Free Resources Your Congregation Can Use

Seminary Glimpses
Monthly vignettes for your congregational newsletter.

A New Vision for Your Congregation
Prayer, preparation, and potluck suppers are among the key elements of a congregation's successful strategic planning process.

Downloadable Study Guides
These study guides, intended for use by individuals or study groups, are produced by Seminary faculty members. They are available as fast-loading web pages or as much larger but more reproducible Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files, which require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

• The Apostle Paul and the Discernment of God's Will in the Church
  Paul's insights and advice for the early church can help today's leaders come to terms with decisions that influence the life of church bodies and congregations.
  
  
• Rediscovering God's Mission: A Challenge for 21st Century Christians
  This study is designed to help you and other members of your church to think anew about what the "mission of God" means to you. The study features two lessons. The first takes a look at the total context for mission today. The second explores the levels in which mission is carried forth. Each section concludes with a brief set of questions to consider as an individual or in a class.
  
• Genesis: Our Common Story and Your Story
  This study guide retells the "family story of all human beings formed in the image of God," not as a substitute for reading the book of Genesis, but as one member of the family hears our common story. Prepared by Robert B. Robinson, Anna Burkhalter Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew.
  
• The Lutheran Confessions: Study Guide for the New Millennium
  Four hundred years after the Reformation, the Book of Concord continues to offer fresh insights. A study guide prepared by Book of Concord editor Dr. Timothy Wengert.
  
• The Spiritual Riches of Prayer Life
  The writings of Martin Luther say much about the promise of prayer, which is a gift from God. Not only is prayer a gift from God, but it is also a command. This study by Seminary President Dr. Philip D. W. Krey is designed to help you think through the dimensions of your prayer life.
  
• Psalms and Prayer
  Why pray the psalms? Wouldn't it be better to use specifically Christian resources for specifically Christian prayer?Old Testament scholar Elizabeth Huwiler explains the reasons for keeping the psalms at the heart of Christian prayer life and the ways to do so.
  
• Violence, Justice, and the ELCA Social Statements
  ELCA Social Statements are the most authoritative pronouncements the Church can make on public matters. This study guide uses them to explore ways the Church can best respond to and prevent five manifestations of sin and violence in American culture: Crime; War; Economic Violence; Cultural Violence; and Domestic Violence.
  [see introductory video online]
  
  
  
• The Twelve Days of Christmas
  A devotional to help you celebrate the twelve days of the Christmas season, written by members of the LTSP community.
  
  
  
• Advent Devotional Guide
  Prayers, readings, and reflections by a diverse group of seminary voices.
  2004 Guide
  
  2003 Guide
  
  2002 Guide
  
  
  
• Lenten Study Guide
  Hear Our Prayer, Open the Door to Life
  
  

Reproducible Study Guides

These studies have a Lenten focus but may be used at any time and with a variety of audiences. Thus they are very practical and economical. You have two options when ordering: Notebook or Download.

Each "Study Guide" will be available to download in PDF format. Order online, using your credit card, for only $24.95 and save $10 on each Study Guide.

Each course consists of a notebook containing economical and reproducible "Study Guides." Each course has five (5) sessions, a "Teacher’s Guide, related articles, and resources. Cost is only $34.95 for each study.

Currently available for Download are:

"How Shall I Live, Knowing That I will Die" (New in 2004) -- The last century produced dramatic changes in how, when and where we die! Sometimes we are reluctant to talk about the issues surrounding death. In our "denial of death" we cut ourselves off from the Good News of the Gospel and a good life now. George E. Keck more
"Tough Talk for Tender Hearts" (New in 2003) -- We are all faced with some tough issues in life. But the problem is that few people want to talk about these tough issues in church! This study is a practical guide and opportunity for congregations to grow in talking about tough issues. Dr. Katie Day more
"Deepening Discipleship Through Bible Study." (Revised for 2003) – a look at how the disciples dealt with faith, doubt, teamwork, leadership, and vision. Dr. Janet Corpus more
"Handbook for Christian Disciples: The Small Catechism" (New in 2002) -- A tool to help rediscover the power of the Small Catechism for adult discipleship. It will also help them to learn or relearn the heart of the gospel message, which is God's grace in Jesus Christ. Dr. Timothy Wengert more
"Walking Wet!"(Revised 2001) -- a look at Baptism, Holy Communion, and our life together in the Church. Dr. John Hoffmeyer more
"Age is NOT a Disease!" (Revised 2001) – a look at the stages of life, faith and discipleship. Dr. John Jorgenson more

To purchase the Notebook style, download the order form (PDF format), complete the information and mail with a check to the address on the form.

For comments or questions, contact George Keck at gkeck@ltsp.edu or (610) 489-1202 or Mark Staples mstaples@ltsp.edu or (215) 248-6311.