: $50
Click Here to Register
NRIT at FLBC
Montana Winter Theological Retreat
with Dr. Michael Chan
February 5 through 7
Starts with supper, Feb. 5th and ends before lunch, Feb. 7th.
Class, conversation and recreation at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp
"Journeying with God: Tales of God's Faithfulness in Troubling Times.
Cost:
$265 - includes meals, housing and class with Dr. Chan
$165 - for spouse not attending class
Click Here to Register
Montana Winter Theological Retreat
with Dr. Michael Chan
February 5 through 7
Starts with supper, Feb. 5th and ends before lunch, Feb. 7th.
Class, conversation and recreation at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp
"Journeying with God: Tales of God's Faithfulness in Troubling Times.
Cost:
$265 - includes meals, housing and class with Dr. Chan
$165 - for spouse not attending class
Click Here to Register
NRIT Digital Courses
Reading Revelation without Fear
Recorded Zoom Class
God's word, both Living and written, are meant to encourage, uplift, instruct, and guide us. Yet, we all know there are passages in the scriptures that give us indigestion, discomfort, and apprehension. For most people, Revelation (without the 's') tops the list of Bible books to avoid because of how confusing and complicated it can be to read and to understand. In "Reading Revelation without Fear", we will discuss what's behind the text, what's in it, and what's in front of it. Behind is the social and political setting in which the text was written. Then we look at what's actually in the book (and what's not!). We consider all of this alongside our own context- what's happening in our homes, towns, and in the world right now. This NRIT offering provides an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating book of the Bible and discuss why it continues to be so important in worship and useful for discipleship.
6 hours - digital class, watch at your convenience (Keep your link as a way to access the recording)
Pastor Julia Seymour has served Big Timber Lutheran Church since November 2018. Prior to that, she and her family (spouse and 2 children) lived in Alaska. She likes knitting, reading, and visiting Yellowstone National Park, which she refers to as "her backyard".
Click Here to Register
Recorded Zoom Class
God's word, both Living and written, are meant to encourage, uplift, instruct, and guide us. Yet, we all know there are passages in the scriptures that give us indigestion, discomfort, and apprehension. For most people, Revelation (without the 's') tops the list of Bible books to avoid because of how confusing and complicated it can be to read and to understand. In "Reading Revelation without Fear", we will discuss what's behind the text, what's in it, and what's in front of it. Behind is the social and political setting in which the text was written. Then we look at what's actually in the book (and what's not!). We consider all of this alongside our own context- what's happening in our homes, towns, and in the world right now. This NRIT offering provides an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating book of the Bible and discuss why it continues to be so important in worship and useful for discipleship.
6 hours - digital class, watch at your convenience (Keep your link as a way to access the recording)
Pastor Julia Seymour has served Big Timber Lutheran Church since November 2018. Prior to that, she and her family (spouse and 2 children) lived in Alaska. She likes knitting, reading, and visiting Yellowstone National Park, which she refers to as "her backyard".
Click Here to Register
Leading Holy Conversations amid Polarization:
Equipping Followers of Christ to Communicate in Faith-filled Ways
We live in a time when it is nearly impossible to communicate with one another with any depth. Our conversations, whether in person or on social media, can descend into angry retorts, judgmental suspicion, reactive demonization, and hateful dehumanizing until there seems nothing left to do but retreat into same-thinking groups or go to battle with the so-called “enemy.”
How do we as followers of Christ and leaders in Christ’s Church respond to such challenges that intrude into our congregations and ministries? Do we say nothing and try keep everyone happy? Do we engage in the same divisive rhetoric? Do we leave the church altogether? Or do we seek different approaches designed to lower the anxiety level, build up community, and equip us to love one another into faith-filled communication? This workshop will offer various tools, guidance, and methods so that you can better lead healthy and effective conversations in your communities.
Class is led by Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling, Bishop of the Montana Synod, ELCA.
Once you purchase this class, you will own it and can download it and watch at any time.
All registration fees from this class go to NRIT for hosting, administration and advertising expenses
Cost: $30
3.5 Contact hours of continuing education.
Click Here to Register
Equipping Followers of Christ to Communicate in Faith-filled Ways
We live in a time when it is nearly impossible to communicate with one another with any depth. Our conversations, whether in person or on social media, can descend into angry retorts, judgmental suspicion, reactive demonization, and hateful dehumanizing until there seems nothing left to do but retreat into same-thinking groups or go to battle with the so-called “enemy.”
How do we as followers of Christ and leaders in Christ’s Church respond to such challenges that intrude into our congregations and ministries? Do we say nothing and try keep everyone happy? Do we engage in the same divisive rhetoric? Do we leave the church altogether? Or do we seek different approaches designed to lower the anxiety level, build up community, and equip us to love one another into faith-filled communication? This workshop will offer various tools, guidance, and methods so that you can better lead healthy and effective conversations in your communities.
Class is led by Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling, Bishop of the Montana Synod, ELCA.
Once you purchase this class, you will own it and can download it and watch at any time.
All registration fees from this class go to NRIT for hosting, administration and advertising expenses
Cost: $30
3.5 Contact hours of continuing education.
Click Here to Register
Introduction to the Old Testament:
The Old Testament is challenging literature for Christian leaders. This course will persuade students that the Old Testament is not only a helpful companion in ministry, but that it is also invaluable. All lectures are given with preaching, teaching, and pastoral care in view. These lectures will provide crucial information on Israel's history and narratives, prophetic literature, wisdom literature, and why Scripture matters in the first place.
Class is divided into the following sections that can be watched at your convenience:
1. Course Introduction
2. Creation, Exile and Return
3. Prophetic Imagination
4. Wisdom Literature
5. Why Scripture Matters
Your instructor is Dr. Michael Chan, Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary. Dr. Chan did his Ph.D. work at Emory University and the University of Helsinki. The author of several books. Dr. Chan's research focuses on developing resources for Christian leaders, apocalyptic literature, and the prophets.
Developed to be used both as training for LPAs and as a resource for study in your congregation. (Digital Download)
Cost: $70
5 Contact hours of continuing education.
Click Here to Register
The Old Testament is challenging literature for Christian leaders. This course will persuade students that the Old Testament is not only a helpful companion in ministry, but that it is also invaluable. All lectures are given with preaching, teaching, and pastoral care in view. These lectures will provide crucial information on Israel's history and narratives, prophetic literature, wisdom literature, and why Scripture matters in the first place.
Class is divided into the following sections that can be watched at your convenience:
1. Course Introduction
2. Creation, Exile and Return
3. Prophetic Imagination
4. Wisdom Literature
5. Why Scripture Matters
Your instructor is Dr. Michael Chan, Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary. Dr. Chan did his Ph.D. work at Emory University and the University of Helsinki. The author of several books. Dr. Chan's research focuses on developing resources for Christian leaders, apocalyptic literature, and the prophets.
Developed to be used both as training for LPAs and as a resource for study in your congregation. (Digital Download)
Cost: $70
5 Contact hours of continuing education.
Click Here to Register
NRIT Digital Offering: download onto your computer or stream online
An Introduction to the New Testament
with Dr. James Aageson
The New Testament documents are central to the Christian faith and to historic Christianity. By ecumenical consensus among all Christian traditions, the New Testament is central to the faith, life, and worship of the church. It is the word of God and it conveys the word of God. Even as the New Testament is central to all Christian traditions, interpretations of these texts often vary widely. This makes for a rich and fascinating tapestry of readings in the history of New Testament interpretation. This course is an introduction to the New Testament designed for a general audience and for lay people who may be preparing themselves for congregational leadership.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$75 to purchase class
6.5 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
An Introduction to the New Testament
with Dr. James Aageson
The New Testament documents are central to the Christian faith and to historic Christianity. By ecumenical consensus among all Christian traditions, the New Testament is central to the faith, life, and worship of the church. It is the word of God and it conveys the word of God. Even as the New Testament is central to all Christian traditions, interpretations of these texts often vary widely. This makes for a rich and fascinating tapestry of readings in the history of New Testament interpretation. This course is an introduction to the New Testament designed for a general audience and for lay people who may be preparing themselves for congregational leadership.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$75 to purchase class
6.5 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
An NRIT Digital Offering: download onto your computer or stream online
St. Paul:
From Saul of Tarsus to the Apostle of the Lutheran Reformation
with Dr. James Aageson
Apart from Jesus, Paul is arguably the most important figure in the history of Christianity. Paul and his legacy have continually shaped, fed, and challenged the church from the first century to the twenty first. Paul’s letters form the theological heart of much of the New Testament, and along with the memory of his ministry, they have continued to be read, preached, theologically interpreted, and applied to contemporary ethical issues.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience anytime in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$65 to purchase class
4 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
St. Paul:
From Saul of Tarsus to the Apostle of the Lutheran Reformation
with Dr. James Aageson
Apart from Jesus, Paul is arguably the most important figure in the history of Christianity. Paul and his legacy have continually shaped, fed, and challenged the church from the first century to the twenty first. Paul’s letters form the theological heart of much of the New Testament, and along with the memory of his ministry, they have continued to be read, preached, theologically interpreted, and applied to contemporary ethical issues.
You can purchase this class now and watch at your convenience anytime in the coming months. The format allows you to watch in any time increment you choose and also allows you to return to sections you’ve already watched or go back and forth between sessions.
$65 to purchase class
4 Contact hours of continuing education. (And no travel costs!)
Click Here to Register
FREE RESOURCE FROM THE MONTANA SYNOD
SERVING ON THE CONGREGATION'S COUNCIL
Church councils provide positive leadership within a congregation. As a support to your council, we have prepared five short videos, ranging from five to ten minutes, that are intended as an introduction to the work of councils and their role within the church.
Click Here to Register
On the next page, you will need to provide contact information, including an email. Then click on the "submit" button and you will be taken directly to the five videos, plus an introduction.
We hope you find the videos helpful in leading to deeper conversation about what it means to be church together.
Available DVDs at the Synod House
(Click Here)
Northern Rockies Institute of Theology is a continuing theological education ministry of the Montana Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
NRIT exists to provide and promote lifelong learning for the people of the Montana Synod (and their neighbors) , for the purpose of equipping them in their lives of ministry.
For more information about NRIT click here.
NRIT exists to provide and promote lifelong learning for the people of the Montana Synod (and their neighbors) , for the purpose of equipping them in their lives of ministry.
For more information about NRIT click here.