As the Spring semester at the Lutheran School of Theology progresses, students continue deepening their knowledge of topics essential to their formation as church workers. One of the courses they focused on this semester was Introduction to Church History. Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, returned for his second time to the LST to teach the course.

Introduction to Church History included extensive reading and provided students with an overview of the Christian Church's history from the early apostles to the present. Students learned about key events, figures, and movements that have shaped the Church’s beliefs, practices, and influence on society. The goal of this course was to provide a general understanding of Church history as it relates to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. This helps students better understand our theology and confession, enabling them to refute past errors and heresies that still plague us today.

In this letter, you will find Rev. Ogrodowicz’s thoughts on his time at the LST, and you will also get to know one of our current students, Emmanuel Bizimana. Besides sharing about himself, he explains what he took away from the Church History class.

Invigorating for the Pastoral Heart

“After teaching at the LST in March 2025, I didn’t plan on returning within the year to do it again. But it happened by the grace of God, which alone shows what I think about teaching at the LST: I loved it enough to come back.

“I had the honor of teaching Survey of Church History to ten students from diverse backgrounds and countries. Nine are preparing for the Holy Ministry, while one aspires to become a deaconess. These students were not only strong academically but also eager to learn. Since a survey course naturally moves quickly, one student expressed his desire to explore certain areas more deeply. It’s a positive sign when students want a deeper understanding of topics that they find interesting.

“Beautiful Kenya had sunny weather and strong breezes at a school tucked at the foot of the stunning Ngong Hills. This does wonders for the soul, inundated by all the heavy pastoral duties tied to ministry in the West. I lectured about three hours a day, preached both Sundays, conducted two enjoyable pericope studies with Pastor May and Dr. Schulz, and even had the chance to teach the Small Catechism at the local public school. This is work, to be sure, but there’s something uplifting about doing it across the world in a beautiful land where life moves at a slower pace on unpaved roads, people greet you during walks, and eager students with thick accents in broken English sacrifice so much to attend this place to learn the Word of God—it’s invigorating for the pastoral heart.

“I thank God that I came and pray the LST will remain a place that continues to train confessional, Lutheran pastors used by our gracious God to bring His Gospel to those precious souls in Kenya and beyond.”

-Rev. Ryan J. Ogrodowicz

Emmanuel Bizimana, “Why Had I Not Died?”

Emmanuel Bizimana, from Rwanda, is enrolled in the Certificate in Evangelistic Training program. He is married and has four children. Emmanuel shares, “I was born into a poor, uneducated, nonbelieving family. In my childhood, I faced a very difficult life, including living as a street child and feeling hopeless. Although it was extremely hard, I managed to finish primary school and then put myself through secondary school, passing all my exams. Due to a lack of funds, I could not attend university even though I qualified. As a result, I entered a very dark period in my life and started to wonder why I had not died like many others. To support myself and later my family, I started working as a carpenter.

How Many Works Are Enough?

“My journey to becoming a Christian started when I began attending a Roman Catholic Church. However, I did not agree with their teachings. I then became a Pentecostal, but the same issue persisted. I kept asking myself, “How many good works must I do to earn salvation?” Later, God led me to attend a Lutheran church conference where Bishop Seburikoko Celestin taught that a person receives salvation not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ. In his message, I found what I had been missing. That is how I became a Lutheran Christian. I headed to the LST to study Lutheran theology so that I can share it with others.

Studying Past Mistakes to Oppose Heresies

“I learned about church history from Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz. He is a humble teacher who explains points thoroughly. We studied the lives and works of influential church fathers, including St. Augustine of Hippo, a North African bishop. It was a privilege to learn about St. Augustine’s contributions to defending Orthodox views against heresies and strengthening the foundation of true Christian Church doctrine. He authored books such as The Confessions and The City of God, and his teachings on original sin, divine grace, free will, and salvation were crucial to Western theology and greatly influenced Reformation leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther.

"We examined Dr. Luther’s contributions, such as his 95 Theses, which criticized indulgences and sparked debate. He taught the doctrine of justification by faith, opposing works-based salvation. In class, topics like original sin, baptism, communion, the Trinity, predestination, the authority of Scripture over tradition, pastoral care, and more were taken up — all within the context of Church History, emphasizing how learning from past mistakes helps us oppose heresies and stay firm in our faith.

Taking LST Teachings Home

“Life here at the Lutheran School of Theology is wonderful in every way—learning well, eating well, and sleeping well. Special thanks to my School Director, Rev. James May, and everyone who has helped me with school and family life. The things I learn here, such as Luther’s Small Catechism and his writings that all Christians should proclaim the Gospel, have encouraged me when I return home during semester breaks. During the last break, I shared the Gospel by teaching the Small Catechism. The Holy Spirit worked, and a Pentecostal couple was converted and confirmed as members of the Lutheran church. They also brought their three children to be baptized. I know there is a larger group of children waiting for the same, and I look forward to witnessing their baptism next time I travel home.”

We thank God for His work through our professors and students! May the Holy Spirit continue to call those they reach with the Gospel, enlighten, sanctify, and keep them in the true faith!

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