Mission
To strengthen Lutheran leadership and ministries throughout the Northern Plains region for the proclamation of the Gospel.
Need
A new generation of church leaders needs to be cultivated. The ELCA in the Northern Plains region is experiencing a shortage of lay and professional leadership. The synods of South Dakota, Nebraska, and Southwest Minnesota have, on average, 25-30 pastoral openings per synod for which ordained candidates are not available. Projections indicate that 40% of their clergy roster will retire over the next decade. Additionally, similar needs are being experienced and are anticipated in congregational lay leadership.
Partners
Augustana College, congregations within Augustana Association synods, Sioux Falls Seminary, and Lutherans Outdoors have partnered to fulfill the mission of Luther House of Study.
Location
Luther House of Study is not a building or place, it is a mission. Our office is located on the Augustana College campus in the Humanities Center.
Communities We Serve
Anchored in the Lutheran faith and grounded in the foundation of Lutheran education, the Luther House of Study serves the communities of future ministry professionals, current ministry professionals, and congregations.
Leadership
The LHOS Advisory Board is comprised of individuals representing its partners in ministry. This includes bishops from the Augustana Association, as well as the academic deans of Augustana College and Sioux Falls Seminary, the ELCA Region 3 Candidacy Coordinator, Lutherans Outdoors South Dakota, and regional clergy and lay members.
Staff
Dr. Chris Croghan
Director
chris.croghan@augie.edu
Sarah Stenson, JD
Associate Director
sarah.stenson@augie.edu
Financial Support
Luther House of Study is supported financially by Augustana College, Sioux Falls Seminary, the South Dakota Synod, many area congregations, and a host of mission-minded individuals.