United Lutheran Seminary Educational Series

Mosaic has partnered with Kindling Faith, a program of United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in an educational series to empower church leaders in ministering effectively alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The educational opportunity is open to seminarians, lay leaders, and rostered leaders representing all denominations.

As part of the program, seminarians, pastors, priests, deacons, and lay leaders participate in a five-month online cohort where they will meet with Mosaic subject matter experts to explore key areas of ministry, such as grief, worship, education, advocacy, and behavioral supports. Each subject is studied through the perspectives of individuals with IDD, their families, guardians, and the congregations in which they belong.

Second course available to seminarians

In addition to the Kindling Faith online cohort, seminarians pursuing degrees, such as the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts Master of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Ministry, can enroll in a 42-hour intensive course taught by staff from United Lutheran Seminary and Mosaic.

The course adopts a multifaceted approach to understanding and supporting the IDD community. Students will engage with films that vividly depict stories and experiences, participate in direct, in-person interactions with members of the IDD community and their guardians, and converse with subject matter experts. The curriculum also includes field trips and “mission moments” that offer practical exposure, while compelling readings are assigned to help deepen knowledge and empathy.

The curriculum provides a historical overview of the IDD community, establishing necessary context for contemporary ministry. Key areas of focus include ethics, advocacy, worship, grief, behavioral supports, education, and pastoral care. The course also briefly examines cross-cultural differences in IDD care, with particular attention to “Becoming a Caring Community,” Mosaic’s companion in Tanzania.

“There are very few educational programs designed specifically for congregational ministry with and alongside persons with developmental disabilities. We are hoping that these courses fulfill a great need.”

Rev. Dr. Martin Zimmann, Director of Kindling Faith in emphasizing the uniqueness of the initiative.

Click here for more information on Kindling Faith. Registration for the online seminar with Mosaic is open until the end of December 2025.