TIME OF TRANSITION Lessons learned in a time of

By Lyndsay Monsen

When I consider what my ministry will look like as a pastor in the always-evolving ELCA, the idea of space comes to mind. Will I lead a congregation through a building sale? Will we share more space ecumenically with neighbors of different faiths? At some point in the next 30 to 40 years, will there be a fully online congregation?

While contemplating these questions, I become ever more grateful that I am witnessing the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in this moment of transition. I have learned from watching President James Nieman and the Board of Directors communicate this move to campus stakeholders and the wider community. They have taught me how to make the best decisions possible for an institution, even if they might be difficult ones. I have also been inspired by some of the more behind-the-scenes work, such as the care that Senior Project Manager Bob Berridge and his team of students have put into getting rid of some physical belongings we will no longer need. I have learned that change is inevitable. It is what we do with that change that matters. From a more personal perspective, I am excited about the opportunities this move will bring me as a student.

I have been sitting in on some of the design meetings for our new campus space, and think the layout looks much better suited to our needs. It seems as though there are many more areas to gather, both formally and informally, and I hope this encourages even more collaboration and connection. The classrooms are also better designed for our 21st century needs, as technology becomes more crucial to our learning. I am also looking forward to getting to know other students studying theology in Chicago at Catholic Theological Union. It can be easy, as a candidate for ministry in the ELCA, to stay inside my Lutheran bubble. Through the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, however, I have already had a few classmates of different faiths, and conversations with them have deepened my sense of religion and enriched my own faith. What an exciting moment in time to be a part of!