Date of Award

2-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Practical Theology

First Advisor

Peter H. Nafzger

Scripture References in this Resource

Genesis 1:28; Romans 3:23–24; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Romans 6:1; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 5:1–2; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9; Romans 5:5; Galatians 2:21; Romans 6:14; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 18:21–22; Matthew 6:26–34

Abstract

Van Hattem, Sofia C. “Pardon and Power for the Christian Life: The Role of Grace in Youth Formation.” M.A. Thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2026. 70 pp. Raising young people in the Christian faith is one of the principal tasks of the Church. Yet, congregations continue to face the persistent reality of youth slowly disengaging and leaving their home churches. This ongoing problem is foundational and affects congregations throughout The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). This thesis addresses the importance of Christian youth formation by focusing on the core theological concept that shapes the Lutheran theology: grace. Founded on the Scriptures and the Confessions, this study argues that this twofold framework of grace—grace as pardon and grace as power—provides a balanced and in-depth understanding and application of God’s grace. This application of a fuller understanding equips young people with a pure understanding of the gospel and encourages them in their renewed lives and vocations found in Christ.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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