Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

We first want to say thank you to all of our supporting synods for continuing to partner with us in our mission of preparing women and men for ministry. The unrestricted support that we receive is essential to our daily operations. Approximately 20% of our operating budgets is dependent on the vital support of the synods and the ELCA as we seek to support our students, faculty, staff and facilities.

2005 was an exciting year at LSTC. The Rev. David L. Miller was elected to the position of Dean of the Chapel and also became the first Floy L. and Paul F. Cornelsen Director of Spiritual Formation. Offering courses and retreats in spiritual formation, coordinating the worship life of the seminary, and developing a Center for Spiritual Formation at LSTC are among Miller’s responsibilities. 2005 also saw LSTC receive its largest gift ever. The gift provides for a new Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice and the new Harold S. Vogelaar Chair of Christian-Muslim Studies and Interfaith Relations.

As always we are blessed with a growing student body and a distinguished faculty. Professor Barbara Rossing received much attention for her book “The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation.” Her message, in brief, is that God loves the world and will never leave the world behind. The Massachusetts Bible Society selected The Rapture Exposed as one of the ten best religious books of 2004. Other publications included “Time and Eternity: The Question of Time in Church, Science, and Theology,” by Antje Jackelén and “When God Speaks Through Change: Preaching in Times of Congregational Transition,” by Craig Satterlee.

The Youth in Mission program also continues to thrive. “Serving Christ in the World” offers the chance for youth to explore, discover and experience God in themselves, in others and in the world as they spend two weeks at LSTC and one week at the Lutheran Center in Mexico City. “Beyond Belief” is an opportunity for youth groups to step outside of their comfort zones and connect with LSTC, with schools, congregations and other organizations in Chicago.

If you are ever in the Chicago area, please come visit us, or join us for daily worship in the Augustana Chapel. For more information on LSTC, our people and programs, please visit our website, www.lstc.edu.