The Westfield House Certificate in Lutheran Theology: Distance and Blended Learning

The Catechism Window at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, a partner institution in Canada.

The Westfield House Certificate in Lutheran Theology for Ministry is designed for Lutheran ministerial and diaconal candidates, church workers and laity throughout the United Kingdom and the wider world. The goal of the curriculum is to provide a grounding in confessional Lutheran theological foundations as it applies to contemporary service in the Lutheran church.

The primary focus of studies is a thorough exploration of the Lutheran confessional texts included in the Book of Concord and several historically and theologically significant texts from the writings of Martin Luther. From the contents of these primary texts the main themes of Lutheran theology and spirituality will be explored. Through a close reading of these documents students will gain an understanding of their history, context, and theological content as well as a critical perspective on their role in the contemporary Lutheran church and its wider ecumenical commitments.

Our new distance and blended learning mode of delivery, which will be offered in full beginning with the 2021/22 academic year, will provide an opportunity for students to study at a distance, with optional short residential components taught in Cambridge. The Certificate is designed so that students may complete the entire course within an entire academic year. Individual modules are also open to study abroad students or other interested students who may not necessarily wish to complete the entire Certificate.

Core Module List:

  • Creeds and Catechisms
    A study of the doctrinal and catechetical content of the three ecumenical creeds and Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms and their relationship to the foundational doctrinal teachings of the Western Christian church and the Lutheran church’s present-day commitment to them.
  • The Augsburg Confession and Apology
    An examination of the Augsburg Confession and its Apology. Emphasis will be on the basic teachings and issues which define the theology of the Lutheran Church in its historic context. A key emphasis is placed on the historical circumstances which led to the emergence of Lutheranism as a confessional movement in the Western Christendom. The doctrinal foundations of Lutheran ministry and ecclesiology are also examined.
  • Smalcald Articles, Treatise, and the Formula of Concord
    An examination of these confessional texts which complete the Book of Concord that emphasises the heritage of Lutheran theology and its wider application to contemporary parish life and the ecumenical concerns of the wider church.
  • Readings in Luther
    This seminar-based module engages in extensive essential readings from Luther’s writings translated in English, concentrating on important insights, controversies and debates in the life of the reformer. The writings are set in the context of their historical and theological background with a view to understanding their continuing relevance to Lutheran spirituality and the application of Law and Gospel.

For more information on the Westfield House Certificate send us an enquiry at: enquiries@westfield.cam.ac.uk

Additional Training for Lutheran ordinands and church workers:

On behalf of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England, Westfield House offers additional training for Lutheran ordinands and church workers preparing for service in the Lutheran church including the following:

  • Christian Education
    An introduction to theology and practice of teaching in the church. Pedagogical considerations of cognitive development and principle of sound educational practice are addressed. Practicums will provide an opportunity for teaching practice in supervised settings.
  • Homiletics
    An introduction of the art of the preparation and writing of homilies. Particular attention is given to the understanding of the Lutheran theology of proclamation, distinction of Law and Gospel and the function of preaching as a performative speech act. Attention is also given to the development of homilies in the context of the pericopal system of readings and the church year, and the preaching of occasional sermons. The practicum component will address the rhetorical art of preaching.
  • Lutheran Liturgy
    An introduction to the history and theology of Lutheran liturgy. This module will introduce students to the structure and components of the Divine Service and the Daily Offices in the Lutheran tradition, and the history and function of the church year, music and hymnody in Lutheran worship. The practicum component will address practical training in worship planning and the conduct of the liturgy.
  • Pastoral Practice
    This module addresses pastoral ministry in the Lutheran tradition from the perspective of the work of the pastor as Seelsorger (the care of souls). The proper use of the rites and resources of the church in pastoral care and pastoral ethics are emphasized.

Students from several partner institutions are also eligible to enroll in these modules.