The Diploma in Lutheran Studies

Preparing seminarians for ordination with the North American Lutheran Church

This program is designed to provide preparation for Word and Sacrament Ministry for seminarians who have attended non-Lutheran seminaries and who are now preparing for ordination in the NALC. The DLS can be completed in one year through a combination of online and residential components. The DLS program is 30 credits. Learn more below about the DLS coursework, as well as the most up-to-date information on these courses being offered by the North American Lutheran Seminary.

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Diploma in Lutheran Studies (DLS) (30 Credits)

The Diploma in Lutheran Studies (DLS) is designed to provide preparation for Word and Sacrament Ministry for seminarians who have attended non-Lutheran seminaries and who are now preparing for ordination in the NALC. The DLS can be completed in one year through a combination of online and residential components.

All students must complete these courses or have completed courses, which correspond and were completed at another Seminary within the NALS network of schools.

Systematics

ST540 Creeds and Catechisms: An Introduction to Theological Thinking

Residential during the fall and spring semesters; occasionally during January and June InterTerms.

The study of the foundations of Christian theology and ministry through reflection on the Ecumenical Creeds and Martin Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms. Historical issues will be considered, but the central focus of the course will the role of the Creeds and Catechisms as the “rule of faith” in the handing-on of the “pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13), which the church has received from the Apostles of Christ. From this starting point, the course will address what it means to “confess the faith,” the nature and interpretation of Scripture, and the scope and authority of church doctrine.

ST550 The Lutheran Confessions

Prerequisite: ST540

Residential during the fall and spring semesters; occasionally during January and June InterTerms.

A close study of the confessional writings of the Lutheran Church as gathered in the Book of Concord. The course will focus on the role of the Confessions as public doctrine of the Lutheran Church. The major theological topics in the Confessions will be studied in relation the wider Christian tradition with an eye to their ecumenical and pastoral implications.

ST660 Intro to Theology I (Lutheran Track)

Prerequisite:

ST670 Introduction to Theology II (Lutheran Track)

Prerequisites: ST660

Residential and Online during the Fall and Spring Semesters

A continuation of ST660, addressing creation, fall and saving work of the Holy Spirit, comprising the church, word and sacrament, justification and new life and the Last Things.

Ethics

ST755 Christian Ethics in the Lutheran Tradition

Prerequisite: students should have taken ST660 or be taking it concurrently

Residential and Online during the Fall and Spring Semesters

 

A theological study of human agency, created, fallen and renewed in Christ. The course will focus on the formation and life of the believing moral agent, addressed by God’s commands and promises, called to serve God and neighbor in church, household and civil community amidst trial and temptation.

 

Church History

CH670 Modern Church (Lutheran Track)

January and June InterTerms

Surveys the post-Reformation history of the Lutheran Church. Special emphasis will be placed on the history of Lutheranism in North America.

 

CH680 The Theology and Writings of Martin Luther

January and June InterTerms

A seminar on the life, theology, ministry and spirituality of Martin Luther. Primary focus will be upon the thematic reading, discussion and evaluation of selected writings of Luther.

Liturgy and Homiletics

PT550 Homiletics I

Residential during the fall semester only; occasionally during January and June InterTerms.

This course combines both the theoretical and the practical to broaden understanding of the theology and practice of preaching. Topics include the role and spiritual life of the preacher, the style and content of presentations, and the mechanics of public speaking. Students will prepare and deliver a variety of presentations, including homilies in class, and will receive feedback from the instructor, guests and fellow students.

 

PT670 Introduction to Lutheran Liturgy

Residential during the fall semester only; occasionally during January and June InterTerms.

This course will prepare students for liturgical leadership in Lutheran congregational settings. The Lutheran Book of Worship will serve as a template for practicums in basic liturgical skills.

Discipleship

PT700 Spiritual Formation: Catechesis and Discipleship

An introduction to the theological and pedagogical principles undergirding the ministry of catechesis by providing a blend of both theoretical and practical skills for cradle to grave discipleship.

 

2020-2021 Course Rotation

Degree Worksheet – Diploma in Lutheran Studies

2020-2021_NALS Course Rotation Download