This fall, I am taking two classes at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. One of those classes is called Being Lutheran in America. This class focuses on the history of the Lutheran Church on the North American Continent from the early colonial period to the present, learning about how various churches were formed and ultimately how the ELCA connects to churches from the past. This has already been a fascinating class for the six weeks I have been in it.

Lutherans today are not commonly known as being a very diverse lot. Indeed, the ELCA is one of the least diverse churches in the United States, coming in at 96% white. Interestingly though, I have learned that it was not always like this. Since the beginning of the Lutheran Church, once it had left Germany in the late 1500s/early 1600s, people of African descent have been a vital part of congregations with many serving as lay leaders and as pastors. Indeed, Lutherans of African descent can be traced back over 355 years! That makes me sit back and say wow! I never knew any of this. In fact, African-descent congregations and pastors were most prevalent in South Carolina and on the Island of Saint Thomas, in what is today the Virgin Islands. The Danish captains who colonized St. Thomas wanted to educate the African-descent population in Christianity in general and Lutheranism in particular. They educated all people, free or enslaved, although most were free at the time. And eventually, Lutherans of African descent outnumbered Lutherans who had come from Europe on the island! Lutherans of African descent were also fairly common in New York and Pennsylvania as well.

It is information like this that has been so helpful as I have taken this class. It is apparent that ecumenism, racial and ethnic diversity, and theological diversity has been a part of the Lutheran Church since the very beginning. This gives me great hope in thinking about the future of the Lutheran Church in the United States as we imagine new ways of being church while also imagining ways we can return to our roots. This class has been fascinating for me and I am enjoying it immensely. There is quite a bit of reading and writing involved but it is about a topic I am quite passionate about. I have learned fun facts like how the first Lutherans on the North American continent were not German and that many of the issues we face today in the Church were the same issues faced by our Lutheran ancestors centuries ago.

It is comforting to know that we have this lineage in the United States that can be traced back centuries. This shows that we are not alone. Indeed, we are surrounded by a communion of saints, those who have run the race before us, revealing that God has always been present and has always watched over Christ’s Church. As I stated previously, this gives me hope for the future and a deeper appreciation of the past.

If you would like to take a class at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, either for credit or as an audit (attending class without the homework) I would highly encourage you to do so. Trinity Lutheran Seminary is currently tuition free, meaning you can take classes for free! This is an incredible opportunity and I have found the seminary community to be immensely helpful as I continue my walk of faith. If you ever have any questions about seminary or what I am doing at seminary, feel free to ask! I would love to share my insight into the life of seminary.

Peace,
Vicar Jaren Summers