EF 3280 Armin Panning: A Man of the Word

Abstract

Adam Bode’s senior church history project profiles Professor Armin Panning, highlighting his lifelong dedication to God’s Word in both parish and academic ministry. Through interviews and personal reflections, Bode portrays Panning as a soft-spoken yet firm and faithful servant, deeply committed to teaching Scripture and preparing future pastors. From his early years in Escanaba to decades of service at Northwestern College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Panning’s ministry was marked by patience, diligence, and a love for Greek and theological education. He contributed significantly to synodical literature, including the People's Bible series and editorial work for Northwestern Lutheran and Forward in Christ. Panning’s leadership style emphasized collegiality and consensus, and his international service reflected a global commitment to Lutheran unity. His personal life, including family, hobbies, and humor, also centered on the Word. Bode concludes with gratitude for Panning’s example of living and serving by Scripture. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)