Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work

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Hosted by the Concordia College Offutt School of Business, the 2021-22 Community Conversations of Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work will address "The Meanings of Work and Flourishing Life: Conversations at the Intersections."

April Conversation

Vocation at Work Today: What Is the Christian Calling?

A Conversation with Wanda Deifelt and Darby Kathleen Ray

7–8:30 p.m. CDT | Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Virtual and in-person event in Barry Auditorium; limited seating

Register

Work in America is changing in many and new ways. Workers face disruptions earlier generations did not know. Young people entering the workforce wonder what skills they should cultivate to earn predictable income and find fulfillment in vulnerable times. Long hours and fierce competition are constants many workers now question. They want more leisure and look for meaning beyond paid work. Only one third of Americans today are engaged with work and love what they do. The disengaged want to find better work. Work today challenges everyone seeking flourishing life. 

What is the work ethic of a Christian today? How should Christians respond to the realities of work — for themselves and others? What is the place of work — paid and unpaid — in the Christian life? What should it accomplish? What is meaningful work from a Christian perspective? What other social roles and responsibilities should Christians cultivate? How should Christians discern their callings?

You are invited to join a lively conversation about Christian life at work with two highly respected theologians and college educators on Christian vocation. 

Lorentzsen Center Mission

The Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work was reimagined in 2012, built on the foundation of the Center for Ethical Leadership under the direction of Dr. Jim Legler, professor emeritus of management and leadership.

Built on the legacy of critical thinking on ethical and values-based leadership on campus and in the Fargo-Moorhead community, the Lorentzsen Luncheons offer the opportunity to hear from a diverse array of speakers.

The center honors the life and work of the late Norman M. Lorentzsen, esteemed philanthropist, former CEO of Burlington Northern, alumnus of Concordia College, and former member and chair of its Board of Regents.

Interim Director

Dr. Per Anderson
Professor Emeritus of Religion, Concordia College
Interim Director, Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work

 

Dr. Per Anderson is professor emeritus of religion at Concordia following 35 years of teaching and administrative service at the college. He joined the faculty in 1986 after the study of philosophy and theology at St. Olaf College, Harvard University, and The University of Chicago. Anderson chaired Concordia’s religion department and participated extensively in faculty governance and institutional development. He led the college’s global learning program for 15 years.

 

In addition to his role as interim director of the Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work, Anderson serves on the board of directors of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and the Theological Ethics Advisors Working Group of the Office of the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He has participated continuously in institution building and thought formation of the ELCA and the Lutheran World Federation, including service as co-chair of an ELCA social statement task force on genetics. Anderson writes on Christian ethics with a focus on education and technology. He is currently working on a book on Lutheran higher education in the 21st century.

More Resources

Contact

Carol M. Hedberg
Office Assistant for Budgets and Events Offutt School of Business (Office)
P 218.299.3305
F 218.299.4277
E chedber3@cord.edu