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| LSTC began as a merger debacle. Now it rests in the bosom of Holy Mother Rome. |
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| "One sem to rule them all and in the darkness bind them." LSTC was sold to U. of Chicago for $19 million so they could sell their pipe organ and move to the fourth floor of a Catholic combination of their groups. |
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| Passavant bought the land that became Wrigley Stadium, moved to Maywood, and - OH NO! - merged with various small seminaries. |
Nothing is quite so hilarious as the solemn, empty declarations of the 21st century. The pompous United Lutheran Seminary announcement leaves one searching for meaning, unburdening the burdens that beset their weight.
February 27, 2025 - Let the trite declarations begin! CHICAGO and GETTYSBURG, PA. (Feb. 27, 2025) — The board of trustees of United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) has voted to transfer the institution’s endowment fund, valued at approximately $100 million, to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Foundation’s Endowment Fund Pooled Trust, also known as the Ministry Growth Fund. This strategic move aims to align the seminary’s financial resources with its mission and values, ensuring sustainable support for its educational and ministerial initiatives.
The Ministry Growth Fund is a long-term, stable and socially responsible endowment fund designed specifically for ELCA-affiliated ministries. With over $1 billion in assets under management, the fund offers participants the opportunity to collectively invest in a diversified portfolio that adheres to the ELCA’s guidelines for socially responsible investing.
By moving its endowment to the Ministry Growth Fund, ULS will benefit from stable, quarterly distributions to support the seminary’s mission of preparing leaders for the church, community and world. This decision reflects ULS’ commitment to responsible stewardship and its dedication to fostering spiritual leadership, public advocacy, impactful worship and care for neighbors.
“ULS is proud to partner with the ELCA Foundation, whose proven track record of prudent, socially conscious and effective financial management aligns with our values,” said Conor Brooks, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “As the stewards of resources entrusted by thousands of donors committed to raising future leaders for the church, we are confident that this decision will enhance the long-term impact of our endowment. This partnership empowers ULS to sustain and strengthen its mission, ensuring we continue forming faithful, innovative leaders for generations to come.”
Annette Shoemaker, interim president and CEO of the ELCA Foundation, welcomed ULS’ decision. “The Ministry Growth Fund exists to support and sustain the long-term financial health of ELCA ministries, and we are honored that United Lutheran Seminary has chosen to entrust their endowment to us,” Shoemaker said. “I look forward to seeing all the ways in which their commitment to theological education and leadership formation will continue to flourish through this partnership.”
ELCA's Broken Seminary System Sinking Fast
The infamous 2009 ELCA convention completed the errors of its 1988 birth. Men did not covet the strategic strategy; ELCA made it worse in every possible way. The seminaries were already shrinking faster than ever. "Discernment" meant they would find a new way to support the debacle.
The essence of Christianity is faith in Jesus Christ, so the ELCA embrace of The Sparkle Creed only accelerated their problems. I can look over the ELCA seminary list and point out the downward race. Endowments pile up but buildings demand people, like the eventual merger of seven (7) seminaries aligning at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Now they have one rented floor of a Catholic building where other dwindling groups also go to die.
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| Eaton took a six month leave of absence recently. |
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| Wouldn't Full Exclusion fit the ELCA style more effectively? This is the early poster for Elizabeth Eaton as ELCA's leader. |
The Big Five Apostates - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) are aligned much more closely than people imagine. Thrivent is not a Lutheran entity but a generic creation.
