Concordia Seminary Magazine | Summer 2018

BEHIND THE SCENES: A LOOK AT THE CALL DAY PROCESS

CALL DAY SPECIAL SECTION

MINISTERING IN TIMES OF NEED, TRAUMA

FIRST LOOK Call Day smiles! Concluding seminarian Aaron Sterling poses with his girlfriend, Katherine Craig, on Call Day April 24, 2018. Sterling was called as an associate pastor to Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alpharetta, Ga. Photo: Sid Hastings

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FIRST LOOK

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 3

FROM THE

PRESIDENT ON THE COVER From left, Seminarian Brian Doel and Deaconess Studies student Michele Musegades on Call Day. The couple married in June 2018 and will serve as vicar and intern at the same congregation in Columbus, Ind. 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 Glenn Nielsen Travis Scholl Kendra Whittle PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Braddy Jill Gray Sid Hastings Courtney Koll Harold Rau Bridgette Sharp Michael Thomas Kendra Whittle

Concordia Seminary magazine is a member of the Associated Church Press and the Evangelical Press Association.

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“Here am I! Send me!” Welcome to an inspiring issue of your Concordia Seminary magazine.

The following pages tell you the stories of men and women who heard God’s call to take His Good News into the world, who responded by preparing themselves at the Seminary for His mission and who now have been sent.

But what about me, what about you? Do we see ourselves as also sent? Having “professional” church workers whom we pay to lead congregations and institutions can tempt us to lose sight of our individual vocation as witnesses. As much as any church worker, you and I also have been called into Jesus’ mission to our hurting world. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide” (John 15:16 ESV).

Following the example of the apostles, the church sets some people apart for the divinely-instituted pastoral office and other offices, but that does not mean we compartmentalize worship to Sunday sitting and leave work-week mission to the pastor and church staff.

Consider this question: Where does the worship of God take place? Your instinctive reaction may well be “in church,” in the Divine Service. Yes indeed, the gracious gifts of Word and Sacrament are given to us in the fellowship of believers in worship and our new pastors are properly called to administer them publicly to us. However, imagining that the Sunday sanctuary is the only place where worship takes place suggests that the first three commandments, the ones about our duty to God — the First Table — are the extent of our worship. What about commandments four through 10 — the Second Table? Not worship?

Consider this from Philipp Melanchthon, Martin Luther’s right-hand man in the Reformation: Even though they pertain to civil matters, you must know (the rest of the commandments) were given by God in order that we might live in this societal life in which He wills to be known, in which He wills to develop our faith and worship in the midst of our common perils and labors, in which He wills that love be demonstrated toward our fellow men … in which He wills that the light of our confession shine forth, so that others may be taught and invited to know and fear God. … Therefore we should learn that the works of the Second Table are truly the worship of God … then our works are guided by the fear of God and by faith. (In Martin Chemnitz, Loci Theologici, 715-716).

Jesus chose you to bear fruit in your job and weekday life. There is your calling, your vocation, indeed your worship when you do it in total reverence and love for God who saves you in Jesus.

This is “Here am I! Send me” from Isaiah 6:8. Here am I in Sunday worship, receiving forgiveness of sins and all the blessings that flow from it. Here am I, sent into the work week on Jesus’ mission, continuing the worship of God. People ask, “What are you at the Seminary doing to recruit more young people for church work?”

Is that the right question? Shouldn’t there be a culture of recruitment throughout the entire church, beginning in your family and congregation? Imagine a young person in your congregation who sees every member exuding a sense of mission for the Lord Jesus. More than recruitment will happen. Worship will expand to every moment of the week. The church will grow!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMER 2018 ISSUE FEATURES 7 Behind the scenes: A look at the call process

11 Ministering in times of need, trauma

14 Call Day special section

IN EVERY ISSUE

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4 From the President 20 Student Spotlight 24 Faculty Focus 26 News Worth Noting 32 Alumni and Friends 34 Support Your Sem

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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.

WANT TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST? 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.

Copyright ©July 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.

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Behind

the scenes

A LOOK AT THE CALL PROCESS

BY GLENN NIELSEN

IT’S OCTOBER 2017 AND A YOUNG COUPLE — A FUTURE PASTOR AND HIS WIFE — WALKS INTO MY OFFICE FOR THEIR PLACEMENT INTERVIEW.

As Concordia Seminary’s director of Placement, I will spend more than an hour with them going over what type of ministry emphases they would consider, his strengths, whether he is leaning toward team ministry or a sole pastorate, how much geography and city size need to be taken into account, finances, housing preferences, his wife’s plans, their hopes for this first call into the ministry and a variety of other items.

This will not be the first meeting I will have had with this couple because I also served as the director of his vicarage the year before. We have developed

THEY HAVE ALREADY

a relationship, one that I hope allows for trust and openness. It will not be

MET WITH PLACEMENT

them for their placement, and so we will talk about possibilities and perhaps,

COUNSELOR DR. DAVID

as time goes on, some changes in their initial answers to my questions.

PETER FOR AN INITIAL

Now expand that to the 50 pastoral candidates who were placed in

INTERVIEW AND HAVE FILLED OUT A NUMBER OF FORMS.

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the last meeting I will have with them. I seek to be transparent as I work with

congregations nationwide this past year. These post-interview conversations happen in my office, the lunch room, following daily chapel, after one of the monthly graduating class meetings, via email or phone calls or text messages, in class or a chance meeting on the sidewalk. The process is similar for our deaconess students.

My goal is to involve the students in the process as much as

Of course, I could not keep track of all the paperwork, forms,

possible, getting their input about a call that has arrived or

scheduling and the like on my own. Cathy Whitcomb, executive

a reaction to an interview for a team ministry or whether a

assistant in the Placement Office, processes the paperwork,

location will fit their life or family situation.

schedules interviews, assists the students, prepares information

At the same time, calls from congregations start arriving in

for churches and district presidents, and makes sure things

January and will continue to be sent to The Lutheran Church—

get done when needed.

Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center for processing through April. So I am in contact with calling congregations

By now you should have realized that the old joke about

who need a pastor, call committees who are asking for a

throwing darts at a map is far from reality. Too much is at

candidate for a team ministry situation and district presidents

stake for that approach. I am working with students who have

who will provide information about the calling congregations

families. These students have differing strengths and interests.

from their districts.

Spouses have careers or parenting concerns for their children.

From January through April, phone calls and emails pour into my office, and all this information is coordinated with what I know about the students and their families. I am also

Or it could be that the student is older and there are obligations with aging parents. I am working with congregations that have a history and a current situation that needs to be taken

in contact with Director of Placement Dr. Jeffrey Pulse

into consideration. One team ministry may be looking for

at our sister seminary, Concordia Theological Seminary in

more of a youth leader, another an outreach emphasis and yet

Fort Wayne, Ind., so that we work together cooperatively in

another, someone to share the ministry with a senior pastor.

placing our students in these various congregations.

In recent years more congregations are asking for candidates CONTINUTED ON PAGE 8> CONTINUTED ON PAGE XX> CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 7

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than students available, so LCMS district presidents share which congregations they especially believe need a candidate or express their concern that a congregation won’t receive a candidate. Underneath the assignment process, there are many emotions — hope, fear, joy, disappointment and excitement.

IN T E RV I E W

CALLING A PASTOR OR DEACONESS

S

O

F

ST

But my responsibilities only go so far. The LCMS Council of Presidents (COP) is the Board of Assignments for these first calls. I make recommendations to the district presidents, but the final decision rests with the COP and its vote on the Saturday before Call Day. Some have wondered about the secrecy surrounding decisions about

UDE NTS AND SP OU

where a student is going. Many students have a good idea of where they are

S SE

headed because of the conversations I have had with them throughout the call process, but nothing is certain until the COP votes on the assignments.

So until that vote is taken, things are kept “secret” because changes may

INTE RV IE

need to be made in the week leading up to that vote. Of course, after the vote is completed, we could let the students know, but we don’t.

With Call Day only three or four days later, we want the joyful celebration of the Call Day worship services to announce the assignments that have been

IO AT EG TR GR NIS ON Y C AM MI SB TE W OR F

Y

N

made by the COP. What excitement! What a high point for the life on the

S

campus! It is good to give praise to God in these services in combination with

S LC M F REVIE W O

the announcement of the calls. After months of work, these services are such a fitting way to make known where the candidates are going for their first calls.

S NT S E

C A OU VA NC ILA IL O BLE F PR ES CA ND IDE ID AT

PR

T S OT E SL DAT Y I AR ND IN A IM F C O EL

IN

G

FI N AL

A

PP

RO VAL OF

MENTS GN

AS SI

Dr. Glenn Nielsen, right, congratulates concluding seminarian William Grueninger on Call Day. Photo: Sid Hastings

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But even more is going on in the placement process in addition

along, they become like my own children and I want what is

to all this activity by students, family members, church officials

best for them. I also serve the church, in this case, the LCMS,

and congregational leaders.

and want to do so faithfully so that the congregations are

Imagine that you are walking with me early in the morning,

going to be best served by the graduates they receive.

around the neighborhood where I live. The congregation my wife, Sue, and I attend have a Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dog. His name is Noah and we are his caregivers. One responsibility of a Comfort Dog caregiver is to exercise the dog. So Noah and I start the day by walking and running the streets in the subdivision where we live. It is also prayer time for me. Luther’s Morning Prayer is spoken. So also are prayers for my family. Noah and I turn to go down another street, and the next prayer is for wisdom and guidance in my work for our students, for their placement, and vicarage and

“In ways unseen by

deaconess internship assignments.

most, maybe even

Morning after

by me, He is guiding

morning the prayers

this whole process to

sound similar.

His glory and the

“Lord, please give me wisdom as I

good of His church.”

work with these

— DR. GLENN NIELSEN

students. Guide me as I recommend them for congregations. Help me

Rev. Chad Ott of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marquette, Mich., right, interviews pastoral candidate Andrew Belt and his wife, Rebecca, in February 2018. Photo: Tiffany Hudson

to make a good decision for [student’s name] and his wife as I’m not sure which congregation

So, many hours are spent juggling all the pieces of data that

is better for him.” Many times these prayers are spoken quietly

land on my desk, and on the outside it looks like I’m the

but loud enough for Noah to hear them. He doesn’t answer

one who is determining what will happen in the placement

them, but enjoys the sound of my voice. No, the One who is

process. I suppose in a way that is true. But the Lord of the

answering them is God, who is working through me to “match these students with these congregations.” On those walks, I am trusting that He is enjoying the sound of my voice and answering those prayers with the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide me. With the risen Savior Jesus by my side, I am serving as the director of Placement (and Vicarage and Deaconess

church is also at work through me.

In ways unseen by most, maybe even by me, He is guiding this whole process to His glory and the good of His church. I am firmly convinced of this guidance as I watch how the process runs its course before my eyes — my work and God’s work, intricately combined, in prayer-answered ways.

Internships) at Concordia Seminary, and I depend on His presence throughout this process.

I am humbled by the realization that the two realities are running together through my work. I have been entrusted with the lives of these students and their families. As the year goes

And that is how the placement process works.

Dr. Glenn Nielsen is professor of Practical Theology, director of Placement, and director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

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MINISTERING

IN TIMES OF NEED, TRAUMA

BY KENDRA WHITTLE

The call into the pastoral office is one that comes with a prescribed set of responsibilities — serving a congregation in Word and Sacrament ministry and overseeing the needs of Christians in their care. These duties are amplified in times of trauma — such as in a man-made or weather-related crisis. Such times require a pastor to step forward as a spiritual leader and humanitarian to serve both his congregation and the affected community.

“At all times pastors and others involved in intense ministry contexts need to keep their own needs and limitations in mind,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, professor of Exegetical Theology. “Burnout and exhaustion can become serious problems in the aftermath of a major crisis or disaster. Even as pastors seek to shepherd others and lead them to the love of Christ, they themselves will need to take refuge in that same love of their Good Shepherd.”

Serving after a hurricane, school shooting Rev. Rob Bailey (’17) has only been a pastor for about a year. But what a year it’s been. When he was first called to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas, the plan was for him to lead a church-planting effort in nearby League City. And while he remains faithful to that effort, two uniquely different mass tragedies have struck the community he serves — Hurricane Harvey in fall 2017 and the shooting at Santa Fe High School in May 2018.

Bailey jumped into action to minister during both crises.

“I’m ready for service,” Bailey told his Senior Pastor Dan Schepmann on the phone the day after Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc in Texas. “Look out your window,” his senior pastor responded. Bailey did so. The entire parking lot was flooded and he was trapped in his apartment until the water receded. It was an admittedly slow start to what Bailey describes as months of relief efforts and humanitarian care.

Gloria Dei partnered with several organizations within the Houston community to help citizens in need. One such group was Fuller Center Disaster Relief, a group assisting with emergency home repair and restoration. Bailey was able to venture out and go door-to-door in a subdivision where 99 percent of the homes were flooded.

During Harvey, Bailey visited a city-constructed shelter. “I walked and talked with people and I prayed with them,” he said. “These were people who had been evacuated from their homes. Some said they had lost everything. But they were alive.”

Relief efforts went on for months, and Bailey said full restoration is far from over. He is now often called to bless new homes that have been rehabilitated. Looking back, what stands out to him the most is how willing people were to help total strangers.

“You saw the love of our Lord in all the people who stepped up with no hesitation or complaining,” he said. “You saw what the body of Christ looks like as they shared the love of God in a time of need. I am thankful to serve with the staff and members of Gloria Dei.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 12>

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Months later, the Texas community was affected by the school shooting in Santa Fe that left 10 people

Sharing God’s love after a mass shooting

dead. League City is about 20 minutes from Santa Fe.

Rev. Craig Michaelson (’94) of Faith Community Lutheran Church

Bailey was asked by Clear Lake Regional Hospital

in Las Vegas, Nev., was driving his wife home from the Las Vegas

to come and sit with family and fellow classmates

airport in October 2017 when suddenly, police cars and ambulances

of those injured in the shooting while they waited

started flying by, their lights flashing and sirens blaring.

outside the emergency room. At one point he ministered to a couple who later discovered their

“We knew something major had happened,” Michaelson remembered.

child had died. “My job was to be a presence in

As soon as they got home, they turned on their TV to find out.

their time of tragedy, reminding them that Jesus doesn’t abandon or forsake us,” Bailey said.

What had happened was the largest mass shooting in recent U.S. history. A lone gunman opened fire on a country music concert

As a recent graduate, Bailey said lessons he learned

from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel, killing 58 people

at Concordia Seminary provided clarity as he served

and injuring nearly 500.

those who had suffered great loss.

Michaelson was immediately concerned that families in the church, preschool and the academy had been affected. He coordinated efforts with administrators, teachers and church staff. His fears were confirmed. A father of children in the preschool and academy had been severely injured. Many other children in the academy had lost loved ones, such as aunts and uncles. Within the congregation there also were several people who had been injured.

Michaelson knew he had to help those in his congregation but he also reached out to the larger Las Vegas community, sitting with families and others in the hospital waiting room.

“I turned the waiting room into a sanctuary, ” Michaelson said. “They were grasping for answers, they were grasping for hope and peace, and Jesus was the only place that hope and peace could be found.”

The church and school coordinated donations on behalf of an area hospital. The effort collected clothing, shoes and phone chargers.

The congregation leaned on their previously-established resources, namely their Grief Share Ministry, and was blessed by the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers as they ministered at the academy, preschool and church.

Rev. Rob Bailey, left, mucks out a home in League City. Photo: Courtesy of Rob Bailey

“I knew what to do theologically because of my education at the Seminary,” Bailey said. “As our professors always reminded us, we don’t have all the answers and that’s OK! For God is God and we are not. One of the biggest things we can do in ministry is to not answer questions, but to listen.

Listen to the story behind the story. Let God be God for He is in control.”

For Bailey, the last year has been a trying one and a rewarding one as well. “It’s been a privilege to

These efforts brought relief, but Michaelson realizes the road to recovery will be a long one. “Pastor Robert Morris from Newtown, Conn., told me that trauma is a marathon, but the sprint part is in the beginning, not the end,” he said. “When there’s another shooting, some people are triggered. We have construction going on, and the sound of the jackhammers can cause memories to flood back. The anniversary will be very hard. We have to be watching and aware, and make sure those impacted here are doing OK.” Despite difficult days still to come, Michaelson said faith and witness lead the way. “We have the assurance of God’s love in spite of what happened here,” Michaelson said. “This was an opportunity for people to show love to one another. The church was able to lead the charge with that,” he said “God used this

serve this past year and I can’t wait to see what

terrible tragedy in a way that showed that His Son suffers with us,

our Lord has in store for the future,” he said.

to give us hope and healing.”

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Photo left: Anthony DiLiberto, center, assists with a Baptism while serving in Peru. Photo right: DiLiberto talks with Peruvian children at the community center in Lima. Photos: Courtesy of Anthony DiLiberto

Preparing for mission after a hurricane

“I wanted to baptize and administer Holy Communion and to

“I’m going to a place everyone else is leaving.” That’s why

DiLiberto said.

Rev. Anthony DiLiberto (’18) said he is both nervous and

show the mercy of Christ in those unique and powerful ways,”

excited as he prepares for his call to the mission field in Puerto

DiLiberto, his wife and their three children initially will move

Rico, a U.S. territory ravaged by Hurricane Maria in September

to Mayagüez on the western side of the island and will help

2017. The devastation from that storm led to a widespread

with LCMS relief efforts. The LCMS currently has two mercy

humanitarian, economic and political crisis. Many have chosen

centers that distribute food and items for families, provide

to leave the island for the U.S. mainland.

roofing and home repairs, and offer English-as-a-Second-

DiLiberto said helping with the relief efforts being coordinated

by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) will be a challenge, but one that he will turn over to God. “We’re nervous about moving to an island that was recently devastated by a hurricane, but we’re also excited to see how God uses the situation to bring people into His Kingdom,” he said. “It’s certainly not the way we would do things, but God

Language and music classes. He said the congregation in Mayagüez is established, but since Hurricane Maria, many of the core members have moved away, so strengthening that congregation will be one of his first goals.

The DiLiberto family is now making final preparations before they leave the country for training in the Dominican Republic before heading to Puerto Rico.

in His wisdom uses even the most devastating situations to

DiLiberto points to the theology of cross as taught to him in

accomplish His purposes on earth. After all, it was through the

Lutheran Confessions class as a central starting point in dealing

suffering of His beloved Son on a cross that He accomplished

with suffering. He will aim to remind those around him of

the salvation of the world.

Christ crucified and risen for their forgiveness — He suffered

“Puerto Rico is currently undergoing a humanitarian crisis,

alongside His people on the cross.

but in the midst of crisis, Jesus brings hope, comfort and

As a missionary, it can be tempting to want to solve every issue,

peace. Jesus brings mercy, and we get to witness Him do that

DiLiberto said, but he plans to draw on his Seminary education.

through His people.”

“The Seminary has taught me to rely on God’s Word and His

DiLiberto entered Concordia Seminary with the intention of

promises — His Word is living and active and does not return

heading back into the mission field. He spent five years in Peru

to Him void,” DiLiberto said. “The world doesn’t need me to

coordinating relief efforts after an earthquake in 2007 and starting

be a Savior, it already has one.”

a community center for at-risk children and youth in Lima. He said it was a fruitful mission with a growing group of believers, but he wanted to do more. He felt the tug to be a pastor.

Kendra Whittle is a former communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

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CALLS FOR THE 2017-18 ACADEMIC YEAR

Concluding seminarian Matthew Knauss-Behal, center, snaps a selfie with fellow classmates on Call Day. Photo: Jill Gray

Unless otherwise noted, all calls were in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program and announced on Call Day, April 24, 2018.

CALLS INTO THE PASTORAL MINISTRY ATLANTIC DISTRICT rant, Christopher: Trinity Lutheran G Church, Walden, N.Y. (SMP Fall ’17) ilson, Robert: St. Paul Lutheran W Church, Monroe, N.Y. (SMP Fall ’17)

EASTERN DISTRICT Berteau, Benjamin: St. Luke Lutheran Church, Cabot, Penn.

ENGLISH DISTRICT oeppner, Seth: Faith Lutheran H Church, Watertown, Wis. (SMP Fall ’17) terling, Aaron: Christ the Shepherd S Lutheran Church, Alpharetta, Ga.

CALIFORNIA/NEVADA/ HAWAII DISTRICT

lm, Joshua: Ascension Lutheran U Church, North Olmsted, Ohio

ube, Michael: Light of the Valley D Lutheran Church, Elk Grove, Calif.

(SMP Fall ’17)

arner, Daniel: Shepherd of the W Mountains Lutheran Church, Pinetop, Ariz.

ones, Andrew: First Lutheran J Church, Concord, Calif.

FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT

Knippa, Colter: Zion Lutheran Church, North Highlands, Calif.

Berlinski, Jacob: Rivercliff Lutheran Church, Sandy Springs, Ga.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT

Cobos, John: Messiah Lutheran Church, Tampa, Fla. (CHS)

Grueninger, William: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Decatur, Ill.

Kubowicz, Andrew: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, Fla.

orreson, Jonathan: St. John’s T Lutheran Church, Decatur, Ill.

Popp, Michael: Grace Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Fla. (SMP Fall ’17)

Chairman of the LCMS Council of Presidents and LCMS Texas District President Rev. Ken Hennings congratulates Deaconess Studies graduate Greta Bernhardt on Call Day. Photo: Sid Hastings

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Roedsens, Jacob: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lake Worth, Fla.

IOWA WEST DISTRICT Coop, Andrew: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ankeny, Iowa Hanson, Joseph: First Lutheran Church, Missouri Valley, Iowa Jording, Jeremiah: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Spirit Lake, Iowa Kasper, Garret: Christ Lutheran Church, Remsen, Iowa

KANSAS DISTRICT bbott, Kenton: St. John Lutheran A Church, Ellinwood, Kan. (SMP) pfel, Michael: Trinity Lutheran A Church, Fort Scott, Kan. (RAR Fall ’17)

MICHIGAN DISTRICT entz, Tyson: Lutheran Church of B the Lakes, Addison, Mich.

taub, Aaron: Concordia Lutheran S Schools, Omaha, Neb. (SMP Fall ’17)

NEW JERSEY DISTRICT

NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT ankau, Jason: Trinity Lutheran Church, P Roselle, Ill. (SMP Fall ’17)

ass, Matthew: LCMS New Jersey H District, Mountainside, N.J. (SMP Fall ’17)

NORTHWEST DISTRICT

egley, Casey: Bethlehem Lutheran K Church, Ridgewood, N.J.

LaFore, David: Trinity Lutheran Church, Mount Angel, Ore.

Garcia, Adan “Chris”: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bay City, Mich. ansen, Michael: St. Matthew Lutheran H Church, Walled Lake and Wixom, Mich. retznow, Mark: Lamb of God Lutheran P Church, Flint, Mich.

MINNESOTA NORTH DISTRICT Metzler, Michael: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hinckley, Minn.

Newton, Joel: St. Johns Lutheran Church, Park Rapids, Minn.

Schwarz, Mark: Trinity Lutheran Church, Carlos, Minn.

MISSOURI DISTRICT Clemens, Daniel: King of Kings Lutheran Church, Kansas City, Mo. DiLiberto, Anthony: Puerto Rico, LCMS Board for International Mission, St. Louis, Mo. Heaton, William “Chris”: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fulton, Mo. Koenig, Jarod: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Springfield/Nixa, Mo. Pitsch, Alexander “Scott”: King of Kings Lutheran Church, Chesterfield, Mo. Roberts, Bryan: Zion Lutheran Church, Pevely, Mo.

MONTANA DISTRICT Wiegert, Mark: St. Paul Lutheran Church/Trinity Lutheran Church/Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lewistown/ Stanford/Denton, Mon. (SMP)

NEBRASKA DISTRICT Bol, Gabriel: Word of Life Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Neb. (EIIT) amstad, Christopher: Immanuel R Lutheran Church, Columbus, Neb. chaffer, Gregory: St. Peter Lutheran S Church, Davenport, Neb.

From left, concluding seminarians John Cobos and Miguel Sanabria and alumnus Juan Benito of the Center for Hispanic Studies share a laugh before the service. Photo: Sid Hastings

chultz, Nathan: St. John Lutheran S Church, Bloomfield, N.J.

Wiley, Joshua: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Kimberly, Idaho (RAR Fall ’17)

Small, David: Calvary Lutheran Church, Medford, N.J.

OHIO DISTRICT

NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT

Harris, Alexander: Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Royalton, Ohio

elt, Andrew: Christ Lutheran Church, B Marshfield, Wis.

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

ndov, Daniel: Redeemer Lutheran O Church, Marquette, Mich. hudy, David: St. John Lutheran S Church/Grace Lutheran Church, Black River Falls/Alma Center, Wis.

Boessling, Jacob: Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church, Gilbert, Ariz.

(CMC Winter ’18) Duerr, Nicholas: Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mesa, Ariz.

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 15

Eddins, Andrew: Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, La Mirada, Calif.

(SMP Fall ’17) Knauss-Behal, Matthew: Community Lutheran Church, Escondido, Calif.

Mai, Benjamin: University Lutheran Church, La Jolla, Calif. (CMC Summer ’18) Ochoa, Gabriel: Peace Lutheran Church, Linda Vista, Calif.

(CHS Summer ’18)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT ohnson, Frank: Redeemer Lutheran J Church, Fort Collins, Colo. (SMP Fall ’17) raft, Austin: Grace Fellowship K Lutheran Church, Gypsum, Colo.

(SMP Fall ’17) Schmidt, Joshua: Lutheran Church of Messiah, Grand Junction, Colo.

Sessa, Samuel: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, Colo.

Top photo: Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer, left, congratulates new vicar George “Geordie” Denholm. Photo: Harold Rau Bottom photo: Meyer hugs Deaconess Studies student Sarah Newton during the service. Photo: Harold Rau

TEXAS DISTRICT Franco Arango, José Mauricio: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Harlingen, Texas (CHS Summer ’18) Hart, Henry “Frank”: Oikos Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas (SMP) Hofmann, Michael: Trinity Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas Miklos, Troy: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fort Worth, Texas (SMP Fall ’17)

PENDING Brouwer, Jacob “Jack” (CMC) Gensch, Jeremiah Grant, Corey (CMC)

SELC DISTRICT

Rand, Gregory (CMC)

Elliott, John: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, Fla. (SMP)

Rosales, Edmundo (CHS)

Thompson, Lawton: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, Fla. (SMP)

SOUTH DAKOTA DISTRICT Handschke, Samuel: Faith Lutheran Church, Pierre, S.D. Wolfgram, Andrew: St. John Lutheran Church/Zion Lutheran Church, Groton/Andover, S.D.

Morales Lopez, Christian Ivan (CHS)

Sanabria, Miguel Andrés (CHS) Toma, James (CMC)

DEACONESS CALLS FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT arnke, Katherine: Christ Our Savior W Lutheran Church, Griffin, Ga.

MINNESOTA NORTH DISTRICT ewton, Sarah: St. Johns Lutheran N Church, Park Rapids, Minn.

SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT

NORTHWEST DISTRICT

Blas, David: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, Wis. (CHS)

Bernhardt, Greta: LCMS Northwest District Board of Directors/Columbia Memorial Hospital, Astoria, Ore.

egley, Noah: St. Paul’s Lutheran K Church, West Allis, Wis.

SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT arron, Kevin: Calvary Lutheran B Church, Baltimore, Md. Brooks, Corey: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Ridgeway, N.C. (SMP Summer ’18)

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oretz, Mark: Concordia Lutheran M Church, Hagerstown, Md.

anderhyde, Joshua: Faith Lutheran V Church, Carbondale, Colo.

Mercer, Ernest “Alan”: Peace Lutheran Church, Galloway, N.J. (SMP Fall ’17)

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Kosberg, Adam: Calvary Lutheran Church, Charleston, S.C.

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT abrales, María del Carmen: Apostles C Lutheran Church, Peoria, Ariz. (CHS)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT Jofre, Erica: Trinity Lutheran Church, Sterling, Colo. (CHS Winter ’18)

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STUDENTS RECEIVED CALLS AT THE CALL SERVICE IN APRIL 2018

More than

7,000 viewers for the live streams!

30,256 page views at callday.csl.edu Say cheese for a Call Day selfie!

Photo: Sid Hastings

Q: WHO’S STAYING CLOSE TO THE SEM? A: MICHAEL STEIN Vicarage with Lutheran Senior Services

SOCIAL MEDIA

PRESENCE Facebook • Twitter • instagram • Snapchat • YouTube

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Students received vicarage assignments in April 2018

STUDENTS RECEIVED DEACONESS INTERNSHIPS

FIND MORE PHOTOS FROM CALL DAY AT

callday.csl.edu Concluding seminarians grab a photo before the service.

Photo: Courtney Koll

Q: WHO’S GOING THE FARTHEST? A: BENJAMIN VANDERHYDE Missionary vicarage to Sri Lanka

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 17

VICARAGE & DEACONESS

INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE 2017-18 ACADEMIC YEAR

Simpson, Andrew: Messiah Lutheran Church, Clio, Mich.

Wittig, Brandon: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lansing, Mich.

Wolfe, Adam: St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, Mich.

Unless otherwise noted, all assignments were in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program and announced on Call Day, April 24, 2018.

MID-SOUTH DISTRICT

VICARAGE ASSIGNMENTS

Johnson, Anthony: First Lutheran Church, Hot Springs, Ark. (EIIT Fall ’17)

ATLANTIC DISTRICT

LeBorious, Peter: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Warner Robins, Ga. (SMP Summer ’17)

MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT

Steinke, Jeremy: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Fla.

Denholm, George “Geordie”: Woodbury Lutheran Church, Woodbury, Minn.

Wehmeyer, Craig: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Warner Robins, Ga.

MISSOURI DISTRICT

INDIANA DISTRICT

Bender, Kevin: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Washington, Mo.

CALIFORNIA/NEVADA/ HAWAII DISTRICT

Doel, Brian: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ind.

Brown, Robert: Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, Florissant, Mo.

Finger, Sylvan: Mount Olive Lutheran Church/First Lutheran Church, Corning/Willows, Calif.

Werner, Tyler: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, Ind.

Dickerson, Paul: Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Mo.

IOWA EAST DISTRICT

Dubensky, Matthew: Hanover Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Schoepflin, Adam: The Life Lutheran Church, Old Westbury, N.Y. (SMP Summer ’17) Schram, Nicholas: Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Garden City, N.Y.

Pevy, James: Faith Lutheran Church, Fair Oaks, Calif. (SMP Summer ’17) Pierce, William: St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Kapaa, Hawaii (SMP Summer ’17)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT Biar, Chad: St. John’s Lutheran Church, East Moline, Ill.

Otterman, Joshua: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Iowa City, Iowa

KANSAS DISTRICT Davis, Kendall: Ascension Lutheran Church, Wichita, Kan. Parrish, Joshua: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Olathe, Kan.

EASTERN DISTRICT Akers, Benjamin: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Orchard Park, N.Y.

ENGLISH DISTRICT Einertson, Christian: Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries, Philadelphia, Penn.

Marriott, James: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Mo. (RAR)

FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT Baroi, Isaac: Living Faith Lutheran Church, Cumming, Ga. (EIIT Fall ’17) Bohlmann, Matthew: Grace Lutheran Church, Winter Haven, Fla. Karolus, John: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, Fla.

Deaconess Studies students Bridgette Sharp, left, and Rachell Highley are ready for the service. Photo: Courtney Koll

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MICHIGAN DISTRICT Cronkright, Tyler: Christ Our Saviour Lutheran Church/Family of God, Livonia/Detroit, Mich. (SMP Summer ’17) Dykstra, Kevin: University Lutheran Chapel, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Jahnke, Jonathan: Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Sunset Hills, Mo. Ketema, Teklu: Salem Lutheran Church, Affton, Mo. Loum, Cyril: Timothy Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Mo. (SMP Summer ’17) Murphy, William: Hope Lutheran Church, Bonita Springs, Fla. (SMP Summer ’17) Stein, Michael: Lutheran Senior Services, St. Louis, Mo. Townley, Jared: Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Mo. Tuma, Jacob: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Union, Mo.

Vanderhyde, Benjamin: LCMS Office for International Mission, St. Louis, Mo. Wade, Tanner: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Des Peres, Mo.

Sutherlin, Jeffrey: Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church, Gilbert, Ariz. (SMP Summer ’17) Villalobos, Jose: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Pomona, Calif. (CMC Fall ’17)

NEBRASKA DISTRICT Mork, Joshua: Zion Lutheran Church, Pierce, Neb. Puente, Sergio: Peace Lutheran Church, Columbus, Neb. (CHS Fall ’17)

NEW JERSEY DISTRICT Gremminger, Joshua: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Flemington, N.J.

NORTH DAKOTA DISTRICT Shane, Brian: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Fargo, N.D. (RAR)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT Boone, David: CrossPoint Lutheran Church, El Paso, Texas (SMP Summer ’17) Chuol, Paul: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salt Lake City, Utah (EIIT) Reinhard, Sam: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lakewood, Colo.

Retzlaff, Brady: Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Scheutzler, Michael: CrossPoint Lutheran Church, El Paso, Texas (CMC)

Emilie and Craig Wehmeyer celebrate his vicarage assignment on Call Day. Photo: Jill Gray

NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT

Steiner, Micah: Our Father Lutheran Church, Centennial, Colo. (SMP Summer ’17)

Fox, Michael: Peace Lutheran Church, Antigo, Wis.

SELC DISTRICT

Moon, Colin: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Green Bay, Wis.

Burmeister, Devin: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, Fla.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT

SOUTH DAKOTA

Glombicki, Joseph: Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, East Dundee, Ill. (SMP Summer ’17)

Bakat, Albert: Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, S.D. (EIIT Fall ’17)

Headley, Steven: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Cedar Park, Texas (SMP Summer ’17)

Harder, William: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palatine, Ill. (SMP Summer ’17)

SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT

Horstmeyer, Paul: Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas

SOUTHERN DISTRICT Presley, Thomas: Grace Lutheran Church, Huntsville, Ala. (SMP Summer ’17)

TEXAS DISTRICT

Harms, Cameron: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elmhurst, Ill. Hileman, Joshua: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake, Ill.

NORTHWEST DISTRICT

Rusche, Jonathon: Trinity Lutheran Church, Howards Grove, Wis.

SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT Coble, Jeffrey: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Hill, S.C. (SMP Summer ’17)

Biberdorf, Nathanael: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Everett, Wash.

Lewis, Joseph: Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Landover Hills, Md. (EIIT Fall ’17)

OHIO DISTRICT

Niemeier, Nils: Living Savior Lutheran Church, Fairfax Station, Va.

Buday, Jacob: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, North Canton, Ohio

OKLAHOMA DISTRICT Brakhage, Joshua: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Edmond, Okla.

Petajan, Andrew: Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf, Silver Spring, Md. (EIIT Fall ’17) Scott, Kevin: Hope Lutheran Church, Wake Forest, N.C.

Steffenson, Jason: First Lutheran Church, Ada, Okla.

Sloter, John “Alex”: Concordia Lutheran Church, Conover, N.C.

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

Stacy, Eric: St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Hickory, N.C.

Barlow, Brian: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Arcadia, Calif. (CMC Fall ’17)

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT

Highley, Joseph: Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church, Gilbert, Ariz.

Barto, Gregory: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville, Ill.

Jenkins, William “Jeff”: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lubbock, Texas Martinez, Luis: Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring, Texas (CHS) Spaulding, Benjamin: Memorial Lutheran Church, Katy, Texas Terral, Paul: Faith Lutheran Church, Gainesville, Texas

DEACONESS INTERNSHIPS Highley, Rachell: Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church/Saving Grace Lutheran Church, Gilbert/Queen Creek, Ariz.

Musegades, Michele: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ind. Sharp, Bridgette: Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, Haslet, Texas

CHS: Center for Hispanic Studies CMC: Cross-Cultural Ministry Center EIIT: Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology RAR: Residential Alternate Route SMP: Specific Ministry Pastor

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 19

A SNAPSHOT OF NEW VICARS, PASTORS, GRADUATES

BY TIFFANY HUDSON AND MELANIE AVE Spring is a busy time on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis as many of our students receive their assignments as vicars and deaconess interns, and our concluding students receive their first calls as pastors and deaconesses. It also marks Commencement and the end of studies for our graduates across all of our degree programs. The following is a snapshot of some of our students who were among the dozens and dozens we celebrated this year on Call Day and Commencement.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Photo: Jill Gray

MATTHEW DUBENSKY

Photo: Jill Gray

CHRISTOPHER RAMSTAD

24, single

32, married father of three

Vicar at Hanover Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, Mo. (April 2018)

Associate Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, Columbus, Neb. (April 2018)

HOME CONGREGATION Trinity Lutheran Church, Jackson, Mich.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? The answer to this question is more of a “who” than a “what.” Growing up in a Christian household has given me plenty of exposure to people in my life that I find inspirational. Among the long list of those who inspire me are people like my father, my pastors and Lutheran school teachers growing up, and of course all of my professors here at the Seminary who show on a daily basis what it truly means to be a pastor. It’s not just about knowing theology or biblical languages. It’s about Jesus and His mission. It’s about being a servant and a neighbor to anyone and everyone.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AS PART OF YOUR NEW ASSIGNMENT? I love the Seminary, but I am really excited to put everything I have learned here into practice and to get a taste for what ministry is like “in the trenches.”

I can’t wait to get out into the parish and see what ministry is like firsthand!

HOME CONGREGATION St. Paul Lutheran Church, Marion, Iowa WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REACTION WHEN YOU FOUND OUT WHERE YOU WERE BEING CALLED TO SERVE? Excitement! We had waited four years to hear where God was going to send us. It’s great to finally be able to point at a map and say, “That’s where we are going to live!”

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP? I’m anxious to start getting to know the congregation and community and to share the great love of our Savior.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I’m inspired by the faithful witnesses whom God has placed into my life. God has given me caring pastors, faithful parents and an incredibly supportive wife and family throughout this whole journey. I’ve also been inspired these past four years of Seminary by both professors and classmates. It’s amazing to see God at work as He sends out workers into the harvest fields.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22>

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 21

<CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Photo: Jill Gray

MARK PRETZNOW 55, married father of three grown children and grandfather of one grandson Pastor at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flint, Mich. (April 2018) HOME CONGREGATION Living Word Lutheran Church, Rochester Hills, Mich.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE AND WHY? “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103: 11-12 ESV). No matter what I’ve done, Christ’s sacrifice has fully atoned for it. That kind of love is greater than my mind can grasp and yet He gives it freely to me, undeserving as I am.

WHAT WORD WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF? WHAT WORD WOULD OTHERS USE? Describe myself: unworthy.

Others: redeemed.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AS PART OF YOUR FIRST CALL? Beginning the Kingdom work that the Lord has been forming me for, at the place He has chosen to send me from the beginning. In other words: fulfilling His will for my life and the lives of the parish that I will serve.

Photo: Courtney Koll

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Photo: Jill Gray

Photo: Jill Gray

Photo: Jill Gray

JEAN BAPTISTE MBEREBE

RUTH ANG-ONN WHITEFORD

JUAN GABRIEL VALLEJO VASQUEZ

49, married father of six

31, married mother of two

38, single

Received a Ph.D. and will continue to serve as professor at the Institut Supérieur de Théologie Kaele in Cameroon, Africa. (May 2018)

Received a Ph.D. (May 2018)

Received a Master of Arts (taught in Spanish through the Seminary’s Center for Hispanic Studies) (May 2018)

HOME CONGREGATION Church of the Lutheran Brethren, Cameroon, Africa WHAT INSPIRES YOU? The Word of God, the Lutheran Confessions, Jesus Christ the true Servant and the great company of faithful servants of God I have come to know through training and ministry, including my own father.

HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARIZE YOUR SEMINARY EXPERIENCE IN ONE SENTENCE? I could not find a better place to undertake a doctoral program!

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP? Training pastors to serve the church.

I will be teaching practical courses.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE LUTHERANISM IN CAMEROON? Right now, two other Lutheran church bodies are dominant: One is of a pietistic background and the other is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Thus I think Lutheranism in Cameroon needs to find its true center.

HOME CONGREGATION Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tulsa, Okla.

ARE ANY FAMILY MEMBERS CHURCH WORKERS? Though I’m a first-generation Lutheran, my grandfather was an ordained preacher, my great aunt and great uncle were missionaries, and three of my uncles were pastors.

HOW ARE YOU CURRENTLY SERVING? Over the past three years, writing a dissertation and becoming a mother has kept me plenty busy.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE AND WHY? “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8 ESV).

Not only was this a central verse in my doctoral research, but it’s the message of “grace” that breathes life into my daily existence.

HOME CONGREGATION Trinity Lutheran Church, Watsonville, Calif.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Knowing that God wants to use someone as insignificant as me as a tool to share the Gospel, and as a servant to His people, who are part of His Kingdom and those who are not yet part of it.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND CONCORDIA SEMINARY? I wanted and chose to study at Concordia Seminary because it has been part of my family since before I was born. God gave my grandfather the opportunity to build a relationship with the Seminary, then he gave my father the opportunity to continue that close bond, and God gave me that same opportunity and now I’m hoping to continue that relationship with the LCMS. I believe God has used Concordia Seminary to use my grandfather, my father and now me to do God’s work and to serve Him and others proclaiming the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Tiffany Hudson is a communications specialist and Melanie Ave is communications manager at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 23

Q&A WITH NEW SEMINARY PROVOST

BY TRAVIS SCHOLL

Dr. Douglas Rutt. Photo: Michael Thomas

This summer, Dr. Douglas Rutt accepted the call to be the new provost at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

In this role Rutt will become one of three members of the Seminary’s Executive Management Team, which also includes the president and executive vice president/chief operating officer. He will serve as the Seminary’s chief academic officer, providing guidance to faculty, managing academic administrative affairs, and providing oversight of academic programs and curriculum.

“God always provides the gifts the church needs at the right time, at the right place,” said Rev. Shawn L. Kumm, Board of Regents chairman. “Dr. Rutt is the right gift at the right time at Concordia Seminary.”

Since 2010, Rutt has served as executive director of International Ministries at Lutheran Hour Ministries. Prior to that, he had served as professor and dean at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind., as an area director for Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) World Mission, a parish pastor in Minnesota and a missionary in Guatemala.

Before he began preparing for ministry, Rutt was a U.S. Navy jet engine mechanic and later served as a commercial pilot and flight instructor after he was discharged from the military.

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Rutt holds a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University (1981) in Mankato, Minn, and a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Philosophy from Concordia Theological Seminary (1986, 1997). Fluent in Spanish, he graduated from the Instituto del Idioma Español in Antigua, Guatemala, in 1984.

We recently sat down with Rutt to ask him a few questions.

Q A

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Q

HOW MANY DIFFERENT COUNTRIES HAVE YOU TRAVELED TO? ANY FAVORITES?

A

I haven’t counted for a while, but at last count it was over 60. Each place has its own charm and memories.

The differences in culture, and especially food, have always been fascinating to me. The favorite would have to be Guatemala. We lived there for eight years, and our youngest daughter was born there.

I am a person who has been immeasurably blessed by God with a variety of interests and experiences. Most important to me is my family — my wife Deborah, five children, their spouses and 15 grandchildren. I treasure the fact that by the grace of God the entire family confesses the Lutheran faith.

FACULTY FOCUS

Q

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO RETURN TO

A

I would say that in general my ministry has had two

to study issues facing the church and to provide guidance.

But we also have a mission to the church in general, with our great faculty providing articles, books and teaching for laypeople. This is crucial for the nurture and growth of God’s Kingdom.

THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION?

emphases: theological education and mission. The connection between the two became very apparent to me when we first went to Guatemala and I could see that for mission to flourish, there must be a plan and program for the formation of pastors, teachers, church workers, etc. It is noteworthy, for example, that the seminary in Brazil was established in 1903, a year before

Q WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN OR TO UNWIND? enjoy a wide variety of music, from sacred to classical A Isymphonic to jazz to rock. I also enjoy working with my hands doing various projects around the house such as repairs, rebuilding decks and woodworking. We have a large family so I enjoy being with my kids and grandkids.

the church body. In our own case, Concordia Seminary was established in 1839, eight years before the formation of the Missouri Synod. So, the two go hand-in-hand.

Martin Kähler, a well-known missions thinker from the late 19th century, said, “Missions is the mother of theology.”

“I WOULD SAY THAT IN GENERAL MY MINISTRY HAS HAD TWO EMPHASES: THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND MISSION.”

In many ways I believe that is true. I look forward to bringing my international mission experience and perspective to the seminary.

Q A

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE CLASSROOM? Discovery. I love it when we are talking about a topic and you see the light come on in the minds of students,

— DR. DOUGLAS RUTT

and when you see students come to solid theological conclusions and commitments on their own.

Q

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES OR CHALLENGES DO YOU SEE

A

This is both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge

THE CHURCH FACING INTO THE FUTURE?

we are facing, especially in the West, is facing up to the fact that the church no longer has a place of privilege in society. We cannot keep operating as if we have that place in the eyes of our culture. It is also an opportunity because it forces us to reflect more deeply in proclaiming the Gospel in all its truth and power, and I am convinced it will make us stronger.

Another factor is the growth of the church worldwide. As Philip Jenkins has said, to paraphrase, “The church isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving when you look at it globally.”

This is true of Lutheranism as well. It is a challenge because of the need for solid theological education, something Concordia Seminary is a significant part of.

Around the world, younger churches yearn to send their future pastors and workers here, and they covet those opportunities when our faculty members can go to their churches, seminaries and schools to teach. There is a lot to learn about God’s Kingdom, going both ways.

Q

HOW DO YOU SEE CONCORDIA SEMINARY SERVING

A

We have so much to offer for the formation of those

THE CHURCH AS WE FACE THE FUTURE?

who will become church workers and in providing advanced studies. We have a certain responsibility

YOU READ ANY GOOD BOOKS LATELY YOU Q HAVE COULD RECOMMEND?

A

I like to read some of John Grisham’s better books because they are entertaining and fast-paced. I enjoy reading about history, especially church history. Two books I’ve taken in recently tell the stories of two remarkable LCMS church men and graduates of Concordia Seminary. One is Mission at Nuremberg: An American Army Chaplain and the Trial of the Nazis by Tim Townsend.

It tells the story of St. Louis-area Pastor Henry Gerecke, who ended up joining the Army during WWII at the age of 50, and eventually was tasked with ministering to the Nazi war criminals and their families during the Nuremburg trials. Another is Nau! Mission Inspired: The Story of Henry Nau. Before immigrating to America, he once fought a duel to the death, then came to America to make a living as a professional gambler, but was ministered to by two LCMS missionaries in New York. Eventually, he came to the Seminary — there is so much to tell — but was a missionary in the early 1900s to India, became the president of Immanuel Lutheran College in Greensboro, N.C., was asked to establish the mission in Nigeria in the 1930s, and toward the end of his life, went back to India as a missionary in his 70s. These are just two of the extraordinary people who have passed through the halls of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Dr. Travis Scholl is managing editor of Seminary Publications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 25

Seminary celebrates faculty authors Front row, from left, Dr. Paul Robinson, Dr. Daniel Mattson, Dr. Bruce Hartung, Dr. Robert Kolb, Dr. Rodolfo Blank, Dr. Paul Raabe and Dr. Mark Seifrid. Back row, from left, Dr. Charles Arand, Dr. Glenn Nielsen, Dr. Erik Herrmann, Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. and Dr. Dale A. Meyer.

Photo: Kendra Whittle

The Seminary honored faculty members who have recently written or contributed to published books at its annual Faculty Author Reception May 15 cohosted by Concordia Publishing House.

The following faculty, emeriti faculty, instructors and staff were recognized for their contributions in the 2017-18 academic year: Dr. David Adams: Notes on Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes and the Song in the ESV Archaeology Study Bible (Crossways, April 2018) Dr. Rodolfo Blank: El Libro de Génesis: Reflexiones Misiológicas y Pastorales, Comentario Concordia. (Concordia Publishing House, 2017) Dr. Timothy Dost: “Martin Luther, Reformer of Christendom” in Defending Luther’s Reformation, edited by John A. Maxfield (Concordia Publishing House) Dr. Joel Elowsky: • Letter to Marcellinus on the Psalms: Spiritual Wisdom for Today, translated and edited by Joel C. Elowsky (ICCS Press, 2017) • “John 11-21” in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, Vol IVa. (InterVarsity Press, 2007, published in Russian by Germeneutika Press, Tver, Russia, 2018) Dr. Bruce Hartung: Building Up the Body of Christ study guide with Ethan Luhman (Concordia Publishing House) Dr. Erik Herrmann: “Psalm 118” in the The Annotated Luther, Volume 6: The Interpretation of Scripture (Fortress, November 2017)

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Dr. Robert Kolb: • Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation with Carl Trueman (Baker Academic, October 2017) • “Martin Luther” in Christian Theologies of the Sacraments (NYU Press, July 2017) • “Martin Luther” in T&T Clark Companion to Atonement (Bloomsbury Publishing, July 2017) • “Martin Luther, Preaching a Theology of the Cross” in A Legacy of Preaching. Apostles to Puritans, edited by Benjamin K. Forrest, Kevin L. King, Bill Curtis and Dwayne Milioni (Zondervan, 2018) • Luther’s Wittenberg World: The Reformer’s Family, Friends, Followers, and Foes (Fortress, 2018) Dr. Dale A. Meyer: Word Alive!: 52 Selected Sermons by Dale A. Meyer (Tri-Pillar Publishing, 2017) Dr. Paul Raabe: “Puzzling over Isaiah’s Cush Oracle” in “His Word Soars Above Him”: Biblical and North-West Semitic Studies, edited by Robert M. Kerr, Robert Miller II and Philip C. Schmitz (Ann Arbor) Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M.: “Along the Border” in Sermons from the Latino/a Pulpit, edited by Elieser Valentín (Pickwick, 2017) Dr. Mark Seifrid: • “Particularity and Universalism in Romans” in Spurensuche zur Einleitung in das Neue Testament: Eine Feschrift im Dialog mit Udo Schnelle, edited by Michael Labahn (Göttingen: Forschungen zur Religion und Literatur des Alten und Neuen Testaments, 2017) • “Paul: A Theologian of the Cross” in Texts and Contexts: Gospels and Pauline Studies, edited by Todd D. Still (Baylor University Press, 2017)

NEWS WORTH NOTING

Festschrift published in honor of Kolb The following faculty contributed to volumes with multiple authors: The Press of the Text: Biblical Studies in Honor of James W. Voelz, edited by Andrew Bartelt, Jeff Kloha and Paul Raabe (Pickwick Press, 2017): • Dr. Charles Arand: “Creeds as Corroborative Witnesses” • Dr. Andrew Bartelt: “A Hard Saying with Purpose: Isaiah 6:9–10 and the Gospel of Mark” • Dr. Jeff Kloha: “The Development of the Greek Language and the Manuscripts of Paul’s Letters” • Dr. Paul Raabe: “Isaiah’s Philistia Oracle and Hermeneutics: Isaiah 14:28–32” • Dr. Mark Seifrid: “Effective Justification and Its Hermeneutical Implications” Dr. Alberto L. García and Dr. John A. Nunes: Wittenberg Meets the World: Reimagining the Reformation at the Margins (Eerdmans, 2017)

From left, Ruth Mattson, Dr. Daniel Mattson, Dr. Charles Arand, Dr. Robert Kolb, Dr. Erik Herrmann, Pauline Kolb and Dr. Paul Robinson.

Photo: Kendra Whittle

Preach the Word: It’s Still All About Jesus: Video-based lectures for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod: • Dr. Glenn Nielsen: Module 4, “Applying God’s Word into people’s lives” • Dr. David Schmitt: Module 1, “The use of story in preaching”

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Professor Emeritus and renowned Reformation scholar Dr. Robert Kolb has been recognized with a Festschrift, or honorary volume of essays, From Wittenberg to the World: Essays on the Reformation and its Legacy in Honor of Robert Kolb.

Die einigende Mitte‘—Theologie in konfessioneller und ökumenischer Verantwortung. Festschrift für Werner Klän, edited by Gilberto da Silva and Christoph Barnbrock (Göttingen: Verlag Edition Ruprecht, 2018): • Dr. Robert Kolb: “Formula of Concord as the Unifying Center of Lutheran Theology” • Dr. Robert Rosin: “Seeking the Center: A Catholic Case Study (and Context Counts!)”

From Wittenberg to the World: Essays on the Reformation and its Legacy in Honor of Robert Kolb, edited by Charles Arand, Erik H. Herrmann and Daniel L. Mattson (Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, May 2018): • Dr. Charles Arand: “‘I Am God’s Creature!’ Luther’s Confession of the First Article of the Creed” • Dr. Erik Herrmann: “Conflicts on Righteousness and Imputation in Early Lutheranism. The Case of Georg Karg (1512–1576)” • Dr. Daniel Mattson: “What Did Luther Know about Islam, and Why Did He Want to Know It?” • Dr. Paul W. Robinson: “‘One Foot Already Out of the Grave: Luther Preaches the Resurrection” • Dr. Robert Rosin: “Looking Around with New Eyes: A Certain Modesty As a Way to See”

According to the book’s publisher, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Kolb’s colleagues and co-workers address and push forward his insights into the history of the Reformation era and the impact of those Reformation issues on the life of the church in the world today.

The book was edited by Concordia Seminary faculty members Dr. Charles Arand and Dr. Erik Herrmann, and Dr. Daniel Mattson, academic assistant.

The editors say in their tribute to Kolb: “As his instruction and example has impacted another generation of students at the Seminary, Kolb has inspired those with whom he works here and abroad not only to strive for greater service to God but to find the joy of the Lord in daily living. Whether you know the scholar Dr. Kolb, Professor Kolb, Rev. Kolb, the author and editor Robert A. Kolb or just Bob Kolb, it is the same amiable and honorable man whom we honor with this Festschrift. We thank God for his life and work.”

The publication of the Festschrift was first announced to applause during the 13th International Congress for Luther Research in August 2017 in the courtyard of Luther’s house in Wittenberg, Germany, while Kolb and many of the book’s contributors were in attendance.

Kolb also was recognized during the Seminary’s Faculty Author Reception May 15.

The book is available from Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht or on Amazon.

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Seminary receives worship grant Concordia Seminary, St. Louis is one of 44 recipients and the only seminary chosen as part of the “Vital Worship Grants Program” from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW) in Grand Rapids, Mich., for 2018-19.

The Seminary will use the $18,000 grant to conduct a yearlong study of congregations with successful catechumenate programs that can be replicated and adapted for use in other congregations.

The goal is to strengthen the patterns for discipleship and participation in church life among millennials and Generation Z. The study will be overseen by the Seminary’s Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of Chapel Dr. Kent Burreson and Term Professor of Theology and Interdisciplinary Studies Dr. Rhoda Schuler from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn.

Burreson and Schuler said the results of their research will be shared widely so congregations can adapt and use the successful practices.

Dr. Kent Burreson presides during a Palm Sunday service in Chapel in April 2018. Photo: Kendra Whittle

Bahkou to join Seminary faculty Islamic Studies within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

“Concordia Seminary is earnest about our Lord’s commission to all nations, and so we thank God that Dr. Abjar Bahkou has joined our faculty,” said Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer. “Published in Arabic, an expert in patristics and Islam, fluent in four modern languages and a proven teacher, he will stimulate our students to cross-cultural boundaries to tell people the Good News about Jesus.

Dr. Bahkou is another demonstration that the Lord of the church is using our Seminary to encourage our church and the faithful in His mission.”

He will be installed during the Seminary’s Opening Service Aug. 24 in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.

Dr. Abjar Bahkou. Photo: Courtney Koll

Dr. Abjar Bahkou joined Concordia Seminary, St. Louis faculty as associate professor of Practical Theology June 1. Bahkou is a wellrespected scholar, theologian and leading authority on Arabic and

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Bahkou holds a Ph.D. from Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Rome, Italy (2011), and a Ph.D. from Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, Italy (1998). He holds master’s degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Islamic Studies (2009) and Salesian Pontifical University in Education (1996). He holds a bachelor’s degree from Salesian Pontifical University (1995) and a Diploma in Theology from St. Ephraim Theological Seminary (1993).

NEWS WORTH NOTING

Seminarian receives prestigious FASPE fellowship Second-year seminarian Christian Einertson was recently selected for the 2018 Seminary Program of the Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE).

Einertson was selected from about 200 applicants to receive one of 13 available fellowships. The fellowship included a two-week trip in June to Germany and Poland, including a visit to the site of the infamous Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp.

Einertson earned a bachelor’s degree in music–voice and modern foreign languages from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D. He has studied in Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Norway and Russia. Einertson’s academic interests include systematic theology, the Lutheran Confessions and church music.

He joined a diverse group of 64 FASPE fellows across five programs who were chosen through a competitive process that drew applicants from across the United States and the world, according to the organization. FASPE covered all program costs, including travel, food and lodging.

Einertson is the second Concordia Seminary student to be chosen for the fellowship program. Paul Flo, who just completed his vicarage, was a 2016 recipient.

Christian Einertson. Photo: Courtesy FASPE

Multiethnic Symposium celebrates ‘many people, one Savior’ The 2018 Multiethnic Symposium, held May 1-2, included more than 180 registrants, making it the best attended symposium ever. This year’s theme was “Many Peoples, One Savior, Jesus: Affirming a Multiethnic Church.”

The annual symposium brings together missional leaders including pastors, congregational leaders and others from across The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and explores what it means and what it will take to become a truly multiethnic church.

Dr. Mark DeYmaz, founding pastor of the Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas in Little Rock, Ark., and author of the award-winning book, Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church, delivered the keynote address.

The symposium featured a Festival of Nations and a Festival Service with Holy Communion. According to Rev. Kou Seying, symposium committee chairman, the event “voices to the church the importance of cultural and ethnic diversity.”

Next year’s Multiethnic Symposium is set for April 25-26, 2019.

Participants carry flags from many nations from the Main Quadrangle to the chapel. Photo: Michael Thomas

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Seminary Commencement celebrates 93 students FOUR HONOREES RECOGNIZED

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Faculty Marshal Dr. Joel Biermann, left, watches as graduates await their diplomas during Commencement May 18, 2018. Photo: Jill Gray

Some 93 students and four honorees were celebrated and recognized at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis May 18 as part of the school’s 2018 Commencement exercises.

were recognized. Find the list of students and their degrees and certificates in the Commencement program at www.csl.edu/2018 _Commencement_folder.

Of the 93 students recognized, 54 earned the Master of Divinity degree, one earned the Master of Arts degree with deaconess certification, 10 earned the Master of Arts degree and seven students earned a Master of Sacred Theology degree. In addition, 18 students completed doctoral degrees: 10 earned the Doctor of Ministry degree and eight earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Three students earning their Residential Alternate Route certificates also

Commencement activities began Friday morning with the Theological Diploma Service in the Seminary’s Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus followed by Commencement exercises that evening in the chapel, which had been moved from the Seminary’s Main Quadrangle because of rain.

A tremendous colleague and a faithful teacher. That was the overriding message during a special reception May 16 for retiring faculty member Dr. Paul Raabe, who also was recognized during Commencement May 18. Raabe, professor of Exegetical Theology, retired at the end of the 2017-18 academic year after 35 years.

He will be moving to Arizona to be close to family and will be teaching biblical studies classes at Grand Canyon University. Photo: Jill Gray

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Rev. Ray Wilke, president of Orphan Grain Train and pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Neb., delivered the Commencement address, saying he was moved by the day’s events and “thrilled about the church.”

The Seminary’s faculty presented the Christus Vivit Award to Craig and in absentia Jane Olson of Orange, Calif., in recognition of their exemplary service to the church. The Olsons chaired the Seminary’s National Campaign Council, which oversaw the milestone Generations Campaign, which reached its successful conclusion in December 2017, raising more than $200 million. The faculty also presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award in absentia to Dr. Timothy Maschke (’74) of Grafton, Wis., a retired professor from Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon; and an honorary Doctor of Divinity to Wilke.

This year’s graduates join more than 7,000 called leaders of the LCMS around the world and more than 12,500 individuals who have received degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in the school’s history.

NEWS WORTH NOTING

Seminary receives awards from EPA, ACP Concordia Seminary, St. Louis received 13 awards from the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) and the Associated Church Press (ACP) during the organizations’ spring conventions and award ceremonies.

ACP

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Best in Class contest | Award of Excellence Seminary publication category

Celebrating and proclaiming our faith through the gift of music

Concordia Seminary magazine

Award of Excellence Photography: Single Photo with Article or Cutline: Magazine or Journal category

Concordia Seminary magazine “First Look” photo (FALL 2017)

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Best in Class contest | Award of Merit Journal category Concordia Journal

Award of Merit Theological or Scholarly Article category

First concert of the Inaugural 2018-19 Season OPENING WEEKEND HYMN FESTIVAL 3 P.M. SUNDAY, AUG. 26, 2018 Kantor Kevin Hildebrand of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., and ensemble choir

Concordia Journal

Award of Merit Integrated Communications category

Faith … Living, Daring Confidence in God’s Grace 2017-18 Academic Year Theme

EPA

All concerts are held in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Concerts are free and open to the public.

Learn more at www.csl.edu/concertseries

Higher Goals contest Website Design category

Concordia Seminary magazine online (www.csl.edu)

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Honorable Mention Integrated Communications category

Concordia Theology and Concordia Journal Rebrand

Honorable Mention Video: Video Series category Reformation 500

EPA

Awards of Excellence contest Higher Education Print category Concordia Seminary magazine

Awards of Excellence contest Higher Education Digital category

Concordia Seminary magazine online (www.csl.edu)

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Higher Goals contest Cause of the Year Illustration/Photo: The Reformation category

Concordia Seminary magazine illustration Luther Watercolor (WINTER 2017)

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EPA

Higher Goals contest Article Series category

Concordia Seminary magazine series “500: The Impact of the Reformation Today”

Higher Goals contest Single Photo: Candid

Concordia Seminary magazine “Call Day Joy” (SUMMER 2017)

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Call Day: From confusion to joy LEARNING TO RELY ON GOD

BY TIFFANY HUDSON

Call Day 2015 remains a vivid memory for Rev. Matthew Schuler.

Soon after hearing his first call as sole pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Oxford, Mich., he and his wife, Liz, cried. Their eyes were still red when they took a group photo with Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod Michigan District President Dr. David Maier and his wife, Pat, a little later that evening in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. They stood, emotions mixed, with all those receiving vicarages and calls to the district as the cameras flashed.

“Surprisingly, you can’t tell in the photos,” Schuler said laughing.

Despite both being born and raised in Michigan, the Schulers were dumbfounded when they learned that he had been called to pastor a small church. They were confused by what seemed like a surprising placement. “They asked themselves, ‘Who’s upset about a homecoming?’” he remembered.

The Schulers dubiety had nothing to do with returning to Michigan.

Throughout the call interview process, he and his wife were open to any placement. “We were looking for the best fit,” he said.

After interviewing for associate pastor calls with about six churches, the Schulers believed there was one in particular that was the perfect fit.

To them, the feeling seemed mutual and it was pretty much a done deal.

“I knew where I was going,” he said. Or so he thought.

The call to be the sole pastor of Holy Cross was unexpected. “The moment the word ‘pastor’ was spoken, everything I knew went out the window,” he said.

Students who are going into sole pastorates do not typically enter the pre-Call Day interview process, said Concordia Seminary Director of Placement Dr. Glenn Nielsen. Sole pastor calls are usually on the recommendation of the placement director in conversation with the district president. For Schuler, he had not interviewed with anyone from Holy Cross. For that reason, he said he feared being unable to meet the congregation’s expectations.

Schuler describes Holy Cross as a small church in the midst of a revitalization. When he arrived, there were about 60 worshipers, with an average age of 70. His first initiative as pastor was to re-engage the community. He implemented weekly Bible studies at different businesses in the community, launched a second service (one traditional and one contemporary) and created a worship team comprised of the parents at Holy Cross’ very popular preschool, who, at that time, were not typically becoming members of the church.

Rev. Matthew Schuler. Photo: Courtesy Matthew Schuler

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ALUMNI AND FRIENDS “I wanted to make it more of a community church,” Schuler said.

Schuler describes his first year as “emotionally, spiritually and relationally challenging.” Some congregants did not trust him and they told him so. Many members left the church. Three elders left in the first nine months.

“Over and over again there were reminders that people didn’t want me there in the first year,” he said.

The hardest part, Schuler said, was the transition from the congregation’s longtime pastor to him, a new pastor fresh from the Seminary.

“I replaced a guy who had been there for 24 years and retired,” he said. “My 30-year-old presence may have been a shock to the system for some congregants.”

“Pastor Matt’s perspective after a handful of years in ministry has helped me see that relationships and vocation deepen over time,” said 2018 Concordia Seminary graduate Matthew Knauss-Behal, who received his first call in April. “Matt’s honesty, humility and openness moves me to see how a pastor should be in times of confusion and hardship, knowing that God is in control especially when we don’t understand all that is going on.”

In his blog post, Schuler advises new pastors to create a support system of at least three people: a pastoral mentor (someone who is where they are trying to go), a coach (someone to hold them accountable) and a counselor (someone to help them be mentally well).

Schuler said the LCMS Michigan District PALS (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support) program was instrumental in helping him and his wife with the transition. PALS is a collaborative effort of the LCMS and its districts to regularly bring together groups of seminary graduates throughout the first three years of their ministries to worship, study and discuss new ministry experiences with a seasoned pastor. Through the program, the Schulers were able to form relationships with other pastors and their families.

“MY CALL HAS BUILT IN ME A GREATER RELIANCE ON GOD.” — REV. MATTHEW SCHULER

“I encourage everyone to take part in the PALS program as they’re able,” said Schuler, who just completed his third year with PALS. Despite the struggles, Schuler also received “tremendous support” from the Holy Cross congregation, which now averages 100 worshipers on Sundays.

“The greatest treasure people gave came from an encouragement to guard family time and days off,” he said. “Certainly, there are times where there is extra work, but there was care and attention given to family.”

Schuler wrote about his experiences with his first call in his blog post, “Crying on Call Day” [www.holycrossoxford.com/blog/crying-oncall-day]. “I wrote the blog post to encourage the men, women and families in situations that they may not have expected,” he said.

Several new seminarians said they appreciated Schuler’s transparency and candor. While Call Day can be a day of excitement and joy for many, it also can be an anxiety-ridden day for others as they face assignments and placements as vicars and pastors to unknown locations in uncertain situations.

Rev. Matthew and Liz Schuler and their children, from left, Ezekiel, Rebekah and Grace. Photo: Courtesy Matthew Schuler

“I truly appreciate the advice in garnering a support group around me as guides in ministry,” said Knauss-Behal. “This is not a vocation to take on alone!”

Ultimately, what Schuler wants to get across to new pastors is that no matter what they have in mind, no matter the challenges, God knows what He is doing. Trust Him. Always.

“He always has care and attention for us,” he said. “He is always for us.”

Schuler sees God’s work in his placement at Holy Cross and it has increased his faith. “My call has built in me a greater reliance on God,” he said. “More than ever, I see in every area of life God being the sustaining force.”

Tiffany Hudson is a communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

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Faithful Guild member, Seminary supporter

BY MELANIE AVE

Donald and Carol Petering. Photo: Melanie Ave

Years ago, Carol Petering’s friend who lives nearby asked her about the Concordia Seminary Guild. “You’re going to join the Sem Guild, aren’t you?” Petering remembers Joan Schlichter asking her.

For 14 years, they owned a house in Webster Groves that they rented to numerous seminarians at below-market rent. They saw it as one way to support future pastors.

At the time, Petering’s son, Jonathan, was a seminarian who was preparing to be a pastor at Concordia Seminary. Pretty soon Petering was not only a member of the Seminary Guild, but she was its corresponding secretary. She went on to serve in that role for five years. “Those ladies!” she said. “So help me, I fell in love with them!”

“We love the Seminary,” Donald Petering said. “It is just a pleasant place to go,” his wife added. “The students are so friendly and helpful.”

The Concordia Seminary Guild is a service organization that raises funds to support annual projects that benefit seminarians and the campus. Guild members host regular luncheons in Koburg Hall during the academic year.

Petering described the Guild’s projects as the extra things that the students or campus needs. “It’s like a wish list,” she said. “As a teacher, I can relate to that. I was amazed at everything they do. The ladies are so dedicated to the students and to making it work for them.

That is my wish too.”

As corresponding secretary, Petering oversaw the Guild’s correspondence.

She sent announcements about Guild luncheons and programs.

“It was kind of cool,” said Petering, who lives in Kirkwood, Mo., with her husband, Donald.

While no longer on the Guild Board of Directors, Carol Petering’s membership and support of the Guild — and the Seminary — continues.

In 2013, the Peterings received the Seminary’s Christus Vivit Award for faithful service to the church. The couple created a scholarship endowment and also are members of the Legacy Society, which honors those who remember the Seminary in their estate plans.

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The Peterings, who met at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Ill., (now Concordia University Chicago), are faithful members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Mo., and have been teachers and volunteers there since 1960. Donald Petering served as third and fourth grade teacher, music and art teacher, organist, choir director, artist and building committee member.

Carol Petering also served as a teacher, choir accompanist, Sunday School teacher and handbell director. Today, she directs two adult handbell choirs and also teaches handbells to St. Paul’s Lutheran School children. She serves as zone treasurer for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League as well as for St. Paul’s Seniors.

The couple have two grown children and four grandchildren, two of whom were baptized in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus at the Seminary.

Donald Petering said the couple have been blessed and they are happy to share their blessing with others such as St. Paul’s, Concordia University Chicago and the Seminary.

“It just makes us feel good knowing there are those who are working to spread the Gospel,” Carol Petering said. “It’s a long road to get there and anything we can do to help is fine.”

Melanie Ave is communications manager at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

SUPPORT YOUR SEM

Concordia Sem Guild shows steadfast support

BY MELANIE AVE

Every year, the Concordia Seminary Guild shows its immense love and support for the Seminary by adopting a list of projects that benefit the campus and its students.

During the 2017-18 academic year, the Guild completed all of its projects, raising $19,700 for a variety of needs including the Food Bank, student aid, campus events and international students.

As a first-time project, the Guild also provided journaling Bibles for students.

“One student gave the journaling Bible to his wife because she loved it so much, and he bought another one for himself,” said Dr. Timothy Saleska, dean of Ministerial Formation. “Other students have indicated that it has helped them with the devotional part of studying the Bible. This is a valuable spiritual resource, and we thank the Guild members for providing them to the students.”

The Guild again has included journaling Bibles among its list of projects for the 2018-19 academic year.

Last year the Guild also contributed $1,000 to the Seminary’s Resident Field Education (RFE) program, which allowed students to visit off-campus ministries including one rural Nebraska congregation in which 90 percent of members regularly attend worship — one of the highest attendance rates in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

“These experiences are very helpful in shaping the students’ understanding of ministry,” said Rev. Jeff Thormodson, interim RFE director.

The Guild also gave $1,000 to the Food Bank. “Our family of six is blessed to be able to shop at the Seminary Food Bank twice a month for free,” said seminarian Paul Terral. “It helps us out so much.”

To join or learn more about the Concordia Seminary Guild, visit www.csl.edu/guild. For questions, please call 314-942-7254.

Top photo: Mary Wolfram poses with seminarian Matthew Bohlmann at the Seminary Guild’s May 2018 meeting.

Bottom photo: Dorothy Hanske, left, and Bette Bude at the May 2018 Guild luncheon. Photos: Kim Braddy

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801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS PRESENTS

PLEASE JOIN US ... for a time of cross-centered encouragement and theology during the 29th Annual Theological Symposium.

HIGHLIGHTS PLENARIES • Dr. Jeff Kloha • Dr. Kent Burreson • Dr. Joel Okamoto

PANEL DISCUSSION • Dr. Erik Herrmann, moderator

ART FAIR PROF ’N STEIN Come early for a FREE golf outing sponsored by the LCMS Foundation Sept. 17.

Extend your stay for the Alumni Reunion Sept. 20-21.

THE CROSS ALONE IS OUR THEOLOGY 29TH ANNUAL THEOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM

SEPTEMBER 18-19, 2018

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE

AUG. 17, 2018

REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPT. 7, 2018

REGISTER

WWW.CSL.EDU/SYMPOSIUM

QUESTIONS?

CE@CSL.EDU OR 314-505-7286