Seminary, Technology, and the Church: PLTS Explores Faithful Leadership in a Changing World

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is inviting the wider church to a “State of the Seminary: Faithful, Hopeful, Justice-Seeking” online event on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m. Pacific. Participants will hear about new partnerships, innovative programming, and the future of theological education. A recording will be sent to all who register.

The March PLTS newsletter also highlights reflections on artificial intelligence and faith, a global climate justice project led by a PLTS certificate student in Nigeria, a strong admissions cycle, and upcoming events—including the Student Colloquium on Climate Justice and Faith on April 29. Read the newsletter for the full story and event details.

Region 2Brian FlatgardMarch 10, 2026Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time

Artificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.

The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.

Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend

Are you discerning whether seminary might be right for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a visit and discernment weekend March 13–15 in Berkeley, California, designed for those exploring online seminary education.

Participants will meet PLTS faculty, connect with others in discernment, and learn more about the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, and Lutheran Year programs. Lodging and meals are provided, with travel assistance available. Learn more and sign up at plts.edu/signs.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 16, 2026Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Walking the Way Together: What’s Ahead at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary enters Spring 2026 grounded in faith, justice, and shared discipleship. From a February Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence to climate justice certificates, discernment opportunities, and May commencement, PLTS continues forming leaders for a complex world—inviting the wider church to walk the Way together and keep our hands on the plow.

Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time

Artificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.

The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.

Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardJanuary 19, 2026Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

New in 2026: PLTS Launches Online Racial Justice & Faith Certificate Program

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering a new Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Program in 2026, featuring 6-week, online, asynchronous courses open to clergy and lay leaders alike. The first course, Womanism and Social Justice, begins February 9, with enrollment requested by January 25.

Courses cost $250, with discounts for PLTS alumni and congregational groups, and four completed courses lead to a certificate. Designed to connect faith with action, this program supports participants in confronting racial injustice and dismantling white supremacy through liberative theological reflection and practice.

New in 2026: PLTS Launches Online Racial Justice & Faith Certificate Program

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering a new Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Program in 2026, featuring 6-week, online, asynchronous courses open to clergy and lay leaders alike. The first course, Womanism and Social Justice, begins February 9, with enrollment requested by January 25.

Courses cost $250, with discounts for PLTS alumni and congregational groups, and four completed courses lead to a certificate. Designed to connect faith with action, this program supports participants in confronting racial injustice and dismantling white supremacy through liberative theological reflection and practice.

Wondering If Seminary Is Right for You? Join PLTS in Berkeley, March 13–15

Is seminary part of God’s call in your life? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a discernment weekend March 13–15 2026 in Berkeley, CA, designed for those exploring online seminary education. Participants will experience a PLTS class, connect with faculty and students, and reflect on vocation in community.

Lodging and most meals are covered, with travel assistance available. Learn more and register at plts.edu/signs.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardDecember 19, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardDecember 18, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

PLTS Invites Applications for Climate Justice Certificate Programs | PLTS abre inscripciones para programas de certificación en justicia climática

The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is accepting applications for two online certificate programs—one in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice (due Dec. 15, 2025) and one Spanish-language Climate Justice and Faith program (due Nov. 28, 2025). These nine-month courses equip faith-based teams and Spanish-speaking leaders to develop projects addressing the climate crisis through faith and justice. Learn more and apply at centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

El Centro para la Justicia Climática y la Fe del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Pacífico (PLTS) acepta solicitudes para dos programas en línea: el Certificado en Organización Comunitaria Basada en la Fe para la Justicia Climática(plazo 15 de diciembre de 2025) y el Certificado en Justicia Climática y Fe (en español) (plazo 28 de noviembre de 2025). Ambos cursos de nueve meses forman líderes y comunidades de fe comprometidas con proyectos que abordan la crisis climática desde la fe y la justicia. Más información en centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

PLTS Invites Applications for Climate Justice Certificate Programs | PLTS abre inscripciones para programas de certificación en justicia climática

The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is accepting applications for two online certificate programs—one in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice (due Dec. 15, 2025) and one Spanish-language Climate Justice and Faith program (due Nov. 28, 2025). These nine-month courses equip faith-based teams and Spanish-speaking leaders to develop projects addressing the climate crisis through faith and justice. Learn more and apply at centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

El Centro para la Justicia Climática y la Fe del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Pacífico (PLTS) acepta solicitudes para dos programas en línea: el Certificado en Organización Comunitaria Basada en la Fe para la Justicia Climática(plazo 15 de diciembre de 2025) y el Certificado en Justicia Climática y Fe (en español) (plazo 28 de noviembre de 2025). Ambos cursos de nueve meses forman líderes y comunidades de fe comprometidas con proyectos que abordan la crisis climática desde la fe y la justicia. Más información en centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend is 10/31 – 11/2/2025

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.

PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Region 2Brian FlatgardOctober 20, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Youth and Young AdultComment

Pathways Toward a Moral Economy: New Book Series Inspires Action

Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda and others invite readers into a vision of an ecological, equitable, and democratic economy. The Building a Moral Economy series offers tools and inspiration for those seeking to live faithfully in ways that resist exploitative systems and embrace justice, joy, and life-giving relationships. Explore the series and resources here.

Region 2Brian FlatgardOctober 3, 2025Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Climate Change, Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend is 10/31 – 11/2/2025

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.

PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Region 2Brian FlatgardSeptember 19, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Youth and Young AdultComment

Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes Named Rector of PLTS

The Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, a featured guest at our 2024 Synod Assembly, has been named Rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. A respected leader in Lutheran higher education and longtime faculty member at California Lutheran University, Dr. Windham-Hughes brings deep theological insight and visionary leadership to this new role. Join us in celebrating and supporting her as she helps shape the next generation of leaders in the ELCA.

California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Annual Report: 2025

We share the video annual report from California Lutheran University (CLU) and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) as part of our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

Childcare Offered at Synod Assembly, Thanks to PLTS and CLU

Childcare will be provided at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, thanks to generous sponsorship from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University. This initiative helps make the assembly more accessible for families and reflects our shared Lutheran commitment to hospitality and inclusion.

Now Hiring: ELCA Rostered Leader Called to Serve as Rector of PLTS

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is hiring a new Rector to lead its Berkeley-based seminary community. ELCA rostered ministers with at least seven years of leadership experience are encouraged to apply by April 24, 2025, for this full-time role beginning June 1. The Rector will guide theological education and public witness in the ELCA, steward seminary partnerships, and serve as a key representative of PLTS and California Lutheran University. Apply now.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 8, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Help WantedComment

“Teaching Certainty”: Dr. Marcela K. Perett Offers Fresh Insight on Luther’s Catechesis

Join PLTS on Wednesday, April 9 at 10 AM (Pacific) for the 2025 Luther Lecture featuring Dr. Marcela K. Perett. Her lecture, “Teaching Certainty,” offers a fresh perspective on Martin Luther’s early catechisms and how they helped believers move from despair to confidence in God’s forgiveness. Available via Zoom or in person. Register here.

Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 1, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Grand Canyon Synod

News

Connect

Communicate

create