I have a big announcement. Starting August 1, I will be the new Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation and Discipleship at Luther Seminary. This is a hybrid position that will serve both as a traditional professor who teaches seminary students and as a member of the Faith+Lead staff at the seminary. Faith+Lead is an organization that provides just-in-time learning experiences for passionate lay and ordained ministry leaders who want to grow in their capacity to live out a gospel witness in today’s cultures. I will be using my skills in digital media, art, and teaching to help grow the Faith+Lead Academy online.
A motto that guides my life is Following the Cloud. This motto came to me because it seems to be the way God leads. God led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt by showing up in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When the cloud moved, the people moved. It usually led them into strange and unexpected places. In the book of Acts, the cloud was the Holy Spirit who led the apostles into strange and unexpected places. The Spirit led Philip to talk to a Eunuch, led Peter to meet with a Roman Centurion, blocked Paul from Ephesus and led him north to Macedonia, and the list goes on.
The cloud has been leading me to this moment for a long time. Twenty-eight years ago I began my academic journey by attending Bethel Seminary for a Master’s Degree. My ultimate goal was to become a professor at a college or seminary, which requires a Ph.D. What I didn’t realize at that time was that God would first lead me through twenty-eight years of serving in the local church as a pastor along with getting a Ph.D. before I was ready to be a professor who teaches pastors.
The cloud has led me, and my family, on many wild adventures along the way. It led me from Chicago to Las Vegas to manage a group of artists on the Las Vegas strip. It led me from the art business to an Evangelical megachurch and from the megachurch to a house church. It led me from Las Vegas to Minnesota to be a free-lance artist again and the from free-lance art to being a pastor in the ELCA. It led me to a Ph.D. at Luther Seminary and finally to Easter Lutheran Church. Now, the cloud has led me to the role of professor where I can help equip the next generation of ministry leaders.
I ask that you pray for me and my family as we make this transition. I’m excited to see what God is unfolding before us and what we can become together.
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that’s amazing news!!
Thanks, Tripp. Great to hear from you on the blog. Thanks for being part of my theological journey by serving up the Zesty ingredients week after week. I’ve been a big fan since the beginning of HBC.
That is great news for you and your family! I really miss all of you! It was always a blessing to work with one of the Thomason’s for Garage Sale time or VBS or whatever! You and Alina have done a great job leading your family and being an inspiration for all of us that leave you both so much!
May God bless you all and keep following your cloud!
Thanks, Joy!
What a wonderful challenge! May your work continue to be a blessing!
Thank you, Sharon. It will be an exciting challenge.
What a wonderful and challenging opportunity to use your many gifts! Congratulations, Steve. My prayers will be with you and your family as you make this exciting transition.
Thank you for the note and for staying connected!
Well, well, Steve! This is exciting news indeed! From everything I’ve seen in all that God has made you to be and the expression of your passion through the website and your artistic gifts, I can’t wait to hear how God will use you in this new chapter! So, congrats! Don’t forget to keep up THIS important work!
Thanks, Robin. I get to join you in the teaching world! Thanks for staying connected.
That is awesome, Steve! I get your notes for the Tripp and JC podcast thing and I so appreciate them! I will be keeping you in my prayers for good things to come the Spirit’s lead! Blessings.
Thank you Jeanette!
Exciting news, Steve. Your unique talents will bring spice to the already vibrant community at Luther Seminary, as your creativity will also be enriched. Following the Cloud is such a beautiful life analogy.
Thanks, Dan. Good to hear from you.
Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing you in the Faith+Lead arena. I’ve only been part of the Lab for a few months and it is a great forum!
congrats Steve! you’ll be awesome at that. they are lucky to get you!
Thanks, Dave.
The cloud moving! Wow, blessings to you and the family. Will you be changing city or just job? May the Lord continue to be your teacher as you teach others!🙏❤️
We don’t have to move. Luther is in St. Paul.
Congratulations…a wonderful position for you, using so many of your gifts. They are fortunate to have you! Blessings on your new journey.
Thanks, Jan.
I could not be happier!!!