Boundaries Training Info: Mid-page below in Red Font
Educational Opportunities
Luther Lecture sponsored by LSTC
March 22nd, 2023 | 10:00 am
Dr. Anthony Bateza will present "The Precarious Power of a Strongly Worded Letter: Political Correspondence, Lutheran Theology, and Civic Participation"
In the face of social challenges and mounting injustices, we are sometimes encouraged to write a letter. Whether this is an opinion piece for a local newspaper or a policy recommendation for our local representative, the assumption is that putting words on a page will contribute to making the world a better place. In this talk Dr. Bateza will examine some of the presumptions behind this advice and our practices, connecting contemporary challenges we face with Martin Luther's own use of political correspondence. Questions about our competence and commitments, the reasons behind our writing and our standing to offer our options, will be central as we evaluate our motives and those of others. Ultimately, Dr. Bateza will argue that a Lutheran approach to complexities of good works and the sacraments provide valuable lessons and cautionary warnings as we take our stands and post our ideas for the world.
Registration: If you are planning to attend online, please register at this link.
Wartburg Seminary offers many continuing education opportunities available via Zoom. Check them out at: Upcoming Events – Wartburg Seminary
Coming soon at Wartburg - ELCA Disability Ministries
April 11 @ 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm Wartburg Learning for Life invites you to join Pastor Lisa Heffernan, coordinator for ELCA Disability Ministries for a presentation about her work. A 2013 WTS graduate, Pastor Heffernan works remotely out of South Dakota, where she is also serving in a congregation as their part-time interim pastor. In beginning her work, Pastor Heffernan wrote, “As a person with a disability (spina bifida), this ministry is especially close to my heart. We are excited to renew our commitment to create awareness about the church’s call for inclusion, participation and faith and leadership development of people with disabilities.” She is especially interested in making a more visible commitment to addressing the intersectionality between disability, race, gender, and sexuality ministries concerned with mental health.
Available both on-campus [Weiblen] and via Zoom, the public forum is both for members of the Wartburg community and for all others interested in the ELCA’s work. All are welcome. On-campus attendees may purchase lunch to enjoy during Pastor Heffernan’s presentation. Please register here
An NRIT Recommendation:
Standing Together for Civil Rights documentary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPkq8vbzYas
Boundaries - Leaderwise
We are recommending this particular training for Montana Synod pastors and LPAs who are due for boundaries training. It is offered 4 times a year, online. (Once you have completed a boundaries training, please send proof of completion to the MT Synod office.)
LeaderWise’s online boundaries training workshop is lively and interactive, full of reflection and conversation. Attendees have given us feedback that our boundaries training was a great experience, AND caused them to re-evaluate some of their own practices.
This live online boundaries training is 5 total hours split over 2 consecutive days (2.5 hours each day). Following the first session, participants are asked to engage in a bit of reflection work in preparation for the second session. This online boundaries training will be conducted via secure Zoom video conferencing.
Future Boundaries Training sessions in 2023 are scheduled for:
-Feb 15 & 16 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm Central
-May 22 & 23 from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm Central
-August 22 & 23 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm Central
-October 11 & 12 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm Central
Click on the words below to be taken to the Leaderwise website. You will register directly with them.
Boundaries Training — LeaderWise
NRIT Digital Courses
Church Budgets 101: FREE Resource for Pastors, Treasurers and Councils
-Financial statement basics – How to read. What to look for.
-Mechanics & controls – Protecting the pastor, staff, volunteers. Avoiding scandal and suspicion.
-Presentation and communication – Celebration of God’s gifts. Abundance vs. scarcity.
Dave Scholten currently serves as the Treasurer to the Montana Synod. He is trained as an LPA and holds degrees in economics and finance. Dave runs an audit and consulting business for financial institutions throughout the western US and is noted for clear and effective communication of financial matters. “Economics impacts nearly every aspect of our life, sometimes as a daunting challenge, other times as an expression of love and joy. The stewardship (management and use) of God’s gifts is an expression of how we live out our faith. It is an outward sign of our inner priorities and attitudes.” Dave believes that a church budget should reflect our mission and how we serve God joyfully, rather than be a burden and weight we end up serving.
Click Here to Register
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
Heaven, Hell, Death and Judgement
Recorded Zoom Class (Recommended but not required that you watch "Reading Revelation without Fear" first.)
Throughout history, questions about heaven, hell, death, and judgment have produced headaches, books and movies, and many conversations, but very few solidly agreed upon answers. How is 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.
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 (Recommended but not required that you watch "Reading Revelation without Fear" first.)
Throughout history, questions about heaven, hell, death, and judgment have produced headaches, books and movies, and many conversations, but very few solidly agreed upon answers. How is 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.
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.
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.