News
The latest news from LTS!
Saskatoon Theological Union appoints Doctor of Ministry Director
- Details
The Saskatoon Theological Union is delighted to announce the appointment of the Rev. Daranne Harris, PhD (candidate) as the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. She brings considerable expertise in both the practical and theoretical aspects of Christian ministry.
Rev. Harris is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Having served with the church’s humanitarian agency, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, in full-time and interim ministry with congregations in Alberta, and as Chief Mission Officer for a faith-based provider of long-term care, Rev. Harris is passionate about practical theology that informs people’s day-to-day experiences of God at work in their lives and the world. The STU community is blessed by her presence in our midst!
In Rev. Harris’s own words:
“I am eager to support current and future Doctor of Ministry students as they pursue research that integrates theology and practice in their ministry contexts. Such research is often not only reinvigorating for students, but also enriches the wider church as we seek to address critical needs and bear the gospel good news of renewal and hope in an ever-changing world.
This is an exciting time to join the Saskatoon Theological Union, which embodies an ecumenical richness that not only celebrates the uniqueness of its three distinct institutions, but also models collaboration that transcends denominational boundaries. The theological and cultural diversity within the STU provides a fertile ground for deep learning, reflection, and innovation. I look forward to sharing my passion for qualitative research and practical theology to advance these endeavours, supporting students as they engage in transformative projects that impact both their congregations and the wider community.”
Welcome, Rev. Harris!
Saskatoon Theological Union appoints first CFO and Registrar
- Details
It is with joy and anticipation that the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) welcomes Kristi Baxter into her new role as STU Chief Financial Officer, and Colleen Walker into her new role as STU Registrar. In their own words, Kristi and Colleen share this celebration as they offer their gifts to the wider ecumenical community of the STU.
From our CFO
“I am enjoying my work as the CFO for the three schools of the Saskatoon Theological Union. I joined St. Andrew’s College in May 2022 as their Chief Administrative Officer. In April 2023, I added the Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon Finance Manager portfolio to my work here and in January 2024 I began supporting the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. With my expanding support of the three colleges, it made sense to centralize the financial work of the STU into one position.
It has been enjoyable to work with—and to get to know—my colleagues across the three colleges. There is a real sense of cooperation and collaboration here, which is both encouraging and exciting. While my role is certainly a busy one, it is also manageable due to the support from the schools, and due to the fact that we have been working toward shared systems of administration for a while now.
As the STU integrates more closely in the months and years to come, I look forward to playing my part in shaping this effective and faithful community of theological education.”
From our Registrar
“I am excited to enter this new role of STU Registrar as it holds possibilities for more collaborative work across the three colleges of the STU. I look forward to continued development of common administrative practices and processes to guide the work in the Registrar’s office. I am pleased that I will have the opportunity to work closely with the faculty and staff of each college, increasing my knowledge base of the denominations, their traditions and ways of being.
The highlight for me this past year has been working alongside the college Registrars, Colleen Rickard and Lisa McInnis. I am thankful and grateful for their contributions to the development of this new role. Their commitment and care to the life of the STU and to their respective colleges is to be commended.
I believe this new phase in my work with the STU will bring excitement, challenges and rewards. I am glad to be on this journey together.”
Saskatoon Theological Union Announces First Co-Chairs
- Details
The Board of the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) recently held a special meeting to elect its first co-chairs, Ernie Barber and Marc Grenon.
There are nine members of the STU Board with three members from each of the three partners: The College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, and St. Andrew’s College:
- Audrey Roadhouse
- Derwin Crozier-Smith
- Ernie Barber
- Gordon Jensen
- Helen Kennedy
- Jason Zinko
- Marc Grenon
- Nancy Yee
- Richard Manley-Tannis.
Ernie brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to theological education. With a distinguished career in academia and administration, Ernie has been instrumental in advancing educational initiatives and fostering community engagement.
Marc, a respected leader with experience in both theological education and community service, joins Ernie in this new role. Marc's dedication to inclusive leadership and his vision for the future of theological education will be invaluable as the STU continues to grow and evolve.
This first election marks a significant milestone for the STU, underscoring its commitment to collaborative leadership and shared governance. Together, in concert with the STU Board, Ernie and Marc will strive to ensure that the mission of the STU is at the forefront of the work ahead.
As stated in Saskatoon Theological Union: A Covenant, “The Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) is committed to participating in God's transformative work in the world, sharing the good news of God' s love. Inspired by the Anglican, Lutheran, and United church heritages that we sustain, we prepare leaders to serve in lay, ordained, scholarly, and teaching roles in Northern, Western, and Pacific Canada and beyond.”
STU employment opportunity: Doctor of Ministry Program Director
- Details
The three partner colleges of the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) are seeking a Doctor of Ministry Program Director. The Director will lead the implementation of the STU’s cooperative Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program in collaboration with the DMin Committee of the Common Faculty of the STU. The successful applicant can work on-site or remotely.
The DMin Program Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to
- Maintaining accurate DMin student records
- Acting as a program advisor for DMin students
- Coordinating the recruitment of students from a broad ecumenical constituency
- Providing support to students and faculty project advisors
- Promoting and developing the DMin program
The ideal candidate will possess Doctoral Level Qualification in a relevant field. ABD candidates will also be considered.
For further details on specific responsibilities, desired qualifications, hours of work, and compensation, please refer to the attached document.
All inquiries and applications should be sent to Dea. Dr. Richard Manley-Tannis, STU Manager:
The deadline for applications is August 8, 2024.
Please refer to the attached document.
Rev. Dr. Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero Granted Tenure
- Details
On behalf of LTS, President William Harrison is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero, Grace Professor of Leadership, has been granted tenure, to take effect on July 1, 2024. Grant of tenure means that a faculty member now has permanent status with the school. With this step, LTS recognizes the extensive teaching and practical experience that Dr. Schiefelbein-Guerrero brings to our school, along with the substantial contribution that he has made in his time with us. We look forward to building a future together, as we imagine leadership in tomorrow's church and prepare our students to serve.
“I am very honoured by this public affirmation of my work in both the academy and the church,” says Dr. KSG, “and I thank the tenure committee, President Harrison, and the Board of Governors for their continual support. This recognition energizes my commitment to providing a strong Lutheran voice in the ecumenical context of western Canada and beyond.