Dear
FUTURE STUDENT
FORMING PASTORS HOLISTICALLY
NEW “HELPERS OF JOY” ENDOWMENT CREATED
NEW FINANCIAL AID POLICY BEGINS
FIRST LOO 2
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Never underestimate a preacher with a basketball! Casey Kegley, a Master of Sacred Theology student, makes a shot during the “Hoops for Hope” Alumni Basketball Game held Feb. 9, 2018. The Preachers beat the alumni players 83 to 76. Photo: Michael Thomas CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 3
SPRING 2018 ON THE COVER Current students, from left: Rebekah Karolus, Andrew Jones, Quincy Koll, Miguel Gonzalez-Feliciano and Amanda Hellwege. Photo: Courtney Koll
PUBLISHER Dale A. Meyer EXECUTIVE EDITOR Vicki Biggs MANAGING EDITOR Melanie Ave ART DIRECTOR Jayna Rollings DESIGNER Michelle Poneleit WRITERS Melanie Ave Tiffany Hudson Mark Rockenbach Travis Scholl Kendra Whittle PHOTOGRAPHERS Corey Cox Jill Gray Sid Hastings Tiffany Hudson Courtney Koll Bridgette Sharp Michael Thomas Kendra Whittle
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FORMING PASTORS HOLISTICALLY Dr. Mark Rockenbach shares how Concordia Seminary shapes and forms pastors holistically for parish ministry.
DEAR FUTURE STUDENT Four students share letters of insight and encouragement with prospective students.
NEW “HELPERS OF JOY” ENDOWMENT CREATED
IN EVERY ISSUE 5
From the President
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Student Spotlight
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News Worth Noting
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Staff Focus
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Support Your Sem
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Alumni and Friends
Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer and Mrs. Diane Meyer’s “Helpers of Joy” Endowment, which provides funding where it’s needed most, hearkens to Dr. C.F.W. Walther’s encouragement to future pastors to help their congregation members find joy in their faith and daily lives.
OUR MISSION Concordia Seminary serves church and world by providing theological education and leadership centered in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for the formation of pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
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To be added to the mailing list, or to receive the magazine electronically, address correspondence to: Concordia Seminary magazine, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; call 800-822-5287; or email magazine@csl.edu. Congregations may request copies in bulk for distribution within their churches. Concordia Seminary magazine is a member of the Associated Church Press and the Evangelical Press Association.
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Copyright ©May 2018, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of Concordia Seminary.
FROM THE
PRESIDENT Dear Future Seminarian, I’d prefer to greet you more personally, “Dear – and your name,” but in a magazine that goes to thousands of people, this is the best I can do at the moment. For now, please take what I write personally. I hope in the future we can correspond more directly and more personally. Maybe you’ve never thought about becoming a pastor or deaconess. If so, this issue of Concordia Seminary is designed to give you something new to think about. Or if you’re already considering a career as a pastor or deaconess, we hope this issue will help you further discern if God is calling you to serve Him and His mission in a special way. When I was in grade school, my dad told me I should “get a job where you deal with the public.” The ministry is that! I find it interesting that young people choose majors in social sciences, and those are helpful vocations, but pastoral or diaconal ministry brings you in touch with people like few other jobs, if any. Ask a pastor to share some interesting stories about people, and you’ll be fascinated by what you hear — stories about people and how we really are. Good, bad, hopeful, depressing … stories that are all threaded with our sin and God’s grace. A beloved old minister often said, “I have a good word for you from God.” That’s ministry in a nutshell. A big part of ministry is helping people see how God’s Law is at work in our daily lives, but the “good word for you from God” the old minister talked about is the
Gospel, God’s breaking into our world with the faith, hope and love that are in His Son Jesus. That’s the biggest part of ministry, the Good News. We all get to tell His story, but pastors and deaconesses get to tell it in special ways, public ways that touch countless lives. I can tell you from many years of experience, you can see people light up and listen when they hear the good Word of Jesus. Whether you are led to come to the Seminary or not, please know that God is raising up your generation to bring the Good News of Jesus to these new and challenging times in our country and world. I’m struck by how older people sometimes get down-in-the mouth about the church. My question: Whose church is it anyway? Ours? No! This is the church of our living Lord Jesus Christ who is raising up the next generation of laypeople, deaconesses and pastors. Whatever your vocational decision will be, you’ve been baptized to serve in His mission with trust and cheerful courage in Jesus. Students on campus often call me “Opa,” the German word for grandpa. After every interaction with students, be that in chapel, in classrooms, at sports events, conversations casual or more intense ... After every interaction I know that the Lord of the church is raising you up as His witnesses for coming generations. I look forward to the day when I can smile and greet you personally by name!
Dale A. Meyer
Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer, right, visits with prospective students attending the Taste of the Sem event in February 2018. Photo: Sid Hastings
CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 5
Forming future pastors holistically By Mark Rockenbach
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The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) is an accrediting agency for 270 graduate schools of theology in the United States and Canada. According to its website, ATS member schools enroll around 74,500 students. Recently I had the opportunity to attend an ATS conference where it was reported that only 50 percent of Master of Divinity students in ATS schools of theology were interested in parish ministry. Does that shock you? It shocked me! I assumed that those who were in a Master of Divinity program were actively pursuing parish ministry. But I quickly learned that this is not the case in many of our fellow graduate schools of theology. During the conference, Daniel Aleshire, who has served as the executive director of ATS, made a presentation about the formation of pastors for parish ministry. He challenged the participants to think about how we can move from being simply managers of ideas to forming pastors who care for the hearts and souls of God’s people. For most of the conference participants this was a revolutionary idea. They praised Aleshire for his vision and forward thinking of forming theology students not only in intellectual matters but also in spiritual, relational, emotional and cultural aspects of ministry. I sat in amazement as they discussed, with great passion, the various ways schools of theology could form pastors beyond the intellectual. I was astounded by all of this because at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, we already take this approach to pastoral formation. I came away from that ATS conference with a new appreciation for our Lutheran universities and seminaries. Yes, we do spend substantial time teaching our students about Scripture and Lutheran doctrine. The intellectual knowledge they gain while being at the Seminary is what makes them theologians. But we also spend significant time shaping and forming them spiritually, vocationally, relationally, culturally, physically, emotionally and financially.
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Concordia Seminary has been and continues to shape and form pastors holistically for parish ministry.
Relational health
Gary Harbaugh states in his book Pastor as Person, “Pastors who have never been taught to learn from their own feelings often approach interpersonal situations as problems to be solved rather than people to be served.” A seminary that focuses only on the intellect will produce great theologians that can solve theological problems. But they will be poor pastors if they lack the ability to serve God’s people. Concordia Seminary shapes and forms students to be pastoral theologians. They are top-notch theologians who can preach and teach the Word of God with authority. They also are top-notch pastors because they have learned how to practice that theology. In particular, the revised curriculum that took effect in fall 2017 for our residential pastoral students has identified the following eight curricular goals to help students gain insight into their personal and spiritual identity:
the relationship we have with our neighbor. We see
Spiritual health
Our identity is rooted in our Baptism. “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7 ESV). Students are encouraged to live out their baptismal identity by remembering their Baptism, attending daily chapel, reading God’s Word daily, praying daily, and practicing Confession and Absolution.
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The relationship we have with God (Baptism) shapes our neighbors as people whom God has redeemed. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:1-4 ESV). Students are encouraged to build relationships with their neighbors, pray with their neighbors and bring the Gospel of Christ to their neighbors.
VOcational health Students fulfill many different roles or vocation. One of those vocations is being a student. Other vocations might include being an employee, being a husband and father, and being a vicar. According to Luther, the purpose of vocation is to serve our neighbor. “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:8-10 ESV). Students are encouraged to live out their vocations according to God’s will as they learn how to balance their many responsibilities.
Cultural health
Financial health
Scripture is clear that “for all have sinned and fall short
It is important to be faithful stewards of our finances. Joseph (Gen. 39:1-6 and Gen. 39:11-20) was a faithful steward, managing what was given to him according to God’s will. Students are encouraged to be faithful stewards of their finances. They learn about creating personal budges, limiting debt and the joy of giving.
of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23 ESV) but “whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). Students are encouraged to be aware of their own presuppositions about various cultures. The culture of a rural congregation is different from that of an inner-city congregation. The approach to ministry might look different but the Word of God never changes. Students learn to apply the Word of God to various cultural settings.
Emotional health Culturally speaking, German Lutherans may get uneasy talking about emotions. But understanding and managing emotions is important. “Whoever is slow to anger is
During the first-year course, Introduction to Pastoral Ministry, students learn about the theology and practice of pastoral ministry and they are introduced to the eight personal and spiritual areas of formation described above. Each student is assigned a mentor who will journey with them throughout their Seminary experience and help them to value and practice their personal and spiritual identity. In addition, each student participates in a formation hour each week facilitated by mentors.
better than the mighty” (Prov. 16:32 ESV). “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov. 17:22 ESV). Students are encouraged to be aware of and manage their own emotions. They also learn how to identify the emotions of those they are called to serve so that they can provide appropriate care.
Physical health Sometimes in ministry we neglect the care of our own bodies. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?
“Concordia Seminary is dedicated to forming and shaping students to be pastoral theologians who care for the hearts and souls of God’s people.” — DR. MARK ROCKENBACH
You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:19-20 ESV). In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul is addressing a specific issue of immorality relating to one’s body. But the encouragement to glorify God with your body can be applied to all aspects of life: eating, exercise and sleeping. Students are encouraged to assess their overall health and create action plans leading to healthy choices.
Intellectual health
Students are placed into winkel groups that simulate the circuit winkel they will experience in pastoral ministry. Students remain in their winkel group throughout their Seminary experience and learn how to build godly relationships and practice reconciliation among themselves.
pleasant to your soul” (Prov. 2:10 ESV). Students are
Unlike many other graduate schools of theology, Concordia Seminary is dedicated to forming and shaping students to be pastoral theologians who care for the hearts and souls of God’s people. The revised curriculum has provided a more strategic focus on personal and spiritual formation. And it is our hope that this approach to pastoral formation will produce godly pastors for service in our Lord’s kingdom who will be a blessing to the church and the world in which
encouraged to have a spirit of intellectual curiosity.
they will be called to serve.
It is assumed that if you are pursuing an academic degree, you will learn new things and engage in critical thinking. There is much to know about historical theology, exegetical theology, systematic theology and practical theology. “The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools” (Prov. 15:7 ESV). “For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be
An intellectually curious student will desire to know and seek answers to the “why” questions of faith, life
Dr. Mark Rockenbach is associate professor of Practical Theology
and theology.
and adviser of personal growth and leadership development.
CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 9
Dear
FUTURE STUDENT
FOUR STUDENTS SHARE LETTERS TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS EDITED BY TRAVIS SCHOLL
Dear future pastoral student, Due in no small part to the encouragement of my parents and my pastor, I’ve known since middle school that I would attend the Seminary. In my mind it was always a matter of when and not if. In retrospect, my Seminary education began both later and earlier than I expected, since I didn’t apply to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis for another 17 years. My first steps after high school took me through the military academy, several deployments and a contracting job with the government — getting some prior real-world experience, at my father’s recommendation — rather than following the more “traditional” path to Seminary right after college. But even during that circuitous journey, God sustained me and provided me with invaluable connections to Concordia Seminary’s educational opportunities. During the journey, I found the draw to the Seminary steadily increasing. The first connection was a visit I made at the beginning of my Army career. A buddy and I stopped at the campus for a few classes, and I was so inspired by the quality and impact of the teaching here that I promptly bought a copy of one of the course texts — not light reading! About the same time, my friend and I began studying Greek at a local church where the pastor was using Seminary Professor Dr. James W. Voelz’s textbook and class videos. Though my duty assignment ended and I had to move, I found videos of the class — and to my delight numerous others — online at one of
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Concordia Seminary’s resource sites (then iTunes U, now scholar.csl.edu). Over the next several years, these resources filled many knowledge gaps I had, and they essentially allowed me to audit several graduate-level courses for free. They also gave me the opportunity to learn from current professors and anticipate being in their classes. In my opinion, the Seminary’s desire to be on the forefront of making the truths of our Lutheran Confession accessible to everyone cannot be overvalued. When I arrived I met those same professors, who have never ceased to pour into the students here and help shape my classmates and me for ministry. Even if you are coming to the Seminary later in life or with educational gaps like me, the Seminary excels at providing opportunities to learn, grow and begin to prepare for service in God’s church, many of which you can access right now. God has blessed us with a community of faculty and staff that will go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that students are well-equipped to answer His call.
In His grip,
Ahren Reiter
Fourth-year Master of Divinity student
Dear future deaconess student, I don’t know your name, but I know your title: “future deaconess student”! It has a nice ring to it — even if you don’t know yet what it actually means. Or perhaps, you do know what a deaconess is and what she does, but there is still some uncertainty as to what that means for you as a future deaconess. Either way, God shapes us and forms us in ways beyond our imagination! This title carries another type of uncertainty with it — the word future. How long will you bear the title “future deaconess student”? When will you become a “deaconess student”? These questions circled around in my mind for years. It’s OK to not know yet when “future” will change to “current.” In my six years of being a “future deaconess student,” I had decided several times I was going to give up the title and become “not a deaconess student.” And in those times, God blessed me with the tasks He gave me to do and the people He gave me to serve. But I struggled with the “when.” When was the time right? When did God want me to start this journey? Did God even want me to start this journey? And that’s when I discovered that the following two things were so important: Prayer — My prayer journal from this time is very dear to me. Write down your prayers. Find a time each day to communicate with your Father. Express to Him why you’ve taken the title “future deaconess student” or why someone else has given it to you or why you’re thinking of setting it aside. Discuss your feelings, your questions and your concerns with Him. Over time, you’ll be able to look back at your prayers and see where God has brought you and how He has answered those prayers. Counsel — Just as my conversation with God was so important, so was my conversation with other people. I talked to family, friends, mentors, pastors, teachers. People who knew me and could listen to me, who followed God and could give me godly counsel. Not only would they talk with me, but they also were praying for me — and continue to do so! They can help you see things that you might not be able to point out to yourself. In this season of your life, “future deaconess student,” I encourage you to take heart. Even in the midst of uncertainty, preparation and deliberation, our God is faithful and He will reveal to you in His time when it is your time to take up a new title!
With His joy,
Rebekah Karolus
First-year Deaconess Studies student CONTINUED ON PAGE 12> CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 11
“YOUR PATH TO AND THROUGH SEMINARY MAY BE FILLED WITH MANY DETOURS.” — Andrew Jones
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Dear future graduate student, My dad always takes a detour to get home from church.
the road to Seminary. Ask your parents, spouse, friends,
I don’t know why. As I kid, I hated those detours. I didn’t
pastors. Ask a few elderly couples in your church who
understand the point of taking extra time to get to one’s
have seen numerous pastors come and go and know
destination. Your path to and through Seminary may
what sort of character to look for in a pastor. Truth be
be filled with many detours. Detours happen. Don’t be
told, if you don’t ask these people, they’ll tell you anyway.
discouraged by them. You learn a lot from detours. During
At least that’s how it worked for me.
Epiphany 2003 — my freshman year of college — God orchestrated numerous events so that I began to consider the pastoral office as a possible calling. Fifteen years later, I’m in the final months of Seminary preparation. I will
Of course, after a long detour, I needed more people to encourage and support me. God provided such people in Epiphany 2012. I sent in my application a few months later.
receive a call into the pastoral office on April 24, 2018.
It’s hard to understand the purpose of detours. They may
For me, the detours involved serving in campus ministry
destination. But you get to see things along the way that
at my alma mater (Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn.),
you didn’t know you needed to see. Perhaps you feel like
getting married, teaching English in Turkey and serving
your detour is ending and it’s time to turn onto the road
as a missionary in Germany. After seven years of detours,
to the Seminary, or even the road back to Seminary for
I began my studies at Concordia Seminary in 2013. Of
advanced study. Ask a few people what they think.
course, seven years of detours wasn’t enough. I decided
Then, turn boldly.
seem like a new direction that will never get you to your
to take a victory lap, a detour year, and earn my Master of Sacred Theology degree (S.T.M.) after earning my Master of Divinity. If you are wondering whether God is tugging at your sleeve to attend Seminary, I recommend asking other people. Ask them what they would think if you took
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In Christ,
Andrew Jones
2017 Master of Divinity graduate and Master of Sacred Theology student
Dear future SMP student, One of the very first things God showed me as I entered
He calls, He also provides. You are God’s child and He
the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program seems so
will sustain the work He has started in and through you.
obvious, but it needed to be hammered home for me: He works through means. In this case, God’s means are the saints in your congregation. God speaks through His lambs, and when at least two of them encourage you to consider the Office of Public Ministry, then it ought to be given serious thought. However, God’s call need not be a matter of confusion or fear. Remember that every Lord’s day begins with God’s clear call to gather and behold the wondrous gifts He gives His saints. As I look back upon the path God led me on, I see His gracious hand at every turn. Despite my unworthiness and even my unwillingness, God used the congregation in this place to call me to the Office of Public Ministry.
However, lest you come to God in pride, thinking that you are a wonderful addition to His leadership staff, remember that He spoke through a donkey’s mouth and that His idea of leadership is freely offering His life in service to sinners. You have been called by God, not because you have anything He needs, but because He wishes to shape both you and your congregation in love. When Jesus commanded Peter to feed His sheep (John 21), He was pouring out grace upon the one who had denied Him. This tension of being the chief of sinners begging for mercy, and the mouthpiece of God blessed to proclaim His goodness and deliver His gifts, is the vocation I am called to as an SMP pastor.
God is a gracious and giving God who is the very essence of love. God’s calling cannot to be avoided. When God has begun to call you, remember that where
God’s peace,
William Pierce SMP Program student
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Christian Pieper first felt the tug toward pastoral ministry during college. Photo: Tiffany Hudson
First an accounting major, now a pastoral student
BY TIFFANY HUDSON
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT First-year Master of Divinity (M.Div.) student Christian Pieper can’t start a class without being asked if he’s related to Franz Pieper, the former president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. “I get asked that in almost every introductory class,” he laughed. “As far as I know, I’m not.” Pieper never seriously considered becoming a pastor until he was an undergraduate student at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. Pieper grew up in the Lutheran church as part of a faithful family: His older sister is a teacher at Messiah Lutheran School in Oklahoma City and his younger brother is a student at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn. Although Pieper had thought about a ministry career as a high school student, he didn’t feel the call until college when he taught at a summer camp and discovered his love for teaching children about Jesus. “I love to see people experience the Gospel,” he said. “That’s when I knew.”
choir during his junior and senior years. At the Seminary, he plays on the Preachers basketball team, which is coached by Dr. Timothy Saleska, associate professor of Exegetical Theology and dean of Ministerial Formation. According to Saleska, Pieper has many gifts for ministry. “He listens to others well. He is respectful of the opinions of others. He is a very relational and likable person, and so he is a person who makes friends easily,” Saleska said. “In addition, he shows a large capacity for empathy and compassion. All of this, combined with a deep desire to share Jesus with others, means that he will be a tremendous blessing to the church in which he will one day be called.” Pieper is enjoying the friendships he is continuing to make on campus with his fellow seminarians with whom he can have confession and who can relate to his life during and after his time at the Seminary. He believes many of these friendships will be lifelong.
Initially, Pieper was pursuing a degree in accounting, but after he felt the pull to become a pastor, he enrolled in Concordia Chicago’s Pre-Seminary Program, switching his major to business administration with an emphasis in church/nonprofit management. “A number of students already know before they get here that they’d like to be a pastor,” said Dr. Jeff Leininger, director of Concordia Chicago’s Pre-Seminary Program and university pastor. “Sometimes, however, a young man will already be here studying in a completely different discipline and God will begin tugging at his heart. This was the case with Christian.” Concordia Chicago’s Pre-Seminary Program is a fellowship of young men who support and encourage each other in friendship, faith and study. One of the most valuable aspects of the program, according to Pieper, are the weekly dinners led by Leininger. During these weekly meals, students in the entire program gather for fellowship. Sometimes, area pastors, missionaries, chaplains and other guest speakers and presenters attend to share about their work. “It’s a time for me to connect with the guys personally; to see them face to face, to ask about their lives and to pray for them. After we share the meal, we go to the ‘real feast’ together to receive Holy Communion with the campus community,” Leininger said. Pieper’s spiritual and intellectual growth was significant during the Concordia Chicago Pre-Seminary Program, Leininger said. “Christian has a heart for people, gets along with them well and has a natural way of applying the Scriptures to everyday life,” Leininger said. “When I see a student great with people and greatly immersed in the Scriptures, then I know he’ll be a great pastor.” In his free time Pieper likes to sing, hang out with his friends and play basketball. He sang in the popular Concordia Chicago Kapelle
Christian Pieper, left, is a member of the Preachers basketball team. Here, he and the Preachers take on alumni players during the Alumni Basketball Game Feb. 9, 2018. Photo: Michael Thomas
“Watching a young man like Christian come to Concordia, not really knowing what he was doing and where he was going, and then seeing God take hold of him and cause him to grow in incredible ways — that’s what it’s all about for me,” Leininger said. “There’s no greater joy in ministry then being a small part of God preparing servant leaders for work in the church and world.”
TIFFANY HUDSON IS A COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST AT CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS.
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Ordination, commissioning anniversaries Concordia Seminary, St. Louis recognized significant ordination and commissioning anniversaries of five faculty, five emeriti faculty and one staff member after chapel Dec. 6, 2017. Together, the men have served in ministry for 430 years. President Dr. Dale A. Meyer thanked the honorees for their service to the church and recognized them and their families. “I think one of the most blessed things about our gratitude is that you have been able to be close to Him, Jesus, His Word and His Sacraments all these years,” Meyer said. “And in your years, He has radiated out from you to many, many people whom you will only see and know in eternity. “On behalf of the Seminary, Board of Regents, fellow faculty and staff, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” A reception was held following the chapel service to thank the men for their service. The following Concordia Seminary faculty and staff were recognized: Dr. Peter Nafzger (10 years), Dr. Joel Elowsky (25 years), Dr. Alan Borcherding (30 years), Dr. Joel Biermann (30 years), Dr. Glenn Nielsen (35 years) and Dr. Timothy Saleska (35 years). From left, Dr. Robert Weise, Dr. Peter Nafzger, Dr. Joel Elowsky, Dr. Timothy Saleska, Dr. Joel Biermann and Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer. Photo: Kendra Whittle
The following emeriti faculty were recognized: Dr. Robert Weise (35 years), Dr. Robert Kolb (45 years), Dr. Bruce Hartung (50 years), Dr. Charles Knippel (65 years) and Dr. Karl Barth (70 years).
The Seminary’s select choir of seminarians, Laudamus, completed its second of two tours this academic year with five stops in California and Missouri in March during the spring tour. Each year, the choir schedules tours throughout the country, singing an eclectic program representing the church’s song from many different genres. Photo: Bridgette Sharp
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NEWS WORTH NOTING
Front row, from left: Jason Pankau, Ernest (Alan) Mercer, Michael Dube, Seth Hoeppner, Austin Kraft and SMP Program Director Dr. W. Mart Thompson. Middle row, from left: Director of Placement Dr. Glenn Nielsen, Michael Popp and Troy Miklos. Back row, from left: Former SMP Director Dr. Andrew Bartelt, Aaron Staub, Frank Johnson, Christopher Grant, Robert Wilson, Matthew Hass, Andrew Eddins and Dean of Ministerial Formation Dr. Timothy Saleska. Photo: Kendra Whittle
SMP calls recognized Thirteen students in the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis were recognized with their call assignments in chapel Jan. 12, 2018. The students, who began the SMP Program in fall 2015, were on campus the preceding week for their winter residential intensive courses. SMP students receiving calls included: Michael Dube, Light of the Valley, Elk Grove, Calif., LCMS California-Nevada-Hawaii District; Andrew Eddins, Fountain of Life Community Church, La Mirada, Calif., LCMS Pacific Southwest District; Christopher Grant, Trinity Lutheran Church, Walden, N.Y., LCMS Atlantic District; Matthew Hass, LCMS New Jersey District, Mountainside, N.J.; Seth Hoeppner, Faith Lutheran Church, Watertown, Wis., LCMS English District; Frank Johnson, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, Colo., LCMS Rocky Mountain District; Austin Kraft, Grace Fellowship Christian Church, Gypsum, Colo., LCMS Rocky Mountain District; Ernest (Alan) Mercer, Peace Lutheran Church, Galloway, N.J., LCMS SELC District; Troy Miklos, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fort Worth, Texas, LCMS Texas District; Jason Pankau, Trinity Lutheran Church,
Roselle, Ill., LCMS Northern Illinois District; Michael Popp, Grace Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Fla., LCMS Florida-Georgia District; Aaron Staub, Concordia Lutheran Schools, Omaha, Neb., LCMS Nebraska District; and Robert Wilson, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monroe, N.Y., LCMS Atlantic District. “We rejoice with these candidates, their families and the specific ministries in which they serve across the country!” said Dr. W. Mart Thompson, director of the Seminary’s SMP Program. During the service, Rev. Joel Fridgen of Concordia Lutheran Church in Hagerstown, Md., was named as an honorary alumnus of the SMP Program. Fridgen completed 14 of the program’s 16 courses with a near perfect grade-point average, but was unable to finish the program because of a debilitating illness. “Throughout the ministerial formation and certification process at Concordia Seminary with his professors, mentor, district president and fellow students, Rev. Fridgen has shown himself as one approved for Holy Ministry,” according to a letter from Thompson and Dr. Timothy Saleska, dean of Ministerial Formation.
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St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event raises $11K Concordia Seminary, St. Louis raised $11,626 at the St. Baldrick’s Foundation head-shaving fundraiser held Jan. 28, 2018, in Koburg Hall, surpassing the $11,000 goal. Thirty-two “shavees” — which included Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer and his grandson, students, faculty, staff and additional supporters from the St. Louis community — volunteered to “rock the bald” by having their heads and beards shaved for the event. St. Baldrick’s head-shaving events give “shavees” a way to stand in solidarity with children who are fighting cancer and to raise support for the foundation’s mission to find a cure for childhood cancers. “This year, our event included five women who had their heads shaved,” said Director of Ministerial Recruitment and Admissions Rev. Bill Wrede, the event’s site coordinator. “One seminarian had his hair carefully braided and cut so it can be used to make wigs for children who have cancer in Israel. Having a shaving event on our campus is a wonderful opportunity for our community to support the work of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.” Second-year seminarian Paul Horstmeyer, left, shaves first-year seminarian Nathaniel Brown’s head during the St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser. Photo: Bridgette Sharp
Rev. John Bush joins Seminary staff Rev. John Bush joined Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in January 2018 as executive director of Seminary Support. In this role, Bush oversees a staff of 19 and directs fund development strategies including the major gifts and annual giving programs. Prior to joining the Seminary staff, Bush served as senior director of Donor Relations at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., since 2014. Bush succeeds Thomas V. Rehkop, who left the Seminary in 2017 to join the staff at Lutheran Hour Ministries. Bush was installed during a chapel service April 19.
Rev. John Bush Photo: Courtney Koll
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“As an alumnus of the Seminary, and with his previous service to the church and in the for-profit
arena, John brings a unique skill set to this position,” said Vicki Biggs, senior vice president of Seminary Advancement. “We are thrilled to welcome John to the Advancement team and eager to see how the Lord will direct John’s talents and abilities for His glory and for the sake of the mission of the Seminary.” Bush earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo., in 1971. After college, Bush began a career in marketing and sales promotion, launching his own agency in 1985 and helping start the Special Offers Department of the catalog brand Montgomery Ward. He later worked full time as director of marketing and communications for the LCMS Foundation from 1995-99 while he attended the Seminary part-time. He received a pastoral certificate from the Seminary’s Alternate Route program (now known as the Residential Alternate Route Program) May 31, 2000. Bush was ordained and installed as associate pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Trenton, Mich., in 2000. He became the congregation’s senior pastor in 2002 and served in that capacity through 2014.
NEWS WORTH NOTING
The Preachers basketball team and alumni players take time for a group photo during the “Hoops for Hope” game. Photo: Michael Thomas
‘ Hoops for Hope’ benefits Ferguson’s Lutheran Hope Center Concordia Seminary’s second annual “Hoops for Hope” Alumni Basketball Game raised $1,338 for the Lutheran Hope Center in Ferguson, Mo.
“Thanks to everyone who came out to support the game and the Lutheran Hope Center,” said Dr. Peter Nafzger, assistant professor of Practical Theology and the event coordinator. “It was great to
The game, held Feb. 9, 2018, featured a matchup between the Preachers basketball team and alumni players. The game marked the end of the Preachers’ 2017-18 basketball season. A special offering was collected during the game to benefit the Lutheran Hope Center, whose executive director is Rev. Micah Glenn, a 2016 Seminary graduate. “Just like last year I was humbled by ‘Hoops for Hope,’” Glenn said. “The turnout of fans and supporters was incredible. It’s easy to feel lonely as a sole missionary in a community, but being with my brothers and sisters in Christ from the Concordia Seminary community reminds me that I’m a part of a body much larger than me.” The Lutheran Hope Center is a partnership of five Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod congregations in north St. Louis County. The churches are Salem Lutheran Church, Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, Grace Lutheran Church, Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Chapel. The goal of the center is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ as it provides opportunities for youth and families to grow spiritually, academically, socially and personally. The center was created after the 2014 police shooting death of Michael Brown.
Players pledge allegiance to the U.S. flag before the game. Many wore T-shirts reading: “Never underestimate a preacher with a basketball.” Photo: Michael Thomas
reconnect with former teammates, and to enjoy some friendly competition with future colleagues in ministry. On behalf of the alumni team, I’d like to thank the younger Preachers for taking it easy on us!” During the game, the Preachers beat the alumni players 83-76.
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New financial aid policy begins in 2018-19 academic year GUARANTEED TUITION FOR RESIDENTIAL PASTORAL, DIACONAL STUDENTS from home congregations and districts. Under the new policy, if a M.Div. or RAR student still has a tuition shortfall after factoring in that outside aid, the Seminary will completely cover the shortfall with a Residential Program Grant. Previously, these students were guaranteed a grant for 25 percent of the charged tuition before other sources of financial aid were factored into their tuition bill. “While we celebrate and give thanks to our donors for their generous support, which has been given through the Generations Campaign and makes this new policy possible, it’s important to remember that removing our students’ out-of-pocket tuition expenses can only continue and get even better with the ongoing support of our partners and donors,” Meyer said. “We need to be in partnership in this.”
Members of the Student Association or Seminary Women’s Association include, from left: Michelle Knauss, Jordan Voges, Ryan Anderson, Andrew Wolfgram, Andrew Belt and Matthew Bohlmann. Photo: Kendra Whittle
Zero. That is the amount students pursuing pastoral and diaconal ministry certification at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will pay for tuition beginning in the 2018-19 academic year.
All Seminary-based financial aid, including the grant established under the new policy, are grants and not loans, and therefore do not need to be paid back. The amount each student receives will vary based on his or her tuition shortfall. Other expenses incurred, including housing, insurance, books and other necessities, are the responsibility of the student. The new policy requires M.Div. and RAR students to sign a “Partnership Covenant” with the Seminary, agreeing to the policy and committing to maintain satisfactory academic performance, apply for scholarships, disclose all sources of financial aid and communicate regularly with Adopt-A-Student donors.
The Seminary’s new financial aid policy — made possible by the incredible generosity and support of Seminary donors — guarantees financial aid at least equal to the cost of tuition for all Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Residential Alternate Route (RAR) and Deaconess Studies students effective this fall.
Deaconess Studies students also will receive a grant that will completely meet their tuition bill after other types of aid are factored into their tuition costs. To maintain their eligibility for this financial aid, deaconess students also must agree to maintain satisfactory academic progress and are encouraged to apply for scholarships and correspond with donors.
“Some of our future pastors and deaconesses don’t receive enough financial aid to cover their tuition bill in full,” said Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer. “This new policy will cover that shortfall, relieving that burden and, I pray, opening the door to more students down the road who can put the worry of how to pay for their Seminary education behind them.”
“Concordia Seminary students are receiving record amounts of financial aid,” said Financial Aid Director Laura Hemmer. “We are committed to continuing to assist students in keeping financial concerns at a minimum and supporting them as they continue their Seminary studies and pursue ministry in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Seminary’s Board of Regents approved the new policy in September 2017. Students receive financial assistance from many sources, including scholarships, the Adopt-a-Student Program, and specific support
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NEWS WORTH NOTING
Visitation events set for prospective students A variety of on-campus visitation opportunities are available for prospective students, providing them with valuable information about formation for pastoral and diaconal ministry:
GREEN & GOLD DAYS (NOV. 2)
For college students and second-career men and women, Green & Gold Days is an opportunity to spend the day on campus and see what the Seminary has to offer.
REGISTER www.csl.edu/greengold
TASTE OF THE SEM (FEB. 16-18, 2019) For high school men, this is the chance to spend the weekend on campus diving into Lutheran theology, prayer and worship.
REGISTER www.csl.edu/taste
As part of the Taste of the Sem visitation event in February 2018, prospective students attend classes with seminarians. Photo: Sid Hastings
CONTEMPLATE (OCT. 4-6)
For college students and second-career men and women, this three-day visit offers an in-depth view of the preparation that leads to service as a pastor or deaconess.
REGISTER www.csl.edu/contemplate
VOCATIO (JUNE 23-28)
Next Steps is an opportunity for families to spend two days on campus connecting with current students and their families to learn about transitioning to life at the Seminary from those who have already taken this step.
REGISTER www.csl.edu/nextsteps
For high school men and women, Vocatio is a weeklong retreat to explore Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calling and direction.
REGISTER www.csl.edu/vocatio
NEXT STEPS (JULY 13-14)
To learn more about the Seminaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visitation events, call 800-822-9545, email admissions@csl.edu or visit www.csl.edu/admissions.
#WhoWillGoForUs REFER A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT
Who is our next church worker? Please encourage those you know with the skills and abilities to serve as a pastor or deaconess to consider church work vocation.
Want to make a referral?
Fill out a form online at www.csl.edu/contact/refer-a-student/
CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 21
Guiding students as registrar BY TIFFANY HUDSON
Beth Menneke. Photo: Courtney Koll
When Beth Menneke started working at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, she began, as she puts it, as “an assistant to an assistant.”
their child care needs, but it was just in a different way than I had originally planned. It was definitely an unexpected blessing.”
Now serving as the Seminary’s registrar, Menneke feels blessed that God led her to work at the Seminary even though it was not the career she had planned.
Menneke set aside her plans for earning a master’s degree. After working at the nanny placement agency for six years, she felt that it was time to move on.
She grew up the youngest of five children in a Lutheran family in Jackson, Mo. Interested in a career in workplace health, she served as a nanny to support herself while she pursued and, eventually earned, a bachelor’s degree in health science from Truman State University in 1999.
She applied for a job in the Seminary’s placement office, believing that her experience would be a good fit. However, when she was asked to interview, she had no idea that the person temporarily holding the job wanted to stay. So, she interviewed to be an assistant in the president’s office.
“Fitness and nutrition have always been a big part of my life,” she said. “When it came time to focus on what type of career I would like to have, I liked the idea of pursuing something I was passionate about. A health science degree was a natural fit for a path toward a health promotion career and the worksite health concentration was especially appealing to me.”
In March 2007, Menneke — engaged and planning a wedding — was hired as the administrative assistant to Rev. Glen Thomas, the former special assistant to Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer. She admits it was a hectic time. “I was hired in March, married in July and gave birth to our son, Noah, a year and a half later!” she said.
Menneke’s first job after college was with Chrysler, overseeing its wellness program. When she decided to go back to school to get a master’s degree in education, she thought that her nanny work would allow her the flexibility she needed. So she interviewed at Childcare Solutions, a nanny placement agency, but was instead offered a job working for the agency, placing nannies with families. “I felt like it would be something new and exciting and I was up for the challenge,” she said. “I was still able to help families with
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In 2008, the institutional knowledge Menneke gained and her ability to multitask placed her in good stead as she prepared for another transition. Menneke transferred to work as an assistant in the registrar’s office. Two years later, she was appointed registrar. As registrar, Menneke is responsible for student records — from a student’s acceptance to the Seminary to his or her graduation during Commencement. Her scope of duties include keeping record of classes and curriculum prerequisites, determining a student’s graduation eligibility, planning and implementing the class
STAFF FOCUS registration process, coordinating times and locations for classes with professors and administrators, resolving scheduling conflicts, maintaining academic records and transcripts, and planning Commencement activities. When the Seminary switched from a quarter schedule to a semester schedule in the fall 2017, Menneke took measures to ensure a smooth transition for concluding students just returning from their vicarages and internships. “In June, I held an online session with the students. We went over the major components of both the curriculum and the new calendar. I then set up phone meetings with our concluding students to go over their specific schedule for the 2017-18 school year, and get them registered for the fall semester,” she said. The students said they appreciated the extra time and attention. “She clearly communicated to me the expectations on my end,” said William “Chris” Heaton, a fourth-year Master of Divinity student. “I never once felt like she was put out or overwhelmed, even though I’m sure she was!”
“The role of the registrar is invaluable, not only in terms of the work she does in keeping records and understanding everything about the new and old curriculum, but also in the way that she works with us to help us understand what’s going on and what we need to do in order to complete the courses we need for graduation,” said fourth-year M.Div. student Joel Newton. “Beth has her eyes on classes that I would like to take and as a result she is always prepared for our discussions. Beth also follows up very quickly with anything that is needed, whether that be an email response or something she has said she would do for me. She’s very professional and personable,” Heaton said. “She finds out exactly what we need so that she can help as well as she can. I’m thankful to God for her service to the Seminary community as the registrar. Her work is second to none,” added Newton.
“I SEE THAT GOD DEFINITELY HAD HIS HAND IN GUIDING ME TO WORK AT THE SEMINARY.” — BETH MENNEKE In preparing for the revised curriculum and schedule transition, it was equally important to Menneke to make sure all students received as much assistance as possible. “One way we could ease the transition was to conduct the registrations for all the students,” Menneke said. “This allowed us to make sure the students were taking the courses they needed to take, when they needed to take them. The students really seemed to appreciate the time dedicated to making sure they hadn’t overlooked something and that their schedules were all set.” For second-year Master of Divinity (M.Div.) student and Wisconsin Army National Guard member Ryan Schnake, how Menneke helped him reintegrate to the Seminary after serving in the military was especially helpful. “In the middle of my second year, I was in active military service for 20 months,” he said. “Beth fully committed to my unique set of challenges and set me up for academic success.” Menneke is well-regarded among the Seminary students. Hands-on, thorough and communicative are words used to describe her.
Registrar Beth Menneke works on student registrations. Photo: Courtney Koll
When she isn’t working tirelessly for Seminary students, she runs with her 5-year-old pure bred female boxer named Tackle, or attends her son’s sporting events or one of the many games her husband, Nick, a middle school teacher, coaches. Menneke recently celebrated her 11-year anniversary at the Seminary. “Looking back, I see that God definitely had His hand in guiding me to work at the Seminary,” she said. “In the 11 years I have worked here, I have had different responsibilities, but at the heart of it they all involved serving others for the larger good. I find that work to be extremely rewarding. I feel blessed that God led me to work here.”
TIFFANY HUDSON IS A COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST AT CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS.
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Supporting future pastors through Adopt-a-Student Program BY KENDRA WHITTLE answered the call. Linda says her women’s group decided to support a seminarian, and Paul says his Bible study group, the Emmaus Walkers, have been longtime supporters of the Adopt-a-Student Program. Heartened and encouraged by Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod pastors they had known over the years, the Arbesmans also began participating in the Adopt-a-Student Program as a couple. “We’re aware that there’s a need for more pastors to serve Lutheran congregations,” Paul said. “We thought this might be a way to encourage young men who are preparing for ministry.” Linda says she particularly appreciates the opportunity to get to know a specific student one-on-one. In fact, as they got more involved the program, the Arbesmans asked to support the same student year after year until he graduated, which allowed them to foster and deepen the relationship.
Paul and Linda Arbesman. Photo: Courtesy Arbesmans
“The students write us letters and keep us informed on what is going on in their lives, what they’re studying and how their studies are going,” Linda said. “We like getting to know them. It makes it more personal. Oftentimes we’ll write back and forth.”
Paul and Linda Arbesman spent much of their marriage on the move. Throughout their years together they moved twice in Maryland, twice in New Jersey, to California for three years, back to New Jersey and finally settled in Connecticut. But they say, no matter where they’ve been, there’s one thing that has always remained constant in their lives: a Lutheran church to attend with a faithful, theologically sound pastor.
The Arbesmans’ “adopted” student for the current year is second-year seminarian Jonathan Jahnke. This is the second year they have been matched. Jahnke and his wife, Danielle, were married in Nebraska over the summer. “In talking to him, we learned they got married in Norfolk,” Paul said, “We know Norfolk because that’s where Orphan Grain Train is located, and we volunteer in their East Coast warehouse. It was nice to make that connection.”
“We’ve always been impressed with their biblical knowledge,” Paul said. “That speaks to the type of education they’ve been receiving through the Seminary, and that’s an important quality to support.”
Jahnke calls Paul and Linda “a brother and sister in Christ,” even though they’ve never met in person. He says he’s incredibly thankful for everything they have provided for him. “Their support of my studies at the Seminary fills my heart and lips with rejoicing,” Jahnke said. “It speaks volumes about the work of God’s people.”
“They have such hearts for the Lord,” Linda added. Paul and Linda say that’s what drove them to begin supporting Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 1982. A few years later, they also started specifically giving to the Adopt-a-Student Program. The Seminary’s Adopt-a-Student Program pairs donors with specific students. The donors support the students financially throughout the academic year. The Arbesmans say their interest in supporting Seminary students came partially from their former pastor, Rev. Michael Ahlemeyer, who led their home congregation of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Terryville, Conn., after the parish had gone without a pastor for several months.
The Arbesmans encourage other lay people in Lutheran congregations to support the pastors who will one day serve congregations like theirs. They say a faithful, theologically sound pastor is imperative for a church, and it should be a mission for Christians to make sure there are well-trained leaders among the community who continue to preach the Word. “You can’t just have a building,” Paul said. “You have to have a pastor who passes on the message of Christ from one generation to the next and also takes care of the people in the flock right now. There’s not a more important task. It’s a blessing to be able to participate.”
“He was fresh out of Seminary,” Paul remembered. “And he was such a tremendous young man. Even at a young age, he knew so much and was so helpful.”
To learn more about the Adopt-a-Student Program, visit www.csl.edu/aas or contact Seminary Advancement at 800-822-5267 or advancement@csl.edu.
The Arbesmans say Ahlemeyer encouraged his parishoners to remember and support seminarians, and several of the church’s groups
KENDRA WHITTLE IS A COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST AT CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS.
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SUPPORT YOUR SEM
New “Helpers of Joy” Endowment created The Rev. Dr. Dale A. and Diane C. Meyer “Helpers of Joy” Endowment was announced at the Generations Campaign celebration gala held Dec. 2, 2017. The Meyers established the endowment. Gifts to this endowment are a tribute to the ministry of the Seminary’s beloved president and first lady and will ensure that future generations will always have the opportunity to know of their remarkable leadership and loving, servant hearts. Seminary highlights under the leadership of Dr. Meyer, who became the Seminary’s 10th president in 2005, include: • The Seminary’s long-term institutional debt was eliminated. • The Seminary’s endowment increased by 300 percent. • The largest fundraising campaign in the Seminary’s history, the Generations Campaign, exceeded its $180 million goal. • Confessional Lutheranism was advanced through enhanced partnerships with Lutheran church bodies and seminaries around the world. • Access and affordability of a Seminary education has been maximized. • Student loan indebtedness has been reduced as a result of significant donor gifts for student aid. • The Master of Divinity curriculum was updated and implemented in 2017-18, ensuring graduating students are equipped with practical skills for ministry formation in the 21st century. • Awareness of the church’s role in recruiting pastors and other church workers has been expanded. The name of the endowment refers to a quote by Dr. C.F.W. Walther, the first president of the Seminary and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, who extolled his students and pastors to be “helpers of joy” (2 Cor. 1:24 KJV). Gifts to this endowment will be considered unrestricted income and earnings will be used where needed most to support the mission of Concordia Seminary. At press time, nearly $6 million has been raised for the endowment. To make a gift, call 800-822-5287, write to advancement@csl.edu or visit www.csl.edu/give.
Diane and Dr. Dale A. Meyer. Photo: Jill Gray
FULFILLING OUR PROMISE TO OUR STUDENTS AND BUILDING UPON THE TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE THAT HAS DEFINED THE SEMINARY Your support of the Generations 20/20 Campaign will help ensure that future generations will be served by faithful, relevant and relational pastors who share the Gospel message in ways that advance the Great Commission. THE
PROMISE
OF
CHRIST
FOR
ALL
ENDOWMENT AND ESTATE GIFTS ANNUAL SUPPORT AND SCHOLARSHIPS CAPITAL GIFTS www.csl.edu/give | 800-822-5267 | advancement@csl.edu
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Pastor encourages future church workers BY KENDRA WHITTLE A young Spencer Mielke wore a white acolyte robe in the sanctuary of Trinity Lutheran Church in Danville, Ill., and intently watched as his pastor led the liturgy. And that’s when it hit him. Mielke wanted to be a pastor. “I could so vividly see myself doing that,” he said. “The door was so wide open that I could not miss it.” A sophomore in high school at that time, Mielke says he had thought about being a pastor for much of his childhood, but that Sunday in
However, he’s fully aware that that’s not always the case for young men with the gifts for ministry and that some prospective pastors need extra encouragement. Mielke says if he sees such a candidate he’s going to be the one to give encouragement. In nearly 20 years of ministry at Trinity, Mielke has made one of his main missions to find and encourage the next generation of pastors. And it’s working. One son of the congregation is now in his first year at Concordia Seminary. One is in the Pre-Seminary Program at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon. Several more middle school- and elementary-age boys in the congregation have expressed interest in the ministry. “The youth of our parish are the church; they’re also the future of the church,” Mielke said. “We need to shape their hearts and form their lives in Christ. We cannot put enough effort in that.” So what’s the secret? Mielke says the Holy Spirit, obviously. But he says it’s also about forming relationships and encouraging involvement in the life of the church.
Rev. Spencer Mielke knew he wanted to be a pastor as a high school sophomore. Photo: Corey Cox
church was a pivotal moment. It was a moment of clarity. After graduating high school, he attended Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., signing up for the Pre-Seminary Program. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 1998 and took a call as an associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Elkhart, Ind. He’s been there ever since. Mielke says he never “wrestled” with God about discerning his call into ministry. He says the desire to serve the church was “just there.”
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He says through the years he’s “tapped the shoulder” of several young men and asked: “Have you thought about being a pastor?” And then he followed up with reasons why he believed they were suited for the ministry.
Additionally, he believes in encouraging young men to be involved during worship services. It begins during the confirmation years, where young people begin serving as acolytes, but Mielke says the congregation adds responsibilities as they get older, such as carrying the cross on festival days and helping with Communion. But he says sometimes the students come to him. Recently a young man in his congregation came to him with a “career day” type project, saying he wanted to be a pastor and asked to shadow Mielke for the day. “I had no idea he wanted to be a pastor,” Mielke admitted. “We worked on a chapel message that day, we made a visit to a member of our
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
Rev. Spencer Mielke, right, poses with the school children of Trinity Lutheran School following a chapel service. Photo: Corey Cox
congregation and we talked about a pastor’s prayer life. It was a great day.” There’s also another partner in ministry that Mielke credits: Concordia Seminary Director of Ministerial Recruitment and Admissions Rev. Bill Wrede. Mielke and Wrede were friends at the Seminary and now they work together to coordinate a special admissions visit each year at Trinity. Wrede spends the whole weekend in Elkhart, meeting with middle school students, holding office hours, hosting a luncheon for especially interested students and occasionally preaching for Sunday worship.
said Mielke talked to him about being a pastor during Veen’s high school years. In fact, Veen said the ministry was something he had never considered until Mielke brought it up. Just as he was starting to take the idea seriously, Mielke announced Wrede was coming. “He (Mielke) said to me, ‘This is something I really think you need to check out,’” Veen remembered. “He told me it was something he could really see me doing, and that he was praying I would consider it.” Veen said he went to Wrede’s visit with an open heart, and by the end of the visit, he knew he was heading to the Seminary.
“I CAN’T THINK OF A GREATER MISSION THAN SUPPORTING WORKERS THAT ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING FORMED AND SHAPED.”
And now Veen prays it comes full circle, as he plans ahead to his own ministry and the people of his parish. “Pastor Mielke was “We work together to cultivate — REV. SPENCER MIELKE encouraging, a mentor to me. I encouragement of future hope when I’m in the parish, I pastors,” Mielke said. “The can see those who might have Lord works in a multitude of even the smallest inkling of going into the ministry,” Veen said. “I’d ways, and calling servants of the Word can begin through the hearts like to encourage every part of that I can, the way he has for me.” of other people. The Spirit can use us. We’re called to be His channel.” Wrede’s yearly visit was an integral part of first-year seminarian Evan Veen’s journey to the Seminary. Veen attended Trinity as a boy and
KENDRA WHITTLE IS A COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST AT CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS.
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801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105
2018 SUMMER WORKSHOPS Plan now to attend one of our
2018 Summer Workshops Workshops are held May through August and explore contemporary topics that influence the practice of ministry. • Hosted by LCMS congregations nationwide • Featuring Seminary faculty • Three days of intense study Ten workshops offer an opportunity to delve deeply into topics including: • Being confessional • Creation debate • Preaching and the arts Register: www.csl.edu/summerworkshops Questions? Contact Concordia Seminary Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu
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FOR PASTORS, CHURCH WORKERS & CONGREGATION MEMBERS