Explore & Reconnect

Explore Courses

Exciting and accessible lifelong learning at LTSS. Reconnect with LTSS faculty, meet a new generation of seminarians – and don't worry about grades.

Three LTSS students listening to professor in a classroom

As a seminary alum, you know how meaningful the classroom experience was to your formation. Now, through our Explore courses, you can continue that experience with online or live-streamed classes taught by LTSS faculty.

You can learn something new, meet a new generation of seminarians and not worry about grades.

  • All classes are eligible for CEU credit. We’ll document your attendance for you.
  • Simple enrollment process with a $300 audit fee.
  • Choose between in-person or live-streaming participation.
  • Attend as many meetings as you like — up to 15 hours for each course.
  • New courses are offered every semester. Previous topics include “Readings in Luther,” “Violence in Scripture,” “Readings in Flannery O’Connor” and “The Land and the Church.” 

Fall 2025 Course Options

  • MIN 681 Lutheran Polity
    In this class, the Rev. Dr. Justin Nickel will help you develop your skills in vision and mission development, finances and risk management, council and committee organization, staff and volunteer motivation, job descriptions and evaluations, record keeping and administration. Class meets Thursdays at 2:00-2:50 PM beginning August 28.

  • MIN 504 Spiritual Practices
    The Rev. Dr. Melanie Dobson will lead this holistic study of the Christian life. You’ll be prepared to lead and teach spiritual disciplines in ministry settings and practice spiritual disciplines in diverse small-group settings. Class meets Thursdays 8:30-9:20 a.m. beginning August 29. 

  • THL 681 Experiencing Monastic Spirituality, Liturgy, and Life
    Students will learn the history, tradition, and practice of Christian monasticism with the Rev. Dr. Melanie Dobson. After building a foundation, students will participate in an embodied experience of monastic life through a silent retreat on Oct. 5 at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, NC. This course includes an in-person requirement and will incur costs for lodging and food during the retreat.

Registration

If you have any registration-related questions, please contact Brent Driggers, Ph.D., associate dean for academic programs, at brent.driggers@lr.edu.

Registration Instructions

  • Go to our application page
  • Create an account under "First-Time Users"
  • Choose to create a new Non-Degree Application
  • Select the “Enrichment (audit)” program and fall 2024 start
  • Describe your preferred courses as follows:
    • CHS 618 (Section 01) LTSS Alumni Unplugged (Campus: LTSS)
    • MIN 504 (Section 01) Spiritual Practices (Campus: LTSS)
    • MIN 681 (Section 01) Lutheran Polity (Campus: LTSS)
  • Enter institution code 5365 Lenoir-Rhyne University
    • Please do not select “LR-LTSS” 
    • We will upload your transcript for you, even if you graduated pre-merger.
  • Complete the remaining background information and verification statements
  • Add electronic signature and submit the application
  • Pay $50 deposit
  • Await further email instructions for creating school email account and accessing course materials.
Online Registration