From the Gettysburg PO
by President Michael L. Cooper-White (mcooper@ltsg.edu)
www.ltsg.edu
As occurs in many newsrooms, toward the end of every year our Seminary’s chief communication professional, Pr. John Spangler, and I confer on what we consider the LTSG Top Ten stories of the year. In so doing, we are well aware that the most important things are often neither “newsworthy” nor able to be captured in a headline or succinct summary. The ongoing teaching and learning, mentoring and modeling of ministry happen on a daily basis in countless unseen encounters both on campus and distant, through quiet conversations in classroom, chapel or coffee shop. With these disclaimers, I nevertheless offer the following list, recognizing that others will generate your own.
1. Luther Institute Comes Home to Seminary Sponsorship: Over a quarter century ago, the Washington-based Luther Institute (tLI) was founded by several partners, including the Seminary’s Lutheran House of Studies. In mid-2006, tLI’s board sought a new strategic partnership, and the Seminary brought it under our umbrella as an added vehicle for a fortified presence in the nation’s capital.
2. Joint Venture Launches Voices of History Campaign: Another long-standing partnership—with the Adams County Historical Society (ACHS)—moved to a new level as together we launched an ambitious effort to rehabilitate the Seminary’s “Old Dorm” building and convert it into a world-class Civil War and religious history museum. Fund-raising toward an ultimate $22 million goal was initiated.
3. Faculty and Spring Convocation Propel Seminary More into Public Square: Leadership by adjunct faculty member Dr. Warren Eshbach captured national media attention over the so-called “intelligent design” controversy. The president published an op ed piece in the state capital’s leading newspaper, quoting faculty colleagues on the importance of religious leaders “going public” on critical societal issues. And the 2006 Spring Convocation brought to campus noted scholars and Lutheran federal district court Judge John Jones who rendered a key decision related to the intelligent design conflict in an area school district.
4. Most Historic Seminary Featured on ELCA Yearbook Cover: In recognition of our 180th anniversary and the Seminary’s unique role in American civic and religious history, the Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America featured a picture of LTSG on the cover of the church’s annual yearbook, its most frequently consulted directory of congregations and rostered leaders.
5. Largen and Stevens Join Faculty; Olsen Leads Admissions Office: Retirements, administrative restructuring and acceptance of new positions by several Seminary staff members over the summer months was followed in short order by the arrival of a number of new colleagues. In the faculty arena, Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen began teaching in the field of systematic theology, and Dr. Marty Stevens became both registrar and instructor in Biblical Studies. Coming from a Virginia pastorate to head the Admissions Office was Pastor Mark Olsen, an LTSG alumnus.
6. Alumnus Pledges Potentially Largest-Ever Gift: In response to a call for major gifts to grow the endowment, Pastor Vic Myers of Ohio, a 1969 graduate of the Seminary, through careful financial planning and an inspirational act of generous stewardship, made commitments that ultimately could bring the Seminary as much as $3 million in support of faculty, scholarships and creative lectureships.
7. Restructuring and Budget Reduction Cause Controversy: Faced with a $400,000+ deficit as the Seminary budget was being developed, the president declared a hiring freeze, followed by an administrative restructuring that eliminated several staff positions. Affirmed in some circles as painful but prudent stewardship measures and positive administrative streamlining, the decisions were troubling to others on campus and in broader arenas.
8. Students Lead in Wellness Emphasis and Ecumenical LutherBowl Extravaganza: A campus-wide emphasis on nutrition, exercise and other dimensions of wellness was led by the Student Association in collaboration with the campus pastor. The SA worked hard in hosting seven other schools for the annual touch football tournament, with Trinity Lutheran of Columbus taking home the trophy.
9. Red Books Replace Green as Primary Worship Resource: As have many congregations, the Seminary recently dedicated the new red (some call it cranberry-colored) Evangelical Lutheran Worship book. Among the ELW’s delights are eight hymns authored by president emeritus Herman Stuempfle, as well as one by campus resident, Pastor Beth Bergeson Folkemer.
10. Endowment Foundation and Crossroads Campaign Primed: Major fund-raising efforts usually are not newsworthy until big success stories can be published. But the formation of a separate corporate entity for endowment oversight, to be stewarded by its own Board of Trustees, holds promise in an era when most seminaries find themselves resource-challenged. Throughout the year, preparations were ongoing for an expanded current funds and endowment appeal that begins in earnest as the year of 2007 dawns.
While challenging in many ways, 2006 was on balance another good year for the Seminary. As its final days are crossed off the calendar, we entrust it with both praise and penitence into God’s history-holding hands.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Transition Means More than Change
From the Gettysburg Seminary President's Office
by President Michael Cooper-White
by President Michael Cooper-White
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of facilitating a two-day retreat on the theme of “transition” for the 9 bishops in Region 3 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and their assistants. In that part of the upper Midwest (Minnesota and the two Dakotas), a number of the synods have “term limits” beyond which a bishop may not continue serving. So at least three of the bishops will conclude their service in the next year or so, thereby guaranteeing that they, their staff colleagues and the synods served will be in a time of transition.
Being invited to enter into conversations involving discernment of next call, how to “end well” effective long-term episcopal ministries, and personal “letting go” and grieving the loss of close collegial partnerships indeed felt like being invited into the holy of holies in these folks’ lives. In preparation for this challenging assignment, I reread some familiar resources and researched a few new pieces as well on the theme of “transition.” Perhaps the foremost expert transition consultants in the corporate world today are a husband-wife team, William Bridges and Susan Mitchell Bridges. The Wall Street Journal lists Mr. Bridges as one of the top ten executive development presenters in the U.S. In a very helpful article, “Leading Transition: A New Model for Change,” the Bridges make a distinction between change and transition. Change, they suggest, is external—a new policy, a merged corporation, or in our world, a new congregation or the state of being newly ordained, commissioned or consecrated perhaps.
For some of the synodical servants I addressed out in Minnesota and the Dakotas, a forthcoming change will be the morning they wake up and are no longer a bishop or assistant.By contrast to change, an external matter, say the Bridges, “transition is the state that change puts people into.” It involves psychological and spiritual reorientation. Ordination—the change from being Ms. or Mr. to being “the Rev.”—happens in an instant when a bishop lays hands on head. But the transition into being a pastor is probably a lifelong journey after the moment of ordination.
According to the Bridges’ article, transitions normally progress through three distinct phases. First, there must be a time of saying goodbye to what has been. They repeat the old adage that to steal second base, you must finally take your feet off first and run! Following the goodbyes, which are often prolonged and painful as well as rewarding and satisfying, there may be a long time of moving through a “neutral zone.” This is a time of confusion, of wandering in the wilderness, discerning new directions. Finally, one moves forward into the new phase of life or work. A period of grieving is concluded or diminished. You arrive safely at second base, now beginning to focus on advancing toward third or home plate.
Six plus years into my current calling, I have learned that a seminary community is constantly in transition. While some of us are more or less permanent (faculty and staff), we too are aware that here we have no abiding place, and that even the most senior among us have served for only a brief period in the long-term sweep of institutional history. Those of you who are students are in a constant state of transition—from one semester to the next, preparing for or recovering from (!) CPE, internship, diaconal project or first call. Along the way, candidacy committees, faculty advisers and others are frequently monitoring progress and checking in on both changes and transitions going on in your lives.
The constant changes involved in a seminary sojourn, be it for a brief one-year student stint or for several decades as faculty or staff member, can grow wearying. When they do, it may be helpful to ponder the Emmaus road story that served as the centerpiece for our two-day transition workshop out in Region 3. Along the journey, an unknown Stranger saunters up and joins us on the journey. So often, we do not recognize Who it is in the moment. Later, looking back on a season of external change and internal transition, recognition dawns: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he walked among us along the way?” (Luke 24:13-35)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
A Month in the Life . . .
From the Gettysburg Seminary President's Office
by President Michael Cooper-White (mcooper@ltsg.edu)
On a leisurely stroll a few days ago, a friend who is considering the possibility of a college presidency asked me, “So what does a president really do?” In responding, I first had to acknowledge I’ve never been a college president, and imagine his/her world to be quite different from mine in certain respects. Especially for major university presidents, relating to legislators who vote on funding, negotiating with labor unions (that in some cases include the faculty), and diplomatically coping with alumni donors whose primary concern is funding high profile athletic teams are part and parcel of the job. In a recent gathering with outdoor ministry executive leaders, I shared that while there are undoubtedly similarities between their callings and mine, I’m thankful not to have to manage an outdoor swimming pool!
The conversation prompted me to wonder if at least a few folks—perhaps including seminarians—wonder about the work of the one who inhabits the president’s office. While there is no typical day, week or month, a review of some October highlights may grant a glimpse into my world for any who may be interested in taking a peek.
Early in the month a visit to a huge local dairy operation provided opportunity both to observe the wonders of robotic milking equipment (quite a sight to this dairy farm boy!) and to engage in dialogue with the chief managing owner-partner. Such visits generally combine expressing thanks to Seminary supporters and presenting them with new opportunities as they consider future stewardship of the gifts entrusted to them. A few days later, a similar visit (this one to a beautiful new home, not a farm) in company with a colleague yielded a pledge of a six-figure gift to the rehabilitation of “Old Dorm.” While sometimes we specifically ask for a generous contribution (and even go so far as to suggest an amount we deem commensurate with the donor’s giving capacity), on this particular call we simply told the exciting story of the Seminary’s vision shared with our local Historical Society to convert the Old Dorm into a world class museum. Before we could return to ask, the generous alumna responded—what a gift!
October was a month with multiple celebrations and major events both on campus and in broader circles. My role is generally minimal in greeting those who attend our Luther Colloquy; however, this year’s Colloquy was preceded by a wonderful evening in which we conferred the Bertha Paulssen award for distinguished Christian service and two presidential leadership awards. Emceeing such events on campus often falls to an institution’s presiding officer, as does the delight of hosting receptions in the presidential residence for many groups who visit. Together with others, I regularly represent LTSG in the celebrations of other parts of the Church or in community events. The past four weeks included two bishops’ installations (one ELCA and the other the new Episcopal bishop of our local diocese); preaching at morning worship for the outdoor ministry folks from around the country; greeting the local district convention of the African Methodist Episcopal church held on our campus; representing LTSG as one of my predecessors, Dr. Herman Stuempfle, was awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Award for humanitarian service; and inaugurating the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship book in Chicago at a joint worship of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, Cabinet of Executives, and Seminary Presidents.
Never-ending on the schedule are meetings at which so much of the work of Seminary, church and public groups are (hopefully) advanced. In October, I met for three days with my colleague seminary presidents; spent two days with our Board of Directors and its several committees; joined in a one-day faculty retreat and planning session held off campus; engaged in staff planning sessions where we prepared for our upcoming financial campaign and began the process of developing the 2007-08 budget; reviewed student life in a lunch meeting with our student association president; and represented LTSG as a board member of the Washington Theological Consortium.
Around the edges of the daily and weekly scheduled events and meetings are the countless small tasks—correspondence, including 40-50 daily emails; phone calls and scheduled or impromptu meetings with students, staff and faculty colleagues; and informal conversations that range from cheerleading to engaging in the mutual consolation of the saints. The past month required final editing of a book manuscript in partnership with my coauthor. And I try to keep a book or two going at all times—either on the nightstand or car CD player as I roam about on my travels.
So, that’s an abbreviated succinct summary of one month in the life of this seminary president. After six plus years in this calling, I’ve concluded it’s seldom a boring job for long! As I conclude this P.O. piece for posting on All Saints Day, I am so grateful for the privilege of this calling, and for all the saints in whose company I travel.
www.ltsg.edu
by President Michael Cooper-White (mcooper@ltsg.edu)
On a leisurely stroll a few days ago, a friend who is considering the possibility of a college presidency asked me, “So what does a president really do?” In responding, I first had to acknowledge I’ve never been a college president, and imagine his/her world to be quite different from mine in certain respects. Especially for major university presidents, relating to legislators who vote on funding, negotiating with labor unions (that in some cases include the faculty), and diplomatically coping with alumni donors whose primary concern is funding high profile athletic teams are part and parcel of the job. In a recent gathering with outdoor ministry executive leaders, I shared that while there are undoubtedly similarities between their callings and mine, I’m thankful not to have to manage an outdoor swimming pool!
The conversation prompted me to wonder if at least a few folks—perhaps including seminarians—wonder about the work of the one who inhabits the president’s office. While there is no typical day, week or month, a review of some October highlights may grant a glimpse into my world for any who may be interested in taking a peek.
Early in the month a visit to a huge local dairy operation provided opportunity both to observe the wonders of robotic milking equipment (quite a sight to this dairy farm boy!) and to engage in dialogue with the chief managing owner-partner. Such visits generally combine expressing thanks to Seminary supporters and presenting them with new opportunities as they consider future stewardship of the gifts entrusted to them. A few days later, a similar visit (this one to a beautiful new home, not a farm) in company with a colleague yielded a pledge of a six-figure gift to the rehabilitation of “Old Dorm.” While sometimes we specifically ask for a generous contribution (and even go so far as to suggest an amount we deem commensurate with the donor’s giving capacity), on this particular call we simply told the exciting story of the Seminary’s vision shared with our local Historical Society to convert the Old Dorm into a world class museum. Before we could return to ask, the generous alumna responded—what a gift!
October was a month with multiple celebrations and major events both on campus and in broader circles. My role is generally minimal in greeting those who attend our Luther Colloquy; however, this year’s Colloquy was preceded by a wonderful evening in which we conferred the Bertha Paulssen award for distinguished Christian service and two presidential leadership awards. Emceeing such events on campus often falls to an institution’s presiding officer, as does the delight of hosting receptions in the presidential residence for many groups who visit. Together with others, I regularly represent LTSG in the celebrations of other parts of the Church or in community events. The past four weeks included two bishops’ installations (one ELCA and the other the new Episcopal bishop of our local diocese); preaching at morning worship for the outdoor ministry folks from around the country; greeting the local district convention of the African Methodist Episcopal church held on our campus; representing LTSG as one of my predecessors, Dr. Herman Stuempfle, was awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Award for humanitarian service; and inaugurating the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship book in Chicago at a joint worship of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, Cabinet of Executives, and Seminary Presidents.
Never-ending on the schedule are meetings at which so much of the work of Seminary, church and public groups are (hopefully) advanced. In October, I met for three days with my colleague seminary presidents; spent two days with our Board of Directors and its several committees; joined in a one-day faculty retreat and planning session held off campus; engaged in staff planning sessions where we prepared for our upcoming financial campaign and began the process of developing the 2007-08 budget; reviewed student life in a lunch meeting with our student association president; and represented LTSG as a board member of the Washington Theological Consortium.
Around the edges of the daily and weekly scheduled events and meetings are the countless small tasks—correspondence, including 40-50 daily emails; phone calls and scheduled or impromptu meetings with students, staff and faculty colleagues; and informal conversations that range from cheerleading to engaging in the mutual consolation of the saints. The past month required final editing of a book manuscript in partnership with my coauthor. And I try to keep a book or two going at all times—either on the nightstand or car CD player as I roam about on my travels.
So, that’s an abbreviated succinct summary of one month in the life of this seminary president. After six plus years in this calling, I’ve concluded it’s seldom a boring job for long! As I conclude this P.O. piece for posting on All Saints Day, I am so grateful for the privilege of this calling, and for all the saints in whose company I travel.
www.ltsg.edu
A Month in the Life . . .
From the Gettysburg Seminary President's Office
by President Michael Cooper-White (mcooper@ltsg.edu)
On a leisurely stroll a few days ago, a friend who is considering the possibility of a college presidency asked me, “So what does a president really do?” In responding, I first had to acknowledge I’ve never been a college president, and imagine his/her world to be quite different from mine in certain respects. Especially for major university presidents, relating to legislators who vote on funding, negotiating with labor unions (that in some cases include the faculty), and diplomatically coping with alumni donors whose primary concern is funding high profile athletic teams are part and parcel of the job. In a recent gathering with outdoor ministry executive leaders, I shared that while there are undoubtedly similarities between their callings and mine, I’m thankful not to have to manage an outdoor swimming pool!
The conversation prompted me to wonder if at least a few folks—perhaps including seminarians—wonder about the work of the one who inhabits the president’s office. While there is no typical day, week or month, a review of some October highlights may grant a glimpse into my world for any who may be interested in taking a peek.
Early in the month a visit to a huge local dairy operation provided opportunity both to observe the wonders of robotic milking equipment (quite a sight to this dairy farm boy!) and to engage in dialogue with the chief managing owner-partner. Such visits generally combine expressing thanks to Seminary supporters and presenting them with new opportunities as they consider future stewardship of the gifts entrusted to them. A few days later, a similar visit (this one to a beautiful new home, not a farm) in company with a colleague yielded a pledge of a six-figure gift to the rehabilitation of “Old Dorm.” While sometimes we specifically ask for a generous contribution (and even go so far as to suggest an amount we deem commensurate with the donor’s giving capacity), on this particular call we simply told the exciting story of the Seminary’s vision shared with our local Historical Society to convert the Old Dorm into a world class museum. Before we could return to ask, the generous alumna responded—what a gift!
October was a month with multiple celebrations and major events both on campus and in broader circles. My role is generally minimal in greeting those who attend our Luther Colloquy; however, this year’s Colloquy was preceded by a wonderful evening in which we conferred the Bertha Paulssen award for distinguished Christian service and two presidential leadership awards. Emceeing such events on campus often falls to an institution’s presiding officer, as does the delight of hosting receptions in the presidential residence for many groups who visit. Together with others, I regularly represent LTSG in the celebrations of other parts of the Church or in community events. The past four weeks included two bishops’ installations (one ELCA and the other the new Episcopal bishop of our local diocese); preaching at morning worship for the outdoor ministry folks from around the country; greeting the local district convention of the African Methodist Episcopal church held on our campus; representing LTSG as one of my predecessors, Dr. Herman Stuempfle, was awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Award for humanitarian service; and inaugurating the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship book in Chicago at a joint worship of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, Cabinet of Executives, and Seminary Presidents.
Never-ending on the schedule are meetings at which so much of the work of Seminary, church and public groups are (hopefully) advanced. In October, I met for three days with my colleague seminary presidents; spent two days with our Board of Directors and its several committees; joined in a one-day faculty retreat and planning session held off campus; engaged in staff planning sessions where we prepared for our upcoming financial campaign and began the process of developing the 2007-08 budget; reviewed student life in a lunch meeting with our student association president; and represented LTSG as a board member of the Washington Theological Consortium.
Around the edges of the daily and weekly scheduled events and meetings are the countless small tasks—correspondence, including 40-50 daily emails; phone calls and scheduled or impromptu meetings with students, staff and faculty colleagues; and informal conversations that range from cheerleading to engaging in the mutual consolation of the saints. The past month required final editing of a book manuscript in partnership with my coauthor. And I try to keep a book or two going at all times—either on the nightstand or car CD player as I roam about on my travels.
So, that’s an abbreviated succinct summary of one month in the life of this seminary president. After six plus years in this calling, I’ve concluded it’s seldom a boring job for long! As I conclude this P.O. piece for posting on All Saints Day, I am so grateful for the privilege of this calling, and for all the saints in whose company I travel.
www.ltsg.edu
by President Michael Cooper-White (mcooper@ltsg.edu)
On a leisurely stroll a few days ago, a friend who is considering the possibility of a college presidency asked me, “So what does a president really do?” In responding, I first had to acknowledge I’ve never been a college president, and imagine his/her world to be quite different from mine in certain respects. Especially for major university presidents, relating to legislators who vote on funding, negotiating with labor unions (that in some cases include the faculty), and diplomatically coping with alumni donors whose primary concern is funding high profile athletic teams are part and parcel of the job. In a recent gathering with outdoor ministry executive leaders, I shared that while there are undoubtedly similarities between their callings and mine, I’m thankful not to have to manage an outdoor swimming pool!
The conversation prompted me to wonder if at least a few folks—perhaps including seminarians—wonder about the work of the one who inhabits the president’s office. While there is no typical day, week or month, a review of some October highlights may grant a glimpse into my world for any who may be interested in taking a peek.
Early in the month a visit to a huge local dairy operation provided opportunity both to observe the wonders of robotic milking equipment (quite a sight to this dairy farm boy!) and to engage in dialogue with the chief managing owner-partner. Such visits generally combine expressing thanks to Seminary supporters and presenting them with new opportunities as they consider future stewardship of the gifts entrusted to them. A few days later, a similar visit (this one to a beautiful new home, not a farm) in company with a colleague yielded a pledge of a six-figure gift to the rehabilitation of “Old Dorm.” While sometimes we specifically ask for a generous contribution (and even go so far as to suggest an amount we deem commensurate with the donor’s giving capacity), on this particular call we simply told the exciting story of the Seminary’s vision shared with our local Historical Society to convert the Old Dorm into a world class museum. Before we could return to ask, the generous alumna responded—what a gift!
October was a month with multiple celebrations and major events both on campus and in broader circles. My role is generally minimal in greeting those who attend our Luther Colloquy; however, this year’s Colloquy was preceded by a wonderful evening in which we conferred the Bertha Paulssen award for distinguished Christian service and two presidential leadership awards. Emceeing such events on campus often falls to an institution’s presiding officer, as does the delight of hosting receptions in the presidential residence for many groups who visit. Together with others, I regularly represent LTSG in the celebrations of other parts of the Church or in community events. The past four weeks included two bishops’ installations (one ELCA and the other the new Episcopal bishop of our local diocese); preaching at morning worship for the outdoor ministry folks from around the country; greeting the local district convention of the African Methodist Episcopal church held on our campus; representing LTSG as one of my predecessors, Dr. Herman Stuempfle, was awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Award for humanitarian service; and inaugurating the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship book in Chicago at a joint worship of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, Cabinet of Executives, and Seminary Presidents.
Never-ending on the schedule are meetings at which so much of the work of Seminary, church and public groups are (hopefully) advanced. In October, I met for three days with my colleague seminary presidents; spent two days with our Board of Directors and its several committees; joined in a one-day faculty retreat and planning session held off campus; engaged in staff planning sessions where we prepared for our upcoming financial campaign and began the process of developing the 2007-08 budget; reviewed student life in a lunch meeting with our student association president; and represented LTSG as a board member of the Washington Theological Consortium.
Around the edges of the daily and weekly scheduled events and meetings are the countless small tasks—correspondence, including 40-50 daily emails; phone calls and scheduled or impromptu meetings with students, staff and faculty colleagues; and informal conversations that range from cheerleading to engaging in the mutual consolation of the saints. The past month required final editing of a book manuscript in partnership with my coauthor. And I try to keep a book or two going at all times—either on the nightstand or car CD player as I roam about on my travels.
So, that’s an abbreviated succinct summary of one month in the life of this seminary president. After six plus years in this calling, I’ve concluded it’s seldom a boring job for long! As I conclude this P.O. piece for posting on All Saints Day, I am so grateful for the privilege of this calling, and for all the saints in whose company I travel.
www.ltsg.edu
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Chicago Fall Triple-Header
From the Gettysburg President's Office
Six years after moving away, it no longer feels like coming home when I land at O’Hare Airport in the Windy City. As with Minnesota, Washington, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago now feels like a place I used to live. Oh, it’s still familiar enough that I can whiz around on the freeways and get to various destinations without too much difficulty. And I always look forward to Chicago visits since son Aaron and his wife Melissa call Chicago home, and both work at the ELCA Churchwide Office.
A triple-header finds me in Chicago in as many weeks this fall. The first occasion was for a consultation on “leadership” convened by the Office of the Presiding Bishop. The identification, preparation and support of “faithful, wise and courageous leaders whose vocations serve God’s mission in a pluralistic world” is one of the major strategic directions established in an ELCA-wide planning process a few years ago. Of course, that’s right up the alley for those of us who work in seminaries, and we were well represented among the 45 or so participants who spent a weekend pondering what makes good leaders tick and how they can be found and equipped. In his introductory remarks, Bishop Mark Hanson told the group (I hadn’t arrived yet due to weather-related travel delays) that “leaders need to be known for their unquenchable curiosity.” In our small group conversations, I had the delight of sitting with old friends and new acquaintances, hearing their wisdom gained from experience teaching and leading colleges, seminaries and churchwide units. My small group included Gettysburg colleague, Dr. Bill Avery, an astute student of leadership even as he is widely known for his own in areas of stewardship, evangelism and field education.
The second Chicago touchdown, which followed intervening days visiting generous donors and seminary supporters in Illinois, was for a meeting centered on stewardship. Joining me for both the visits and stewardship consultation was seminary Vice President for Advancement, Mr. Em Cole. Some of the best teachers of good stewardship work in institutional development offices where they daily help devoted Christians determine how to be good stewards of what God has entrusted into their care. One of the factors prompting this consultation is the unrelenting diminution of dollars which flow from congregations to synods and churchwide ministries. I was reminded of my early days in ordained ministry when some of the veteran pastors I encountered insisted that their congregations pay church benevolence first, even before their salaries when cash flow was scare. Nowadays, such insistent leadership seems sadly lacking in many quarters. On a positive note, comparative data shows that Gettysburg Seminary grads have the strongest track record leading congregations in generous sharing with the wider church. We’ll be discussing these matters more in upcoming faculty and board of directors meetings, to ensure that LTSG continues to lead the way in this important aspect of ministry.
As I write this P.O. column, the third Chicago trip awaits me—this one for our annual fall meeting of ELCA seminary presidents, a portion being joint sessions with the Conference of Bishops. We’ll be discussing areas of common concern, including how the seminaries are meeting the current and anticipated future leadership needs of the church. Some time will be spent in cluster caucuses, with regional bishops hearing updates on life at the seminaries this fall, and presidents in turn listening to bishops describe the joys and challenges in their synods.
While these trips take me away from campus a goodly amount, I never fail to gain new insights that assist me in my leadership and stewardship. Feel free to corner me around campus or check in electronically if you’d like to learn more. And be sure to keep abreast of what’s happening in the ELCA (or your church body if you’re one of our ecumenical students) by regularly reading The Lutheran magazine and press releases on the website. So doing reminds us that even as we may be committed to and leaders within a community of God’s faithful called a congregation, we are also always members of and servants in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church on earth!
President Michael L. Cooper-White
mcooper@ltsg.edu
See all of the 2006 PO Columns at http://www.ltsg.edu/db/index.htm?dir=pubs&page=articles&cat=po&year=2006
Six years after moving away, it no longer feels like coming home when I land at O’Hare Airport in the Windy City. As with Minnesota, Washington, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago now feels like a place I used to live. Oh, it’s still familiar enough that I can whiz around on the freeways and get to various destinations without too much difficulty. And I always look forward to Chicago visits since son Aaron and his wife Melissa call Chicago home, and both work at the ELCA Churchwide Office.
A triple-header finds me in Chicago in as many weeks this fall. The first occasion was for a consultation on “leadership” convened by the Office of the Presiding Bishop. The identification, preparation and support of “faithful, wise and courageous leaders whose vocations serve God’s mission in a pluralistic world” is one of the major strategic directions established in an ELCA-wide planning process a few years ago. Of course, that’s right up the alley for those of us who work in seminaries, and we were well represented among the 45 or so participants who spent a weekend pondering what makes good leaders tick and how they can be found and equipped. In his introductory remarks, Bishop Mark Hanson told the group (I hadn’t arrived yet due to weather-related travel delays) that “leaders need to be known for their unquenchable curiosity.” In our small group conversations, I had the delight of sitting with old friends and new acquaintances, hearing their wisdom gained from experience teaching and leading colleges, seminaries and churchwide units. My small group included Gettysburg colleague, Dr. Bill Avery, an astute student of leadership even as he is widely known for his own in areas of stewardship, evangelism and field education.
The second Chicago touchdown, which followed intervening days visiting generous donors and seminary supporters in Illinois, was for a meeting centered on stewardship. Joining me for both the visits and stewardship consultation was seminary Vice President for Advancement, Mr. Em Cole. Some of the best teachers of good stewardship work in institutional development offices where they daily help devoted Christians determine how to be good stewards of what God has entrusted into their care. One of the factors prompting this consultation is the unrelenting diminution of dollars which flow from congregations to synods and churchwide ministries. I was reminded of my early days in ordained ministry when some of the veteran pastors I encountered insisted that their congregations pay church benevolence first, even before their salaries when cash flow was scare. Nowadays, such insistent leadership seems sadly lacking in many quarters. On a positive note, comparative data shows that Gettysburg Seminary grads have the strongest track record leading congregations in generous sharing with the wider church. We’ll be discussing these matters more in upcoming faculty and board of directors meetings, to ensure that LTSG continues to lead the way in this important aspect of ministry.
As I write this P.O. column, the third Chicago trip awaits me—this one for our annual fall meeting of ELCA seminary presidents, a portion being joint sessions with the Conference of Bishops. We’ll be discussing areas of common concern, including how the seminaries are meeting the current and anticipated future leadership needs of the church. Some time will be spent in cluster caucuses, with regional bishops hearing updates on life at the seminaries this fall, and presidents in turn listening to bishops describe the joys and challenges in their synods.
While these trips take me away from campus a goodly amount, I never fail to gain new insights that assist me in my leadership and stewardship. Feel free to corner me around campus or check in electronically if you’d like to learn more. And be sure to keep abreast of what’s happening in the ELCA (or your church body if you’re one of our ecumenical students) by regularly reading The Lutheran magazine and press releases on the website. So doing reminds us that even as we may be committed to and leaders within a community of God’s faithful called a congregation, we are also always members of and servants in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church on earth!
President Michael L. Cooper-White
mcooper@ltsg.edu
See all of the 2006 PO Columns at http://www.ltsg.edu/db/index.htm?dir=pubs&page=articles&cat=po&year=2006
Sunday, September 17, 2006
On Pluto’s Feelings and Small Congregations
From the Gettysburg Seminary PO
by President Michael Cooper-White (mcooper@ltsg.edu)
After 75 years of appearing on the solar system’s planetary players roster, on August 24th of this year poor little Pluto got dropped from the team. There had long been an ongoing debate about its status among astronomers and others who worry about such things. In part, I suppose, because Pluto was first “discovered” in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh of Illinois, Chicago’s Adler Planetarium rushed to issue a kind of pastoral statement on the reclassification. It noted that “the concept of a planet has changed throughout history.” Before it was realized that our planet Earth orbited the sun, this revolving, rotating very mobile terra firma on which we live and move and have our being was not afforded planet status. Further attempting to soften the blow for our tiny feeble friend who had just been demoted, Dr. Paul H. Knappenberger, Jr. (isn’t that a great name for an astronomer?!) gave assurances that Pluto surely will continue “inspiring and engaging young and old alike in the interesting progress of science!”
Well now, you know that I know that a cold inanimate flying sphere 4.5 billion miles from our terrestrial ball does not have hurt feelings over its reclassification. Pluto didn’t grow smaller, thereby perhaps contributing in some measure to its loss of former status. But if it did have feelings, would Pluto welcome and celebrate or rue and be saddened to now be regarded by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as a “dwarf planet”? Perhaps Pluto would simply ignore the whole silly debate, and in defiant retort to IAU echo the words of Job 38:4: “Oh high and mighty IAU, where were you when God laid the foundations of the earth (and other planets too)?”
No indeed, planets downgraded to dwarf category don’t have feelings. But congregations do! And millions of members in thousands of small congregations have feelings. There are warm and friendly feelings about the kind of deep and abiding fellowship that is possible when everybody knows everyone else’s name, personal and family history, and often much, much more. While typically unable to muster huge programmatic activity, for many persons small congregations make up for it relational quality, and in enabling members to share their gifts in multiple arenas. Many pastors intentionally forego calls to bigger and better-paying churches because they enjoy and find themselves deeply fulfilled serving faithful flocks in smaller corrals.
But there is the other side, the other set of feelings that go largely unexpressed by members of small congregations. “We’re not important. ‘They’ (especially synod or national church staff) don’t care about us. We can’t afford our own pastor, or maybe even regularly have one fill our pulpit at all. We’re probably dying out here in our little church in our tiny burgh. Sadly, we may have to close our doors before too long. Who will then take care of the cemetery where our loved ones are buried (and where I may be taken before long, too)?
In recent days, I have been privileged to be given a peek through the window into the worlds of some church leaders who really do care about small congregations, and who realize that often their mission outreach and impact, and their benevolence which flows from generous big hearts that beat in the pews of small congregations, are huge. At a gathering of bishops and other synod leaders from Region 8, I discovered the major topic was caring for, supporting and assisting smaller congregations in fulfilling their mission. These regional leaders were joined by ELCA churchwide staff from Chicago who have given much attention and thought to ways small congregations might be helped in discovering sustainable styles of staffing and creative ministry. These folks are motivated by pastoral instincts flowing from deeply driven theological foundations. They take seriously that the church exists where the Word is preached and Sacraments administered (Augsburg Confession VII), regardless of the numbers of hearers and receivers. They take seriously Jesus declaration that where two or three gather, he is in our midst.
Here at the Seminary, we also have a longstanding tradition of taking seriously the people in every place, regardless of congregational size or setting. Especially through our Town & Country Church Institute, hundreds of pastors and other leaders have been prepared and better equipped for service in small congregations. If demographic trends persist and the predictions are borne out, there will be more and more of these communities in the years ahead that are Pluto-sized rather than giant Jupiterian behemoths. Let’s not regard them as dwarf congregations, but as full members of the communion of saints!
by President Michael Cooper-White (mcooper@ltsg.edu)
After 75 years of appearing on the solar system’s planetary players roster, on August 24th of this year poor little Pluto got dropped from the team. There had long been an ongoing debate about its status among astronomers and others who worry about such things. In part, I suppose, because Pluto was first “discovered” in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh of Illinois, Chicago’s Adler Planetarium rushed to issue a kind of pastoral statement on the reclassification. It noted that “the concept of a planet has changed throughout history.” Before it was realized that our planet Earth orbited the sun, this revolving, rotating very mobile terra firma on which we live and move and have our being was not afforded planet status. Further attempting to soften the blow for our tiny feeble friend who had just been demoted, Dr. Paul H. Knappenberger, Jr. (isn’t that a great name for an astronomer?!) gave assurances that Pluto surely will continue “inspiring and engaging young and old alike in the interesting progress of science!”
Well now, you know that I know that a cold inanimate flying sphere 4.5 billion miles from our terrestrial ball does not have hurt feelings over its reclassification. Pluto didn’t grow smaller, thereby perhaps contributing in some measure to its loss of former status. But if it did have feelings, would Pluto welcome and celebrate or rue and be saddened to now be regarded by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as a “dwarf planet”? Perhaps Pluto would simply ignore the whole silly debate, and in defiant retort to IAU echo the words of Job 38:4: “Oh high and mighty IAU, where were you when God laid the foundations of the earth (and other planets too)?”
No indeed, planets downgraded to dwarf category don’t have feelings. But congregations do! And millions of members in thousands of small congregations have feelings. There are warm and friendly feelings about the kind of deep and abiding fellowship that is possible when everybody knows everyone else’s name, personal and family history, and often much, much more. While typically unable to muster huge programmatic activity, for many persons small congregations make up for it relational quality, and in enabling members to share their gifts in multiple arenas. Many pastors intentionally forego calls to bigger and better-paying churches because they enjoy and find themselves deeply fulfilled serving faithful flocks in smaller corrals.
But there is the other side, the other set of feelings that go largely unexpressed by members of small congregations. “We’re not important. ‘They’ (especially synod or national church staff) don’t care about us. We can’t afford our own pastor, or maybe even regularly have one fill our pulpit at all. We’re probably dying out here in our little church in our tiny burgh. Sadly, we may have to close our doors before too long. Who will then take care of the cemetery where our loved ones are buried (and where I may be taken before long, too)?
In recent days, I have been privileged to be given a peek through the window into the worlds of some church leaders who really do care about small congregations, and who realize that often their mission outreach and impact, and their benevolence which flows from generous big hearts that beat in the pews of small congregations, are huge. At a gathering of bishops and other synod leaders from Region 8, I discovered the major topic was caring for, supporting and assisting smaller congregations in fulfilling their mission. These regional leaders were joined by ELCA churchwide staff from Chicago who have given much attention and thought to ways small congregations might be helped in discovering sustainable styles of staffing and creative ministry. These folks are motivated by pastoral instincts flowing from deeply driven theological foundations. They take seriously that the church exists where the Word is preached and Sacraments administered (Augsburg Confession VII), regardless of the numbers of hearers and receivers. They take seriously Jesus declaration that where two or three gather, he is in our midst.
Here at the Seminary, we also have a longstanding tradition of taking seriously the people in every place, regardless of congregational size or setting. Especially through our Town & Country Church Institute, hundreds of pastors and other leaders have been prepared and better equipped for service in small congregations. If demographic trends persist and the predictions are borne out, there will be more and more of these communities in the years ahead that are Pluto-sized rather than giant Jupiterian behemoths. Let’s not regard them as dwarf congregations, but as full members of the communion of saints!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
On Fresh Floors and Faithfulness
From the Gettysburg PO
See other columns at www.ltsg.edu
Fifty years after my first day of first grade, I can still see the shiny floors of Wendell Elementary School as we marched in to begin our educations. The freshly polished planks were products of Henry Soliah’s summer labors. My, how he could make those well-worn wood floors shine! And oh, what pride he took in the overall spic-and-span condition of that little two-story brick schoolhouse entrusted to his stewardship! As the remaining five years of elementary school proceeded, I recall never failing to be impressed on the first day of school by the fruits of Mr. Soliah’s summer spit-shining. “How can he make these old floors shine like that?” I wondered each first fall morning as we un-boarded our buses and dutifully paraded into the schoolhouse with that unique post-Labor Day mixture of sadness that summer was ending coupled with excitement about the new school year up ahead.
What most amazes me in my recollection reverie five decades after first setting foot in that little school house, is that I can still recapture the scent of Henry Soliah’s newly-polished floors. The building itself is no longer standing, having gone the way of thousands upon thousands of small-town schools that have closed or been merged during the past half-century. When I return to the place where my roots remain deeply planted, I can no longer see the old schoolhouse. But here a thousand miles to the east of where it once stood proud in the little prairie village, I can still smell the place, especially in this first fortnight of September. And though his bones have long lain buried in one of the little rural cemeteries near Wendell, I can still picture the gentle faithful custodian Henry who loved that schoolhouse, but even more us ragamuffin pupils whose work boots and sneakers would, he knew, soon undo all his summer labors.
You’d think that after a few years, Henry Soliah might have just given up. Oh, to be sure, for the health and well-being of the students and the school’s six teachers, it was important that the building be thoroughly cleaned over the summer break. But he could have started to let slide just a bit the spit-shine routine that left those floors so polished you could comb your hair just by looking down wherever you might be standing on the first day of school. It would not be so for such a self-respecting Norwegian custodial caretaker! No matter how fast his summer labors would be forgotten come the September onslaught of the Crayola-toting pupils, Henry Soliah’s countless hours of summer sweat-drenched labor polishing floors in that un-airconditioned brick building was worth it to him.
Down the road now five decades, I am sadly quite confident that during those half-dozen elementary school years I never once thanked Henry Soliah for all he did for me and my classmates. So, Henry, good and faithful servant, wherever you are in the larger life of God, I thank you now. Henry’s floor-faithful witness might serve us well as a new school year begins here in our own brick buildings miles and decades distant from Wendell Elementary. Work worth doing is worth doing well. “Good enough” papers and presentations can be polished just a bit longer to really shine and make a professor’s heart sing. So in ministry “out there” wherever you might be reading. Just a bit more effort might make that good sermon really great. Or knocking off a half-hour earlier at the office could put a spit-shine on the face of a family member yearning for more time with you at home.
Finally, here on this hilltop, I thank all my good coworkers for the labors of summer past spent spit-shining campus facilities, filing and catching up on record-keeping, polishing syllabi and preparing lectures, getting ready to welcome all our students to the new academic year now beginning. Henry Soliah would be impressed—and Henry’s would be an opinion worthy of our attention!
Michael Cooper-White, President
mcooper@ltsg.edu
See other columns at www.ltsg.edu
Fifty years after my first day of first grade, I can still see the shiny floors of Wendell Elementary School as we marched in to begin our educations. The freshly polished planks were products of Henry Soliah’s summer labors. My, how he could make those well-worn wood floors shine! And oh, what pride he took in the overall spic-and-span condition of that little two-story brick schoolhouse entrusted to his stewardship! As the remaining five years of elementary school proceeded, I recall never failing to be impressed on the first day of school by the fruits of Mr. Soliah’s summer spit-shining. “How can he make these old floors shine like that?” I wondered each first fall morning as we un-boarded our buses and dutifully paraded into the schoolhouse with that unique post-Labor Day mixture of sadness that summer was ending coupled with excitement about the new school year up ahead.
What most amazes me in my recollection reverie five decades after first setting foot in that little school house, is that I can still recapture the scent of Henry Soliah’s newly-polished floors. The building itself is no longer standing, having gone the way of thousands upon thousands of small-town schools that have closed or been merged during the past half-century. When I return to the place where my roots remain deeply planted, I can no longer see the old schoolhouse. But here a thousand miles to the east of where it once stood proud in the little prairie village, I can still smell the place, especially in this first fortnight of September. And though his bones have long lain buried in one of the little rural cemeteries near Wendell, I can still picture the gentle faithful custodian Henry who loved that schoolhouse, but even more us ragamuffin pupils whose work boots and sneakers would, he knew, soon undo all his summer labors.
You’d think that after a few years, Henry Soliah might have just given up. Oh, to be sure, for the health and well-being of the students and the school’s six teachers, it was important that the building be thoroughly cleaned over the summer break. But he could have started to let slide just a bit the spit-shine routine that left those floors so polished you could comb your hair just by looking down wherever you might be standing on the first day of school. It would not be so for such a self-respecting Norwegian custodial caretaker! No matter how fast his summer labors would be forgotten come the September onslaught of the Crayola-toting pupils, Henry Soliah’s countless hours of summer sweat-drenched labor polishing floors in that un-airconditioned brick building was worth it to him.
Down the road now five decades, I am sadly quite confident that during those half-dozen elementary school years I never once thanked Henry Soliah for all he did for me and my classmates. So, Henry, good and faithful servant, wherever you are in the larger life of God, I thank you now. Henry’s floor-faithful witness might serve us well as a new school year begins here in our own brick buildings miles and decades distant from Wendell Elementary. Work worth doing is worth doing well. “Good enough” papers and presentations can be polished just a bit longer to really shine and make a professor’s heart sing. So in ministry “out there” wherever you might be reading. Just a bit more effort might make that good sermon really great. Or knocking off a half-hour earlier at the office could put a spit-shine on the face of a family member yearning for more time with you at home.
Finally, here on this hilltop, I thank all my good coworkers for the labors of summer past spent spit-shining campus facilities, filing and catching up on record-keeping, polishing syllabi and preparing lectures, getting ready to welcome all our students to the new academic year now beginning. Henry Soliah would be impressed—and Henry’s would be an opinion worthy of our attention!
Michael Cooper-White, President
mcooper@ltsg.edu
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Letter to an Anonymous Donor
From the Gettysburg PO
By Michael Cooper-White, Seminary President
mcooper@ltsg.edu
Dear Friend in Christ:
Shortly before a recent day at the office concluded, as I was wrapping up some pending matters prior to a few days of vacation, the call came from our mutual friend in Chicago, Pr. Don Hallberg, director of the Foundation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Don’s call and your generous intent made my day, and I lift prayers of thanksgiving to God for you!
Pr. Hallberg explained that it is your desire to remain “anonymous” in your extravagant generosity. Following our standard protocol, Gettysburg Seminary would issue a letter of thanks if your gift were $3 or $300 or $3,000. The fact that ultimately it will be a gift of $300,000 upon the completion of your life’s journey means that your donative intent will make a BIG difference for the Seminary in perpetuity. You and I share a common commitment to ecumenism, and your gift to the Seminary’s permanent endowment will ensure ongoing ecumenical education that will broaden the horizons of future generations of students.
You have chosen well in your selection of Gettysburg Seminary for this marvelous gift. The biography of our founder, Samuel Simon Schmucker, is entitled “Pioneer in Christian Unity.” Since the beginning, this school has heeded our Lord’s yearning “that they may be one” as God’s people. For nearly two centuries, ecumenical impulses have emanated from this institution into wide-ranging arenas. We were one of the founders of the ecumenical Washington Theological Consortium. The keynoter for our 2006 opening Academic Convocation is its current director, Father John Crossin, a Roman Catholic priest. Back in the late 1960’s, a Roman Catholic bishop was invited to preach in our chapel—a radical move at the time! All students are required to take at least one course in a school of another C hristian denomination. Here on campus we offer courses in practical engagement with our full communion partners, as well as a new course on major world religions taught by a professor joining our faculty this fall. While the large majority of our students are Lutheran, we are blessed every year by a rich sprinkling of present and future ministers from many traditions. You can be assured that the intended purpose of your gift—offering courses in ecumenism—will be honored.
How I wish I could know your name and call you on the phone or pay a personal visit! But in humility, you have chosen to be anonymous in this incredible act of Christian stewardship. Perhaps you are a regular reader of our Seminary website and will come across my “anonymous acknowledgement” in this venue. In any case, I trust that in the larger life of God there may be a day beyond our days here on earth for me to express gratitude on behalf of Gettysburg Seminary.
Oh, and one final note: Might it be possible without compromising your anonymity to offer several friends and relatives a word of encouragement? In other words, can you quietly share your commitment to such lavish generosity, with a gentle but firm urging, “Go thou and do likewise”?! God bless you, dear anonymous saint and supporter of Gettysburg Seminary, whoever and wherever you are . . .
By Michael Cooper-White, Seminary President
mcooper@ltsg.edu
Dear Friend in Christ:
Shortly before a recent day at the office concluded, as I was wrapping up some pending matters prior to a few days of vacation, the call came from our mutual friend in Chicago, Pr. Don Hallberg, director of the Foundation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Don’s call and your generous intent made my day, and I lift prayers of thanksgiving to God for you!
Pr. Hallberg explained that it is your desire to remain “anonymous” in your extravagant generosity. Following our standard protocol, Gettysburg Seminary would issue a letter of thanks if your gift were $3 or $300 or $3,000. The fact that ultimately it will be a gift of $300,000 upon the completion of your life’s journey means that your donative intent will make a BIG difference for the Seminary in perpetuity. You and I share a common commitment to ecumenism, and your gift to the Seminary’s permanent endowment will ensure ongoing ecumenical education that will broaden the horizons of future generations of students.
You have chosen well in your selection of Gettysburg Seminary for this marvelous gift. The biography of our founder, Samuel Simon Schmucker, is entitled “Pioneer in Christian Unity.” Since the beginning, this school has heeded our Lord’s yearning “that they may be one” as God’s people. For nearly two centuries, ecumenical impulses have emanated from this institution into wide-ranging arenas. We were one of the founders of the ecumenical Washington Theological Consortium. The keynoter for our 2006 opening Academic Convocation is its current director, Father John Crossin, a Roman Catholic priest. Back in the late 1960’s, a Roman Catholic bishop was invited to preach in our chapel—a radical move at the time! All students are required to take at least one course in a school of another C hristian denomination. Here on campus we offer courses in practical engagement with our full communion partners, as well as a new course on major world religions taught by a professor joining our faculty this fall. While the large majority of our students are Lutheran, we are blessed every year by a rich sprinkling of present and future ministers from many traditions. You can be assured that the intended purpose of your gift—offering courses in ecumenism—will be honored.
How I wish I could know your name and call you on the phone or pay a personal visit! But in humility, you have chosen to be anonymous in this incredible act of Christian stewardship. Perhaps you are a regular reader of our Seminary website and will come across my “anonymous acknowledgement” in this venue. In any case, I trust that in the larger life of God there may be a day beyond our days here on earth for me to express gratitude on behalf of Gettysburg Seminary.
Oh, and one final note: Might it be possible without compromising your anonymity to offer several friends and relatives a word of encouragement? In other words, can you quietly share your commitment to such lavish generosity, with a gentle but firm urging, “Go thou and do likewise”?! God bless you, dear anonymous saint and supporter of Gettysburg Seminary, whoever and wherever you are . . .
Monday, August 07, 2006
Milton Valentine -- 100 Years Ago
Gettysburg Seminary Blog
______________________________________________
100 YEARS AGO: VALENTINE’S THEOLOGY
One hundred years ago, Milton Valentine, professor and president, died. His Christian Theology held in high regard by moderating voices between progressing and conservative forces in theology, was published by the United Lutheran Publication House in Philadelphia. Bearing a copyright date of 1906, Christian Theology is now available on the Project Wittenberg website, an anthology and Lutheran online archive. Valentine was one of the early Lutheran voices diving into the faith and science issues, emerging in the 19th century and carrying into the 20th. Visit this work at:
Christian Theology at Project Wittenberg
www.ltsg.edu
______________________________________________
100 YEARS AGO: VALENTINE’S THEOLOGY
One hundred years ago, Milton Valentine, professor and president, died. His Christian Theology held in high regard by moderating voices between progressing and conservative forces in theology, was published by the United Lutheran Publication House in Philadelphia. Bearing a copyright date of 1906, Christian Theology is now available on the Project Wittenberg website, an anthology and Lutheran online archive. Valentine was one of the early Lutheran voices diving into the faith and science issues, emerging in the 19th century and carrying into the 20th. Visit this work at:
Christian Theology at Project Wittenberg
www.ltsg.edu
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Knowing When to Stop
Knowing When to Stop
From the Gettysburg PO (Seminary President's Office)
by Seminary President Michael Cooper-White mcooper@ltsg.edu
All wars eventually do end. Sadly, like ballplayers who have clung to nose-diving careers or singers who can no longer hit the high notes, war-makers so often fail to recognize when it’s time to stop (which is usually when the violence is still escalating).
But its time to stop.
An elderly doctor friend of mine reflected a while back on when he knew it was time to close his practice that spanned nearly a half-century: “When the phone calls at home on Sunday became a burden rather than a welcome opportunity to help another hurting soul, I knew it was time to stop.” We’ve all known performers, players, practitioners and even some preachers who didn’t recognize their time to conclude a career had arrived.
Usually, it isn’t pretty when someone outstays their abilities. An aging athlete (and this usually means ball players still in their 30’s) hangs on too long, gets badly injured or is embarrassed as the batting average slides ever lower and he’s benched by younger players who can deliver at the plate. Far more serious are the cases where a surgeon’s eyesight or skill of hand has deteriorated, perhaps to the point where a colleague in the operating room has to offer a firm word of reproof or file a wrenching report.
In some arenas, the potential risk of professionals going beyond their time is strictly regulated. Many airline pilots continue to chafe at the mandatory age-60 retirement regulations; others conclude that the FAA’s policies are based upon realistic generalized conclusions about the natural slowdown in reaction time and other factors.
From my experience participating in and guiding planning processes in many contexts over the years, I recognize that organizations and congregations often have great difficulty envisioning that things can be different than they are at present. It’s not just that they find it hard to begin new ventures; the more challenging part is often to stop doing some things that have outlasted their original purposes and no longer serve the mission. When we engaged in a planning process for the Seminary a half-dozen years ago, a question posed to multiple focus groups was: What programs that the Seminary currently conducts should we stop doing? Of all our inquiries, that one received the fewest responses.
Amidst the current killing and devastation wrought by Israel in Lebanon, there are growing calls for a cease-fire. So too do many choruses in this country and around the world crescendo in calling for an end to the war in Iraq. Thus far the calls go unheeded—by our government and by the Israelis and Hezbollah as well.
All wars eventually do end. Sadly, like ballplayers who have clung to nose-diving careers or singers who can no longer hit the high notes, war-makers so often fail to recognize when it’s time to stop (which is usually before violence is first perpetrated). The tragic consequences on the battlefield are far greater than an embarrassing performance on the ball field or even in the operating theater. Both combatant soldiers and innocent civilians are slaughtered by the thousands. In this venue of public theology, I now join my voice with the rising tide of others in saying that in Lebanon, Iraq and throughout the Mideast, it’s time to stop.
www.ltsg.edu
From the Gettysburg PO (Seminary President's Office)
by Seminary President Michael Cooper-White mcooper@ltsg.edu
All wars eventually do end. Sadly, like ballplayers who have clung to nose-diving careers or singers who can no longer hit the high notes, war-makers so often fail to recognize when it’s time to stop (which is usually when the violence is still escalating).
But its time to stop.
An elderly doctor friend of mine reflected a while back on when he knew it was time to close his practice that spanned nearly a half-century: “When the phone calls at home on Sunday became a burden rather than a welcome opportunity to help another hurting soul, I knew it was time to stop.” We’ve all known performers, players, practitioners and even some preachers who didn’t recognize their time to conclude a career had arrived.
Usually, it isn’t pretty when someone outstays their abilities. An aging athlete (and this usually means ball players still in their 30’s) hangs on too long, gets badly injured or is embarrassed as the batting average slides ever lower and he’s benched by younger players who can deliver at the plate. Far more serious are the cases where a surgeon’s eyesight or skill of hand has deteriorated, perhaps to the point where a colleague in the operating room has to offer a firm word of reproof or file a wrenching report.
In some arenas, the potential risk of professionals going beyond their time is strictly regulated. Many airline pilots continue to chafe at the mandatory age-60 retirement regulations; others conclude that the FAA’s policies are based upon realistic generalized conclusions about the natural slowdown in reaction time and other factors.
From my experience participating in and guiding planning processes in many contexts over the years, I recognize that organizations and congregations often have great difficulty envisioning that things can be different than they are at present. It’s not just that they find it hard to begin new ventures; the more challenging part is often to stop doing some things that have outlasted their original purposes and no longer serve the mission. When we engaged in a planning process for the Seminary a half-dozen years ago, a question posed to multiple focus groups was: What programs that the Seminary currently conducts should we stop doing? Of all our inquiries, that one received the fewest responses.
Amidst the current killing and devastation wrought by Israel in Lebanon, there are growing calls for a cease-fire. So too do many choruses in this country and around the world crescendo in calling for an end to the war in Iraq. Thus far the calls go unheeded—by our government and by the Israelis and Hezbollah as well.
All wars eventually do end. Sadly, like ballplayers who have clung to nose-diving careers or singers who can no longer hit the high notes, war-makers so often fail to recognize when it’s time to stop (which is usually before violence is first perpetrated). The tragic consequences on the battlefield are far greater than an embarrassing performance on the ball field or even in the operating theater. Both combatant soldiers and innocent civilians are slaughtered by the thousands. In this venue of public theology, I now join my voice with the rising tide of others in saying that in Lebanon, Iraq and throughout the Mideast, it’s time to stop.
www.ltsg.edu
Gettysburg Seminary Acquires the Luther Institute
LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT GETTYSBURG AND LUTHER INSTITUTE SEAL FULL PARTNERSHIP
July 21, 2006 (Washington, DC) The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg has acquired the Washington, D.C. based Luther Institute, a pan Lutheran, faith-based organization devoted to exploring issues of faith and ethics in the public discourse.
As a founding member of the Washington Theological Consortium, Gettysburg Seminary has offered Washington, D.C. based programming and educational opportunities for more than three decades and maintained a long term partnership with the Luther Institute and other capital area institutions.
The 24-member board of the Luther Institute voted on June 27, 2006 to approve affiliation with Gettysburg Seminary, “in order to enhance and leverage the reputation of both institutions.” The Seminary was one of several institutions expressing interest in the pan Lutheran agency. Seminary President Michael Cooper-White said that this acquisition “is a natural for Gettysburg Seminary,” which is a founding member of the 12-school Washington Theological Consortium. “The Seminary has been anchored in the nation’s capital since 1971,” he continued, “offering its students the rich resources of the consortium and a residency program through its House of Studies and Lutheran Center for Theology and Public Life. Gettysburg Seminary is highly committed to its Washington presence and this new relationship with the Luther Institute strengthens this long standing commitment.”
Dr. Laura Mitchell will continue to serve as president of the Institute at its offices located at Reformation Lutheran Church, 226 East Capitol St., Washington, D.C. 20003.
www.lutherinst.org
See full story at Gettysburg Seminary news site
July 21, 2006 (Washington, DC) The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg has acquired the Washington, D.C. based Luther Institute, a pan Lutheran, faith-based organization devoted to exploring issues of faith and ethics in the public discourse.
As a founding member of the Washington Theological Consortium, Gettysburg Seminary has offered Washington, D.C. based programming and educational opportunities for more than three decades and maintained a long term partnership with the Luther Institute and other capital area institutions.
The 24-member board of the Luther Institute voted on June 27, 2006 to approve affiliation with Gettysburg Seminary, “in order to enhance and leverage the reputation of both institutions.” The Seminary was one of several institutions expressing interest in the pan Lutheran agency. Seminary President Michael Cooper-White said that this acquisition “is a natural for Gettysburg Seminary,” which is a founding member of the 12-school Washington Theological Consortium. “The Seminary has been anchored in the nation’s capital since 1971,” he continued, “offering its students the rich resources of the consortium and a residency program through its House of Studies and Lutheran Center for Theology and Public Life. Gettysburg Seminary is highly committed to its Washington presence and this new relationship with the Luther Institute strengthens this long standing commitment.”
Dr. Laura Mitchell will continue to serve as president of the Institute at its offices located at Reformation Lutheran Church, 226 East Capitol St., Washington, D.C. 20003.
www.lutherinst.org
See full story at Gettysburg Seminary news site
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