Leading Lutheran Worship

Why do we worship? What brings us together, hungry for God's word and the very presence of Christ? Join Pastor Kari as we embark together on a quest for a deeper understanding of Christian worship.

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Leading Lutheran Worship

This course is part of the Pasque Pathway for Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs): a flexible, accessible learning journey that equips lay leaders with the theological grounding, practical skills, and confidence needed to serve faithfully in their local ministry contexts.

1. Introduction to the "Gathering"
2. The "Gathering," with Bishop Kreiss
3. Reflect, Respond, Discuss
4. Planning and Leading Worship "Gathering"
1. Introduction to the "Word"
2. The "Word," with Bishop Kreiss
3. Reflect, Respond, Discuss
4. Planning and Leading Worship "Word"
5. Going Deeper
1. Introduction to the "Meal"
2. The "Meal," with Bishop Kreiss
3. Reflect, Respond, Discuss
4. Planning & Leading "The Meal"
5. Going Deeper
1. Introduction to the "Sending"
2. The "Sending," with Bishop Kreiss
3. Reflect, Respond, Discuss
4. Planning and Leading the "Sending"
5. Going Deeper
1. Post-Course Survey
2. Congratulations!
1. ELW Resources for Other Worship Service
2. Service of the Word
3. Services Without Communion
4. Morning Prayer (downloadable)
5. Evening Prayer (downloadable)
6. Night Prayer (downloadable)
7. Worship Planning Calendar 2026 (Downloadable)
8. Sundays & Special Days 2026 Calendar (downloadable)
9. Copyright Guidelines

Learning & Leading as a SAM

$50.00
34 lessons
Teaching videos and audio presentations explore the fundamentals of Christian worship.
In-depth book study with reflection opportunities to challenge your thinking about the essential elements of Christian worship.

Bishop Donald Kreiss

Bishop, Southeast Michigan Synod

The Rev. Dr. Donald P. Kreiss, Detroit, serves as the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Kreiss has served as bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod since 2011. Prior to becoming bishop, he served as pastor of Antioch Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills, Mich., from 1999 to 2011, and King of Glory Lutheran Church in Flushing, Mich., from 1992 to 1997. The bishop earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., in 1983 and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1992. The teaching videos for this course are licensed through Church Next, an online Christian learning platform.

Rev. Kari Webb

Director of Digital Community and Learning

[email protected]

Former educator and lifelong learner, Kari bears witness to the persistence of God's call to church ministry. Kari took the "long path" toward ordination. But God doesn't pay much attention to age, career or timelines. Kari is drawn to the story of Nicodemus in John's gospel. He asks Jesus "How can anyone be born after having grown old?" and Jesus spins a tale about wind and water and Spirit. Pastor Webb is beyond joyful that the wind of God's Spirit has brought her into service in the South Dakota Synod where, like Nicodemus, she continues to ask with wonder, "How can these things be?"