The Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod

will offer an introductory course in Lutheran Confessions

by Zoom, February 20-April 3, 2021, 10:00 a.m.

The course is a portion of the synod’s instructional program for Authorized Lay Worship Leaders. Other interested persons are invited to participate. The Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Bishop will be the instructor.

There is no fee for taking the course. Students are responsible for the purchase or borrow of the textbook.

Please register by contacting Pastor Sandra Jones at prskjones@gmail.com by February 10. A syllabus and Zoom link will be provided by Bishop Lozano.

Introduction to the Lutheran Confessions

This course will delve into the writings of Martin Luther and the early reformers. Audio, video and written materials will be used to introduce Lutheran history and theological concepts. Conversation, lecture and the adult learning model will facilitate individual and group synthesis of the materials. Weekly questions and small projects will assist individuals in discovering the application of Lutheran theology for application for the authorized lay worship leader instructional program.

Course Dates                         Theme

February 20                             The Task of Theology

February 27                             The Power of the Word

March 13                                 Righteousness of God in Christ

March 20                                 Promise of the Sacraments

March 27 (Passover)               Reform of the Church

April 3 (Vigil of Easter)         Living and Dying as a Christian

Concept for Learning

1. Bishop Lozano will email each participant a final detailed syllabus prior to the start of the class.
2. Participants will spend approximately one hour engaging the texts for the week’s theme.
3. Participants will receive, no later than Tuesday of each week, additional optional materials for consideration along with a series of questions to guide their study prior to class.
4. The one and half hour class will be by Zoom at 10:00am on the dates provided. Participants will bring to class their questions from the readings, their self-discovery, and observations for class discussion.
5. Post Zoom class, participants will receive a short assignment each week to facilitate the integration and application of the week’s theme.

Primary Reading Material (digital, hard and paper bound copies can be found online)

Martin Luther’s Basic Theological Writings 3rd Edition by Timothy Lull (author), William Russell (editor), 2012