For Boundaries Training Info:
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For Racial Justice Training Info:
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NRIT and MT Synod In-Person Classes Coming this Fall:
LPA 2.0 Preaching Retreat - Led by Dr. Melinda Quivik
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Enhancing Worship with Art:
Music, Design, Visual Elements and Themes.
Led by Pr. Julie Long
September 9th, 10am to 4m
New Hope Lutheran in Great Falls
Come, explore, learn and share ideas for music, liturgy and enhancing church spaces to
emphasize worship and sermon themes. This workshop will involve singing a variety of songs and liturgies from “Evangelical Lutheran Worship”, “All Creation Sings” as well as from other resources and composers. In addition to music, ideas will be presented using our senses to enhance worship spaces to highlight seasonal and sermon themes included in the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary. You are invited to bring resources and ideas to share with others. Continuing Education Credits available for rostered leaders and LPAs.
Julie is a retired ELCA pastor, now living in Missoula. She attended seminary through the
T.E.E.M. program, after retiring from a 30-year career in Forensic Science at the Montana State Crime Lab. Julie was ordained in 2014. She served nearly 10 years at Our Savior’s LutheranChurch in Broadus MT, first as a Synodically Authorized Minister (SAM) and then as their “called” pastor. She has been active in music ministry throughout her life as a vocalist, pianist, organist and choir director as well as holding volunteer and staff positions in music and worship leadership and planning. Julie has served as a music and worship resource for the Montana Synod, leading workshops and instructing in the LPA program. Currently, she provides pulpit
supply and serves as the Synod Candidacy Coordinator.
5 Hours Continuing Ed/$25
Click Here to Register
Montana Rural Ministry: Hope and Possibility
Led by Dr. Mark Yackel-Juleen
Held in Great Falls on October 11th and 12th.
Believing that the future of rural ministry is ecumenical and also knowing that there are hopeful possibilities for rural ministry in Montana, we’d like to invite both pastors and lay people to this ecumenical gathering as a time to ask questions and envision the future.
Our leader will be Dr. Mark Yackel-Juleen:
Rev. Dr. Mark Yackel-Juleen is a leading authority on congregational ministry in small congregations and rural contexts and serves as Director of the Center for Theology and Land at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He is also the Chair of the Rural Ministry Network of the United States and Canada and the International Rural Churches Association. Prior to coming to Wartburg, Mark led rural congregations in southwestern Minnesota for 17 years, founded and led the ministry of Shalom Hill Farm, and consulted with hundreds of rural congregations
Retreat Details:
Wednesday Oct. 11
Start after lunch (to allow travel time)
Welcome, introductions and presentation 1pm – 5pm (with plenty of discussion and small group time)
Supper 5-6:30pm
7pm – 8:30pm Judicatory Panel “What is Possible?”
Ecumenical Evening Prayer
Thursday Oct. 12
Breakfast on your own
8:30 – 11:30 Presentation
Ending
$25 for Registration. Participants are responsible for their own housing. (More information to come).
Click Here to Register
Led by Dr. Mark Yackel-Juleen
Held in Great Falls on October 11th and 12th.
Believing that the future of rural ministry is ecumenical and also knowing that there are hopeful possibilities for rural ministry in Montana, we’d like to invite both pastors and lay people to this ecumenical gathering as a time to ask questions and envision the future.
Our leader will be Dr. Mark Yackel-Juleen:
Rev. Dr. Mark Yackel-Juleen is a leading authority on congregational ministry in small congregations and rural contexts and serves as Director of the Center for Theology and Land at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He is also the Chair of the Rural Ministry Network of the United States and Canada and the International Rural Churches Association. Prior to coming to Wartburg, Mark led rural congregations in southwestern Minnesota for 17 years, founded and led the ministry of Shalom Hill Farm, and consulted with hundreds of rural congregations
Retreat Details:
Wednesday Oct. 11
Start after lunch (to allow travel time)
Welcome, introductions and presentation 1pm – 5pm (with plenty of discussion and small group time)
Supper 5-6:30pm
7pm – 8:30pm Judicatory Panel “What is Possible?”
Ecumenical Evening Prayer
Thursday Oct. 12
Breakfast on your own
8:30 – 11:30 Presentation
Ending
$25 for Registration. Participants are responsible for their own housing. (More information to come).
Click Here to Register
Gallatin Valley Interfaith Association (GVIA) is excited to sponsor Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign's Training:
Faith Over Fear
Thursday, October 5th
10am to 4pm
Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman, MT
This event is free:
Registration Available Soon
Faith Over Fear
Thursday, October 5th
10am to 4pm
Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman, MT
This event is free:
Registration Available Soon
See Below for Other Recommended Educational Opportunities and
Online Classes for Pastors and Lay Leaders:
Wrestling with Colonization and the Processes of Colonialism to Strengthen Ministry
Online Class: Part one of a two-part course presented by the Montana Synod Racial Justice Task Force
Wednesday mornings on Zoom
9:00 – 10:15 am
September 6 - October 4
Cost: $125 for this course. Part two will have a separate registration.
What is involved in becoming allies to Indigenous people and communities? It takes time and patience to build trusting, respectful relationships beginning with hearing Indigenous life conditions, wants, desires, and needs.
This course will lay a foundation for this work.
Topics include: identities—settler and Indigenous, a brief review of history, settler goals, rationalization and tools, and Indigenous traumas, resistance and resilience.
Participants will be asked to read or watch videos in preparation for each Zoom session.
Class sessions will include speakers, small group discussion, and q & a.
Leadership Team:
--Francine D. Spang-Willis (Of Northern Cheyenne, Pawnee, and settler descent),
MA in Oral History, Columbia University
MA in Native American Studies, Montana State University
Founder, Oral Historian, Educator, Strategist, Researcher, Content Creator & Curator
Appearing Flying Woman Consulting, LLC
--Rai Combs: Tsimshian First Nations veteran
Bachelor of Arts degrees in Native American and Environmental Studies, University of Montana
Social Justice Organizer and Decolonizing Educator
Emmaus Campus Ministry and Common Good Missoula
--Pastor John Lund, University Congregational Church, Missoula; ELCA, UCC
MA in Sociology, Michigan State University; MDiv, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Organizer and Teacher with Common Good Missoula
Cost: $126/Continuing education credit available
Click Here to Register
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:
-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
Faith + Lead Live Webcast Classes (including on-demand replay)
To learn more go to: https://faithlead.org/academy/live-learning
Stepping Up to Supervision
9 contact hours/$195. Class dates: August 15, 22 and 29
In Stepping Up to Supervision, you'll experience hands-on training and practical wisdom that includes:
How to hire the right people, so that managing becomes easier.What to do when terminating employment is necessary. Distinguish between the 3 types of feedback conversations The interface between employment and covenantal relationships and so much more!
Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders
20 contact hours/$600 Class starts Sept. 6th, continues for 6 sessions.
In Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders, you'll experience hands-on training and practical wisdom that includes:
The four sets of skills inherent to daring leadership. Self-awareness and emotional literacy that impacts your thoughts and decisions. Appropriate vulnerability and the myths that keep you from authenticity. How your core values inform your professional life. The skills that guide tough conversations – including giving and receiving feedback. What role “meaning-making” plays in humans and the stories we tell ourselves
For Classes Offered by Leaderwise, go to:
Workshops & Programs — 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.