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Concordia Theological Seminary ePILGRIMAGE
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| Be Inspired. Stay Informed. | April / May 2008 |
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Welcome to another edition of ePilgrimage! Information and inspiration for the future as you consider the seminary . . . this is ePilgrimage. Last month’s issue can be found on our blog www.seminaryblog.com or click by clicking here.Should I Go to Seminary?You’ve been thinking of doing something new. You’ve talked it over with your wife, your pastors, your friends, and they all give you positive encouragement. But you’re still not sure. You keep wondering, “Should I go to the seminary?”  For some time you have been considering the possibility. Being in God’s House feels like home to you. Hearing the Gospel preached and receiving the Holy Sacrament are central to your life. You enjoy being active at church. People whose judgments you value are saying you’d make a good pastor. People respond well to you when you teach Bible classes or do stuff for the youth group.You love to study God’s Word. You look forward to going to Bible classes. You read books or Web sites and magazines in your spare time that pertain to religion, Christian theology, and church-related news. Further, you like to talk about what you learn. You enjoy being with other Christians who like to discuss their faith.It may sound corny, but you have a love for people. It matters to you that there are people in your family and community that do not know Christ. When you hear missionaries talk about their experiences, you feel like packing up immediately and hopping aboard. It is exciting for you when your VBS has a terrific turnout. It is not unusual for friends to come to you for advice at all hours. You think little of giving more than you can afford to support your congregation.But there are so many obstacles. You can’t see how you will pay for the humongous seminary tuition. Even though your family and your pastor tell you not to worry so much about it, you genuinely don’t think you’re cut out for the ministry. You worry how this will affect your wife and children. The last pastor you knew was treated badly by his congregation because he stood firm on a teaching of God’s Word and you don’t want to go through something like that . . . ever.It’s a difficult and even painful deliberation. What to do? The bottom line is that you have a passion for the Gospel and you have a passion for helping people. You should come to the seminary now and you know it. All the obstacles can be overcome. No one says it will be easy. Certainly, if you are not willing to suffer for Christ, you should not become a pastor. But as Amos the prophet wrote: The lion has roared— who will not fear? The Sovereign LORD has spoken— who can but prophesy?
Workers for the Harvest Fields: Calls, Vicarages, and Internships Last Tuesday and Wednesday, the day had finally arrived that seminarians (and their families) much anticipate. On Tuesday, sixty men received their vicarage assignments and ten women were assigned deaconess internships. These assignments represent the hands-on curriculum of their seminary training where the lessons already learned are brought into the service and life of God’s people. The next evening, fifty-eight men received their divine call to a congregation where they will serve God’s people by proclaiming His Word and administering His Sacraments. As you consider the seminary, imagine the anticipation and excitement that comes with knowing that you have been formed as a servant in Jesus Christ who will teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all. Follow these links for lists of calls, vicarages, and internships. A Time of Reflection and Direction: Revisiting the Spring Invitational Campus Visit - March 27 – 29
Visiting the campus here in Fort Wayne may be one of the best ways to clear the clouds of confusion that block your view of God’s calling for you. A few weeks ago thirty-five guests from around the country gathered on our campus to join the seminary community in worship, hear about what preparing to be a pastor or deaconess is really like, become familiar with the city, and to have their questions about the ministry answered. Here is what a few guests had to say:
The next ICV will be September 25 – 27, 2008. Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there! Christ Academy X
Seminarian Christopher Hull gives a lot of credit to Christ Academy for convincing him to become a pastor. “I had an idea that I might want to be a pastor. After Christ Academy, there was no question. I was going to be a pastor.” Christ Academy gives high school-aged young men two weeks to taste the seminary experience. Through worship, study, and activities, they dig deeply into God’s Word and His work throughout history, all the while being encouraged to explore the possibility that they are being called to be pastors for the Church. Registration is now open. Two weeks can change your life. Do You Have a Plan for Your Money?
Last month we launched a survey about finances, debt, and planning. The results have been interesting, but the more information we have, the better the conclusions. We’d like YOUR input. Here is a snapshot of the results so far:
Seminary brings financial ups and downs. Having a plan can make the biggest difference. Get on a written budget, live within your means, set up an emergency fund, and you can start running your money (instead of the other way around). Check out www.daveramsey.com and see how a number of us in the Admission Department are developing a plan.
Relocation: by Marsha Zimmmerman, Relocation Coordinator As I visit with prospective and incoming students, a common thread emerges. As we share information on housing options, employment opportunities, and possible schools for the children, eventually the conversation shifts to all of the other stuff. The couples and families understand the challenge of de-cluttering their homes, downsizing their belongings, and physically packing their stuff. Some of them are even excited about the prospect of being forced into action and actually keeping those New Year’s resolutions about getting organized. It is precisely at that point when the tone of the conversation usually shifts to a more emotional one. They begin to reflect on how difficult it may be to part with certain possessions, to leave their home, their community, their home congregation, for their children to leave friends, to physically relocate away from family members, and so on. This is a real and normal component of relocating. Coming to the seminary does not shield you from this. The emotional side of moving is one that every student and family will experience. For some, this experience will be full of many tears. For others, the move will be less traumatic. Knowing that this is a normal and expected part of the whole process helps you accept the emotional waves as they come flowing in. Why is the emotional side of moving so highly charged? Many experts tell us that the three most stressful experiences in life are the death of a family member, going through a divorce, and moving to a new locale. The reason these are so highly charged is that they all have to do with the ending of relationships. There are so many memories, so many dreams and hopes that may or may not have been realized, so many closures that have to take place, and the like. No wonder the tears begin to flow and the emotions start to peak. Each family member will have their own timing in regards to the emotional journey. Keep in mind that if you were leaving your home for reasons other than coming to the seminary, you and your family would be going through this same experience. It is normal; it is to be expected. Coming to the seminary differs from many of the other moves you may have already made in life. As a couple and family, you are relocating to a ready made community of people who also relocated for exactly the same reason. You know the time of your commitment, you know the purpose of your commitment, and you know the reason for your coming. God has a plan for you. He has called you to full-time service. What a marvelous and awesome task you have been called to do in His name. He knows the struggles, joys, and challenges that await you. He also knows that these struggles, joys, and challenges are the very experiences that will form you into His servant. Being emotional creatures is how our Maker created us. He desires that we make deep relationships with others. Leaving those special friends, fellow church members, and family members can indeed be sad. But our Heavenly Father also knows that new faces, new friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are awaiting your arrival at CTS. They never intend to replace the old, but rather they will expand your circle of fellow believers and caring friends in Christ. Together we will support, encourage, and uplift one another all the while knowing that God will always be there for each one of us. The welcome mat is out, our arms and hearts are open, so please come and be a part of the Concordia Theological Seminary family here in Fort Wayne. Marsha Zimmerman, Relocation Coordinator Best of Blog He comments on faith as a commodity and the difference between faith that believes (”my” faith) and the faith that is believed (the object of my faith). It does seem very popular to have faith without an object. Many Christians will accept others simply on the sincerity of their faith, sadly, regardless of the object of their faith.
Somewhere Along the Way . . .
Somewhere along the way you’ve considered serving the church Whatever your story may be, you’ve found your way to our Why Did I Get This? You’re in our database. We’ve been in touch before. Now you can be closer than ever to the information and inspiration you need. We realize this isn’t for everyone. That’s ok. Just click |
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