PANDEMIC: LEADING THROUGH IT, COPING WITH IT
RECRUITING THE CALL DAY: SPECIAL SECTION
NEXT GENERATION OF CHURCH LEADERS
FIRST LOOK
CALL DAY 2020 The newly installed chancel window in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus — which offers a vibrant and glorious view of the risen Savior — takes center stage for the first time on Call Day 2020. Here, one day after an online-only Call Day service, Joshua and Suzy Brakhage, center, get their photo taken and pick up their call documents from Director of Placement Dr. Glenn Nielsen. Photo: Jill Gray
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CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS
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PANDEMIC: LEADING THROUGH IT,
RECRUITING THE CALL DAY: SPECIAL SECTION
NEXT GENERATION OF
COPING WITH IT
CHURCH LEADERS
ON THE THE COVER COVER ON
Ben and Ginny Spaulding get their photocaption taken in the chapel one day after Call Day. Photo: Jill Gray
PUBLISHER Dr. Daniel Preus
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Vicki Biggs PUBLISHER
Dale A. Meyer
FROM THE
INTERIM PRESIDENT Dr. Daniel Preus. Photo: Jill Gray
MANAGING EDITOR Melanie Ave
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Vicki Biggs ART DIRECTOR Jayna Rollings
MANAGING EDITOR Melanie Ave DESIGNER Courtney Koll
ART DIRECTOR Jayna Rollings WRITERS Melanie Ave
DESIGNERS Sarah Maney Michelle A. Poneleit Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez M. Jayna EricaRollings Tape WRITERS
PHOTOGRAPHERS Sarah Maney JarodMattson Fenske Daniel Eric Gradberg Lisa Mills Jill Gray Travis Scholl
Sid Hastings Courtney Koll PHOTOGRAPHERS Erik Lunsford Jill Gray Sarah Maney Sid Hastings Harold Rau Courtney Koll Dr. Travis Scholl Sarah Maney Bridgette Sharp Michelle Erica Poneleit Tape
Harold Rau
Concordia Seminary magazine magazine is is a a Concordia Seminary member of of the the Associated Associated Church Church Press Press member and the the Evangelical Evangelical Press Press Association. Association. and
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“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Rev. 22:13 ESV). I am at the beginning of my service here at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. I do not yet know when my “end” will be, but one thing I do know. From beginning to end, my time will be in the hands of Him who is our Alpha and Omega. In Him who is the first and the last, my life, my work and my service are defined and understood. So it is also for you. Whether you are a church worker or a lay person, whether you are a businessperson or a volunteer, whether you are a father, a mother or a child, your identity and the meaning of all you do in this life flow out of your relationship with Him who is the beginning and the end. In the verse immediately following Jesus’ identification of Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, He describes us as He says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and that they may enter the city by the gates.” What began in our Baptism has its end when we walk through the gates. There is therefore an eschatological quality to our lives as Christians. We do not live as though we have no hope. We do not wander as those who have no idea where they are going. Our lives have purpose because we are in Him who is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. We are the community of the forgiven. We are brothers and sisters because we are one in Him who offers us life and gives us life. And surely the fellowship we have in Him is reflected in our daily tasks, whatever they may be — in our homes, congregations, workplaces and communities. It all gains its meaning in Him who is our Alpha and Omega. Our entire purpose, no matter who we are, no matter our goals or achievements, is tied up in Him who is the first and the last. Our faith and our hope rest alone in Him who is the beginning and the end. At a time such as this, when confronted by a pandemic, when millions are anxious and afraid, this truth about Jesus is constant. He is our hope; our life comes from Him; our faith rests in Him. If you do not see this truth, then your efforts will have no real meaning. If you do see this truth, then your time will be well spent to the glory of Him who is with you always, forgiving, comforting, leading and encouraging every step of the way toward those gates that Jesus has opened for you and me. I look forward to serving here at the Seminary during these unique days and these coming months, as together we work in joy and in service to our Alpha and Omega.
Dr. Daniel Preus
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMER 2020 ISSUE FEATURES 6 Pandemic: Leading
through it, coping with it
10 Call Day: special section
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 From the President
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16 Student Spotlight 18 Staff Focus 20 News Worth Noting 28 Alumni and Friends 30 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 ©August 2020, 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.
CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS
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PA N D E M I C : LEADING T H R O U G H I T,
coping with it BY LEOPOLDO A. SÁNCHEZ M.
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This is not the time or place to rehearse the life-changing and, in some cases, devastating effects COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to have on people’s lives near and far — in our families, churches, communities, workplaces and neighborhoods around the nation and world. But it is for just such a time as this that Christian communities are called to live out and share in the Gospel of healing, wholeness and hope. And it is for just such a time as this that congregations call pastors and church workers to proclaim that Gospel in word and deed. And it is for just such a time as this that Concordia Seminary continues to prepare pastors, deaconesses and church leaders rooted and centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
resurrection. As heirs of God’s promise of new life in Christ, the last Adam, we are called even in the worst times to hope in God’s deliverance from the power of sin and death. This hope against all hope is a bold confidence in God’s promises, and it is most needed at a time when tragic news fills the air and tragedy itself threatens to squelch our spirits.
A TIME FOR VIGILANCE
The Christian life is one of daily repentance. The baptized are called to die with Christ in order to be raised with Him to new life. When we hear of and see great numbers of people suffering and dying around us, the primary response is grief. Grief is our form of death at this time. It is deep contrition over the inescapable and universal reality that, as heirs of Adam, we are dust and to dust we shall return. Pandemics increase exponentially our awareness of this tragic state of affairs. Repentance calls us not to avoid this reality, but to make room for grieving it.
The Christian life is not an easy one. It is a perilous journey in the desert, in the wilderness, where the devil attacks and tempts God’s children. Times of crisis especially make us aware of our vulnerabilities to such assaults. So we must be vigilant, watchful. Temptations can make the fatalist, who despairs over tragedy, doubt God’s promises of protection, provision and life. But the enemy can just as easily tempt the perfectionist, who is overly confident in his or her own health, resources and power, to ignore or minimize the present trial. Bold confidence in God’s promises is about faith in Christ and His words of life. It is not the same as a triumphalistic view of things, which in the name of self-confidence makes light of or flirts with danger. In these times of temptation, however, Christians also are reminded that the wilderness is the place of God’s presence, the place of testing where He refines us to be resilient and to stand firm in His promises when times are tough.
This is not fatalism, which panics, despairs and gives up at the sight of death. Christians grieve, but not without hope. We look through death to
We are in the desert, but not alone. God’s Spirit accompanies and leads us. This is the time to be neither a spiritual Debbie Downer nor a spiritual
As we continue to face so much uncertainty, the Gospel calls all of us to a way of life that looks familiar but is even more important now.
A TIME FOR REPENTANCE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >
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superman. It is a time for seeing God alone as our oasis in the desert, to grow in our dependence on His mercies through prayer and the Word. In these times of temptation and testing, set time aside to call upon the Spirit in prayer for protection from all assaults of the devil and for guidance and strength in the Word. Yes, we are in the desert, but not alone. God’s Spirit calls and gathers us together among our brothers and sisters in Christ — even when we have to stay at a safe distance — to encourage one another and to hear once again the words every pastor loves to speak: that we are forgiven, that God is our refuge and strength, that our future is in His hands.
A TIME FOR SACRIFICE The Christian life is one of conformity to Christ in His sacrifice, in His self-giving to others even unto death. Times of suffering put into question the popular notion that being a Christian is about being happy and prosperous. It is really about joyfully sacrificing for others. In unprecedented times, sacrifice may take different forms. Some serve ailing patients on the front lines, at times at the risk of their own personal health. Many are learning that, in times of pandemics, sacrifice, oddly enough, can also mean staying home and keeping a safe distance from neighbors so as not to put them in harm’s way. This is not the time to claim some individualistic version of freedom without concern for others, but rather a time to learn anew that Christian freedom is ultimately freedom for the sake of others.
“THROUGH OUR UNITY IN CHRIST, WE ARE IN COMMUNION WITH ONE ANOTHER AND THUS SHARE EACH OTHER’S BURDENS AND JOYS.” In times of crisis, we die to self in order to make room for the neediest neighbors in our midst. We learn to put on the form of the servant, and put ahead the interests of others before ours. But let us also remember that pandemics make us all vulnerable, not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. For this reason, it is honest to think of ourselves as a communion of both givers and receivers of divine generosity. Through our unity in Christ, we are in communion with one another and thus share each other’s burdens and joys.
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Obviously, as we have gone through this time of social distancing and sheltering in place, our unity in Christ has taken new and different forms, and so has our servanthood. Not only online worship and virtual Bible studies, but mask-making clubs and contactless food drives — all of it shows forth the love of God in the lives of our neighbors. What joys can you share with others at this time? Perhaps it is the joy of having meals together as a family. Perhaps it is the joy of making meals available to an elderly member of the congregation. What burdens can others help you go through nowadays? Perhaps a phone call to check in on you, to help you deal with the anxiety of family members traveling or not yet reunited. Or maybe a word of encouragement from people who know how hard you are working to continue to care for people in new ways, even if mostly online. In times of isolation, finding ways of sharing life together with patience and grace is more important than ever.
A TIME FOR HOSPITALITY The Christian life is one of welcoming strangers into our lives, even when the welcome is not physically possible. Pandemics make us painfully aware of large numbers of suffering neighbors we never heard about. Hearing of many lives lost in places here in the United States and in places that seem so far away, like China and Italy, we suddenly realize how much we share with these strangers. At times like these, we put a human face on strangers, especially those who are most vulnerable to the virus. We think of the elderly, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, the poor and record numbers of underemployed and unemployed neighbors. What can the church do to practice and embody hospitality toward strangers at this time? Some are ordering in from restaurants, giving baristas additional tips, sending donations to relief and humanitarian agencies. In times of financial distress and economic uncertainty and fear, the default mode is to play it safe and focus on those closest to us. This makes sense and is prudent, and yet the church also is called to exercise a hospitable disposition toward those who are not as close to us, but still require our prayers and love. In these inhospitable times, let us not give up on extending our love for our closest neighbors to other suffering
neighbors, to keep our eyes open beyond the confines of the familiar.
A TIME FOR DEVOTION The Christian life is one of devotion to God in good and bad times. We were created to embody devotion to our Creator in the rhythm of repose and movement, of rest and labor. There are gardens to labor in, to tend to and care for, as stewards of God’s gifts. God continues to provide for His world through many laborers who are doing their best to care for lives on earth. People are busy figuring out the next step. In the midst of daily updates, difficult news and uncertainty about the future, our minds are also filled with fear and anxiety. They are busy with thoughts that get in the way of receiving from God. Living in isolation might not be enough to give us much needed rest — literal rest to keep us healthy, to take care of our minds and bodies, but also rest to go to the mountain and spend time with God in prayer, praise and thanksgiving. The garden is filled with thorns and thistles. We need to retreat to the mountain, not to let the anxieties of the moment rob us of our time with the Father. Retreat not to leave the world, but to be fed with the Word in order to engage the world rightly. This is how we live in Jesus’ own promise: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28 ESV). Crises suck the life and joy out of people. We lose the ability to play or to rejoice in God’s gifts. In restless times, reclaim the playground of God’s creation: Play your guitar, enjoy a beverage, do some gardening, catch up with friends on the phone. When it seems like the world is ending, take time to pray, get some extra sleep, and sing, play or listen to a favorite tune. These are acts of defiant hope against all hope, acts of bold faith in the God of Jesus Christ, who has the whole wide world in His hands.
Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. is the Werner R.H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries, professor of Systematic Theology and director of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Note: This article appeared in an earlier form on concordiatheology.org and was expanded here with the assistance of Dr. Travis Scholl, managing editor of Seminary Publications.
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2019-20 CALLS, VICARAGES AND INTERNSHIPS Unless otherwise noted, all calls were in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program and announced on Call Day, April 28, 2020.
CALLS INTO THE PASTORAL MINISTRY
CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT
Weeks, Kyle: Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, Cameron Park, CA
Biar, Chad: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fallon, NV
EASTERN DISTRICT
Dorner, James: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Albany, NY
Pevy, James: Faith Lutheran Church, Fair Oaks, CA (SMP Fall 2019)
Townley, Jared: Saint Luke Lutheran Church, Cabot, PA
Niemeier, Nils: Messiah Lutheran Church, East Setauket, NY
Pierce, William: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Honolulu, HI (SMP Summer 2020)
ENGLISH DISTRICT
ATLANTIC DISTRICT
Voges, Jordan: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Warwick, NY
Taye, Muluneh: Call pending, Addis Kidan Lutheran Church of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (CMC)
Burmeister, Devin: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Lee’s Summit, MO Retzlaff, Brady: Living Hope Lutheran Church, Racine, WI
ABBREVIATION KEY CHS: Center for Hispanic Studies CMC: Cross-cultural Ministry Center EIIT: Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology RAR: Residential Alternate Route SMP: Specific Ministry Pastor
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FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT
MISSOURI DISTRICT
Kyle, John: Grace Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, FL
Barto, Gregory: Zion Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, MO
LeBorious, Peter: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Warner Robins, GA (SMP Fall 2019)
Brown, Robert: Peace Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO
Murphy, William: Hope Lutheran Church, Bonita Springs, FL (SMP Fall 2019) Will, Kyle: Epiphany Lutheran Church, Lake Worth, FL
IOWA DISTRICT WEST Jahnke, Jonathan: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge, IA Sloter, John ‘’Alex’’: Peace Lutheran Church, Rock Rapids, IA, and English Lutheran Church, Larchwood, IA
KANSAS DISTRICT Bohlmann, Matthew: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Wichita, KS
MICHIGAN DISTRICT Baughman, Terry: Crown of Life Lutheran Church, Rochester Hills, MI (SMP Spring 2020) Buday, Jacob: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Lexington, MI Cronkright, Tyler: Family of God Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI (SMP Fall 2019) Dykstra, Kevin: Open Arms Lutheran Church, Belleville, MI Wellhousen, Austin: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Walled Lake, MI
MINNESOTA NORTH DISTRICT
Dickerson, Paul: Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO Fisher, Maxx: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wentzville, MO Marriott, James: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (RAR) Schram, Nicholas: Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, St. Louis, MO Stacy, Eric: Grace Lutheran Chapel, St. Louis, MO Wade, Tanner: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Des Peres, MO Wehmeyer, Craig: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Washington, MO
NEBRASKA DISTRICT Mork, Joshua: First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Papillion, NE Tuma, Jacob: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pierce, NE
NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT Akers, Benjamin: Resurrection Lutheran Church, Waterville, ME
NORTH DAKOTA DISTRICT Doel, Brian: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot, ND
NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT Bender, Kevin: Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, Houghton, MI
Biberdorf, Nathanael: Zion Lutheran Church, Browns Valley, MN, and Zion Lutheran Church, Claire City, SD
Fox, Michael: Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Weston, WI
Brown, Scott: Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Alexandria, MN, and St. James Lutheran Church, Parkers Prairie, MN (RAR)
NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT
MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT
Naomi and Devin Burmeister are excited for Call Day. Photo: Bridgette Sharp
Gregory Barto and his wife, SarahBeth, look forward to their future ministry. Photo: Bridgette Sharp
Glombicki, Joseph: Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, IL (SMP) Hatesohl, Andrew: Trinity Lutheran Church, Huntley, IL
Jander, David: Trinity Lutheran Church, Carver, MN
Reinhard, Sam: St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, IL
Parrish, Joshua: Redemption Lutheran Church, Bloomington, MN
Stein, Michael: Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Beecher, IL
Werner, Tyler: Trinity Lutheran Church, Faribault, MN
Steinke, Jeremy: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elmhurst, IL Jonathon Rusche and Sarah Johnson pose for the camera. Photo: Bridgette Sharp CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 11
NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT
Wyeth, Dwight: Zion Lutheran Church, Bonfield, IL
Sutherlin, Jeffrey: Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church, Gilbert, AZ (SMP Fall 2019)
Nehring, Joseph: Trinity Lutheran Church, Harvel, IL (RAR)
Wixon, Justin: Alive in Christ Lutheran students receive Church, Tucson, AZ (SMP Fall 2019) Berry, Sean: Saint Timothy Lutheran calls, vicarages or Church, Edmonds, WA McCafferty, Richard: Lutheran internships Indian ROCKYfor MOUNTAIN DISTRICT 2019-20 Ministries of Wisconsin, Brookfield, Steiner, Micah: Our Father Lutheran WI (EIIT) Church, Centennial, CO (SMP Fall 2019) academic year
NORTHWEST DISTRICT
Raynor, LeRoy: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Ontario, OR (RAR Fall 2019)
OHIO DISTRICT
Derong, Wynn: Oikos Lutheran Church, Houston, TX (SMP) Headley, Steven: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Cedar Park, TX (SMP Fall 2019) Horstmeyer, Paul: Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX
SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT Moon, Colin: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, WI
Gremminger, Joshua: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Westlake, OH
Wolfe, Adam: Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hartland, WI
Holtman, Steven: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Kettering, OH (SMP Fall 2019)
SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT
Rusche, Jonathon: Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH
TEXAS DISTRICT
Ortega, Nelson: Call pending, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Irving, TX (CHS) Sansom, Vernon “Trey”: Christ the King Lutheran Church, Kingwood, TX Spaulding, Benjamin: Memorial Lutheran Church, Katy, TX
Coble, Jeffrey: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Hill, SC (SMP Fall 2019)
Hileman, Joshua: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Laurel, MD
Brakhage, Joshua: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Edmond, OK
Ketema, Teklu: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gambrills/Crofton, MD
Reiter, Ahren: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lawton, OK
Sawah, Robert: Peace Lutheran Church, Washington, DC (EIIT Summer 2020)
Roggow, Timothy: Zion Lutheran Church, Alva, OK (RAR)
Scott, Kevin: King of Glory Lutheran Church, Williamsburg, VA
OKLAHOMA DISTRICT
PENDING Kong, Albino (EIIT) Schoepflin, Adam (SMP)
students receive vicarages DEACONESS CALLS or internships PENDING Doel, Michele
Farthest call, vicarage or internship from St. Louis?
Our Redeemer Honolulu, HI District with most calls, vicarages and internships?
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Jared Townley, left, and his wife, Emily, meet with Dr. Glenn Nielsen, professor of Practical Theology, director of Placement and director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships, to pick up Call Day documents. Photo: Erik Lunsford
Find photos, lists and more from Call Day at
csl.edu/callday
VICARAGES:
EASTERN DISTRICT
ATLANTIC DISTRICT Crocitto, Brian: The Life Lutheran Church, Old Westbury, NY (SMP Fall 2019) Deberny, Peter: Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Garden City, NY Giardino, Daniel: The Life Lutheran Church, Old Westbury, NY (SMP Fall 2019) Santos, David: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Middle Island, NY (SMP Spring 2020) Wilson, Jessy: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Delmar, NY (SMP Fall 2019)
Woolweber, Donn: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA (RAR Summer 2020)
Stein, Donald: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Iowa City, IA
FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT
Wallace, Joseph: St. John Lutheran Church, Newhall, IA (SMP Fall 2019)
Barber, Timothy: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Warner Robins, GA Campos, Sergio: Amigos en Cristo, Immokalee, FL (CHS Fall 2019)
Elowsky, Luke: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Olathe, KS Melin, Jaron: Trinity Lutheran Church, Girard, KS
Fields, Ryan: Living Faith Lutheran Church, Cumming, GA (SMP Fall 2019)
Speerbrecker, Nathan: Bethany Lutheran Church, Overland Park, KS (RAR)
Linehan, Nathan: First Lutheran Church, Yuba City, CA (CMC Fall 2019)
Roberts, William: Faith Lutheran Church, Sebring, FL (SMP Fall 2019)
St. Pierre, Marvin: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bakersfield, CA (SMP Fall 2019)
Simpson, Andrew: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville Beach, FL
CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT
Wrasman, Andrew: Oak Road Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lilburn, GA (RAR)
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KANSAS DISTRICT
Duffy, Michael: Grace Lutheran Church, Winter Haven, FL
Reineke, Joseph: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, FL
Wilke, Michael: St. John’s Lutheran Church, East Moline, IL
IOWA DISTRICT EAST
Zech, Rako: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clarence Center, NY (M.Div. Fall 2019)
CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT
Goodwin, Alexander: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Washington, IL
Grabau, Ezra: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Columbus, IN
INDIANA DISTRICT Fredstrom, William: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, IN
students receive calls, vicarages or internships for 2019-20 academic year
Dr. Glenn Nielsen, right, gives Eric Stacy his Call Day documents. Photo: Erik Lunsford
MICHIGAN DISTRICT Ashley, Jeremy: Trinity Lutheran Church, Clinton Township, MI (SMP Spring 2020) Berg, Andrew: St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, MI Bosch, Benjamin: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Grand Haven, MI (SMP Fall 2019) Dangba, Moses: Living World Lutheran Church, Lansing, MI (EIIT Fall 2019)
75 students receive vicarages or internships CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 13
Senior Media Producer Dale Ward sets up a video camera to record the Call Day service. Photo: Sarah Maney
MICHIGAN DISTRICT Flanick, Adam: Messiah Lutheran Church, Clio, MI Heinze, Ian: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lansing, MI Pahlkotter, Henry: Peace Lutheran Ministries, Saginaw, MI (SMP Fall 2019) Rosche, Bryce: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Westland, MI (RAR) Witt Duarte, Álvaro: Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, MI
Paul Horstmeyer, right, and his wife, Mary, meet with Dr. Glenn Nielsen to accept their Call Day documents. Photo: Erik Lunsford
Jones, Brett: Salem Lutheran Church, Affton, MO
Howell, Colby: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Green Bay, WI
Rhodes, Jacob: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Union, MO
Lanning, James: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manawa, WI
Schmitt, David: Trinity Lutheran Church, Park Hills, MO (SMP Fall 2019)
Schut, Jordan: Peace Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI
Smith, Alexander: St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, MO
NORTHWEST DISTRICT
St. John, Samuel: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Olivette, MO Stainbrook, Michael: Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, MO
MINNESOTA NORTH DISTRICT Seim, Carl: Lord of Glory Lutheran Church, Elk River, MN (SMP Fall 2019)
NEBRASKA DISTRICT
MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT
Eisenbacher, Joseph: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, LaVista, NE (SMP Spring 2020)
Asp, Andrew: Woodbury Lutheran Church, Woodbury, MN
Gradberg, Eric: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE (RAR)
Cephus, Matthew: LINC Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN (EIIT Fall 2019)
Henry, Travis: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pierce, NE
Cornes, Martin: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Columbia Heights, MN (SMP Spring 2020)
Schoettlin, Jeffrey: Lincoln Lutheran Middle/High School, Lincoln, NE (SMP Fall 2019)
Gómez, Jorge: New Creation Lutheran Church, Shakopee, MN (CHS Fall 2019)
NEW JERSEY DISTRICT
Ryan, Christopher M.: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN (SMP Fall 2019)
MISSOURI DISTRICT Elliott, Bruce: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Arnold, MO (RAR) Hellwig, Kurt: Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles, MO Jermiya, Lewi: Christian Friends of New Americans, St. Louis, MO (EIIT Fall 2019)
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Zolue, Borbor: Christ Assembly Lutheran Church, Newark, NJ (EIIT Fall 2019)
Adams, Shaun: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Spokane, WA (SMP Fall 2019) Brinkert, Eric: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Tillamook, OR (SMP Fall 2019) Chen, Lesley: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Everett, WA Ek Yah, Ruberto: Ascension Lutheran Church, Portland, OR (CHS Fall 2019) Keddington, David: Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK (SMP Fall 2019) Watt, Rex: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bellingham, WA (SMP Fall 2019)
OHIO DISTRICT Ryan, Christopher A.: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Chesterland, OH (SMP Fall 2019) Worral, Caleb: Saint John Lutheran Church, Dublin, OH
NORTH DAKOTA DISTRICT
OKLAHOMA DISTRICT
Ramthun, Benjamin: Zion Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND
Bangert, Justin: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Edmond, OK (RAR)
NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
Harman, Corey: Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington, MI (SMP Spring 2020) Hart, Erik: Peace Lutheran Church, Antigo, WI
Bowes, James: Promise Lutheran Church, Murrieta, CA (CMC Spring 2020)
Members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Mo., host a car parade to celebrate Tanner Wade’s call as assistant pastor. Photo: Bridgette Sharp
Dr. Glenn Nielsen prepares to announce the calls. Photo: Sarah Maney
Galgalo, Guyo: Oromo Evangelical Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ (EIIT Fall 2019)
SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT
Gustafson, Thomas: Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church, Gilbert, AZ
Gray, Adam: King of Glory Lutheran Church, Providence Forge, VA (SMP Fall 2019)
Held, Joel: Edgewater Lutheran Church, Eastvale, CA (CMC Spring 2020) Liu, Gary (Futao): Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hacienda Heights, CA (CMC Spring 2020) McCombs, John: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Riverside, CA (SMP Spring 2020) Potthoff, Timothy: Hephatha Lutheran Church, Anaheim, CA (CMC Fall 2019) Rodriguez, Moises: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hacienda Heights, CA (CMC Spring 2020)
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT Aarsvold, Paul “PJ”: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lakewood, CO Zandstra, Steve: Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cheyenne Wells, CO (SMP Fall 2019)
SELC DISTRICT Shick, Samuel: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, FL
SOUTH DAKOTA DISTRICT Anderson, Ray: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, SD (SMP Fall 2019)
SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT Berg, Brent: Trinity Lutheran Church, Howards Grove, WI
Durkin, John: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Springfield, VA (SMP Fall 2019)
Parron, Richard: Living Water Lutheran Church, Rosedale, MD (SMP Spring 2020) Penny, Roger: Messiah Lutheran Church, Charlotte, NC (SMP Fall 2019) Rodgers, David: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Bel Air, MD (SMP Spring 2020) Schulte, Timothy: Living Savior Lutheran Church, Fairfax Station, VA Thompson, Andrew L.: Hope Lutheran Church, Wake Forest, NC Thompson, Andrew S.: St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC
Johnson, Gary: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, La Grange, TX (SMP Fall 2019) Lee, Matthew: Messiah Lutheran Church, Plano, TX (SMP Spring 2020) Lujang, Isaac: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fort Worth, TX (EIIT Fall 2019) Morris, Alarik: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Houston, TX Prohl, Benjamin: Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Humble, TX Vawar, John: Peace Lutheran Church, Hurst, TX (EIIT Fall 2019) Wray, David: Unveil Lutheran Church, Houston, TX (SMP Spring 2020)
DEACONESS INTERNSHIPS: SELC DISTRICT
Tietze, Sean: Christ Lutheran Church, Norfolk, VA (SMP Spring 2020)
Shick, Alexandria: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, FL
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT
NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT
Leeper, Benjamin: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville, IL Metcalf, Brandon: Zion Lutheran Church, Bethalto, IL
TEXAS DISTRICT Bangert, David: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Rockwell, TX (SMP Spring 2020) Bray, Mark: Our Savior Lutheran Church, McKinney, TX (SMP Fall 2019) González, Jaime: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Rockwall, TX (CHS Fall 2019) Holleway, George: Emmaus Road, Katy, TX (SMP Fall 2019)
Mazariegos, Karina: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church/Iglesia Vida y FE, Elgin, IL (CHS Fall 2019)
TEXAS DISTRICT Barrón Valadéz, Maria: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Rockwall, TX (CHS Fall 2019) Dos Santos, Fabiana: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Rockwall, TX (CHS Fall 2019) Jungklaus, Rebecca: Lutheran Deaf Outreach, Austin, TX (EIIT Fall 2019)
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Teklu Ketema eagerly awaits the announcement of his vicarage in 2018. Photo: Sid Hastings
Sharing God’s free gift of grace
“I DISCOVERED THAT I DIDN’T LIKE THE BUSINESS WORLD. ... I WANTED TO SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH PEOPLE.” — TEKLU KETEMA
BY SARAH MANEY
Some call the highlands of Ethiopia the cradle of civilization. Teklu Ketema, a Concordia Seminary Master of Divinity (M.Div.) ’20 graduate, calls it his first home. Deep within its rugged mass of mountains, Teklu, the son of hard-working farmers, grew up planting, nurturing and reaping the yearly harvest. Baptized in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Teklu attended mass with his family and listened to services spoken in ancient languages that were difficult to understand. When he was old enough, he moved to Addis Ababa to live with his aunt and attend high school. “I started attending Campus Crusade, a Christian fellowship. When they started talking about salvation, I became defensive,” Teklu says. “I thought I was a Christian. I had no idea what they were talking about, since I never heard about ‘salvation.’ I started reading the Bible. As I read Acts, I began to learn about God’s free gift of grace.” 16
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Soon thereafter, with his newfound understanding of grace, he joined an evangelical Lutheran church. But it came with a cost. His family members, including the aunt he lived with, rejected him because he had left their church. As a result, Teklu had to move out of his aunt’s house and live with friends as he finished high school. He continued going to the Lutheran church, studying the Bible and, at 17, was confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Since he was now paying for his own education, he worked as an interpreter with missionaries through college. And God provided through the difficulties. Teklu transferred from Addis Ababa University to Evangelical Theological College, also in Addis Ababa. “I discovered that I didn’t like the business world,” Teklu says. “I could do it for the money, but I didn’t want to work for just money. I wanted to share the Gospel with people.”
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
In 2001, Teklu created Care for the Poor, a ministry that served the city’s eastern slums. Its mission was to uphold the Great Commission and the command to love your neighbor as yourself. Care for the Poor provided numerous services to those in need, from medical attention to job training. One extraordinary story of this holistic ministry involved a man named Alemu. “Alemu was bedridden,” Teklu recalls. “He had given up, saying that he was going to die. ‘We can help you,’ I told him. ‘No, I am almost dead,’” Alemu told Teklu. “Don’t worry with me.” Teklu took the man to the hospital. Alemu eventually got better, but he couldn’t resume his former job as a driver. Through Care for the Poor, Alemu received training and secured a well-paying job as a plumber. Having regained his health and income, Alemu asked to volunteer for Care for the Poor on the weekends. He wanted to give back. “From bedridden to vocational training to volunteering,” Teklu says. “That’s amazing.” Teklu continued reaching people through Care for the Poor for eight years. He also met his future wife, Tsion Endalkachew, who served as a nurse at the ministry. Tsion grew up in America, and she and Teklu decided to return, specifically to Apex, N.C., where Tsion’s parents lived. Within two weeks of arrival, the couple was married. They received permanent resident status in the United States in 2008 and became citizens in 2010. “When I moved here, I knew it was going to be different, but I underestimated just how much,” Teklu recalls. “I was in culture shock, but I sought to learn more about American society.” The couple had two children: one in 2009 and another in 2011. With the economy depressed by the Great Recession, jobs were hard to come by.
While pursuing his M.Div., Teklu longed to visit his family in the Ethiopian highlands as they were no longer estranged from one another. Unfortunately, he was unable to make it back home before his mother, a member of the Orthodox church, died. Soon thereafter, his father became ill. Thankfully, Teklu was able to travel to Ethiopia and visit him in the hospital. Over the course of a month, Teklu shared his faith with his father. Even though it was a dark time, Teklu is grateful he was able to see his father before he died.
“IT IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO KNOW WHAT THEIR PURPOSE IS AND WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN THEM. I AM TRYING TO BRING THE GOSPEL AND SCRIPTURES IN THAT CONTEXT.” — TEKLU KETEMA
This summer, Teklu was ordained and installed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Gambrills/Crofton, Md. His hopes are high for his future ministry. “There is an African population nearby — people who came for the American dream. But their children are leaving the faith. They are affected by the world and that is very sad,” Teklu says. “I hope that at St. Paul’s we can have an outreach program for young people so that we can share the Gospel and help them find the purpose in their lives. I want to provide answers to questions such as ‘Why did God create us?’ ‘Why are we living?’ ‘Why did Jesus die on the cross and what does that mean to me?’ It is important for everyone to know what their purpose is and what God has given them. I am trying to bring the Gospel and Scriptures in that context.” Sarah Maney is a communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Teklu Ketema, right, shakes hands with President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer after receiving his vicarage documents in 2018. Photo: Harold Rau
“I prayed and talked to my wife, and everyone from my church was telling me to serve God,” Teklu says. “I have been Lutheran since I was 17. I knew I wanted to go to a seminary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). We decided on Concordia Seminary for many reasons including my wife’s job as a nurse. St. Louis has lots of opportunities in the medical field.” The couple moved to campus in 2016 and Teklu began his studies to become a pastor. Throughout his four years of study, he has appreciated the encouraging and devoted professors he has had. “The Seminary professors are so knowledgeable, but also down to earth at the same time,” he says. CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS
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2000 and was called to New York City as a mission field developer for the deaf. Eleven years later, he joined the Seminary’s admissions team. Rev. Micah Glenn, director of Recruitment at Concordia Seminary, hasn’t gone the “normal” route since graduating from the M.Div. Program in 2016. His first call was to Ferguson, Mo., as a domestic missionary, and then he accepted a call to Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) as regional ministry facilitator. Today, Bill and Micah are championing a revitalized recruitment and admissions program. Already the Seminary is realizing results with anticipated fall enrollment in the M.Div. Program up 50% over last year. Along with the hard work of the entire Enrollment department, Bill and Micah’s “abnormal” ministry experiences make them a strong team that can relate to prospective students. BY ERICA TAPE
“I’m a Seminary dropout,” says Rev. Bill Wrede, director of Ministerial Admissions at Concordia Seminary. “I came in ’85 and made it nine months and quit.” Bill didn’t follow the “normal” route to a Seminary degree. After dropping out during his first go-round, he served in St. Louis, Mo., as an interpreter for the deaf for 10 years. Then he returned to the Seminary for a second time, completed the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program in
No longer do most students come from families in which the father was a pastor; only 16% of last year’s incoming class came from such families, and 28% of the class was not raised in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). That means the stereotypical route to the Seminary is just that — a stereotype. So prospective students who aren’t sure about the Seminary find that Bill can understand their perspectives. Those who can’t see themselves serving in parishes but want to serve God in other ways can learn from Micah’s ministry experiences.
“[Recruitment is about] what the church will look like 50 years from now. “ — Rev. Micah Glenn Director of Recruitment Rev. Micah Glenn. Photo: Jill Gray
“You’ve got to listen to find out where they are,” Bill says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re at a Concordia University System school meeting with a pre-sem guy or an eighth grader at a church. They’re still somewhere on this whole journey.” Of last year’s incoming class, 34% said they were not influenced by their pastors to come to the Seminary. Prospective students in such a position need a spiritual guide to help them determine God’s will, and for many, the Seminary’s Enrollment staff provide that guidance. Bill uses a 1-to-10 scale to determine where potential students are on their path to the Seminary. One is “I’m just starting to think about being a pastor or deaconess.” And 10
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Recruitment
STUDENT STAFF SPOTLIGHT FOCUS
is “I just need to know how to sign up.” The people from 1 to 5 are discerning vocations, so Micah helps them explore their strengths to determine what ministry could look like for them. The people from 6 to 10 are the ones Bill leads through the details of admission — entrance requirements, scholarships and figuring out Seminary life. Micah and Bill aim to build a relationship with each prospective student, and for some, that relationship can develop for years before the student enrolls. For instance, one young man has followed Micah’s ministry from Ferguson to LHM to the Seminary. Micah continues to invest in that relationship. “Who knows what this kid can do for the church?” he says.
Of the fall 2019 incoming class …
16%
CAME FROM FAMILIES IN WHICH THE FATHER WAS A PASTOR
Micah also is developing a network of student recruitment ambassadors around the country who will extend the Seminary’s reach and make recruitment efforts more effective.
34%
“The ambassadors will be in parishes. They will be in circuits. They will work and live where people are,” Micah says. “The ambassadors will be in places at times when we simply can’t be there and they will help point prospective students to the Seminary.”
WERE NOT INFLUENCED BY THEIR PASTORS TO COME TO THE SEMINARY
28%
Micah hopes the ambassador program will nurture a culture of recruitment in the LCMS. His fellow congregation members were key in influencing Micah in his pursuit of the ministry, and he sees the ambassador program as a way to empower more parishioners to become part of the recruitment process, to help them recognize they have an important role in encouraging future church leaders for the sake of future generations.
WERE NOT RAISED LCMS
“For me, being faithful in recruiting is about not only what the Seminary looks like today but also what the church will look like 50 years from now,” Micah says. Micah and Bill recognize that through all the relationship building, paperwork, testing and other steps it takes to get men and women to the Seminary, the Holy Spirit is the One guiding the process. At the heart of their work is Christ’s admonition in Matt. 9:38: “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Director of Ministerial Admissions Rev. Bill Wrede. Photo: Jill Gray
“People have been praying for years for some of our students who are coming this fall,” Bill says. “There’s sometimes a lot of growth that happens long before they come here.” Erica Tape is a communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Admissions
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Former Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer offers a reflection during a recording of his Commencement remarks. Photo: Eric Gradberg
2020 Commencement held online Concordia Seminary celebrated 131 students, six honorees and three retiring professors in its first-ever online Commencement ceremony May 15. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Theological Diploma Service and Commencement exercises, usually held as two separate events on campus, were combined into one online event.
“You have a front-row seat to watch our God create faith in the next generation of disciples coming after you,” Kiessling said. The Seminary’s faculty presented an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, in memoriam, to Rev. Laokouxang (Kou) Seying. Beginning in 2015, Seying served as the Seminary’s Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry and associate dean for Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry until his death from cancer in November 2019.
During the ceremony, theological diplomas were presented to all graduating students eligible to receive a call as a pastor or deaconess in The Lutheran Church—Missouri The faculty also presented an honorary Doctor of Synod (LCMS). Of these students, 60 were Divinity degree to Rev. Pornprom (Ted) Na recognized in the spring 2020 pastoral Thalang, an honorary Doctor of Letters degree candidate class, 16 were recognized “YOU HAVE A to Kiessling and an honorary Doctor of Laws in the fall 2019 pastoral candidate FRONT-ROW SEAT degree to Gunya Na Thalang. In addition, class and one was recognized as a TO WATCH OUR GOD the faculty presented the Christus Vivit deaconess candidate. Four pastoral CREATE FAITH IN THE Award to Dr. LeRoy Wilke and the candidates and four deaconess Distinguished Alumnus Award to candidates were recognized for NEXT GENERATION OF Dr. Thomas Zelt. completing the requirements for certification and placement and for requesting deferment of their candidacy. One deferred vicar, six Residential Alternate Route vicars and one deaconess intern also were recognized.
DISCIPLES COMING AFTER YOU.”
Director of Placement and Vicarage and Deaconess Internships Dr. Glenn Nielsen addressed the students receiving theological diplomas. During the Commencement portion of the ceremony, 50 students were recognized for earning a Master of Divinity, 16 for a Master of Arts and 14 for a Master of Sacred Theology. In addition, three students were recognized for earning a Doctor of Ministry and eight for a Doctor of Philosophy. Eight students who earned their Residential Alternate Route certificates also were recognized. Rev. Mark Kiessling, director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, delivered the Commencement address. 20
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Also during the service, three retiring professors were recognized — Dr. Andrew Bartelt, the Gustav and Sophie Butterbach Professor of Exegetical Theology; Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, professor of Exegetical Theology; and Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president and professor of Practical Theology.
— REV. MARK KIESSLING
“I often say it’s a great time to be the church. That’s a statement of faith,” Meyer told graduates in his concluding remarks. “Sight does not always tell us that it’s a great time, but faith trusts in a living Lord Jesus that breaks out in hope whatever our outward circumstances may be.” Graduates were mailed their diplomas and invited to participate in Commencement exercises in 2021. An archived recording of the event is available on YouTube and scholar.csl.edu. Find bios of the honorees as well as a list of students and their diplomas, degrees and certificates at csl.edu/commencement.
NEWS WORTH NOTING
182nd academic year begins Concordia Seminary began its 182nd year with Opening Service at 10 a.m. CDT Aug. 28 in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Interim Seminary President Dr. Daniel Preus preached. The service also included the installations of Preus as interim president; new faculty member Dr. Philip Penhallegon as professor of Exegetical Theology; Dr. Thomas Egger as the Gustav and Sophie Butterbach Professor of Exegetical Theology, formerly occupied by Dr. Andrew Bartelt, who retired earlier this year; Rev. Micah Glenn as director of recruitment; and the ordination of Director of Music Arts Dr. James Marriott, who received his Residential Alternate Route certificate during Commencement May 15. Vicarage and internship assignments also were announced for pastoral and deaconess students in the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program, Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) Program and Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) Program. The service was available via livestream at csl.edu/live. Opening Service capped Orientation week, which began Aug. 25. During Orientation, new residential Ministerial Formation students were familiarized with their programs and campus life. All distance education students and Graduate School students participated in Orientation online because of the coronavirus pandemic. Fall semester classes for the 2020–21 academic year began Aug. 31.
The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, where Opening Service was held. Photo: Jill Gray
New Deaconess Studies Program (Online-ODS) launches spring 2021 Concordia Seminary’s new distance Deaconess Studies Program (OnlineODS) will launch in the spring 2021 semester at Concordia Seminary. This program will allow students to become certified and eligible for placement as commissioned deaconesses in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). The four-year distance program will prepare women to share the Gospel through works of mercy, spiritual care and teaching the Christian faith. The integrated curriculum includes 16 master’s-level courses offered one at a time in a live online format. Students are required to participate in three activities on campus: orientation at the beginning of the program, and formation seminars midway and near the end of the program. Concurrently with the diaconal formation courses, students serve as interns in their locations of service. Students will be paired with qualified LCMS rostered church workers as internship supervisors and as mentors for their academic studies. Application for enrollment in the spring 2021 semester was open through Aug. 31. Learn more at csl.edu/ods. CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS
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Dr. Daniel Preus named interim president Concordia Seminary’s Board of Regents named Dr. Daniel Preus interim president effective July 1. He will serve until the new president is called and takes office. Preus previously served, at various times, as The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) first, third, fourth and fifth vice president. He also has served congregations in Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado and Missouri. From 1995–2001, he served as director of Concordia Historical Institute in St. Louis, and from 2005–12 as director of Luther Academy, also in St. Louis, an organization devoted to promoting confessional Lutheran theology. “The Seminary is truly blessed to have Dr. Preus agree to serve us once again,” said Rev. Todd A. Peperkorn, chairman of the Board of Regents. “Daniel is a distinguished churchman with 40 years of parish service, making him well acquainted with the needs of future pastors. He is very familiar with Concordia Seminary: He literally grew up on campus, and more recently served for nine years on our Board of Regents. His steady demeanor and pastoral heart will serve the Seminary well as we continue our work forming pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and leaders for the LCMS during this time of transition.” Read Preus’ full bio at csl.edu/directory/daniel-preus/.
NEW CALL ISSUED FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES The electors charged with calling the next president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis chose to issue a new call for candidates June 2. The call for nominations is the second one issued for the presidency after the first round, originally issued in October 2019, and the subsequent process resulted in a call that was declined. Because this is a new call for nominations, previous nominations will not be carried over. Congregations wishing to nominate candidates submitted new nomination forms, which were due by Aug. 31. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Handbook states that Seminary presidential nominations may be submitted only by LCMS congregations, the Seminary’s
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Board of Regents and the Seminary faculty. A list of nominees who meet the LCMS’ bylaw qualifications for the presidential office and who have consented to let their names stand for election will be published in an official LCMS periodical and posted on csl.edu by Sept. 15. The new president will succeed President Dr. Dale A. Meyer, who retired June 30. Meyer served as the Seminary’s 10th president from 2005–20. Dr. Daniel Preus will serve as interim president until a new president takes office. Updates related to the presidential election are available at csl.edu/president-search.
NEWS WORTH NOTING
Penhallegon joins Seminary faculty Dr. Philip Penhallegon joined the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis faculty as professor of Exegetical Theology July 1. Penhallegon is a respected scholar in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) with special expertise on the books of Esther and Nehemiah. He joined the Seminary from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich. (CUAA), where he taught biblical languages and Bible content. He was installed during the Seminary’s Opening Service Aug. 28. “Dr. Penhallegon will be an asset to the faculty of Concordia Seminary and her students because of his solid biblical scholarship as well as his experience in the pastoral ministry,” said Seminary Provost Dr. Douglas L. Rutt. “He is known as a caring mentor to students at CUAA. We are gaining a proven teacher, pastor and mentor.”
While teaching at CUAA, Penhallegon won an award twice for academic rigor and challenge (2015–16 and 2018–19) and an award for teaching excellence and campus leadership (2009–10). He also was a guest instructor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Concordia Seminary from 1999–2000. In addition to teaching, he has served for more than 15 years as a parish pastor. He was the sole pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minn., from 2000– 04. He also served at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Milan, Mich., from 2007–19 as pulpit supply, vacancy pastor and then pastor. Penhallegon earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in biblical studies from Concordia Seminary in 2012. He earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary in 1998 and his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in communication from Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Mich. (now CUAA), in 1991. Read Penhallegon’s full bio at csl.edu/directory/philippenhallegon/.
A SIMPLE PLAN PROMOTES PEACE, LEAVES A LEGACY With even a simple plan, you can protect your family and leave a legacy that reflects your life’s work. Please consider naming Concordia Seminary, St. Louis as a ministry you support and include in your estate so we can continue preparing pastors and church workers to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Start your plan by consulting with your family, financial adviser and attorney. If you have any questions or wish to discuss your plans with a member of our staff, please contact us: phone 800-822-5287 envelope plannedgiving@csl.edu CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS
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COURSE BEGINS
SEPT.
REGISTER BY AUG. 31
8 Scripture in Counseling (online course)
user Dr. Richard Marrs user Dr. Daniel Paavola
$99 REGISTRATION FEE CSL.EDU/EVENT/SCRIPTURE-INCOUNSELING-CONTINUINGEDUCATION-COURSE-BEGINS/
OCT.
REGISTER BY SEPT. 12
10 Lay Bible Institute
Wholly Citizens: Thinking Rightly about Christian Engagement with the World clock 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. map-marker-alt Sieck Hall 202 user Dr. Joel Biermann
$20 REGISTRATION FEE CSL.EDU/LBI
JAN.
REGISTER
BY JAN. 8, 2021
22 Pre-Lenten Workshop
“O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High”: God’s Enormous Mercy clock 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. map-marker-alt Presidents Room user Dr. Thomas Egger
$50 REGISTRATION FEE (INCLUDES LUNCH)
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LENTEN
SERMON SERIES
NEWS WORTH NOTING
Continuing Education events held online This summer, three of Concordia Seminary’s well-established Continuing Education events were held online because of the coronavirus. Pastors, church workers and laypeople were invited to Concordia Seminary’s Prof Insights: Faculty-Led Workshop Series to explore contemporary topics that influence the practice of ministry and worship. In all, 13 workshops were held online June through August. Formerly known as the Summer Workshop Series, the Prof Insights workshops provided three days of in-depth study taught by Seminary faculty members. The 2020 workshops covered topics ranging from Pre-Constantinian theology
to post-denominational challenges and from the psalms to 1 Peter. Additionally, the Seminary’s annual Faith and Writing Workshop, held July 21–23, and summer Lay Bible Institute, held Aug. 8, were both offered as online events for the first time. “While we had to do things a little bit differently this year, we were pleased to be able to share the expertise of our faculty and staff with people across the country by offering these three online programs,” said Director of Continuing Education Erika Bennett.
Because of the coronavirus, the 2020 Faith and Writing Workshop was held online. Photo: Travis Scholl
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Seminary President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer was surprised with a festschrift, or honorary volume of essays, during an online gathering of friends and faculty members July 2. The volume is titled Let the Gospel Lead: Essays & Sermons in Honor of Dale A. Meyer and was published by Concordia Seminary Press. It is available from Concordia Publishing House and Amazon. The festschrift was compiled to honor Meyer before his June 30 retirement as the Seminary’s 10th president. Friends and colleagues who contributed to the anthology span the years of Meyer’s tenure as speaker of The Lutheran Hour radio program to his tenure at the Seminary. They also include fellow leaders in higher education, the church and ministry. Topics covered in the volume encompass his career interests as classics scholar, professor of homiletics, media personality, church leader and pastor — each reflecting his singular focus to “let the Gospel lead” in all things. Photo: Sarah Maney
Robinson named director of Library Services Dr. Paul Robinson, professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary, has been named the Seminary’s new director of Library Services, effective Feb. 1. Robinson succeeds Dr. Benjamin Haupt, now associate provost, in this prestigious role. Robinson also continues to serve in his professorial role.
Dr. Paul Robinson. Photo: Jarod Fenske
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Robinson has been on the faculty of Concordia Seminary since 1996. He also served as the faculty liaison to the Hispanic Institute of Theology (1998–2006), chairman of the Department of Historical Theology (2003–12), dean of Ministerial Formation (2006–08) and dean of faculty (2013–18). He served as interim provost from 2017 to 2018 after former Provost Dr. Jeff Kloha took a position at Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.
NEWS WORTH NOTING
Celebrating Seminary authors
The following Concordia Seminary faculty members wrote or contributed to works that were published from June 2019 through May 2020:
BOOKS
Dr. Robert Kolb Professor Emeritus Luther’s Treatise On Christian Freedom and Its Legacy Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2019
Dr. Richard Marrs Associate Professor of Practical Theology Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered WestBow Press, 2019
Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. Werner R.H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries Escatología: la esperanza cristiana in the Biblioteca teológica Concordia (Concordia Theological Library) series Editorial Concordia, 2020
Dr. James W. Voelz Dr. Jack Dean Kingsbury Professor of New Testament Theology Mark 8:27–16:8, bound with Christopher W. Mitchell, Mark 16:9–20. Concordia Commentary series Concordia Publishing House, 2019
“Philip Melanchthon” in Renaissance and Reformation, Oxford Bibliographies Online, edited by Margaret King Oxford University Press, 2019
Dr. Paul Raabe Professor Emeritus “King Hezekiah in Isaiah” in Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies, Volume 4, Issue 1 Pickwick Publications, 2019
“Revisiting Antioch: Paul, Cephas, and ‘the Ones from James’” in Theologische Literaturzeitung, Volume 144, Issue 12 Evangelische Verlagsanstalt, Leipzig, Germany, 2019
Dr. Paul Robinson Professor of Historical Theology “Councils after Leipzig: Luther’s Interpretation of Nicaea from the Leipzig Disputation to On the Councils and the Church (1539)” in Luther at Leipzig: Martin Luther, the Leipzig Debate, and the SixteenthCentury Reformations, Volume 218, edited by Mickey Mattox, Richard J. Serina Jr. and Jonathan Mumme Brill, 2019
“The Voice of the Law and the Children of Promise (Gal. 4:21–31)” in Bestimmte Freiheit: Festschrift für Christof Landmesser zum 60, Geburtstag (Qualified Freedom: Festschrift for Christof Landmesser on the Occasion of his 60th Birthday), Volume 64 Evangelische Verlagsanstalt, Leipzig, Germany, 2020
ARTICLES Dr. Thomas Egger Gustav and Sophie Butterbach Professor of Exegetical Theology “Textual Commentaries on Five Biblical Canticles” in Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Hymns Concordia Publishing House, 2019 Dr. Joel Elowsky Professor of Historical Theology “Libya” in Brill Encyclopedia of Early Christianity Online, edited by David G. Hunter, Paul J.J. van Geest and Bert Jan Lietaert Peerbolte Brill, 2018 Dr. Robert Kolb Professor Emeritus “Luther’s Providential God” in The Interface of Science, Theology, and Religion: Essays in Honor of Alister E. McGrath, edited by Dennis Ngien Pickwick Publications, 2019
“Practicing the Promise: Confession and Absolution in the Wittenberg Circle, 1530–1590” in Promising Faith for a Ruptured Age: An EnglishSpeaking Appreciation of Oswald Bayer, edited by John T. Pless, Roland Ziegler and Joshua C. Miller Pickwick Publications, 2019 “U.S.-American Theology and Ecclesiastical Life Today: An Impressionistic Observation” in Glaube und Theologie: Reformatorische Grundeinsichten in der ökumenischen Diskussion (Faith and Theology: Basic Insights of the Reformation in Ecumenical Debate), Volume 54, edited by Wolfram Kinzig and Julia Winnebeck Evangelische Verlagsanstalt, Leipzig, Germany, 2019
Dr. Mark Seifrid Professor of Exegetical Theology “Knowing the Lord (Isa. 44:6–8)” in Concordia Pulpit Resources, Volume 30, Part 3 Concordia Publishing House, 2020
“Unfettered Love (Deut. 7:6–9)” in Concordia Pulpit Resources, Volume 30, Part 3 Concordia Publishing House, 2020
TRANSLATIONS Dr. Joel Elowsky Professor of Historical Theology Chinese translation of Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NT Volume Va: John 1–10 Campus Evangelical Press, Taipei City, Taiwan, 2019 Chinese translation of Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NT Volume Vb: John 11–21 Campus Evangelical Press, Taipei City, Taiwan, 2019
For more information, contact Theological Research and Publication: phone 314-505-7117 envelope cj@csl.edu
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God is at work through His people! Tell us how you and your congregation are serving during the coronavirus pandemic by tagging us on @concordiasem. You also can email us at magazine@csl.edu.
The building is closed, but the church is open BY ERICA TAPE
As the coronavirus wreaks havoc around the globe and disrupts society on a massive scale, our churches, pastors and deaconesses are among the essential responders who must adapt quickly to serve their people and communities in need. Here’s a look at how a few Concordia Seminary graduates are following Christ’s call to serve during this most unprecedented time.
REV. GERARD BOLLING MASTER OF DIVINITY, 2016
REV. RON MEYR MASTER OF DIVINITY, 1980
Rev. Gerard Bolling is a pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Mo. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, many of Bethlehem’s members found themselves unemployed or underemployed overnight. Bethlehem’s leaders identified their community’s greatest needs as connection, food and assistance with bills. Bolling and Bethlehem’s other leaders are calling all the church’s members regularly to stay in touch and are personally delivering weekly Bible lessons to children at home. Bethlehem also is partnering with several churches in the St. Louis area to deliver boxes of food and to provide money and gift cards to congregants in need.
Rev. Ron Meyr is senior pastor at Faith Viera Lutheran Church in Rockledge, Fla. As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic began to be felt, the church sent a $25 Walmart gift card to each member to use or pass along. Many members exercised their faith by giving their gift cards to relatives, neighbors and others who were affected by the pandemic’s economic fallout. Also, Meyr has become recognizable for preaching atop a boom lift in the church’s parking lot during drive-in worship services. Members tune into a radio transmission to hear Meyr preach, and the services also are livestreamed.
“This coronavirus time has shown us the importance of spending quality time with people.” 28
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Photo, left: Courtesy Rev. Gerard Bolling Photo, right: Courtesy Rev. Ron Meyr
“We talk a lot about living by faith and not by fear. It has been an invigorating time to respond to new challenges.”
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
REV. KIRK NEUGEBAUER MASTER OF DIVINITY, 2016
REV. GARY SCHULTE MASTER OF DIVINITY, 2006
Rev. Kirk Neugebauer is the senior (sole) pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Paragould, Ark., and associate pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lafe, Ark. Neugebauer began several weekly Facebook series to minister to his parishioners and to his social media followers. “Monday Morning Encouragement” speaks the Gospel into specific issues people are facing in light of the coronavirus. “Thank God It’s Thursday” teaches viewers how to pray. “From the Balcony” — which he films with his brother and fellow pastor at St. John’s, Rev. A.J. Neugebauer — teaches viewers how to read Scripture with their families at home.
Rev. Gary Schulte is a regional educator at three seminaries in Togo, Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. While most schools in the United States emphasize learning through textbooks and lectures, the seminaries in Africa use a mentor-based model. As a result, the social-distancing and stay-at-home requirements during the pandemic have dealt a blow to many African seminary students. While the seminaries are closed during the pandemic and Schulte cannot teach in person, he is adapting one of his devotional series into a biblical theology course and is translating it into French. He sends these teaching devotions to 150 African pastors every day to offer spiritual support and guidance for their ministries.
“With all the negativity in the news, people are finding their rest in the Gospel of Jesus.”
“Studying biblical theology, you’re constantly reminded of God’s gentle care of His people.”
Photo: Courtesy Rev. Kirk Neugebauer Photo: Courtesy Erik Lunsford/LCMS
REV. ANDREW SCHLUND MASTER OF DIVINITY, 2015 MASTER OF SACRED THEOLOGY, 2020 Rev. Andrew Schlund is the pastor at La Iglesia Luterana del Buen Pastor in Mexico City, Mexico, and a theological educator at Seminario Concordia el Reformador in Palmar Arriba, Dominican Republic. Schlund has started leading online worship services and online Bible studies at his church. Family members of several parishioners have become sick or have died from the coronavirus, and Schlund is faced with the challenge of supporting those members through their grief from a distance. At the seminary, Schlund continues to teach his students remotely as they shelter at home in the Dominican Republic and throughout Latin America.
“A lot of what keeps people hopeful is the Gospel itself. They know these sufferings are only temporary.” Photo: Courtesy Erik Lunsford/LCMS
DEACONESS KIM SHERWIN MASTER OF ARTS WITH DEACONESS CERTIFICATION, 2017 Kim Sherwin is the deaconess at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Liberty, Mo. When the stay-at-home order went into effect, Sherwin began filming videos for families to participate virtually in Sunday school from home. Now the videos are being used not only by St. Stephen’s members but also by people in other states who have no connection to the church. Sherwin also has organized volunteers to go grocery shopping for members who can’t safely do so, which has inspired the congregation to organize additional service opportunities, such as a prayer walk around a nursing home.
“Our God is bigger than a virus. We have hope because we know how the story ends. … God will restore all things.” Photo: Courtesy Deaconess Kim Sherwin
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A gift from Jean McCall enabled the renovation to the Rare Book Center in the Seminary’s Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library. Photo: Courtney Koll At right, Jean McCall. Photo: Courtesy Jean McCall
A life devoted to telling others about Jesus BY MELANIE AVE
Jean McCall grew up on a farm in Wisconsin, raised by her father and widowed “saint of a grandmother” after Jean’s mother died when she was only 2 years old. With seven children of her own plus four grandchildren to raise, Jean’s grandmother made faith and worship a priority. Each Sunday morning, she got all of the grandchildren dressed and off to church they went. At age 9, Jean’s father remarried. Eventually there were four more children growing up on the family farm. Fast forward to today. Jean McCall now lives in an assisted living center in Harlingen, Texas, widowed after 46 years of marriage. She attends church, reads the Bible and makes the book, Timely Reflections, by Concordia Seminary President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer, a part of her daily devotions.
Jean has had in sharing her financial blessings with the Seminary, knowing that countless lives will be touched as God uses her gifts to His glory.” Jean was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She knew as a young child she wanted to care for others and become a nurse. When attending a three-year nursing school, she “met the most wonderful man,” her future husband, Mac. “He was from California,” she recalls. “He was in the service.” The two later married and settled in Seattle where Jean worked for the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and Mac worked at Boeing.
Traveling became a favorite pastime for the couple. They visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, India (the Taj Mahal was mesmerizing!), England, Scotland and many other European “I FELT THAT countries, and the Holy Land. The Via SUPPORTING THE Dolorosa in Jerusalem — believed to be SEMINARY WAS the path that Jesus walked on the way to ONE WAY OF His crucifixion — remains a profound memory for Jean. GIVING TO THE
CHURCH.”
Jean, at age 36, took up swimming and scuba diving. It became one of the joys of her life. She dove in the San Juan Islands, off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, in Fiji and in the Caribbean. “You feel so safe,” she says. “It’s so nice and quiet and you see all the little fishes and coral. It’s beautiful under the water.” Her favorite dive? Belize (“It was so different. It was a 200-foot dive.”). The coldest dive? Alaska.
— JEAN McCALL
Jean’s life illustrates the wisdom of Prov. 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Jean credits her grandmother for instilling her strong faith and points to that grounding as the reason why she generously supports the Seminary and its mission to prepare future church leaders who will proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “The most important thing in life is to tell others about Jesus and our eternal home that we’re going to,” Jean says. “From the time I first met Jean, her love for the Lord, and the opportunity to support His mission, were incredibly apparent,” says Michael Flynn, the Seminary’s director of principal gifts. “It has been inspiring to witness the joy 30
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When they retired, the couple moved to Carlsbad, Calif., to Mac’s family home. When he got sick in 2000, she started attending a church closer to home, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Oceanside, Calif. That was when the couple started looking at their will and thinking about how they wanted to direct their life’s earnings after they died. The couple chose three beneficiaries. Giving to the church was
SUPPORT YOUR SEM
Jean’s choice. “I felt that supporting the Seminary was one way of giving to the church,” she says. Jean began supporting the Seminary with unrestricted and student aid gifts. She also established “The H.F. and Jean McCall Endowment Fund” from which the annual earnings support student aid. During the 2017-18 renovation of the Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library on campus, her gifts enabled the renovation of the Rare Book Center, which she gifted in memory of her dear husband and son, Vance, who died in 1992. Recently, Jean made provisions in her estate to create “The H.F. and Jean L. McCall Historic Housing Endowment,” which is earmarked for the upkeep of the 12 historic faculty houses on campus, built in the 1920s, which are currently being restored. The street where the faculty houses are located has been renamed from North Seminary Terrace to McCall Terrace, and the area of campus is now known as the McCall Neighborhood in recognition of her generosity.
Concordia Seminary’s giving societies Walther Society The Walther Society honors Concordia Seminary’s most faithful donors and recognizes the annual stewardship commitment by these supporters. Legacy Society The Legacy Society honors all those who have remembered Concordia Seminary in their estate plans. Eisleben Circle The Eisleben Circle recognizes those whose lifetime giving has reached the noteworthy level of $100,000 or more.
The faculty homes are integral to the Seminary’s heritage and contribute to a vibrant spirit of community on campus. Jean’s endowment provides the necessary funding for their upkeep in the future. Jean calls it all “wonderful.” She is pleased to be able to help the Seminary and its students. She thanks God for a blessed life and marvels at how it has unfolded. “The Seminary is grateful to Jean and other donors like her who have provided a means to ensure the mission of the Seminary continues, especially through the creation of endowments, which provide perpetual income,” said Vicki Biggs, senior vice president of Seminary Advancement and chief communications officer. “Such generosity helps to ensure that future generations will be served by faithfully formed pastors and deaconesses who will advance the Great Commission.” Melanie Ave is communications manager at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Ways to give THE ANNUAL FUND
PLANNED GIFTS
CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS
RECURRING GIFTS
CHARITABLE TRUSTS
SECURITIES
REAL ESTATE
CHALLENGE GIFTS
Learn more: csl.edu/support Questions? 800-822-5287 or advancement@csl.edu
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#WhoWillGoForUs Do you know someone whom God has gifted for ministry? The support and encouragement they receive from you may be just the reassurance they need as they discern Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call.
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