Testing the Spirits: How Theology Informs the Study of Congregations

In this volume seven scholars provide a helpful map for charting a number of the shifts at the intersection of theological education and congregational development, offering readers keen insights into how to navigate their complexities. Theological educators, seminary students, pastors, and denominational officials and staff will find in these pages substantive biblical and theological perspectives that help to frame specific approaches to moral deliberation and decision-making within congregations -- and through congregations for the sake of the world. 

Contributors: Ronald W. Duty
Pat Taylor Ellison
David Fredrickson
Donald Juel
Patrick Keifert
Lois Malcolm
Gary Simpson

Patrick Keifert (d. 2026) was professor emeritus of systematic theology at Luther Seminary. He founded the Church Innovations Institute, which is now part of the Center for Church Innovation. He held a PhD from the University of Chicago and was ordained in the ELCA. His publications include We Are Here Now: A Missional Journey of Spiritual Discovery and Welcoming the Stranger: A Public Theology of Worship and Evangelism. 

Craig Van Gelder is professor emeritus of congregationalmission at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. His otherbooks include The Missional Church inPerspective and The Ministry of the MissionalChurch.,