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Danielle Dokman, Ph.D. Candidate – Monday, May 4, 2026 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. Gullixson Hall 103
The oral examination is a public event open to faculty, students, and staff; however, other than the candidate, only faculty members have speaking privileges. What is a Ph.D. oral defense? The oral defense is the final step before graduation for Ph.D. degree candidates. The student has finished all research and is presenting a thesis that is an original contribution to the field of scholarship. A copy of the completed thesis is available prior to the defense for those in the Luther Seminary community. Read “The Rebel Prophet and the Caribbean: Biblical Prophetic Ministry in a Neo-Colonial World”

On Tuesday May 5 from 11 a.m.–12:20 p.m. in the OCC Dining Room, join the ABIDE Inclusive Campus Climate Committee for a Lunch & Learn celebrating LGBTQ-inclusive ministries, and learning from the wisdom of a panel of LGBTQ+ pastors. In an era when LGBTQ+ rights and wellbeing are under increasing attack, the commitment of faith communities to practice inclusivity, care, and justice for and with LGBTQ+ people is a lifeline to many. This event will help you imagine what those ministries look like in specific communities now and in the days to come. Lunch is provided. All are welcome to attend. If you have questions, please contact Cody Sanders (csanders001@luthersem.edu). Also available via Zoom (link in email).

Students interested in learning more about the January 2027 Tanzania travel course are invited to a Zoom meeting on Thursday, April 30, 5–6 p.m. CT. Students logged into their Luther Seminary account can use the Zoom link shared in the daily email and on the shared Community Calendar. We will talk about itinerary, costs, travel arrangements, and course learning goals. If you are interested and cannot make the meeting, please email Kathryn Schifferdecker, kschiffer@luthersem.edu.

Students, staff, faculty—Are you visiting or working at a camp in summer 2026? If so, we would love to know about it and send you with some Luther swag to share with fellow staff and friends. Reach out to Jen Gruendler in Admissions (jgruendler001@luthersem.edu) to let her know.

Join us for the annual Day of Defense for students in the Leadership Division. These students are completing their program with capstone projects centered on a current issue in their concentration area. They will be giving 10-minute presentations, followed by 10 minutes of question-and-answer. These presentations are open to the public. Join us on Zoom (link in email) on May 18 at 8 a.m. CT to support our students.

In this devotion, Bill Boelter ’87 M.Div., says that Jesus guards against the pressures to be self-serving, over consumptive, and hateful toward our neighbor. Read today’s God Pause.