About the Dialogue in Action Speaker Series
The series, presented by the First Lutheran Church Foundation, fosters community engagement and understanding through thought-provoking conversations on pressing social justice issues. The series is free and open to the public.
Upcoming Dialogue in Action Event
May 12, 2026
The Foundation presents an evening with Austen Hartke, author of “Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians,” featuring educational and storytelling components.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Austen will describe his experience growing up in and out of church, touching on a few Bible stories that helped him feel seen along the way, before shifting focus to our current context. What does it mean to be transgender today? What struggles do trans people face, and what unique joys do they bring to the world? How can we, as friends, family, and neighbors, support the gender-expansive people in our lives? A Q&A and book signing will follow the lecture.
Austen Hartke is also the founder and former Executive Director of Transmission Ministry Collective, an online community dedicated to the spiritual care, faith formation, and leadership potential of transgender and gender expansive Christians. Austen is a graduate of Luther Seminary’s Master of Arts program in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Studies and is the winner of the 2014 John Milton Prize in Old Testament Writing from the same institution.
Prior Speakers:
Dr. Jemar Tisby – May 6, 2025
The May 6, 2025, Dialogue in Action event featuring Dr. Jemar Tisby was a resounding success, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd that affirmed the Twin Ports community’s strong interest in meaningful conversations about faith, race, and justice. Dr. Tisby’s presentation was both intellectually rich and profoundly moving, providing a powerful exploration of historical truth and present-day responsibility. His ability to connect personal stories with broader systemic issues resonated with the audience, igniting reflection, affirmation, and ongoing dialogue.
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Tisby received two standing ovations—one following his main presentation and another after an engaging Q&A session moderated by Pastor Dianne Loufman. Many participants stayed for the reception, during which Dr. Tisby took the time to speak with individuals, sign books, and offer personal encouragement. His authenticity and attentiveness left a lasting impression on all those who met him. As one attendee remarked, “This wasn’t just a talk—it was a call to action, delivered with grace, truth, and urgency. I left feeling inspired and challenged to do more in my community.”
The success of this year’s event builds upon the solid foundation established by the inaugural Dialogue in Action series. It reflects the ongoing commitment of the First Lutheran Church of Duluth Foundation, in collaboration with First Lutheran Church, to promote justice, healing, and community transformation. This program was made possible in part by a grant from the Unity Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. Their support helped ensure the event remained free and accessible to everyone. The Unity Fund supports initiatives that promote equity, social justice, and community inclusion throughout the Twin Ports region.
Dr. Robert P. Jones – May 15, 2024
The First Lutheran Church Foundation was privileged to host celebrated author Robert P. Jones on May 15. His visit was a significant event, drawing over 200 attendees to the sanctuary. Jones shared his insights into race, religion, and social justice, a topic to which he has dedicated his career as the founder of the Public Religion Research Institute in Washington, DC (prri.org).
During his presentation, Jones focused on passages from his recent New York Times best-selling book, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future. He traced the roots of white supremacy and Christian nationalism back to the nation’s history of colonization, slavery, and systemic racism. These roots have deeply ingrained racial hierarchies into our social, economic, and political structures, perpetuating forms of discrimination and implicit biases.
Click on the link below to watch the event video, which begins with powerful musical selections played by Erin Aldridge, violin, and Alexander Sandor, piano, followed by Robert P. Jones’s presentation, moderated by Pastor Dianne Loufman.