SYNOD CONVENTION 2021
by REV. DR. TIMOTHY SCHMELING, Contributing Writer BETHANY LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, Mankato, Minn.
Pastoral Formation Through the Ages The development of pastoral education has taken some interesting twists and turns over the centuries. Speaking in broad strokes, the education of the Levites was based on the Pentateuch until the rest of the Old Testament was penned by divine inspiration. Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers formed the core of Levitical pastoral theology. The Prophetic Books received by the Prophets unpacked the Pentateuch’s meaning, called the people to repentance, and expanded on the Messiah’s saving work. As the Wisdom Books came into being, they helped Levites, prophets, and the scribes learn how to better meditate on God’s Word, how to apply it, and how to cultivate pastoral prudence. “Schools” provided training for the Levites, prophets, and scribes (1 Kings 12:8, 10; 2 Kings 2:7; 5:22; 6:1–2; 10:1, 5–6; 12:2; 22:8). THE LUTHERAN SENTINEL
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