Post-Seminary Applied Learning & Support

Study topics and training videos

Study Topics

The PALS program has developed a series of video/workbook courses organized around three main categories of modules: Preaching/Teaching, Pastoral Care, and Administration/Leadership. Groups should choose at least one topic from each of these categories each year.

In addition, there are two course offerings intended to be done early in the first year of participation as they focus specifically on the transition from seminary to parish. These are “Transition from Seminary to Parish” and “Getting to Know Your New Congregation.”

PALS Course Descriptions

Video previews are available for select standard study topics.

• Course description PDF     • Download all study guides

• Transition Topics
• • Faith to Follow: Transition from the Call to the Church — by Kate Meadows
    *recently added*
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
      » Video Session 1
      » Video Session 2
      » Video Session 3
      » Video Session 4
      » Video Conclusion
  • Getting to Know Your New Congregation — by Rev. John Hirsch (Revised by Carrie O’Donnell)
      » Study Guide (PDF)
  • Transition from Seminary to Parish (for Pastors) — by William Knippa
      » Study Guide (PDF)
  • Transition from Seminary to Parish (for Pastors’ Wives) — by William Knippa
      » Study Guide (PDF)
  • Transition: Seminary to Urban & Inner City or Rural & Small Town — by Rev. Dr. Steven Schave and Rev. Todd Kollbaum
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
      » Video Session 1
      » Video Session 2
      » Video Session 3

• Preaching/Teaching
• • Biblical Foundations for Lutheran Catechesis — by Rev. John T. Pless.
  • Pastor: Apt to Teach — by Dr. Mark Blanke
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
  • Pastor as Preacher/Teacher: “Law and Gospel” — by Rev. George F. Wollenburg
  • Pastor as Preacher/Teacher: “Doing Law and Gospel Preaching” — by Dr. Carl Fickenscher
  • Preaching as Pilgrimage — by Dr. David R. Schmitt
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
  • Preaching: The Heart and the Art — by Dr. David R. Schmitt
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction

• Pastoral Care
• • Conflict Resolution vs. Reconciliation — Ambassadors of Reconciliation
  • Every One His Witness — by Rev. Mark Wood (CPH discussion guide by Rev. Dr. James Baneck)
  • Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries between Work and Home — by Rev. David C. Fleming and Mrs. Jo Marie Fleming
      » Study Guide (PDF)
  • Holding up the Prophet’s Hand (Discussion Guide for Pastors and Pastors’ Wives) — by Rev. Rob Foote
      » Study Guide (PDF)
  • Holding up the Prophet’s Hand (Discussion Guide for Pastors’ Wives) — by Rev. Rob Foote
      » Study Guide (PDF)
  • Making Pastoral Referrals with Confidence — by Dr. Beverly Yahnke
      » Study Guide: Part 1 (PDF)
      » Study Guide: Part 2 (PDF)
  • Marriage by God’s Design (DVD Kit) — by Tim and Lee Ann Radkey, CPH
  • Parenting in the Pew (Discussion Guide) — by Carrie O’Donnell
      » Study Guide (PDF)
  • Pastoral Care and Ethics at Life’s End — by Prof. John T. Pless
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
  • Pastoring the Dying and Funeral Preparation — by Rev. Daniel T. Torkelson
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
  • Premarital Pastoral Counseling and Cohabitation — by Dr. Rick Marrs and Dr. Kevin Bergmann
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
  • Responding to Sexual Temptation in a High Tech Society — by Ambassadors of Reconciliation
  • Sexual Morality in a Christless World (Book Study) — by Matthew Rueger, CPH
  • The Pastor’s Life of Prayer — by Rev. Dr. James A. and Mrs. Myrna Baneck
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
      » Video Session 1 — Beggars: The Pastor’s Faith and Life
      » Video Session 2 — Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio: The Pastor’s Spiritual Warfare
      » Video Session 3 — Vocation: Prayer Life of the Pastor and Family
      » Video Session 4 — Habitus: Resources and Practice for the Pastor’s Life of Prayer
      » Video Conclusion
  • Visitation: Getting to Know Your Flock/Calling on Inactive Members — by Rev. Michael Walther

• Administration/Leadership
• • Building a Long-Term Ministry — by Rev. Dr. Gary Zieroth
      » Study Guide (PDF)
  • Introduction to Pastoral Leadership and Parish Administration — by Rev. Dr. Jamison J. Hardy
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
  • Leading Positive Change in Congregations — by Rev. Dr. David Peter
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
  • Pastors and Elders — by Rev. Timothy Mech, CPH
  • Pastor as Chief Steward — by Rev. Wayne J. Knolhoff
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
  • Stewardship of Time for Pastors — by Rev. Ralph Blomenberg
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction
  • Thinking About Stewardship — by Dr. Joel D. Biermann
      » Study Guide (PDF)
      » Video Introduction

If a facilitator plans to use materials which are not produced by the PALS program or to invite an outside speaker to present on a topic and expects reimbursement, please contact the PALS office first to make sure these expenses fit within the projected budget.