Recruitment remains a top priority

Rev. Duane Rodewald, pastor at Abiding Peace in Simpsonville, S.C., and the chairman and acting administrator of the Board for Ministerial Education (BME), informed delegates that “we are blessed with harmony among our four schools”—harmony involving the faculties, staff, and student bodies.

The four schools Rodewald referenced that comprise WELS Ministerial Education are Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS), Saginaw, Mich.; Luther Preparatory School (LPS), Watertown, Wis.; Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn.; and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS), Mequon, Wis.

LPS President Matthew Crass highlighted three important blessings at LPS: the gospel, which is all about “Christ for us;” students; and the campus. He described two important items currently receiving attention—recruitment of students and the effort to build a new music center.

President Mark Luetzow of MLS updated delegates on the status of the school’s 2023-2025 strategic plan in the areas of its new administrative structure; the development of a master site plan; communication coordination; student growth, including curriculum review; and ministry encouragement, which has the goal of having a licensed counselor from Christian Family Solutions on campus.

WLS President Earle Treptow pointed to three reasons for giving thanks to God. Last year’s enrollment of 155 students was the highest in 15 years. The incredible generosity of God’s people was a second reason for thanksgiving. The third was the accreditation report that marveled at the makeup and nature of the seminary’s faculty, students, and program.

President Richard Gurgel of MLC introduced a video that emphasized the importance of encouraging more young people to consider training for the public ministry. Following the video, he urged delegates to do three things: pray, identify, and share. Pray that the Lord would send more people into the harvest field. Identify at least one person who shows gifts for the public ministry, then talk to that person and pray for him or her. Finally, share the video.

After hearing the presentations on the schools that the synod owns and operates, Mr. Del Abel, a member of Bethlehem in Germantown, Wis., remarked, “The education students get at our high schools, college, and seminary is excellent. I’ve been thinking, myself, who can I help get here? Who can I talk to or provide money to get them here?”