Classroom Upgrades Thanks to the LWMLC

Teaching theology and forming men for the holy ministry are decidedly text-based, physical endeavours. Seminary students read books and discuss their meaning with their teachers. They gather in the chapel for common worship, learning how to lead and growing in faith and piety. They drink coffee together after chapel and grow through their personal interactions.

But at CLTS we have an increasing number of students dipping into our community from a distance. While we don’t permit pastoral formation by fully online study, our pastoral students do occasionally take a course from a distance when sharing with our sister seminary in Edmonton or bringing in other outside experts. Illness and snow days sometimes force them to join from home. More significantly, we have laypeople across the country and around the world taking advantage of our Master of Theological Studies degree to grow in faith and knowledge and contribute more competently to the work of their churches.

In 2024 we therefore applied to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada for a “technology upgrade grant” to improve our ability to integrate distance students into our live classes. We made use of this grant to install a new internet and WiFi system after the change in our relationship with Brock University. We equipped one classroom with a new camera and sound equipment, and we provided two professors with tablets that function like a digital chalkboard.

We are also using this gift to prepare for the future. We have purchased video equipment that is being used to record interviews with students and graduates that will encourage a new generation of students to attend our fine seminary. The best encouragement for new students are these personal stories.

As a seminary of the church, we are completely dependent on our Lord’s gifts through the people of His church. We are deeply thankful that we have received such generous and ongoing support from the LWMLC and the other members of Lutheran Church–Canada.