January 12 – February 20, 2026, Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. CST

Reading and analyzing a novel as a class is a cornerstone of intermediate and middle school instruction. To prepare students for high school and lifelong reading, we must teach them how to thoughtfully engage with an entire text (examining characters, themes, and authorial choices) while also nurturing their excitement for story. But how do we select novels that challenge students academically, support strong literacy growth, and also provide opportunities for meaningful, faith-centered discussion? How do we identify books that both enrich students’ understanding of literature and allow for natural connections to Scripture and the Christian life? In this course, we will explore best practices for choosing novels for grades 3–8 with intentional Christian discernment. Together, we will examine how to evaluate texts through a Biblical lens, how to recognize and utilize moments of faith intersectionality, and how to guide students toward thoughtful reflection grounded in Lutheran theology. You’ll leave with practical strategies, curated resources, recommended reading lists, and ready-to-use tools you can immediately implement in your classroom. This course may be taken as a stand-alone or as part of the Children’s Literature and Christian Faith Formation certificate program. 

Individuals affiliated with eligible preferred partner organizations receive exclusive tuition discounts for Concordia Nebraska Studia Vitae courses. Please visit cune.edu/partnerdiscount to view a list of current preferred partners and verify your membership to receive your discount code.

January 12 – February 20, 2026, Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. CST

This course, designed for new teachers in Lutheran schools, but open to all, provides learners with a solid foundation of the multi-century and global legacy of Lutheran schools. Participants will learn what is distinct about Lutheran schools, and what it means to be an engaged teacher or leader in a Lutheran school. Six sessions will include topics like the history and legacy of Lutheran schools, what it takes to be a faithful and flourishing Lutheran school, what is distinct about Lutheran schools and how to be active and engaged in advancing the mission of your Lutheran school. This can be completed as a stand-alone course or as part of a four-course Foundations of Lutheran Education Certificate.

Course Objectives

• Describe the legacy and distinctives of Lutheran education. 
• Explain what characterizes a faithful and flourishing Lutheran school. 
• Use these insights to inform school culture, climate, traditions and practices. 
• Support and amplify the mission and culture of the Lutheran school community.

Individuals affiliated with eligible preferred partner organizations receive exclusive tuition discounts for Concordia Nebraska Studia Vitae courses. Please visit cune.edu/partnerdiscount to view a list of current preferred partners and verify your membership to receive your discount code.

January 12 – February 20, 2026, Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. CST

In this course, participants explore timeless leadership principles grounded in Scripture and classical wisdom. This includes sessions on leading as learning from and meditating upon God’s Word, leading as stewardship of God’s gifts and resources, the loving leader, the praying leader, leading with wisdom and justice and leading with courage. Each session is informed by one or more core biblical passages and connected to the real-world joys and challenges of leadership. This can be taken as a stand-alone course or as part of the Classical Christian Leadership Certificate program. 

Course Objectives

• Apply God’s Word to leadership practice. 
• Use prayer and Scripture for guidance in decision-making. 
• Apply biblical insight on wisdom, justice, love and courage in leadership roles. 
• Assess personal leadership in light of biblical teaching.

Individuals affiliated with eligible preferred partner organizations receive exclusive tuition discounts for Concordia Nebraska Studia Vitae courses. Please visit cune.edu/partnerdiscount to view a list of current preferred partners and verify your membership to receive your discount code.

January 12 – February 20, 2026, Mondays, 7:00 p.m. CST

Designed to support leaders whose responsibilities includes fundraising, this course offers a biblical foundation for thinking about and approaching fundraising and advancement work. We explore the topic through biblical themes of the generosity of God, stewardship, generosity, wealth, partnership in the Gospel, and legacy. By the end of this course, participants are likely to discover that fundraising and advancement work is inspiring and mission-minded work that God uses to support His work in schools, churches, and other Christ-centered organizations. This can be taken as a stand-alone course or as part of the Fundraising and Philanthropy for Christian Organizations Certificate.

Course Objectives

• Explain biblical principles that shape Christian fundraising and philanthropy. 
• Apply biblical themes of generosity, stewardship, wealth, partnership in the Gospel and legacy to advancement work. 
• Explore how your Christian faith can inform practical fundraising habits and strategies. 
• View fundraising as a form of Christian service that supports God’s work through Christian organizations.

Individuals affiliated with eligible preferred partner organizations receive exclusive tuition discounts for Concordia Nebraska Studia Vitae courses. Please visit cune.edu/partnerdiscount to view a list of current preferred partners and verify your membership to receive your discount code.

January 12 – February 20, 2026, Mondays, 7:00 p.m. CST

High-impact Christian schools are places where the mission shapes every part of the day, and that includes the athletic and extracurricular programs. In this six-week course, participants will learn about the long and inspiring legacy of using sport and athletics as a means of cultivating character and nurturing faith, the role of coach as Christian model and mentor, establishing a Christ-centered climate and culture for your team, and how to nurture the character and faith of student athletes. This can be taken as a standalone course or as part of the Certificate in Sport & Faith Formation.

Course Objectives

• Describe the role of sport in Christian formation and discipleship. 
• Apply faith-informed principles to coaching and team leadership.
• Create athletic/tam cultures and climates that nurture spiritual growth and character. 
• Integrate sport and faith practices in daily team life.

Individuals affiliated with eligible preferred partner organizations receive exclusive tuition discounts for Concordia Nebraska Studia Vitae courses. Please visit cune.edu/partnerdiscount to view a list of current preferred partners and verify your membership to receive your discount code.