Information in English

Facilities

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.

Pastoralkolleg der VELKD: Amt der VELKD, Referat VIII
Oberkirchenrat Dr. Norbert Dennerlein
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 Seminary]

The Theologisches Studienseminar in Pullach was founded in 1959. It provides for supplementary theological training for the clergy in particular, as well as for other bearers of responsibility from the member churches of the VELKD. A further distinctive hallmark of the Theologisches Studienseminaris the provision of advanced training by persons in leading positions in the churches, 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 no small extent from Lutheran churches abroad. Three features are characteristic of the courses of study, which last from one to three week: 1. intensive theological study; 2. encounters and exchange regarding the various church situations; 3. a time of both theological and spiritual reflection and revitalization. The Theologisches Studienseminar is headed by Prof. Dr. Volker Weymann as Rector, together with the Director of Studies Dr. Matthias Rein.

Theologisches Studienseminar der VELKD,
Bischof-Meiser-Str. 6,
82049 Pullach,
Germany;
tel.: 089 / 744 85 29-0; fax: 089 / 774485-29-6
e-mail
Internet: www.velkd.de/Pullach

Gemeindekolleg [Center for Congregational Renewal]

The Gemeindekolleg opened its doors 1986 in Celle.

This institution provides the VELKD with 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 means of assistance with congregation-building. Even beyond the confines of the VELKD, the Gemeindekolleg has, through consultations, provided inspiration for congregation-building, as well as experiencing modifications of its own project work through contact with world mission partners in North America, Great Britain, and Scandinavia. Course offerings include such topics as "Starting anew", the "Thomas Eucharist", "Caring for the Dying". The Gemeindekolleg is directed by Rev. Rolf Sturm. Assistance is provided by Rev. Johannes Bilz and Rev. Elke Schölper in their capacity as theological consultants.

Gemeindekolleg der VELKD,
Berlinstr. 4-6,
29223 Celle;
tel.: 05141 / 530 14
fax: 05141 / 530 16
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 Leipzig University. It undertakes scientific research in the areas of liturgy and the history of liturgy. With its findings it benefits both theology and the formation of worship service. In addition the Institute devotes itself to liturgical training and advanced training. To this end it elaborates liturgical-didactical contributions, promotes the rising academic generation, and maintains contacts with other institutes and disciplines. The Institute is directed by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Ratzmann; exective secretary and scientific assistant is Rev. Dr. Irene Mildenberger.

Liturgiewissenschaftliches Institut,
Otto-Schill-Str. 2,
04109 Leipzig
tel.: 0341 / 9735 480/481
fax: 0341 / 9735 489
e-mail
Internet: www.velkd.de/Leipzig

Martin-Luther-Bund (MLB) [Martin Luther Associaton]
The Martin Luther Bund is a union of the "Gotteskastenvereine" set up in various parts of Germany from 1853 on. The task of this diaspora assistance organization of the VELKD is the support and relief of Lutheran Christians and Lutheran congregations in Latin America and Eastern Europe. The MLB is headed by President Oberkirchenrat (retd.) Claus-Jürgen Roepke. The director of the central office of this facility is General Secretary Kirchenrat Rev. Dr. theol. habil. Rainer Stahl.

Martin-Luther-Bund (MLB),
Fahrstr. 15,
91054 Erlangen
tel.: 09131 / 7870-0
fax: 09131 / 7870 35
e-mail
Internet: www.martin-luther-bund.de