In the world of painting and print art, the frame defines how the art piece interacts with its surrounding.  Thick, ornately carved and gilded frames seize your attention and shout that the piece of art is a force to be reckoned with.  A simple black frame presents a piece of art that politely invites you to integrate it into your life.  Frameworks are helpful in our faith life, as well.  Theological or philosophical frameworks provide a path to understand and integrate theology into our faith life and practice.  In the first morning of the Best Practices for Ministry (Feb. 13, 2025), selected faculty from the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership formation program (CMPL) and the Institute of Lutheran Theology share presentations that highlighted the biblical framework that shapes the applied learning environment of its programs.  The presentations highlight the power of the Word of God.

• Dennis Bielfeldt: “The Truth of Scripture in a Secularizing Church”
• Ben Haupt: "The Spring Bubbles Up Again: The Kingdom of God"
• Todd Jones: “Shepherding and the Bible”
• Bob Newton: “The Bible is for the World (not only the church)”
• Jim Marriott: “Misreading the Bible about Worship: Psalm 22:3”
• Jeff Kloha: “Reading the Mission-Focused Word of God”
• Erik Herrmann: "’Upon This Rock’: It's Not What You Think”