I am Jodi Hanson, the Director of Faith Builders for the South Dakota Synod, ELCA. I am an Associate in Ministry and am delighted to be working with this innovative program, which I have been doing in a half-time capacity since February 2001. Faith Builders is an adult education program to support growth in faith, knowledge, and leadership in the synod. Faith Builders hosts two core courses per year and a number of additional electives. Anyone is welcome to take a Faith Builders class. Our hope is that participants will take Faith builders courses for at least one of three reasons:

• For personal interest and growth in faith and knowledge
• As a way to explore a sense of call to a professional vocation in ministry
• And as a commitment to develop as a lay leader by entering the Parish Assistant certification process.

By the grace of God this hope is being fulfilled. Many people have taken courses for personal interest, new people are entering the candidacy process for professional ministry specifically because of their experience with Faith Builders, and many more have committed themselves to the development of the leadership through the Parish Assistant certification process. It is inspiring and rewarding to be working with adult learners.

Before moving to Sioux Falls in July 2000, I served as campus minister at three different university campuses in Wisconsin between 1986 and 2000. I am also a spiritual director, retreat leader, and educator. I live in Sioux Falls with my husband Andy Vos. I have 2 young adult daughters who are a joy in my life. The other half of my employment is through Select Multimedia Resources (ELCA). I am the Director of Online Courses. These are theological courses that can be used for continuing education or for preparation for Associate in Ministry Candidacy. For more information about Select Multimedia Resources check out http://www.elca.org/select/ and www.selectlearning.org.

For more information about Faith Builders go to http://faculty.augie.edu/~faithbuilders/. Here you will find our general brochure, documents for the Parish Assistant program, and current courses.

If you have any questions about Faith Builders please contact me: