OMG Center for Theological Conversation in Sioux Falls, SD

What is OMG: Center for Theological Conversation?

At OMG, people are free to wonder about faith, religion, the Bible, and God. Faith and questioning are entirely compatible.

Questions OMG has been asked:
Where can one find hope and perseverance when death and grief are so real?
Anna's Response
Why does God need to be worshipped, and why should we worship?
Anna's Response
What do you make of biblical literalism?
Anna's Response

Speaking Engagements

Anna Madsen is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), with a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Regensburg, Germany. An accident that killed her husband and inflicted a traumatic brain injury on her small son rearranged her family, her theology, her faith, her view of the world, and her vocation. With her experience and experiences, Anna--often with her children in tow--speaks around the country to synod assemblies, clergy convocations, lay learning conferences, and consultations for synods and congregations as well. Consider inviting Anna to your next gathering!

Events and Endorsements

Endorsements

Since it was your first time gathering with the rostered leaders of our synod, there was sense of curiosity and anticipation about you and the message you would bring. I am delighted to say the rostered leaders are using words such as intelligent, thought-provoking, engaging, humorous, authentic and contextual to describe you and your presentations. Job well done, good and faithful servant! Already I am being asked, ‘when will Anna return?’ Thank you, thank you!

Bishop Terry Brandt, Eastern North Dakota Synod, ELCA
We were so thankful to have Anna as our adult Bible study speaker for family camp this summer. Her down to earth presentation style was interesting and engaging for both clergy and lay folks. One participant commented that ‘Her mind was blown’ and ‘She was so thankful she came to the week because she had learned so much.

Rev. Tracy Polzin, Director of Fortune Lake Bible Camp, MI
Dr. Anna Madsen was a delightful presenter at the Northwestern Ohio Synod Rostered Leaders’ Retreat. Hers is a theology of the cross (and resurrection!) that is grounded in academic depth, poignant life experiences, pastoral practice and a willingness to engage with the hard questions of faith and life. The “extra bonus” is that her presentations reflect a playful wit and sense of grace.

Bishop Marcus Lohrmann, Northwest Ohio Synod, ELCA
I feel Anna gave us all permission to not only allow space for our congregational members to ask questions, but that we also wrestle with questions, doubts, etc. and that’s okay…more than okay but part of faith.

Participant of the Bishop's Colloquy, South Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA
Rev. Dr. Madsen is such an engaging, witty, and winsome person, you can forget you’re also learning with her until she smacks you in the head with the power of the cross.

Participant of the Upper Susquehanna Synod Theological Retreat

View all endorsements

Anna's Mission

Anna seeks to provide a place and a way for laity and clergy to think about--and to rethink--their theological beliefs: what they are, why they have them, and what differences they make. Whether by way of private conversation, congregational or synodical consultation, or large group presentations, Anna is eager to offer up insights from current religious research, theological traditions, knowledge from other disciplines, information about your immediate context, and various life experiences. Drawing on all of these arenas, you will leave your time at OMG with an expanded way of thinking about your understanding of God, your faith, and your world.

Learn more about Anna

Appointments

An hour-long conversation guided by your questions about theology, vocation, and/or life matters, directed by various theological approaches to the issues and questions you raise.