We invite you to join one of United’s emerging Houses of Study. As Houses are developed and sufficient enrollment is reached, we will launch the new House of Study. This is a great opportunity to be a part of something new. Learn more about how United’s developing Houses of Study can equip you for ministry as you learn from an expert in the field.

If you are considering one of United’s Houses of Study, you may be eligible for the new House of Study Scholarship!

The Global Lutheran House of Study is a track to develop, equip, and train lay and pastoral leaders for the Global Lutheran church. The world is ever-changing, and there is a great need to develop the future leaders of our churches with leaders who not only understand the Historical Lutheran faith but see the necessity of revitalization and contextualization based on the church’s heritage, culture, and community. We hope that graduates formed in the Global Lutheran House of Study will be better equipped to serve the churches in our various traditions.

Students in Global Lutheran House of Study will explore:

• The Lutheran Confessions and faith
• Lutheran understanding of worship
• Our rich history in American and Global Church heritage
• Our rich Lutheran theology and how it has shaped the protestant church

*The establishment and maintenance of Houses of Study at United Theological Seminary are dependent on sufficient enrollment.

The Global Lutheran House of Study is Co-Directed by three Lutheran pastors who represent several Lutheran Church bodies from the American and Global Lutheran Church.

Rev. Dr. Richard Blue Jr. 

Dr. Richard Blue, Jr. is an experienced and passionate Lutheran pastor who brings a unique perspective to theological education. With undergraduate degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Lincoln Christian University, a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from The Institute of Lutheran Theology, Dr. Blue is a lifelong learner committed to integrated education.

As the Senior Pastor of Saint James Lutheran Church and an instructor in the contextual ministries program at United Theological Seminary, Dr. Blue is dedicated to equipping the next generation of church leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to serve in the global church. He understands the challenges of ministry in a postmodern context and enjoys sharing his practical ministry experience to help others reach the lost.

Dr. Blue is a devoted husband to Rev. Amanda Blue, who is also a Lutheran pastor and a graduate of United Theological Seminary. Together, they have two children and are passionate about serving their community and spreading the message of Christ’s love.

Rev. Daniel P. Landin

Dan Landin currently serves as the Pastor of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Holland, IN. He has also served parishes in Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and New York. He received his BA in Biblical Studies from Roberts Wesleyan University (formerly Roberts Wesleyan College) and his MDiv from Northeastern Seminary, both in Rochester, NY. He is an ordained priest in the Lutheran Orthodox Church (LOC) and is certified as Active Certified with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). He is married to his high school sweetheart, with whom he has three sons.

Rev. Dr. Thomas Thorstad, STS

Dr. Thorstad currently serves as the Lead Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Kirkland, IL. He is the director of Heart for Mission Laos/Thailand ministry of Awaking Lives for World Missions. Besides pastoral ministry, he has been active in global missions and cross-cultural ministry for over 15 years. He holds a ThD in Pastoral Theology from TECU (USA), an MTh in Biblical Studies from GTS (South Korea), and an MDiv (TCU- South Korea). He is currently working on a PhD in Historical Theology at the Institute of Lutheran Theology. He is married with three children.