Gratitude & Confidence - Luther Seminary

Spring 2005
Vol.21, No.1
www.luthersem.edu

Also Inside: Gratitude &
Confidence
Living Out Our
Callings in the

Workplace

Mid-Winter Convocation
2005 Re-cap
page 15

Seminary Scrapbook
page 18

The Prodigal Pastor

Alum in Residence
Steve Wigdahl, ’84

page 20

Honoring
Dr. David L. Tiede
as he retires from
the presidency of
Luther Seminary

Gratitude & Confidence

With Gratitude and Confidence

The David L. Tiede presidency, 1987-2005

David Tiede loves this place. He uses every skill the Lord has Reading time at Wee Care Day Care, 2002
He loves that it is biblical, given him—including a short stint
confessional and missional— in real estate that taught him how To adequately tell the whole story of
a conduit for the Holy Spirit to call to create a business plan—and the presidency of David L. Tiede would
and send leaders throughout the everything he’s ever studied. “I’m require more pages than are available
world. He loves the passion and a witness that whatever students in this issue of Story. What follows are
strength of the faculty. He loves the bring to their calls, they will use,” memories and heartfelt observations
hopefulness, the raw faith, even the he says. from those who know and love him.
questioning of the students. In them They speak volumes. ●
he sees the future of the church and He loves working with donors.
is gratified. He loves the dedication They are a constant and unexpected Meeting parishioners, Trinity Lutheran
and enthusiasm of the boards to the delight to him. He is still amazed Church, Madelia, Minn., 2001
mission and well-being of Luther that, in his inexperience in fundraising
Seminary. And he loves the faithfulness as a new president, “the donors
of the donors. “They get what we’re taught me. God was in their lives
doing here,” he says. way before I showed up.”

It’s this love, and the love of the While he expected to wear many
gospel, that has fueled Dr. Tiede hats as president, he didn’t realize
during his presidency at Luther how pastoral the work would be.
Seminary. On June 30, he retires “Like a pastor you are invited into the
after 18 years in office. sacred ground of people’s lives, deep
hopes and yearnings,” he explains.
Ask Dr. Tiede what has surprised him
during his presidency, and he mentions: And wear many hats, he has: pastor,
teacher, leader, fundraiser and more.

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STORY Spring 2005

Gratitude & Confidence

Teacher It’s been a privilege to teach Luther students. I felt welcomed as

their teacher. I now have friends all over the world. David Tiede

If you went to one of his past called him Cool Hand Luke. We Presidential Statistics
students you would hear that he thought it just about suited him. 1987-2005
was a very fine professor. He could Marc Kolden, professor of systematic
make people excited about the New theology, academic dean 1996-2003, ENROLLMENT
Testament. They found his classes Luther Seminary classmate of 1987-88: 723 students;
very stimulating. He really missed David Tiede 2004-05: 804 students
teaching, and the direct contact with
the students. I am hoping that in his I was a colleague with him on the Women enrolled:
retirement he will do a little more faculty for about 20 years. There 1987-88: 247
of that again. He was always really were two times that I know of that 2004-05: 381
excited when a congregation would other schools tried to get him away
ask him to come and teach their from us, and I told him, “Nothing Master of Arts/Master of
Sunday School class. Kathryn doing. We have other plans for you Sacred Music enrollment:
Tiede-Hottinger, daughter, ELCA here.” Olaf Storsaali, professor emeritus 1987-88: 53
pastor serving as rector of Saint Francis of New Testament 2004-05: 182
Episcopal Church of Greenville, S.C.
One word comes to mind and that Non-ELCA students:
I remember him as a young New is grace. He manifests the mean- 1987-88: 86
Testament professor. We both came ing of that word in his life and 2004-05: 132, 17 percent of
to the faculty in the early ’70s. He teaching. He has the gift of “creating the student body.
was serving a parish at the same time space” for his students and associates
those first few years and was very where mental and spiritual development FACULTY
well liked by the students. He had can take place. His is always an affirming 1987-88: five women on faculty
tenure before anyone else from our presence that promotes growth and 2004-05: 10 women on faculty
class did … David is a Luke scholar, faith in those of us who are privileged
and he was quite unflappable when to know him and to sit in his classes. ENDOWMENT
he was a professor. One of the profs Clifford Swanson, retired campus Endowment growth:
pastor, St. Olaf College ● 1987-88: $15,966,135
Lunch with students, 1998 2003-04 (last annual report):
$53,652,550

Financial Aid:
1987-88: $484,907
2003-04 (last annual report):
$3,191,745

FUNDRAISING
$98.2 million raised in two completed
capital campaigns, with a combined
$12.2 million over goal.

$86.9 million (90 percent) raised
in the current $96.7 million
Called & Sent campaign, which
concludes June 30, 2006.

Luther Seminary Partners
(Donors who pledged $250 or
more a year):
1987: 87

2003-04 (last annual report):
1,900

Heritage Society
(Donors who have included Luther
Seminary in their will or estate plan):
1987: 295

2005: 2,043 (living and deceased)

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Leader My time was about turning the seminary toward the world—or creating

leaders that turn congregations toward the world. That’s important. And always to keep the
seminary and my leadership accountable to Scripture. David Tiede

One of the things that stands Luther Seminary pajamas. I’m not Tiede installation,
out for me is David’s openness. sure if such a thing exists, but if they 1987: ALC Bishop
The seminary sought input on were made, he would wear them. David Preus (second
the mission statement and the strategic He does wear a Luther Seminary from left) with Luther
plan as these were being drafted. He watch. He has engrossed himself Presidents (left to right)
listens well to the board, the faculty, in his vocation as much as anyone Lloyd Svendsbye,
the students, and the donors. He I have ever seen anywhere because 1975-1986, David
communicates well about the trends he is so passionate about that school Tiede, 1987-2005,
and issues and what is being considered. and its broader role in the church. and Alvin Rogness,
He talks with such conviction about 1954-1975.
We thought ourselves very fortunate the school and where it is going.
in 1987 to have David Tiede available It is wonderful to see somebody I think he was meant for it—for this
to provide leadership as the next who feels that way about what they time and this place. Muffy Tiede,
president of Luther Seminary. The do. It is really, really core to who he spouse, curriculum consultant, retired
results over these last 18 years have is. Things have gone well there, and educator
proven that [naming him as seminary that has been very gratifying to him,
president] was a good move. David particularly since he has such a passion When David became president, he
has provided solid gospel leadership for the place. I have gained an wrote to all of the alums asking
and has sought to keep the seminary appreciation for that kind of passion. them to send him their suggestions,
abreast of the finest in confessional He sets a tremendous example in all and he got more than 500 letters.
Lutheran teaching and learning. He kinds of ways. Peter Tiede, son, attorney One of the major themes was “Stop
is an outstanding theologian and preparing pastors for a church that
first-rate biblical scholar, and he has David has had a calling to a job no longer exists.” What they were
a winsome personality. He led the perfect for him that he has loved saying is that it is not Christendom
seminary through the transition into every day. It has been all-consuming, anymore. People are not coming to
the ELCA. That was not a simple but he believes in what he is doing, church anymore just because they
task. He also has given leadership in loves what he is doing. It really has always did, and you at the seminary
difficult financial times and been been a life’s work, serving Luther have to shape up. David really heard
instrumental in assembling great Seminary first as a New Testament that before the rest of us got it. Very
support for the seminary. David is professor and then as president. I have early in his presidency, he got a
deeply committed to the mission of no regrets about how hard he has committee to work for several years
the church and spreading the gospel. worked because if he had the chance, on a new curriculum that would
David Preus, former bishop of the he would do it all over again. I am respond to this different situation
American Lutheran Church, former so grateful that David has had the where Lutheran pastors were almost
director of Global Mission Institute opportunity to do this job because feeling like missionaries. This new
curriculum, put in place in 1993, was
I was just out of college when Dad done with considerable involvement
became president of the seminary. of the whole faculty, and about that
Luther Seminary has absolutely same time we developed a new mission
been his passion. I envy him because statement: “Luther Seminary educates
although I enjoy very much what leaders for Christian communities
I do, his job has been an essential called and sent by the Holy Spirit,
part of his being. He really does feel to bear witness to salvation through
a calling. We tease him that even Jesus Christ, and to serve in God’s
when he is sleeping, he is wearing world.” That emphasis on preparing
persons for leadership for Christian
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STORY Spring 2005

Gratitude & Confidence

Leader (continued) things that we weren’t doing yet, David Tiede helped transform the
such as creating the Center for faculty enormously, making it more
communities focused our minds. Lifelong Learning that was to be ecumenical and expanding the number
David repeated it so often, we all our primary point of contact with of female faculty members. He was
got it memorized. Then the strategic the larger church, and then Graduate bold enough to take a risk on people
planning process for 1995-2000 got us Theological Education, which has he thought were really good and had
moving, and we had a more extensive us starting the Biblical Preaching a sense of mission… He pushed the
planning process that created the Doctor of Ministry degree program faculty hard in the area of technology,
strategic plan for 2000-2005, Serving and Congregational Mission and and we have been blessed by his vision
the Promise of Our Mission. That Leadership D.Min. and Ph.D. programs. in that area. He also pushed us in
probably made more of a difference They have both really taken off. working with congregations, and that
than any single thing in my memory Marc Kolden, professor of systematic has been a blessing. The seminary
because it was detailed and specific theology, academic dean 1996-2003, really has been transformed under his
and incredibly challenging. We had Luther Seminary classmate of leadership. Sarah Henrich, associate
to say by the year 2005, we will David Tiede professor of New Testament ●
have accomplished these specific

Pastor I now know in many ways that being a president is more like being

a pastor than being a professor. Like a pastor you are invited into the sacred ground of
people’s lives, deep hopes and yearnings. David Tiede

After I graduated from college, I He has a very tender heart. Now I know he has unbelievable insight and an
lived in Costa Rica for a while it is simply because he understands incredible scholarly background.
and the family came to visit grace and mercy and love and forgive- When we start a new book, we ask
me there. I was working with a group ness at such a deep level and he wants him to give us a bit of historical
of Protestant Pentecostals. I had no everybody to have this understanding, overview and some of his thoughts.
theological language or education and he is profoundly sad when he Sometimes he has brought over
at that time, no terminology for any thinks that people don’t. Kathryn someone from the seminary who has
of the things I was experiencing. Tiede-Hottinger, daughter, ELCA particular expertise in a certain section
I remember talking to my dad about pastor serving as rector of Saint Francis of the Bible to make us smarter
a couple of the things people had told Episcopal Church of Greenville, S.C. about what we are about to read.
me. His eyes welled up with tears, His value to the group is unbelievable.
and he responded that people were One of the remarkable things to I have learned from David an
saying that because they don’t me is that David shows up at incredible amount about the Bible
understand grace; they only understand our Wednesday morning Bible group and how it relates to my own life,
the law. He started talking about the made up of downtown business not only through the group but also
love of Jesus and how freeing that is executives just like one of the guys, through talks that we have had one
and how beautiful that is, and he just even though we all know better. on one. As we sit around the table
wept. At that point in my life I didn’t He doesn’t lead the group, though after reading something, we often
understand why he was crying. Years remark how applicable it is to what
later I finally thought I understood Reading devotions on Israel cross- we are doing right now in our personal
what he was talking about. To take the cultural trip, 1997 or business lives. Frequently we discuss
gospel and obscure it into something how it applies to something we are
negative and judgmental is a perversion wrestling with in our business. This
of something so perfect and wonderful. study group has contributed to how
It was a tragedy that struck him so I think about both my personal and
deeply that he cried even talking professional life. Tad Piper, Vice chair
about it. That had a big impact on me. and former CEO of Piper Jaffray ●

STORY Spring 2005 5

Gratitude & Confidence

Fundraiser The donors taught me. God was in their lives way

before I showed up. David Tiede

In his early days as president of He had no fundraising experience at seminary because the donors are
Luther Seminary, he worked with that time, but he was a good listener. people of deep faith. They give out
Arley Bjella to create the foundation He listened well to the people he of their faith, so when David com-
board which would concentrate its recruited for the foundation, and he municates to them about the gospel
efforts on fundraising. Arley, who wasn’t reluctant to take suggestions it strikes a deep chord. Norman M.
was chair of Lutheran Brotherhood, about fundraising. He realized that Jones, chair of Called and Sent
approached David shortly after the without extra funding, the seminary campaign, past chair of the Luther
ELCA merger and said, “You’re about would be in tough shape. Fifty years Seminary Foundation
to have trouble. Church mergers often ago the seminary was fully funded
result in reduced financial support by the national church, but today the Many times he would come home
from the national church body for seminary gets just 16 percent of its and tell me about the generosity
seminaries.” He said Luther Seminary budget from churchwide and synod and enormous Christian convictions
was going to have to raise more money support. That was why there was a of the seminary’s donors. He would
and that he was ready to help. David need to establish the foundation board. be in awe of their generosity but
quickly picked up on it with him. David brought in people who had also their love of the church and the
experience raising money and said way they will sacrifice for the church.
David Tiede this would be their primary role with That was something I hadn’t thought
Retirement the seminary. This role is very distinct about until I started to see this unfold.
Reception, June 26 from the seminary’s board of directors Work with donors was a learning curve
which governs seminary operations. for both of us. Seminary donors love
You are invited to a reception the church, and they know the seminary
with light buffet honoring When it comes to fundraising, the provides the leaders for the church.
David and Muffy Tiede, president has to play a lead role in Muffy Tiede, spouse, curriculum
Sunday, June 26, accomplishing the job. David is master- coordinator, retired educator
from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., ful at this. He has a natural knack for
in the Olson Campus Center. it. He is very good with people, and I think donors trust David. He has
A program will be held from he likes people. That is one of the shown that he is living under God’s
4:30-5:30 p.m. keys. He has a wonderful feel for direction and that he is a man of prayer.
RSVP by June 10. people and for meeting the needs He is able to relate to people in such
Call 651-641-3448. of the seminary. When you are really a wonderful, friendly way, and it is
committed to what you are doing, sincere. Marlene Engstrom, former
it makes a big, big difference. member of Luther Seminary’s Board of
Directors and Foundation Board of
Someone who is a pastor and theologian Trustees ●
is a key person in fundraising for the

David Tiede Tiede Tiede receives Tiede receives PhD from Tiede becomes Luther Tiede receives full
graduates teaching Harvard Divinity School. Seminary instructor, and professorship.
from Luther fellowship He is ordained. pastor of Trinity Lutheran
Seminary. at Harvard Church, Minneapolis.
Divinity School.

—————————1966———————1970———————1971———————1972——————— 1975———————

Luther Seminary & Barbara Andrews, '69, Minnesota Consortium
Church Events
becomes first woman of Theological Schools is

ordained into the ministry formally organized.

of The American Lutheran

Church.

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STORY Spring 2005

Gratitude & Confidence

Churchwide and Community Leader

David Tiede has a large vision of and seminary grounded in Luther David is viewed as a president’s
theological education, larger and Northwestern’s long histories in president. He is universally respected
than any one theological school. their former Lutheran denominations, because he is an excellent scholar and
It is formed by what he has done at and could envision a new relationship teacher, a very skilled administrator,
Luther Seminary, but he understands for a new denomination. an excellent fundraiser, and a real
theological education across denomi- churchman, and in addition to all of
nations and the varying contexts in David was able to deepen this wisdom that he has wisdom … All of us in
which this education occurs in North as president of the ATS where he seminary leadership look to him as
America. That broad vision is very co-authored with our board chair, one of the real leaders in theological
important in his leadership at ATS. Robert Cooley, the accrediting standards education … David thinks not just
David was president of ATS from on theological school governance. about administrative leadership but
2002-04, and now chairs our personnel David is a leading figure in the also intellectual leadership. He takes
committee and serves on our executive movement to elevate governance to his own seminary seriously and the
committee until 2006. His work greater prominence among seminary Lutheran tradition seriously, but he
here has given him an opportunity leaders as an art and a skill. Christa thinks about higher education and
to contribute to the leadership of Klein, president of In Trust, Inc. theological education in general, and
theological education as a whole. constantly points us to the big picture.
Daniel Aleshire, executive director With students, 2003 Richard Mouw, president, Fuller
of the Association of Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.
Schools (ATS)

David Tiede has been a leading
member of In Trust’s board of
directors since 1999. He knows our
purposes, and believes in our mission
to enhance the state of governance
in North American theological
education. I have known David
since the late 1980s.

I am convinced that his commitment
to good governance grows out of
his experience at Luther Seminary,
especially during the turbulent days of
ecclesial reorganization. He understood
the precious links between church

David Tiede Chosen: The Story of God and Prophecy and History in Luke-
His People, written with Daniel J. Acts is published by Fortress Press.
Simundson, is published by
Augsburg.

—————————1976—————————1977—————————1980—————————1982———————————

Luther Seminary & "Maximal Functional Seminary offers M.A. Lloyd Svendsbye advocates full Diane Jacobson first woman professor in tenure-
Church Events Unification" between Luther and programs for the first time. merger of Luther and Northwestern eligible position at Luther. Full merger of Luther
Northwestern Seminaries begins. Seminaries; Lay School of Theology and Northwestern secured, and name changed
starts with 150 students. to Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary.

7

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Gratitude & Confidence

Send Your Churchwide and Community help. How can we help the residents
Best Wishes Leader (continued) of the poorest neighborhoods of
to Dr. Tiede Minneapolis? The people who started
David Tiede is a persistent champion these Lutheran institutions years ago
Contribute to the of collaborative work and creative, came out of these neighborhoods.
Online Memory Book cutting-edge thinking about how the David was our chair and guided it
eight seminaries of the ELCA can do through its initial stages. We are
Send Dr. Tiede your prayers, more working together than any of starting some really interesting
wishes and memories by them could do alone. He also is held things such as a charter school and
contributing to the President in high regard in the wider world a financial center to give help to
David Tiede Memory Book at of theological education; he is an the working poor. David has been
www.luthersem.edu/president/ experienced elder statesman. He influential with this group since its
memory_book.asp. Read other recently completed a two-year term infancy. Bruce Nicholson, president
well-wishers’ submissions, as well. as president of the Association of and CEO, Thrivent Financial for
Theological Schools. He is helping Lutherans, Luther Seminary board
Send a Personal Note other schools through his accumulated member ●
wisdom and his leadership role with
Or, you may send a card or organizations that think about theo- With students, 1988
letter to Dr. Tiede at: logical education. He is trusted and
David Tiede Retirement, respected. Phyllis Anderson, president,
Seminary Relations, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
2481 Como Ave.,
St. Paul, Minn. 55108. A group called On Our Watch is
made up of presidents of Lutheran
institutions in this area. David was
one of the early people involved in
this group. We get together about
three or four times a year to talk
about the common issues that we
face even though the institutions
are very different.

We also have collaborated on the
Faith in the City initiative, which
focuses on how these Lutheran
institutions can have an impact on
the city. Our goal was to bring them
together and to have an impact bigger
than any of us could have individually
for people who really needed our

David Tiede David L. Tiede elected Jesus and the Future is
president of Luther published by Cambridge
Northwestern University Press.
Theological Seminary.

—————————1987—————————1988—————————1990—————————1991——————————

Luther Seminary & Doctor of Theology Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rural Ministry program and Wellspring for the Church Capital
Church Events Master of Sacred Music program Campaign commences with
degree program begins. America formed. begin. $21 million goal.

8
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Gratitude & Confidence

Colleague and Friend Luther’s great secret weapon has

always been its faculty. God has continued to bless and sustain us in amazing ways. This is
a place where all gifts are needed. There is a variety of people, but with a single focus:
equipping people to lead in a time of mission. David Tiede

David is enormously respectful I recall David as already a church I served for 10 years. Even during
of the role of the faculty. He leader in college because he was the seven years that I served an
remained on the faculty as president of the St. Olaf student ecumenical theological school in
president. One day he might come congregation our senior year … David Seattle, he was an ally in terms of
home saying a faculty member had has always been an extraordinary helping to pave the way for our
preached an unbelievably wonderful influence on me, both in motivation Lutheran students to do their
sermon at chapel and another day to be more, as well as an intellect I “Lutheran year” at Luther Seminary
that he heard a different faculty looked up to in terms of understanding or PLTS. He would say that we don’t
member give a brilliant talk at a theology and how you apply it to always agree, but we have been able
national meeting or at the seminary’s our lives today and every day. to knock heads and trust one another.
board meeting, and he is wowed by There is a great friendship between us.
how skilled they are. He refers to them We spent time with each other as I was Phyllis Anderson, president of Pacific
as a stable full of thoroughbreds. To considering accepting the position as Lutheran Theological Seminary,
be among such talented people makes president of LSS of Wisconsin and Berkeley, Calif. ●
a person humble. It is wonderful Upper Michigan, and he was consid-
what they can do. Muffy Tiede, ering the call to be president of Visiting with board member Bob
spouse, curriculum consultant, retired Luther Seminary, and how we wanted Torkelson, 2004
educator to fulfill our responsibilities.
Robert Duea, Lutheran pastor,
My husband and I met him when retired president of LSS of Wisconsin
he was doing a sabbatical year at and Upper Michigan, classmate of
Yale. We had him over for dinner… David Tiede at St. Olaf College and
We were sitting around the dinner Luther Seminary
table and talking about something in
Luke, and within 10 minutes we had Though I was just named president
the Greek Bible out. We spent quite of PLTS in February, my relation-
a while reading Luke in the Greek New ship with David Tiede goes way back.
Testament. It really got interesting. I marched in the procession for his
Sarah Henrich, associate professor of installation as president. At that
New Testament time I had just been named director
of Theological Education in the
ELCA Division for Ministry, where

David Tiede During his 18-year tenure as president, Tiede wrote three books, Tiede takes "Lenten journey" to
six chapters in books, and 14 articles and essays, as well as midwestern and western congregations
numerous reviews. to listen and learn “What is the Spirit
saying to the churches?”

—————————1992—————————1993—————————1994—————————1995———————————

Luther Seminary & ELCA initiates seminary clusters. Revised curriculum implemented. School's name changes to Luther $65 million Wellspring for the Church II
Church Events Luther is in Western Mission Islamic Studies master of arts Seminary. All faculty/staff receive capital campaign commences.
Cluster with Pacific Lutheran degree program begins. e-mail addresses. First Web
Theological Seminary. presence. Wellspring campaign 9
concludes, raises $25.7 million.
STORY Spring 2005

Gratitude & Confidence

Family Man

I try not to brag too much, but I do tell people I married well. David Tiede

I hope the kind of church my grandchildren will have will be a lively place where there is
a sense of joy for life and hope for everlasting life is deeply nurtured and confident—
My granddaughter Mary Clare is already modeling herself after her pastor mother.
One day she was preaching to her stuffed animals. Her mother asked, “Mary Clare, what
are you saying?” Her daughter replied, “Some times I don’t know what I’m talking about,
but I keep preaching and preaching.” It’s that kind of exuberant spirit and creativity that
I hope will be nurtured, welcomed and prospered. David Tiede

Iremember one sermon where deeper moment. Mary Clare pushed
he talked about Mary Clare, his him in a place where he wouldn’t
granddaughter. The theme of it normally go, and it thrilled him.
was marching in the light of God, Sarah Henrich, associate professor
and he talked about Mary Clare of New Testament
singing this song to her grandmother
to cheer her up after her father had Dad really enjoys the grandfather role.
died. Then she made Muffy and David He always says that when he retires,
get up and twirl with her. He one of his priorities is spending time
with his six grandchildren. They call
twirled around in the pulpit him Boppa. There aren’t too many
to show us. It was so people who can call him that. He
adorable. It was a side of gets right down on the floor and
him that is so charming, rolls around with them. He is very
affectionate with the kids. He and
and that’s not the right my mom have set up their cottage
word because it was a in Pine City as a place for the grand-
children. Over the door hangs a sign
The Tiedes in Israel, 1997 that says “Welcome to Mine Cabin”
because that is what one of their

David Tiede Tiede serves as chair of Tiede celebrates Tiede serves on Board of Directors
advisory committee on 10 years as of In Trust, Inc. Jesus and the
theological education president. Heritage of Israel (ed. with David
leadership, Association Moessner, Trinity Press 2000).
of Theological Schools.

—————————1996—————————1997—————————1998—————————2000——————————

Luther Seminary & First online class offered. A Lilly grant study allows Luther Seminary begins two-year Wellspring for the Church II campaign
Church Events
The online Bible Tutor is Luther to study congregations’ process of creating a strategic concludes, raises $72.5 million. Luther

introduced. First “Previews” needs. plan for the coming millennium. Seminary adopts “Serving the Promise of

event for high school youth our Mission” 2000-2005 strategic plan.

is held on campus. Students receive Luther e-mail accounts.

10
STORY Spring 2005

Gratitude & Confidence

Family Man (continued) and helped build buildings. That has Make a Gift
often been a healthy break for him Honoring
grandchildren calls it. He is delighted from his professional life. Dr. Tiede
by that. He wants the kids to feel
that it is their cabin. Peter Tiede, He loves to take the grandchildren Consider making a gift toward
son, attorney fishing. When my son John was two a permanent endowment fund
years old, Dad took him out fishing in honor of Dr. Tiede. The
One of the things that he and I used and John caught his first fish. He has fund will provide scholarships
to do together is go canoeing. His been part of helping many of the for seminary students.
idea of how to go canoeing is to sit grandchildren catch their first fish.
in the canoe and fish. We tended to The kids get all excited about driving Make an online gift at
go down a river because I could the pontoon boat. His babysitting www.luthersem.edu/gifts.
paddle from the stern and he could method is very sweet. Once when
fish from the bow, and we would he was babysitting, he snuggled the Send gifts via the inserted
both have a great time. We took a baby up in his arms in this wonderful envelope. Simply fill out the
trip to the BWCA together one time, embrace to watch the football game form on the envelope and mail.
and I was obsessive about getting up on TV, and then they both fall asleep.
early to paddle and see as many lakes I came home and got a great picture
as possible. He wanted to sleep late of it. He is such a sweet man. He
and then go fishing. He puts in long has a heart, an enormous heart full
hours working but also has an amazing of love. Kathryn Tiede-Hottinger,
gift for recreation. My brother Peter daughter, ELCA pastor serving as rector
takes him hunting and fishing. of Saint Francis Episcopal Church of
Greenville, S.C. ●
My dad is a tinkerer. He can fix
anything—plumbing, electrical work, Christmas with the grandchildren, 2003
roofing. The man can build and fix
anything. He has remodeled houses

David Tiede Tiede becomes president of the Association of Tiede retires from
Theological Schools; becomes chair of Faith in the City presidency.
Twin Cities initiative; receives Outstanding Executive of
the Year Award from the Association of Lutheran
Development Executives.

—————————2001—————————2002—————————2003—————————2005———————————

Luther Seminary & Luther Seminary begins $96.7 Luther Seminary redevelops Luther Seminary and PLTS combine Called & Sent Campaign nears goal
Church Events million Called & Sent Campaign. Doctor of Ministry program, first
Campus Intranet goes online. cohort in congregational mission contextual education offices. one year ahead of schedule.
Centered Life is created. and leadership meets.

11

STORY Spring 2005

Gratitude & Confidence

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1 Cor 3.6)

Generosity: A Joyful Surprise

by David and Muffy Tiede

…the Apostle Paul expressed In his letter “to the saints with the she had with a workman at the
thankfulness to God for them bishops and deacons in Philippi,” school, I knew, “She has it right!”
and confidence that “the one the Apostle Paul expressed thank- (Muffy often has it right!) She
who began a good work fulness to God for them and confidence agreed to write it down for you:
among you will bring it to that “the one who began a good
completion by the day of work among you will bring it to ......
Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1.3-6) completion by the day of Jesus
Christ” (Phil. 1.3-6). Paul’s greeting One of the fun things about getting
12 is also his hopeful farewell. involved in a big project is how
many interesting people you meet.
My final year as president of Luther A few weeks ago I had a conversation
Seminary is also about “Gratitude and with a workman who has spent
Confidence.” It’s about you and God! many hours on The Augsburg
Gratitude to you means thankfulness Academy for Health Careers. As it
to God for you. Confidence is hope turns out, he is a Lutheran layman
in God’s ultimate redemption of who was surprised to discover the
whatever good has begun with your relationship between this start-up
partnership in the gospel. In Christ high school and Luther Seminary.
Jesus, the best is yet to be. He was further intrigued to find
that I was married to the president
The gratitude is filled with 18 years of Luther Seminary.
of memories and surprises. Some of
the more difficult challenges have He asked me what a seminary
proved to be great blessings. Let me president does, and when I put
tell you a story. “raise money” right up near the
top of the list he suggested that he
Last week, my wife Muffy and I were could never do that. I related my
discussing The Augsburg Academy similar feelings when David was first
for Health Careers, a new school elected to the job. I figured all of it
sponsored by Augsburg College and would be a perfect fit for his training,
Fairview Health Systems and supported loyalty to the church, and love of
by a grant from the Gates Foundation. teaching, except that part about
The school is a project of Faith in raising money. I couldn’t imagine
the City, a collaboration of Lutheran how anyone could enjoy asking
institutions and the synods in the someone for money. But I told him
Twin Cities. that it has turned out to be one of
David’s joys in life. The conversation
The Augsburg Academy and Faith in went something like this:
the City are great stories in themselves,
but when Muffy related a conversation “You’re kidding! He enjoys asking for
money? Who does he ask?”

STORY Spring 2005

Gratitude & Confidence

The Seedbed (continued) David and Muffy Tiede visit with donors Louise and Lee Sundet.

“Well, it’s people just like you: “I’ve never thought about this before. But I did marry well! So being a
Lutheran lay people who are active I suppose you’re thinking that I could servant and a debtor is actually a
in and concerned for their own be a donor myself.” happy state. And one of the great
congregations, who know that the privileges of this job is the generous
seminary produced their current “Bingo! Did I say that? I think people both Muffy and I have met.
church leaders and will send the you’ve got it!” Your gifts have sustained the mission.
next generation of leaders. They are Your faith and kindness have brought
pastors and lay people who care ...... Christ Jesus to us.
about the future of the church that We thank you, and we give thanks
will serve and challenge and love For many years, I have loved Max to God for you “confident that the
their children and grandchildren.” DePree’s wisdom about leadership. one who began a good work among
He says, “The first responsibility of a you will bring it to completion by
“How does the seminary identify the leader is to define reality. The last is the day of Jesus Christ.” ●
people who are rich enough to give?” to say thank you. In between the two
the leader must become a servant and 13
“Compared to most of the world, a debtor.” (Leadership is an Art, p. 11).
we are all wealthy. And these people
know that. I’ve heard some of the Defining reality is probably the most
donors talk about how their grand- exciting part of a calling like the
parents and great-grandparents, who presidency of Luther Seminary. As in
had nothing compared to all of us, any other ministry of leadership, it is a
had the vision, faith and courage theological task, alive to God’s promises
to build the wonderful Lutheran and accountable to God’s purposes.
institutions we all enjoy today. Think
of the beautiful country churches In time, the servant and debtor roles
that poor farmers built, the colleges, emerge because the triumphs are
the hospitals, the fraternal societies, God’s through work of so many
the nursing homes, the social agen- other people. The failures so often
cies. Our ancestors didn’t live are yours. One of my faculty friends
extravagantly, but they built the says, “You are humble because you
framework that still impresses and have so much to be humble about!”
inspires us today. These are people
who believe that all of us should at
least be able to maintain and protect
what we were given.”

“So you identify a giver. Do they give
more than once, or do they figure they
have done their job and it is now
somebody else’s responsibility?”

“That’s the most wonderful surprise
of all to me. Generous people love
to give. They know they won’t be
taking it with them. As my father-in-
law once said, ‘I’ve never seen a
U-Haul behind a hearse.’ They give
from gratitude to God, from love
of the church, from their faithful
vision of a better future ahead. They
encourage their friends to get in on
the joy of sharing.”

STORY Spring 2005

Gratitude & Confidence

Tiede Receives Joseph A Sittler Award for
Theological Leadership

President David L. Tiede is the 2005 recipient of the congratulations, Dr. Mark Ramseth, president of
Joseph A. Sittler Award for Theological Leadership Trinity Lutheran Seminary, told Dr. Tiede that “your
from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio. long history as a teacher of the New Testament,
The award will be presented at Trinity’s 2005 your distinguished service in the office of President
commencement ceremonies, June 4, 2005. at Luther Seminary, and your leadership in The
Association of Theological Schools and the entire
The award honors teachers in the discipline of Lutheran communion is representative of the
theological education who leave an impact in the leadership that this award is meant to honor.” ●
world of theology and church. In his letter of

Prayer is Key to Presidential Search Committee

Over the past seven months, the The committee members are:
presidential search committee,
under the direction of Paul Luther Seminary Board of Directors:
Dovre, has worked faithfully and Paul Dovre, Susan Jenkins, Mark
diligently in its search for Luther Knudson, Blair Anderson, and for-
Seminary’s next president. In its mer director Osamu Matsutani
deliberations, prayer has been key.
Each meeting includes prayers and Faculty: Mary Hinkle, associate
petitions, not just for the committee professor of New Testament,
and the task before it, but also for Rollie Martinson, Carrie Olson
those who have shared their cares Baalson Professor of Children,
and concerns with the members. Youth and Family Ministry

Throughout the process, the Luther Staff: Kathy Hansen, vice president
Seminary Board of Directors and for advancement
Foundation Board of Trustees—led
by Pastor Mary Brown, ’91, trustee Student: Justin Grimm, Master of
member—have asked the Luther Divinity senior
community, alumni/ae, donors and
friends to keep the search committee, Foundation Board of Trustees:
the candidates and President Tiede Janet Anderson, David Nasby
in their prayers. In response, the
Luther Seminary community has Luther Seminary thanks the
included the search committee’s committee members for their
members in its prayers each Wednesday dedication and prayerful
during the seminary chapel service. contemplation. ●

14
STORY Spring 2005



YES! I/we would like to make a gift toward a permanent
endowment fund in honor of Dr. David Tiede.

Name/s

Gift Amount:  $10,000  $5,000  $1,000  $250  Other: $______

 My/Our check is enclosed. Make checks payable to Luther Seminary.

Indicate “David Tiede Retirement” in memo line.

 I/We will make a credit card gift: $ ______________  Visa  Mastercard

Card number Signature Exp. date Zip code
Name on card City State
Address

Faith at Work:

Mid-Winter Convocation Examines How
We Live Out Our Callings in the Workplace

By Sheri Booms Holm occurs when we realize God is calling Using this two-worlds framework
us to make a difference in the work means “cheating the world by
If there was a “Take Your Faith to we do every day. channeling all of God’s mission to
Work Day,” what or who would the world through church or para-
you bring? A Bible? Your pastor? Rethinking the church activities,” Bliese said.
Religious music? Mission of the Church

The question isn’t really so silly What does it mean to do God’s
or far-fetched: What does it take to work in the world? What does that
express your faith in the work you mean for congregations?
do? And pastors, what does it take to
empower your parishioners to view Plenary speaker Richard Bliese talked
their occupations daily through the about the chasm that exists between
lens of their beliefs? How would it people’s church life and the work
change how they do their work? they do the rest of the week. Bliese
How would it change your work? is academic dean at Luther Seminary,
and associate professor of missions.

Keynote speakers David Miller, Pamela Moret and Richard Bliese looked at callings in the workplace from both the
church’s and the individuals’ perspectives.

At this year’s MidWinter Convocation, He showed how many churches help While some laity are empowered
Jan. 5-7, “Living Out Our Callings create this rift by using a medieval to share some of a congregation’s
in the Workplace,” plenary speakers approach to mission, which Bliese ministry, “The ‘regular’ laity … are
Richard Bliese, David Miller and calls the two-worlds theory: God in expected simply to come to church,
Pamela Moret, plus workshops, panel one world, laity in the other, with treating it, in effect, like any other
discussions and sermons, all described clergy and church organizations or volunteer-driven, non-profit
the tremendous paradigm shift that religious orders to act as mediators. organization.”

15

STORY Spring 2005

Faith at Work (continued) He laid out four primary ways that Miller exhorts clergy to reframe
How does a congregation break this faith can manifest itself at work. He their current forms of ministry “to
cycle? Bliese gave some concrete calls them the “Four Es”: support and encourage those called
suggestions for a lay-driven church: to the workplace and to bridge this
1. Ethics is the way of integrating false choice between pew and profit.”
1. Use Luther’s three-legged table faith and work. If clergy can interpret the Bible
as a mission test. Martin Luther through the lens of the workplace,
preached that justification, vocation 2. Experience describes how business- their overall ministry to the world
and location create a three-legged people seek meaning and purpose of work and the marketplace will be
table that carries the weight of a in their work. transformed, he concluded.
Lutheran understanding of God’s
mission in the world. 3. Enrichment is the mode in which Living Her
businesspeople accent the internal Faith Out Loud
2. Break the addiction to clericalism. and personal role played at work
Every member must become a by faith. “Businesspeople seem to have trouble
minister! applying what they hear on Sunday
4. Evangelism is the way of integrating to their day-to-day decision making
3. Organize the church as a vocational faith and work in which business at work,” said Pamela Moret, executive
training center. people perceive the workplace vice president of marketing and
primarily as a mission field for
4. “Ordain” the laity into their evangelizing, witnessing and
vocations in daily life. proselytizing.

5. Strike the words “retirement” and
“volunteer” from your church’s
vocabulary.

6. Train and equip the clergy for
their own multiple vocations.

The Sunday-Monday Gap

Are we called to pew or to profit,
asked plenary speaker David Miller.
He is executive director of the Yale
Center for Faith and Culture and
assistant professor of business ethics at
Yale Divinity school, New Haven, Conn.

Miller’s answer: “The church is not
about Sunday. It is not about life in
the pew. Rather, it is about pew and
profit, or faith and work.”

Don’t be afraid to visit other countries,
said travel expert Rick Steves at the
Thursday evening presentation. “As a
teacher of travel I challenge my students
to be engaged. Good travels connect
you with real people. Be there. You
can be at home there.” The popular
host of the PBS series “Travels in
Europe” described how he lives his
faith in his workplace—Europe—and
shared invaluable travel tips.

16

STORY Spring 2005

Faith at Work (continued)

Save the Date!

The 2006 Mid-Winter
Convocation continues with
the Living Out Our Callings
theme by exploring “Living
Out Our Callings in the
Community,” Jan. 4-6.

Dr. David Tiede responded to the standing ovation he received before his final
Convocation speech as president of Luther Seminary.

products for Thrivent Financial for we treat employees, supervisors and
Lutherans. co-workers is incredibly important,”
Moret concluded. “I believe this is
She noted that people seldom seek out where our faith can really shine
pastors about work problems, even through.”
though they might feel comfortable
talking to them about health or Missed Convocation and
relationship issues. “Furthermore, excited to learn more?
although many people use the power
of prayer to guide them in the personal A booklet, “Living Out Our Callings
aspects of their lives, they may have in the Workplace” of the plenary
more difficulty in doing the same speakers’ entire presentations is
with business decisions,” she added. available for $7.95. Audio CDs of
the plenary sessions as well as the
How does a person bridge this kind Convocation worship services are
of gap? also available for $30.

Moret identified five areas where Order via Web at www.centeredlife.org,
she has had opportunities to live her or call 651-641-3429. ●
faith out loud during the week.

1. Use of time.

2. Treatment of people.

3. Decision making.

4. Personal development.

5. Visible faith invitations.

“How we make decisions, when we
make them, how we communicate
them, how clear we are, and how

17

STORY Spring 2005

Seminary Scrapbook

Creative teaching techniques,
inspiring preaching, joyful
music from around the world—
there’s actually more happening at
Luther Seminary than just study,
study, study (although students
may not agree as finals week nears!).
Here are just some of the many
Luther events and fun that have
occurred over the past few months.
Want to see more? Visit the
Luther Seminary Web site at
www.luthersem.edu to view photos
of seminary happenings. The photos
change frequently, so visit often!

JANUARY

Students act out the story of Esther
in Professor of New Testament
Craig Koester’s, ’81, popular
Genesis to Revelation class during
January Term. Koester takes his
students on a fast but exhilarating
tour of the Bible in 10 days.

FEBRUARY

The Rev. Dr. John Piper spoke on
"Human Longing for Joy and the
Need for the Gospel" during this
year’s annual Aus Memorial
Lectures on Evangelism. The pastor
of Bethlehem Baptist Church in
Minneapolis, Piper’s preaching and
teaching is featured on the daily
radio program, Desiring God.

18
STORY Spring 2005

Seminary Scrapbook (continued)

MARCH

While visiting Minneapolis this
spring, Ann Svennungsen, ’81,
(center) president of the Fund
for Theological Education, met
with the four 2004-2005 FTE
scholarship recipients from Luther
(left to right): Rebecca Harrington,
Karis Thompson, Meta Herrick
and Kathryn Nichols.

APRIL

Master of Arts senior Evangeline
Christie visits with Don and Dori
Lund at a Called & Sent campaign
dinner in Golden Valley, Minn. ●

Ecumenical Coordinator Invites Diverse Faith
Traditions to Explore Luther Seminary

Debra Wells, ’93, has joined the Luther Seminary staff as ecumenical coordinator.
An ordained clergywoman in the United Methodist Church, she served a 10-year
pastorate in a United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Park, Minn., before coming
to the seminary. She has also served as a laywoman and theological student
in the ECFE, Covenant, Plymouth Brethren, and Baptist churches. In each
instance, she said, “I saw God at work in and through the people God calls to
do ministry. I am looking forward to the possibilities of being a part of Luther Seminary as we seek to be
the place where many diverse faith traditions can send their students, clergy and lay people for a time of
education, spiritual formation, and discernment of God’s work in the world.” ●

19

STORY Spring 2005

The Prodigal Pastor

Alum in Residence Steve Wigdahl Couldn’t Escape His Calling

By Shelley Cunningham, ’98 In Utah, he met his wife Keri, who had that has formed a cornerstone of
been raised in the Mormon church. his ministry: that of authentic faith.
This year’s alum-in-residence (“We had plenty of interesting He sees ‘authentic faith’ as coming
almost wasn’t. conversations about faith along the through Paul’s description in
way,” he said.) He came to under- Ephesians 1. “When ‘the eyes of the
You wouldn’t have guessed it watching stand the challenges that come with heart are enlightened,’ the gospel
Steve Wigdahl, ’84, grow up. He helping a church grow. One of the begins to transform us,” Wigdahl
appeared destined for parish ministry: biggest accomplishments: relocating said. “I really believe that the longest
His family church—Zion Lutheran in the congregation from a side street to journey anybody makes is from the
Ruthven, Iowa—had been founded a space on the main drag in town. He head to the heart, or perhaps con-
by his great-grandfather in 1886. In also began to wrestle with a concept versely at times, from the heart to
high school, he was active in Luther the head, informing better decision
League, serving as president of the There’s no doubt that making! We can’t—and shouldn’t—
Iowa Luther League, and on the national witness to something unless it is
Luther League board. “In my family, the lives of the people you genuinely rooted in our lives. People
I was the one who had the mantle can pick up when we’re just playing
dropped on me,” he said. “It seemed minister to—and want to a role.”
like I was set to follow that call.” One of his favorite passages of scripture,
minister to—are filled with Romans 4:20, echoes this idea. “We
Wigdahl came to Luther Northwestern grow strong in our faith as we give
Theological Seminary straight from lots of distractions. The glory to God. God is convinced that
Luther College in 1975, but quit after God can accomplish through us what
seven weeks. “It just wasn’t what I challenge is being patient God purposes,” Wigdahl said. “I get
expected. I left with the intent of real convicted by that. I’ve seen too
never coming back.” Instead, he to see how God wants you many of my shortcomings. It’s like
moved to Wyoming and northern Frederick Buechner said, ‘You look
Minnesota and spent four years in to respond. in the mirror and realize you are at
radio and TV broadcasting. Ultimately, least eight parts chicken, phony and
though, God kept prodding him Steve Wigdahl
until he reenrolled in 1980. STORY Spring 2005

“Those years were what I call the
‘dark night of the soul’ time of my
life. I wasn’t so much called back as
crawled back—with a sense of
believing that God was still shaping
me,” he said. “I had much more of a
sense of the need for change in my
life. I really needed to be shaped.”

Some of his shaping came on
internship, which he spent in the
shadow of the Mormon Tabernacle
in Salt Lake City, Utah, and in his
first call to Ascension Lutheran
Church in Ogden, Utah.

20

The Prodigal Pastor (continued) leaders, and had the opportunity to Do you know an alum with an
preach in chapel. Was it hard for him exciting ministry to share with
slob. But then you realize that God to return to a place he quit more than the seminary? Nominate her
loves you, God claims you, God 25 years ago? No, he says, but it was— or him for Alum in Residence
makes the extraordinary out of the like so many things he’s realized
ordinary.’ It’s powerful stuff.” about ministry—a reminder that a The Luther Seminary Alumni/ae
bigger God is at work in the world. Council is receiving nominations
It’s a concept that resonates with the for the 2005-2006 Alum in
members of his current congregation, “These students come to Luther Residence Program at Luther
Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, Seminary with the expectation that Seminary. All Luther Seminary
Florida. The church, which has about it will be a place worth journeying to, graduates are eligible.
1,000, members, worships an aston- a real conviction that their education The alum in residence stays on
ishing 800 or so each week. Why? In will equip them to serve faithfully. campus for approximately one
part, because of the demographics. They bring such breadth of experience, week, preaches in chapel, speaks
“A lot of people who come down to such depth of commitment, such in classes, meets with faculty,
Florida on a seasonal basis are already enthusiasm. It increases my optimism visits formally and informally
connected with churches ‘back for the future of the church. I have with students, and eats meals
home,’” he said. “They want to stay a greater appreciation for places like in the dining room. All expenses
connected. But they’re also discovering Luther Seminary, a place on the are covered by the Office of
that retired life just spent on the golf front line of bringing people into Seminary Relations.
course brings nominal reward.” ministry. The Holy Spirit is birthing The schedule is flexible to meet
authentic faith here!” the needs of the seminary and
The congregation is discerning how the alum. To nominate someone,
to reach out to a growing number of And as for the family mantle? He send a letter of submission by
immigrants in the area, and a blossoming smiles when he thinks of it. “In my August 31, 2005, to:
younger unchurched population. It’s office, there is an old stately chair, Office of Seminary Relations
poised to make some major decisions with a high back and a hard seat. Luther Seminary
on how to reach out into the com- It was my great-grandfather’s chair 2481 Como Avenue
munity. Wigdahl compares the chal- in the front of the church. I like to St. Paul, MN 55108
lenges of facing growth with a lesson sit in it when I pray. It keeps me For more information, call
he learned growing up: connected to that family line of 651-641-3448, or toll free at
preaching the gospel. And it reminds 888-358-8437.
“My dad ran a hardware store in me that God is still at work in
Iowa for many years. When the larger me, too.” ● 21
companies came, he lost his business
in retirement. He just shut it down.
His business simply couldn’t survive.
So many small churches are feeling
the same squeeze—as churches
become larger and larger, and offer
more and more, the small churches
just can’t survive. Furthermore, the
larger churches grow in complexity
in terms of how you manage and
minister. There’s no doubt that the
lives of the people you minister to—
and want to minister to—are filled
with lots of distractions. The challenge
is being patient to see how God
wants you to respond.”

During his week at Luther Seminary,
Wigdahl visited with students, attended
class, met with faculty and staff

STORY Spring 2005

Jack Fortin, ’71, director of the Center &Faculty Lois Malcolm, ’89, associate professor
for Lifelong Learning, spoke on Staff of systematic theology, finished an
“Perspectives of the Missional Church,” essay, “Karl Rahner’s Theology of the
“Connecting Sunday to Monday,” and NOTES Cross,” which will appear in Rahner
“Centered Life” at the 2005 Presbytery at the Pacific Rim: Spirituality, Religion,
event in Louisville, Ky., in February. Want to invite a faculty or and New Theological Challenges (Paul
staff member to present in Crowley, S.J., ed.) She responded to
Mary Jane Haemig, associate professor Joy McDougall’s paper on “Embodying
of church history, taught a class on your congregation? Visit a Theology of Sin and Grace: A Feminist
“Lutherans in America” at the Lay www.luthersem.edu/ Proposal,” at the Society of Anglican
School of Theology of Emmanuel resource guide for and Lutheran Theologians meeting in
Lutheran Church, Tacoma, Wash., in Texas last November. She also spoke
January. She also addressed “Whose up-to-date topic listings and at the Montana Synod Pastoral
Side is God On?” at Grace Lutheran contact information. Conference, March 29-April 1,
Church, Port Townsend, Wash., and on “The Wisdom and Power of the
“Christians and Politics” at St. Matthew Network Annual Convention April Cross.” She led a Lenten series on
Lutheran Church, Beaverton, Ore. 17-19 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran the same topic at Grace Lutheran
Church, Mahtomedi, Minn. Church, Palo Alto, Calif., Feb. 27,
Sarah Henrich, associate professor Mar. 6, and Mar. 13.
of New Testament, teamed with Ted Frieder Ludwig, associate professor
Peters of Pacific Lutheran Theological of mission and world Christianity, is Alan Padgett, professor of systematic
Seminary to present a Winter Theological the co-editor of European Traditions theology, delivered the Beck Lecture
Symposium series on “How Does in the Study of Religion in Africa and and preached in chapel at Southwestern
God Heal Today? Exploring the Aussereuropaeische Christentumsgeschichte College (Kansas) on “Genesis in Space
Relationship Between Science and (Asien, Afrika, Lateinamerika), 1450- and Time” in February. In March,
Religion, Prayer and Healing.” The 1990. Both are listed among the he traveled to Rome to present
series was given at four sites in “Fifteen Outstanding Books of 2004 “The Doctrine of Original Sin in
Washington and Oregon in January for Mission Studies” in the International the Evangelical (Lutheran) Tradition
and February. Bulletin of Missionary Research. in Light of Modern Science,” as part
of the Congress on Original Sin.
Mary Hess, assistant professor of Alvin Luedke, associate professor of
educational leadership, led several rural ministry, and Craig Van Gelder, Steven Paulson, ’84, associate
sessions at “Watering Holes and professor of congregational mission, professor of systematic theology,
Tar Pits: The Ministry of Lifelong were the featured presenters at the spoke on “Remember the Sabbath
Learning,” a gathering for ELCA Seminary on the Prairie gathering in Day, to Keep It Holy: Why Lutheran
Lifelong Learning Partners in Delray Cooperstown, N.D., in January. The Worship Makes a Difference,” at Zion
Beach, Fla., Apr. 8-11. gathering focused on cooperative Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls,
models for ministry. Luedke spoke Minn., in November. The day’s
Craig Koester, ’81, professor of New at the Northern Texas-Northern discussion about the ways Lutheran
Testament, published “The Death of Louisiana Synod’s Rural Church worship shapes the direction and
Jesus in the Gospel of John” in the Conference in Abeline, Tex., in purposes of its churches was facilitated
Norwegian journal Tidsskrift for Teologi February, and made an adult education by the local chapter of the WordAlone
og Kirke, and “Jesus as the Way to the presentation at Bethel Lutheran Network. He gave a public lecture
Father in Johannine Theology (John Church in Avoca, Texas. He also on “The God Who Hides” at the
14:6)” in Theology and Christology in spoke at the Southwestern Minnesota Teologiske Menighetsfakultet
the Fourth Gospel (G. van Bell, J. van Synod Assembly April 9-10, and the (Norwegian Lutheran School of
der Watt, and P. Maritz, eds.) Rural Church Network Meeting in Theology) Mar. 9-13.
(Leuven University Press, Belgium.). Sewanee, Tenn., April 15-17.
He lectured on the Epistle to the Sally Peters, manager of Centered
Hebrews and the Gospel of John at Life, gave an adult forum on “Faith in
Calvin College and Seminary in the Workplace” at Lake Nokomis
Grand Rapids, Mich., April 13-14. Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn.,
He also spoke at the WordAlone on April 10. On April 30, she led

22
STORY Spring 2005

Faculty & Staff (continued) Mark Swanson, associate professor Even in retirement,
of Christian history and Islam, Gerhard Forde, professor
workshops on “Connecting Sunday taught a January-term course on emeritus of systematic
to Monday” at the Northeastern Arabic Christian Literature as part theology, continues to spark
Minnesota Synod Assembly in of his role as visiting professor at the the theological imagination.
Brainerd, Minn. Evangelical Theological Seminary in His latest book, The Captivation
Cairo, Egypt. of the Will: Luther vs. Erasmus
Matthew Skinner, assistant professor on Freedom and Bondage,
of New Testament, spoke at the Mons Teig, professor of worship, ’61, has been published by Lutheran
Montana Synod Pastoral Conference, is serving as Theologian in Residence Quarterly Books. The book’s
March 29-April 1, on “Perseverance at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, St. Paul, introduction was written by
of the Word: Exploring the Theological this spring. This involves consulting Professor of Church History
Claims of the Acts of the Apostles.” on renovation of their worship Jim Nestingen, ’71. It was
space, ideas on seasonal worship edited by Steve Paulson, ’84,
Gary Simpson, professor of systematic planning, and occasional teaching associate professor of systematic
theology, spoke on “Ethical Decision- and preaching during the year. He theology. Forde recently
making in the Church Today” at also led worship and a subsequent published a collection of his
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, discussion on using the liturgy with essays, and a second edition
Brainerd, Minn., in January. He also imagination and creativity at United publication of his lectures
addressed the Lutheran Ethicists Seminary, a seminary of the United and sermons is forthcoming.
Gathering at the Society of Christian Church of Christ, in March. In addition, a festschrift,
Ethics with a paper, “Hope in the By Faith Alone: Essays on
Face of the National Security Strategy,” Coming to a Justification in Honor of
which will be published both in a Town Near You Gerhard O. Forde, (Eerdmans,
volume edited and published by 2004) was produced last year.
Norwegian Lutherans and in the Rick Bliese, academic dean and
Journal of Lutheran Ethics. Jan. 29 associate professor of missions, will 23
he spoke at a Northeast Minnesota be speaking to the Southern Ohio
Synod gathering on the theme, Synod staff May 19-21.
“Ways Ahead: Reflections on the
‘Report and Recommendations’ Jack Fortin, ’71, director of the
from the ELCA’s Sexuality Task Center for Lifelong Learning, will
Force.” He also did four workshops lead the Bible study at the St. Paul
sponsored by the Wisconsin Council Area Synod assembly June 3. He
of Churches (in Janesville, Wauwatosa, will be the keynote speaker at the
Appleton and LaCrosse, Wis.) on Montana Synod Assembly in Havre
the theme, “Christian Ethics and June 10-12.
Homosexuality—Preparing for the
Legislative Debate Regarding Same- Sally Peters, manager of Centered
Gender Marriage.” His essay, “Hope Life, will lead workshops on “Discover
in the Face of Empire: Failed Patriotism, Your Dependable Strengths: A Resource
Civil International Publicity, and for Congregations” at the St. Paul
Patriotic Peacebuilding,” appears Area Synod Assembly June 3.
in the Spring 2005 issue of Word &
World. He made two presentations Mons Teig, professor of worship,
at the annual conference of ’61, will be one of the presenters at
Lutheran Services in America, the North American Association for
April 12-15, in Washington, D.C. the Catechumenate annual meeting
The first was on “What’s the Faith July 21-24 in Chicago. His topic
in Faith-Based Organizations and centers on creative ideas for doing
Leaders?” and the second on “Fight, a congregational Easter Vigil as part
Work and Pray for Justice: What of the catechumenal process. ●
Did Luther Say?”

STORY Spring 2005

The ‘00s The ‘90s coverage for other units without
chaplains on the base. This May he
Joan Conroy, ’00, was called to JoAnn Weishan, ’94, and her husband, will return home and to his position
serve as pastor developer of the new James, announce the birth of their as associate pastor at Our Savior’s
Woyatan Multicultural Ministry in son, Soren James. Soren was born on Lutheran Church in Faribault, Minn.
Rapid City, S.D. June 23, 2004. JoAnn is the project
director at the Argosy Foundation/ Katy McCallum, ’99, and Brian
Paul Tjostem, ’00, was recognized CSA Philanthropy in Milwaukee. Sachse were married Nov. 13, 2004,
by the United Methodist Church She and James attend Mt. Hope at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in
communications team for his work Lutheran Church in West Allis, Wis. Spokane, Wash. Brian is a teacher
in developing a rural after-school and coach at Ferris High School in
computer ministry program called NeAwlums Spokane; Katy is the lead pastor at
Kingdom Kids Computer Club Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur
(www.umtv.org/newitems/free_ You are invited to send d'Alene, Idaho. They live in
computers_for_kids.htm; and alum information to: Spokane. Katy is commuting the
www.umtv.org/newitems/kids_teach Luther Seminary half-hour to Coeur d'Alene. A number
_seniors_skills.htm). Paul is an ELCA of seminary alums were part of the
pastor in Steele, N.D. He partnered Office of Communication wedding, including Liz Hanley, ’99,
with the pastor from the Steele UMC 2481 Como Ave. Laura Duffee, ’99, Lori Morton, ’99,
to develop a cooperative rural youth and Karl and Anjanette Rist, ’99.
ministry program. This unique program St. Paul, MN 55108
helps train youth in computer skills, or e-mail: The ‘80s
as well as in basic Bible and
Christian education. [email protected] Bill Bentzinger, ’80, accepted the
Additional alumni/ae position of church building consultant
Kathryn Reid Cutler, ’03, married information is on the and staff architect with the Mission
Bilhenry Walker on Jan. 2 in Stillwater, Investment Fund of the ELCA. As
Minn. Kathryn continues to seek a Luther Seminary Web site at deployed staff, he will be responsible
call to ministry in the Presbyterian www.luthersem.edu/alums for Region 4. This summer he and
Church (USA). Bilhenry is a graduate his wife, Bev, will relocate to Houston.
of Fuller Theological Seminary and a Wendy Sue Earle Kissa, ’96, and They currently live in Sioux Falls, S.D.
sculptor. They live in Milwaukee. her husband, Karl, celebrate the
birth of their first daughter, Emily Eric Burtness, ’81, published Leading
Dan and Laura Overbo, both ’03, Elisabeth. Emily was born on On Purpose: Intentionality and Teaming
celebrated the birth of their son, Jan. 14, 2005. They reside in in Congregational Life (Augsburg
Kyan James. Kyan was born on Sept. West Simsbury, Conn. Fortress; www.leadingonpurpose.org).
20, 2004. They live in Bristol, S.D. The book interprets Rick Warren's
and serve congregations in Bristol Karl Redelsheimer, ’98, and his wife The Purpose Driven Church and The
and Summit, S.D. Kimberly announce the birth of their Purpose Driven Life in a Lutheran
son, Samuel Hendrik, born Feb. 23. context. Eric is senior pastor of
Susan Wright, ’03, and Jeffrey Karl is pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran St. Matthew Lutheran Church in
Engholm, ’87, were married Oct. 30, Church and School, Chicago, Ill. Beaverton, Ore.
2004 at Telemarken Lutheran Church
in Watertown, S.D. Susan serves as a Scott Hagen, ’99, was deployed to David Schick, ’86, and his wife,
pastor at First Lutheran Church in Afghanistan in May 2004. He serves Carla, recently moved to Bratislava,
St. James, Minn. Jeffrey serves as a as a chaplain with the 367th Slovakia where they will serve as
synod minister in the Southwestern Engineer Battalion, a unit of the U.S. missionaries for three years. David has
Minnesota Synod, ELCA. His ministry Army Reserve. He is at Bagram Air been called to serve as a pastor of the
focus areas are outreach, call process, Base, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, International English congregation and
outdoor ministries, men’s ministry, where he serves his unit and provides a teacher at the Evangelical Lyceum.
youth ministry and campus ministry. Carla serves as a librarian at the
Evangelical Lutheran Seminary.
24
STORY Spring 2005

Alum News (continued) of systematic theology at Luther 1961-1964. He later became the
Seminary, has written forwards for director of the Lutheran World
David Skilbred, ‘86, was promoted to both books. Federation Assembly, held in
vice president of government relations Minneapolis in 1957. From 1966-
by the Independent Community In Memory 1976 Nelson completed his teaching
Bankers of Minnesota. He has served career as professor of religion at St.
as ICBM’s director of government Malvin Rossing, ’33, died January Olaf College where he was honored
relations since October 2003. He 2005 in Viroqua, Wis. He was 96. with the college’s distinguished
and his family reside in St.Paul, Minn. He was a Lutheran missionary to alumnus award and regents award.
Madagascar from 1937-1967, where
The ‘70s he taught education, math and science. His interest in historical research
He served as director of a teacher- led him to author and edit books
Jarvis Streeter, ’78, was recently training school. Using his skills and and articles for journals and various
promoted to the rank of full professor ingenuity, he worked toward ending publications. His major works
of religion at California Lutheran poverty in Madagascar. He helped the include The Lutheran Church Among
University, Thousand Oaks, Calif. government start cloth-production Norwegian Americans (coauthored
factories by designing spinning wheels with Eugene Fevold), The Lutherans
The ‘60s and looms, he modified vehicles in North America, Lutheranism in
to run on the local rum when gas North America 1914-1970 and The
Ron Lavin, ’60, recently published supplies were low, and he improved Rise of World Lutheranism.
his 20th book, The Big Ten: Another food production by importing superior
Look at the Ten Commandments bulls and chickens to breed with the He is survived by his wife, Lois, three
(CSS Publishing Company). This is local stock. children, eight grandchildren, eight
his fifth book in the Another Look great-grandchildren and two sisters.
series. The books are aimed at clergy “He believed, and he lived his life
and lay people for personal inspiration, like he believed,” said his son, Mel Harry H. Fullilove, ‘59, died on
sermon preparation, adult education Rossing. “A non-Christian friend once Christmas Day 2004. A pastor and
classes and small groups. A sixth said, ‘Your father was a missionary, missionary, he led congregations in
book, People Who Meet Jesus, will be and he lived his mission.’” Minnesota, New York and Florida,
released in 2006. All of his books are and served with his late wife, Ruth,
available from CSS Publishing. Rossing and his wife, Elizabeth, in Pakistan, Ghana and India. He
moved to Wisconsin in 1967, where retired from full-time ministry in 2001.
Roger Aus, ’67, recently published he served as a minister. Elizabeth He is survived by his two brothers,
Matthew 1-2 and the Virginal died in 2003. He is survived by his two children, eight grandchildren
Conception (University Press of three children; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. ●
America, 2004). He retired in 1993 and five great-grandchildren.
after serving as a pastor in Berlin CORRECTIONS:
for more than 20 years. E. Clifford Nelson, ’36, died Feb. 5.
He is remembered for his long and In Alum News’ “In Memory”
The ‘40s distinguished service as a pastor, column of the 4th quarter
scholar, teacher and writer. In addition 2004 issue, Martin D. Larsen
Two of Robert Paul Roth’s, ’45, to serving congregations in Chicago, was incorrectly identified
books will be republished this spring Ellendale, Minn. and Minneapolis, he as David D. Larsen. He died
by Wipf and Stock Publishers. Story worked for the U.S. State Department June 19. Our apologies to the
and Reality was first published in and U.S. High Commissioner in Rev. Larsen’s family.
1973 by Eerdmans and was reviewed Germany as the religious affairs advisor.
in Newsweek magazine at the time In Faculty Notes, Roy
because it broke ground for narrative After earning a doctorate degree from Harrisville III, ’81, (not Roy
theology. The Theatre of God was Yale University and post-doctorate Harrisville, Jr., ’47) spoke with
first published by Fortress Press in research in Europe, Clifford taught Marc Kolden at the October
1985. Lee Snook, professor emeritus at Luther Theological Seminary 2004 conference, “The ELCA
(predecessor of Luther Seminary) and Homosexuality: The
STORY Spring 2005 and served as dean of the faculty in Traditional Perspective.”

25

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Commencement 2005
Sunday, May 22, 3 p.m.
Central Lutheran Church,
333 South 12th Street,
Minneapolis

Speaker: Mark Hanson, Bishop
of the ELCA, and President of the
Lutheran World Federation.

Summer Lifelong
Learning Courses

Visit www.luthersem.edu/lifelong_
learning/kairos/ for course listings
and to register online; or call
651-641-3416.

2005-2006 Women of Faithfulness in Ministry Cross
the ELCA Bible Award Program Expands
Study Preparation
June 16-17 Nominations Sought for

Call 651-3416. 2006 Honorees

Lifelong Learning for We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough! The Alumni/ae Council wants
Lay Leadership to recognize faithful service by its graduates. Do you know of a
(GIFTS/School for classmate, colleague, or friend whose ministry is particularly inspiring
Lay Ministry) to you?
June 27-30
The Council is currently seeking nominations for the 2006
Call 651-641-3416. Faithfulness in Ministry award. To reflect the changing nature of
ministry, the award categories have been adjusted. At Mid-Winter
Reception Honoring Convocation, the Council will present three Faithfulness in Ministry
David and Muffy Tiede crosses to individuals who graduated:
Sunday, June 26 + within the past 10 years
3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m., + within the past 25 years
program at 4:30 p.m. + more than 25 years ago.
Olson Campus Center

Reservations required by June 10.
Call 651-641-3448.

“These awards are intended to lift up the ministries of all alums,”
Mary Steeber, coordinator of volunteer programs, said. “We’re proud
of our people and the work they do for the gospel.”

Nominations are due by May 30. Nomination forms are available
online at www.luthersem.edu/alums, or by calling Mary Steeber
at 651-641-3596.

26
STORY Spring 2005

More Seminarians Taking
the “Initiative” to be Healthy

By Allison Schmitt, feeling encouraged to change their a wellness-oriented
Master of Arts student lifestyle even a little bit.” family. “We grew
up making
There’s a lot of walking, weight- Developing health habits needn’t be healthy
lifting and exercising going on a huge undertaking. Treat gives these choices,” she
at Luther Seminary these days. tips for moving in the right direction: said. Being
You might call it “spring training” for part of the
life in the ministry. Walk around campus when you Healthy
need a study break. Leaders Initiative,
But don’t expect talent scouts to Walk to another building to use she said, provides
arrive on campus any time soon. The the restroom. the encouragement
activity is actually part of the Healthy If exercise bores you, do it in front people need to form
Leaders Initiative. of the TV or with a friend. good life-long habits.
Take a lap around the store before One of Herrick’s contributions to
Funded by a Wheat Ridge Ministries shopping. the program is recipes for healthy
grant, the initiative is intended to breakfasts, salads, snacks and more.
help students see the connection Similarly, student health and wellness You can find a link to the recipes on
between lifestyle and health and coordinator Meta Herrick encourages the Healthy Leaders Initiative web
encourage behavior that contributes people to make health a part of page, at www.luthersem.edu/
to their well being. things they’re already doing, “not a healthy_leaders/. The Web site also
massive January overhaul,” said the offers a daily health tip, an events
Parish nurse Karen Treat’s hope is Master of Divinity junior. “Living a schedule for the initiative and
that it will help Luther graduates healthy lifestyle should be fun.” other health resources such as a
model healthy lifestyles as well link to the ELCA for Wellness
as healthy spiritual lives in The daughter of a pharmacist Web site. ●
their congregations. and a health/physical education
27
“We’re busy and we have to teacher, Herrick had the
make sure we’re seeing all benefit of growing up in
areas of ourselves,” she said,
pointing to the “Wholeness
Wheel” hanging on her door.

Similar to a pie graph, the multi-colored
wheel lists five aspects of wellness—
physical, emotional, social/interpersonal,
vocational and intellectual—surrounded
by a ring signifying spiritual well
being. Keeping these areas in balance
is the goal.

Treat is pleased with the response.
About 130 people have signed up
for the initiative. Use of the gym in
the basement of Stub Hall, known as
God’s Gym, is on the rise. “People
are moving more,” she said. She is
glad “just to know that people are

STORY Spring 2005

Table of Contents

Spring 2005 Vol.21, No.1 Gratitude and Confidence:
The David Tiede Presidency................. 2-11

Luther Seminary educates leaders for The Seedbed......................................... 12-13
Christian communities
+ called and sent by the Holy Spirit Faith at Work:
+ to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ Mid-Winter Convocation, 2005 .......... 15-17
+ and to serve in God’s world.
Seminary Scrapbook............................. 18-19
Editor
Sheri Booms Holm The Prodigal Pastor:
Alum in Residence Steve Wigdahl...... 20-21
Contributing Writers
Shelley Cunningham Faculty & Staff Notes ........................... 22-23
Jenny Peterson
Allison Schmitt Alum News........................................... 24-25
Nicole Summers
Spring Events: Faithfulness in 26
Luther Seminary, the largest of the eight seminaries of the Ministry Cross Award Program
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is accredited by Expands ................................................
the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and
Canada and the North Central Association of Colleges and More Seminarians Taking the
Schools. It is a part of the ELCA’s Western Mission Cluster, along “Initiative” to be Healthy.................... 27
with Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.

The Luther Seminary Story is published three times a year and
distributed via third class mail to alumni/ae and donors by
Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.

Correspondence concerning The Luther Seminary Story
should be sent to Office of Communication, Luther Seminary,
2481 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, or via e-mail to
[email protected].

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