The Pastoralkolleg was founded in 1956 as an advanced training facility of the VELKD for clergy persons of the member churches. In addition guests from the Lutheran churches throughout Europe are invited to the pastoral seminary on a regular basis. It exists alongside the advanced training facilities of the member churches and has the task of promoting fellowship among the cooperating churches and improving the general awareness of conditions in the member churches. For this reason the pastoral seminar takes place in a different regional church each year. The topics are taken from central issues of the hosting church, whereby the overarching ecclesiastical significance of these issues is elaborated during the one-week pastoral seminar. The staff of the pastoral seminary consists of the director, Prof. Dr. Reinhard Schmidt-Rost (Chair of Practical Theology at Bonn University), and the responsible advisor in the Lutheran Church Office, Oberkirchenrat Dr. Norbert Dennerlein.
At the end of 2010 terminated the Pastoralkolleg its activities. For further information please turn to the Lutheran Church Office
Pastoralkolleg der VELKD
Amt der VELKD, Referat VIII
Herrenhäuser Str. 12
D-30419 Hannover
tel.: +49 (0) 511 - 27 96-439
fax: +49 (0) 511 - 27 96-182
e-mail
Theologisches Studienseminar [Theological Study Seminary]
The Theologisches Studienseminar in Pullach was founded in 1959. It provides supplementary theological training for clergy of member churches of the VELKD. A further distinctive hallmark of the Theologisches Studienseminar is the provision of advanced training for church leaders, e.g. superintendents, synodal members, personnel administrators, as well as theologians in leading positions in caritative and social work. In a number of courses there is participation by churches of the GNC/LWF, as well as by other churches of the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) [Evangelical Church in Germany], and also to some extent from Lutheran churches abroad. Three features are characteristic of the study courses, which last from one to three weeks: 1. intensive theological study; 2. encounters and exchange regarding the various church contexts; 3. a time of both theological and spiritual reflection and revitalization. The Theologisches Studienseminar is headed by Dr. Matthias Rein as Rector, together with the Director of Studies Dr. Rüdiger Gebhardt.
Theologisches Studienseminar der VELKD
Bischof-Meiser-Str. 6
82049 Pullach
Germany
tel.: 089 / 744 85 29-0
fax: 089 / 744 85 29-6
e-mail
Internet: http://www.velkd-pullach.de
Gemeindekolleg [Center for Congregational Renewal]
The Gemeindekolleg opened its doors in 1986. For the VELKD it forms an instrument for the contextual implementation of the mission of the church. The Gemeindekolleg has made a major contribution to the promotion of fellowship in the VELKD. Especially after 1989 the Gemeindekolleg took on an important integrative task in the member churches of the former German Democratic Republic by assisting in congregation-building. Even beyond the confines of the VELKD, the Gemeindekolleg has, through consultations, provided inspiration for congregation-building. It has also experienced modifications of its own project work through contact with world mission partners in North America, Great Britain, and Scandinavia. Courses offered include such topics as “Starting anew”, the “Thomas Eucharist”, “Caring for the Dying”. Until middle of the year, the Gemeindekolleg is led by Director Rev. Dr. Annegret Freund together with Rev. Dr. Christoph Burba and Rev. Christian Stasch. Rev. Dr. Reiner Knieling will follow Dr. Freund as director.
Gemeindekolleg der VELKD
Zinzendorfplatz 3
99192 Neudietendorf
Germany
tel: 036202 / 7720 100
fax: 036202 / 7720 106
e-mail
Internet: www.gemeindekolleg.de
Liturgiewissenschaftliches Institut Leipzig [Leipzig Institute of Liturgical Studies]
The Liturgiewissenschaftliches Institut was founded in 1993 at the faculty of theology of the University of Leipzig. It undertakes scientific research in the areas of liturgy and the history of liturgy. Its work benefits both theology and the formation of worship service. In addition the Institute devotes itself to advanced liturgical training. To this end it elaborates liturgical-didactical contributions, promotes the rising academic generation, and maintains contacts with other institutes and disciplines. Since April 2011 the Institute is directed by Prof. Dr. Alexander Deeg; Rev. Dr. Irene Mildenberger is executive secretary and scientific assistant.
Liturgiewissenschaftliches Institut
Otto-Schill-Str. 2
04109 Leipzig
Germany
tel.: 0341 / 9735 480/481
fax: 0341 / 9735 489
e-mail
Internet: http://www.velkd.de/Leipzig
Martin-Luther-Bund (MLB) [Martin Luther Federation]
Diaspora work of the VELKD
The Martin Luther Bund is a union of the ”Gotteskastenvereine” set up in various parts of Germany from 1853 on. On a constitutional basis it is linked to the VELKD for its assistance of the Lutheran Diaspora. It provides Lutheran Christians and Lutheran congregations in Latin America and Eastern Europe with support and relief. The MLB is headed by President Regionalbischof Dr. Hans-Martin Weiss; General Secretary is Rev. Dr. theol. habil. Rainer Stahl.
Martin-Luther-Bund (MLB)
Fahrstr. 15
91054 Erlangen
Germany
tel.: 09131 / 7870-0
fax: 09131 / 7870-35
e-mail
Internet: www.martin-luther-bund.de