INDEPENDENT LUTHERAN SEMINARY Returning to the Heart of Lutheran Doctrine and Practice 4202 Myrtlewood Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97603 STUDENT HANDBOOK ~ 2014 ~
Contents A Word from the Chancellor 3 Practical Suggestions 4 General Rules 5 Overview and Texts 6 Examinations and Diplomas 9 Ordination in the ILD 10 2
INDEPENDENT LUTHERAN SEMINARY Returning to the Heart of Lutheran Doctrine and Practice 4202 Myrtlewood Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97603 Dear Seminarian, Welcome to the Independent Lutheran Seminary! Our Seminary is dedicated to providing you with the firm grounding in Lutheran Theology and with tools needed for Ministry in the Independent Lutheran Diocese. We are pleased to be able to offer you our courses without tuition. It is our hope that your Seminary studies will provoke thought and stimulate your mind. What we teach at the Independent Lutheran Seminary is Conservative, Orthodox and Biblical. While many seminaries teach liberal doctrines and practices, the Independent Lutheran Diocese and its Seminary endeavor to stay true to the original principles that the Reformation was founded upon, and which our forefathers, in allegiance to our Lord Jesus Christ, strove to stay faithful to. As Christians we are to be life-long students of the Word and what the Word teaches. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15 We are indeed grateful that the Lord has laid it on your heart to study with us. We heartily welcome you as a Seminarian in the Independent Lutheran Seminary. May God bless and guide you on your journey of learning in what we as Lutheran Christians believe and teach. In Him, Pr. Robbie H. Osmundson Chancellor 3
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS As you begin your studies with the ILS, we understand that self-study can be a bit overwhelming if you have had no previous experience with this type of learning. For that reason we make the following suggestions: Find a place where you can study in quiet. Your study area should be free of distractions and comfortable. Start each study session with prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your studies. Prayer before each session should be routine. Schedule regular times to study. Try your best to stick to your study time schedule. An example would be 1 hour between 7 & 8 PM every Tuesday and Thursday night. Don t be afraid to ask for help. Many students get discouraged when they hit roadblocks in their studies. It is important not to give up, instead ask for help. Make a timeline. Try to stick to your timeline to finish each module. 4
GENERAL RULES Textbooks Each study book will be sent to you as an attached pdf book (with the exception of the Pia Desideria). After you read each text you will be sent an accompanying test. Time Limitations There is a time requirement of 6 months to complete each textbook. Please let us know if you cannot complete the textbook on time and an extension may be given, if requested. Seminarians should work at a steady pace as not to lose track of main themes of theological thought. If there is no activity for a period of 6 months the Student will be placed in a dropped status. Any dropped student may re-apply to be re-instated, and can start at the level that the student dropped off from. Questions If at any time questions arise involving the text or the coursework, you may contact the seminary for explanation or help in understanding it. Accordingly, any questions concerning doctrinal stances and practices within the ILD may be directed to the Seminary. Ethics All students are expected to demonstrate Christian ethics in their studies and complete all work on their own. All students are expected to live according to Church standards and lifestyle. Updates: All students are requested to keep us updated as to their current address, telephone number and e-mail address. If a student cannot be contacted by ordinary means (i.e. address, telephone or e- mail), they will be placed in a dropped status. 5
OVERVIEW AND TEXTS Courses of Study Recommended for use is the Concordia Study Bible (NIV), The Lutheran Study Bible (ESV from CHP) or the Holy Bible (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV) Diploma sent upon completion of each course. All textbooks (except those indicated) are sent in pdf form, transferable to your computer Pietist Doctrine Overview: This course explores the beginnings of the Pietist movement in the Lutheran church which spread to Norway and other Scandinavian countries besides the European continent. Gives insight as to why Pietism is an important concept for today. The original ELCA (now known as the Eielson Synod), Norwegian, AFLC, Hauge, and the Church of the Lutheran Brethren were founded on the Pietist movement. Pia Desideria by Philip Jacob Spener Note: This texbook is only available by purchase or available through a library or inter-library loan. The Pia Desideria list price is $15.00 from Augsburg Fortress Publishing or may be available through inter-library loan from your local library. True Christianity by Johann Arndt Epitome of Martin Luther s Small Catechism by Erik Pontippidon 6
Christian Doctrine Overview: Covers the basic doctrines as taught in the Lutheran Church. An insightful course for those who know little or wish to know more about what the conservative Lutheran really believes. Summarizes in clear detail the Lutheran viewpoint on major theological and doctrinal issues. The Lutheran Way of Salvation by Rev. G. H. Gerberding Compend of Lutheran Theology by Leonard Hutter The Lutheran Confessions Overview: Goes through the Confessions of the Lutheran church and what Lutherans really believe and teach. Course focuses on the Unaltered Augsburg Confession and it s history. The Christian Book of Concord (1851 Edition) The Augsburg Confession by J. L. Neve Homiletics Overview: This course explores the construction and delivery of the Sermon from both non-denominational and Lutheran standpoints. The course will require submission of both written and oral presentation Examinations. How to Prepare Sermons and Gospel Addresses by William Evans Homiletics by Johann Michael Reu 7
Systematic Theology Overview: Course focuses on differences between the Lutheran Church and other denominations from whose roots today s current Christian denominations and nondenominational churches come from. Conservative Reformation and its Theology by Charles P. Krauth The Doctrine of the Church by Revere Franklin Weidner Popular Symbolics by Th. Engelder Churches and Sects of Christendom by J. L. Neve (Optional) Church Planting Overview: This course covers early Christian Church Planting and ways to start and grow your congregation. Explores other Ministries in which a Pastor is needed for Word and Sacrament. Available Dec 2014 8
EXAMINATIONS AND DIPLOMAS EXAMINATIONS: What to Expect All examinations in the Independent Lutheran Seminary are open book. We are more interested in: 1. Whether you are getting the points of the instruction given in the book. 2. Your understanding of the text and how it relates to you (and how it applies today) GRADING There is no grading scale A F. The points stated above about examinations apply here also. The Lord is more interested in your understanding of His Word, Doctrines and the living out of the Christian life, than in man s determination. For those desirous of a Pastoral Ministry, understanding of the Word, Doctrines and living righteously is imperative. DIPLOMAS Upon completion of each course of study (i.e. Pietist Doctrine, Christian Doctrine, etc.) you will receive an 8 ½ x 12 Parchment Diploma suitable for framing. 9
ORDINATION IN THE ILD Ordination in the Independent Lutheran Diocese is a matter not to be taken lightly. The vows taken by an ILD Pastor are serious it is your obligation and commitment to the Lord God Almighty and hence, will be judged by Him as to whether you are faithful to the true Doctrines and practices as taught in the Holy Bible, and the Book of Concord (as a true and faithful exposition of the Doctrines in the Holy Bible). While completion of the above courses are desired to be considered for ordination to the ministry in the Independent Lutheran Diocese to those who qualify, one may enter into a Colloquy with the ILD, where your life experience within a Lutheran congregation is taken into consideration along with any prior Seminary training. The Pastor or Seminarian desirous of Colloquy with the ILD to join the rostered membership in ILD may do so at any time by requesting and completing the ILD Application for Ordination / Transfer of Credentials to start the Colloquy process. Determination for the Office of the Ministry is based on Theological soundness, life experience and agreement with ILD Doctrines, Practices and guidelines. We thank God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that the Holy Spirit has guided you to consider the Independent Lutheran Diocese as a home for your Ministry and Service to the Lord of Hosts and King of Kings. In Him Who gave His life to Redeem us, Pr. Robbie H. Osmundson Presiding Bishop Independent Lutheran Diocese 10