August 2012 1 August 2012, Volume Sixteen, Number Three Be an Encourager By Rev. David C. Fleming A Theological Recipe for Forming Pastors and Deaconesses By Dr. Charles A. Gieschen Supporting Future Pastors and Deaconesses By Mr. Gary L. Nahrwold August 2012 3 CONTENTS Volume Sixteen, Number Three F E A T U R E S 4 Be an Encourager By Rev. David C. Fleming Every time a new pastor or deaconess is sent out into the world, hope lives on. The Lord knows we need them. He knows our congregations and communities need willing and well-trained servants... We need sowers of Christ and reapers of Christians for joy. 7 A Theological Recipe for Forming Pastors and Deaconesses By Dr. Charles A. Gieschen What is the theological recipe for forming faithful pastors and deaconesses? Is there a formula that works every time it is used and produces the same result? Each of us probably shares some ideas about what it takes to form a pastor or deaconess. 10 Supporting Future Pastors and Deaconesses By Mr. Gary L. Nahrwold As I pondered writing on the topic of encouraging future pastors and deaconesses, my thoughts kept being drawn to the past. For over 165 years the people of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod have shown unwavering support for Concordia Theological Seminary by raising up future church workers and providing much needed financial support for their formation and education. Also in this issue: What Does This Mean? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 14 Called to Serve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 16 In the Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 18 Retreat to the Seminary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 21 Seminary Marks Close of 166th Academic year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 22 Military Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 25 Seminary Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 26 Alumni News: Encouragement . . . . . . . . . . .p. 27 Profiles in Giving: We Are Thankful . . . . . . .p. 28 Bible Study: Encouragment. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 30 For the Life of the World PUBLISHER Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. President MANAGING EDITOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jayne E. Sheafer Colleen M. Bartzsch COPY EDITOR ART DIRECTOR Trudy E. Behning Steve J. Blakey For the Life of the World is published by Concordia Theological Seminary Press, 6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the Managing Editor of For the Life of the World by e-mail at PublicRelations@ctsfw.edu or 260-452-2250. Copyright 2012. Printed in the United States. Postage paid at Huntington, Indiana. For the Life of the World is mailed to all pastors and congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in the United States and Canada and to anyone interested in the work of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. For the Life of the World10 Supporting Future Pastors and Deaconesses By Mr. Gary L. Nahrwold August 2012 11 As I pondered writing on the topic of encouraging future pastors and deaconesses, my thoughts kept being drawn to the past. For over 165 years the people of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod have shown unwavering support for Concordia Theological Seminary by raising up future church workers and providing much needed financial support for their formation and education. Regardless of the era, location, being a life-long Lutheran or a recent convert, all these people have two things in common. First, they have experienced change. Second, they have been served by a faithful pastor or deaconess. The change may be slow or it may proceed at a frightening pace. And, admittedly, the service often goes unnoticed. Occasionally the change and service happen in such a way as to highlight why God has put pastors and deaconesses into our lives. For our family one event occurred in April 2002 when my Dad entered the hospital. He was having some complications from a chronic illness, spent about three weeks in the hospital and we were assured “he is going home tomorrow.” As plans were being made to continue his recovery, he faltered, passing away that very day. A funeral was held on a Tuesday in late April where our pastor assured us that Dad was in Heaven with his Lord and told us what Christ had done for him to assure that. He reminded all the mourners of Christ’s life of perfect obedience, His sacrificial death, His bodily resurrection and His ascension into Heaven where He calls us all to be with Him. Words of peace and comfort that pass all understanding were spoken in private to the family, in a sermon and at a small rural gravesite outside of town. That pastor, formed at Concordia Theological Seminary, is the same pastor who has held several of our grandchildren over the years and baptized them into life in Christ. Our pastor has spoken the comforting words of absolution and administered Holy Communion to our family and countless others. Though much has changed in over 165 years, some things remain unwavering. Pastors, and more recently deaconesses, are formed at Concordia Theological Seminary to serve in a world that is increasingly hostile towards Christ. They are sent into a society that has experienced enormous social, economic and cultural adjustments. Norms and values have been adjusted to fit the times. Truth is challenged and replaced with the flighty, personal opinions of sinful people. Politicians and celebrities, rather than the Word of God, define value systems and world views. The unwavering dedication to formation is more than just classroom education, more than the imparting of knowledge and facts. It also takes place in Kramer Chapel, continues in group study, is honed during dining hall discussions with fellow classmates and faculty and is applied in practical experience in fieldwork and vicarage. For over 165 years the people of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod have shown unwavering support for Concordia Theological Seminary by raising up future church workers and providing much needed financial support for their formation and education. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace… in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:10-11 For the Life of the World12 Two more things have been unwavering. First is the willingness of God’s people prayerfully to encourage men and women in service to His church. Speaking encouraging words to a grade school student. Having coffee with a college student or co-worker and letting them know how God has blessed them with the skills needed to serve. Or the quiet example set by a pastor and deaconess as they go about their call. In these ways, and many more, you encourage the next generation of pastors and deaconesses. Second is the willingness of God’s people prayerfully to provide generous financial support for the formation of these men and women. God’s people giving, in ways big and small, to sustain our shared mission. Your gifts support the physical operation of the seminary, provide scholarships and tuition assistance and build endowments that help secure the future. You help students through direct current gifts, planned and estate gifts, material gifts that support the Food and Clothing Co-op, gifts given through your congregation or LWML and a multitude of other ways. As time marches on, more children will be baptized into life, God’s Word will be proclaimed, absolution from sin will be given, Christ’s body and blood distributed, God’s mercy will be demonstrated by works of mercy and words of peace and comfort that pass understanding will be spoken to families. Concordia Theological Seminary will remain unwavering in carrying out our shared mission, to form servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost and care for all. “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 Mr. Gary L. Nahrwold serves Concordia Theological Seminary as Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement. If you would like to discuss ways to support our students, feel free to contact him at Gary.Nahrwold@ctsfw.edu or 877-288-4338, ext. 2277. Will You Adopt a Student? The Student Adoption Program is a great opportunity for congregations, groups such as Ladies Aid Societies and Sunday Schools or individuals to receive first-hand awareness of the seminary’s mission and its service to you and the church. Through your interaction with students who are dedicating their lives to serving the Lord, you will have the opportunity to share in the joys, and occasional sorrows, of their journey. In this tangible and direct manner you can be an active participant in the formation of pastors and deaconesses. Your support will provide moral and spiritual encouragement through prayer and correspondence. In addition, your financial assistance will help provide for the physical needs of students and their families, from paying the utility bills to buying shoes for the children. An additional benefit of this program is that students form strong relationships with the individuals and congregations that adopt them as they share the seminary experience. To become a participant in this rewarding program, please go to www.ctsfw.edu/StudentAdoption. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 260-452-2167 or by e-mail at StudentAdoption@ctsfw.edu. As time marches on, more children will be baptized into life, God’s Word will be proclaimed, absolution from sin will be given, Christ’s body and blood distributed, God’s mercy will be demonstrated by works of mercy and words of peace and comfort that pass understanding will be spoken to families. Concordia Theological Seminary will remain unwavering in carrying out our shared mission, to form servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost and care for all.