In this three-part video series, Dr. Deanna Thompson , author of The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World and Director of The Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community at St. Olaf College, engages three Christian leaders in wondering what Christian community looks like following the pandemic.
Episode One
In the first installment of this series, Dr. Thompson speaks with Reverend Ingrid Rasmussen. The pair discuss their learnings from virtual worship and community building during 2020-21, and also what it has meant to be a spiritual leader in the wake of the tragic killings of George Floyd and Daunte Wright.
Episode Two
In this episode, Dr. Thompson and Reverend Augustin Muthusami discuss the ways this past year has shaped theology, worship, and pastoral practice for the times ahead. Rev. Muthusami is Chair of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia’s Faith and Order Commission and Pastor at Luther House Chapel. Dr. Thompson and Rev. Muthusami spoke in a webinar hosted by the Lutheran World Federation called Real Presence in Digital Church earlier this year.
Episode Three
In the final episode of this series, Dr. Thompson speaks with Dr. Diana Butler Bass –– an award-winning author, popular speaker, and inspiring preacher.
In April 2020, Dr. Thompson spoke with Dr. Butler Bass in a conversation called "The Body of Christ Made Known on Zoom." This conversation sparked unexpected controversy as many denominational leaders still resist the practice of communion online. One year later, the two meet again on Zoom to take stock in the work that has been done.
