One time when Professor Stortz and I were having lunch together, we discussed the courses we would be offering in the next semester. She concluded, "Isn’t it incredible that we get to teach the things we love, work with students who care about stuff like Luther’s spirituality, and do it in this wonderful setting?" Indeed, I count being a part of this community a great blessing. The careful thought one must give to being Lutheran in an ecumenical environment enlivens my scholarly work and my life of faith. The cultural vitality of the Bay Area has helped me grow both more generous and more evangelical as a Christian. These opportunities to learn, learn, and learn some more make teaching all the more satisfying.

Academic and Professional History

BA, Vassar College; MDiv, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg; MA, PhD, University of Chicago; pastorate in Connecticut; Associate Professor of Church History, Luther Seminary; PLTS, 1996 - .

Special Service

Member, GTU Core Doctoral Faculty; ELCA delegate, Lutheran World Federation Eighth Assembly, Curitiba, 1990; Member, Lutheran-Orthodox Joint Commission, 1987-1997; Member, ELCA Department of Ecumenical Affairs Advisory Committee, 1992-; Author: "Martin Luther in Daily Readings," Spiritual Classics, ed. Paul Ofstedal, 1990; "Ministry in the Middle Ages and Reformation," Called and Ordained: Lutheran Perspectives on the Office of the Ministry, ed. Marc Kolden and Todd Nichol, 1990.

Papers Online

Wineskins (Sermon for PLTS Chapel, March 1, 2000. Mark 2:13-22)
PLTS Installation Address (September 18, 1996)

Contact

jstrohl@plts.edu
(510) 559-2720