Tag Archive for: fic-series-recruitment-ministry

A step toward future ministry: Part 2

Jesus says the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  

John A. Braun 

Some congregations grow weary of calling a new pastor. Today congregations call multiple times over months and, in some cases, even years. Schools scramble to find teachers to fill classrooms even after new graduates are assigned. Most of us have some personal experience or knowledge of the shortage of pastors and teachers. 

Ross Stelljes has been recruiting young men and women for the public ministry for 11 years. He was an admission counselor for Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., until he accepted a call to serve as professor of theology at MLC earlier this summer. Before he stepped into the classroom, I asked him to share his thoughts about recruiting future pastors and teachers. 

Insights from a recruiter 

You won’t get an argument from him about the need for more pastors and teachers.  He says, “What Jesus said still applies today: ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’ Besides that, right now in WELS we certainly have a shortage of both pastors and teachers, and this at a time when our Lord seems to be opening all kinds of new and amazing doors for our church body to share Christ with the world.” 

Stelljes shared his recruiting responsibility with three other full-time counselors. They answer questions about academic majors, financial aid, transferring to other schools if ministry is not what a student wants, dorm life, and sports. He says, “One think that I think is on a lot of people’s minds but only a few blurt it out is: What if I feel so sinful or unworthy?” We need to confess that no called worker is worthy except by the grace and forgiveness of Christ. 

In all those questions, he notes, “The great majority come [to MLC] because, at least to some extent, the Holy Spirit has created in their hearts a love for their Savior and his Word, and a desire to serve.” Over the years he has observed that many start at MLC who are “by no means convinced that this is for sure where they belong. But at least they’re willing to give is a try. And it’s exciting to see where that leads many of our students!” Stelljes notes, “Our retention rate is around 90 percent, which is quite strong compared to other colleges and universities.”  

What changes them to stay and pursue ministry? Says Stelljes, “Their attitudes are changed. Daily chapel opportunities, the religion classes, having all classes taught from a Christ-centered worldview, learning in this environment . . . is like a ‘ministry slow cooker.’ The Holy Spirit uses all these things to grab hold of students’ hearts and change them. The ministry bug bites them, and they grow in their ministry mindset. More and more they treasure what Christ as done for them, that he came not to be served but to serve, and more and more they want to follow his loving lead.”  

Why do they take that first step to come? After 11 years of talking with students, Stelljes observes, “There are all kinds of motivating factors, some more sanctified than others. Some come because they recognize how the Lord has influenced them through their called workers and they want to influence others in the same way. I often hear statements like this: ‘I want to help people just as my pastor helped me.’ ‘My fifth grade teacher made learning exciting; I want to be like her.’ ‘My principal inspired me to want to be a leader like that.’ A lot of them come because they were encouraged to think about it by the people in their lives whom they respect: parents, grandparents, members of their congregation, pastors, or teachers. Some come because they have no idea what vocation to pursue, but they can at least start in a solid, Christian environment. Some come because they want to keep playing football or another sport. Some come in hopes of finding a spouse who shares the same faith. I’m sure I haven’t exhausted the list!” 

He continues, “A difficult part for me is helping some students see that their perceived barriers are just that: perceived. For instance, public speaking is probably the most common barrier I hear young men bring up when I ask them what they think about becoming a pastor. And I can relate, because that was definitely fear #1 on my long list when I was their age. But I tell them I’m like the poster child example of someone who, through training and experience, has grown to actually like public speaking. Still, I often find it difficult to convince some that this is a perceived barrier that they too can likely overcome.” 

Stelljes says some of the most interesting interviews are with students who have suffered serious tragedy, hardship, or loss. “They usually seemed a little more mature in their faith and appreciative of what a solid rock they have in Christ and his Word. And every one of them strongly agreed when I asked them if, in hindsight, they could see how even through those hardships God had brought them blessings.” 

And the most rewarding? “Some of the most rewarding ones were the students who came in to inform me that they had decided on MLC and ministerial training even though they had been offered huge scholarships to go elsewhere. For instance, one young man turned down a scholarship with full tuition and housing to pursue pastoral studies at MLC. What a powerful statement he made to his fellow classmates and to all of us: That it’s not all about money; it’s about how you feel you can best serve.” 

What can FIC readers do?  

Stelljes reminds us all, “Jesus said, ‘Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’ (Matthew 9:38). So, pray for more workers. Also, remember that you are all recruiters for public ministry. Never underestimate the impact you can have by simply pulling a young person aside who you think has the gifts and telling him that and encouraging him to give public ministry some thought. Also, remember that our young people see the respect you show toward the office of the public ministry, which leaves an impression on them.” 

Recruiting the next generation to be pastors and teachers is important. Says Stelljes, “Our Savior’s words still ring true today: ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few’ (Matthew 9:37). Jesus told us to pray that he send out more workers (v. 38). And he normally uses people like you and me as agents in carrying out this recruiting work.” 

Jesus spoke those words when he saw the crowds “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 36). What do we see? Congregations and schools in need of more pastors and teachers to preach, to teach, to lead, to comfort, and to encourage. We see young men and women who have the talent to do the work. Encourage them. One way may be to share this article with that young man or woman you think could be tomorrow’s pastor or teacher.  

“Remember that you are all recruiters for public ministry.”  


John A. Braun is the executive editor of Forward in Christ and a former college recruiter.


Student quotes from this article originally appeared in KnightWatch, MLC’s recruitment magazine for high school students. Thanks to Laurie Gauger-Hested for gathering and providing the information. Learn more about MLC at mlc-wels.edu. 


This is the last article in a two-part series on encouraging young men and women to consider the public ministry. 


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Do you have a manuscript, idea, or story from your own life you’d like to share for use in Forward in Christ or on wels.net? Use our online form to share it to our editorial office for consideration.

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Author: John A. Braun
Volume 105, Number 10
Issue: October 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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A step toward future ministry: Part 1

Young men and women choose to prepare for the public ministry of the gospel. 

John A. Braun 

“I decided I wanted to serve in public ministry,” Will DeMarce said. His reason was one often repeated: “My pastor and teachers told me I had many gifts fit for ministry. The vicar was especially encouraging.” So Will headed off to Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., to prepare himself for serving in the public ministry. 

step of faith 

Becoming a pastor, teacher, or staff minister is a step of faith. The Holy Spirit has created faith in the hearts of these young people just as he has in the hearts of many others. But the Spirit has led these young adults to desire to serve Jesus in a special way. They aspire the noble task (see 1 Timothy 3:1). They want to serve Jesus and help others to know and appreciate the Savior’s blessings by serving in the public ministry. 

Brent Schmidt shares a personal story. “My dad passed away suddenly during the summer between my sophomore and junior year or high school. [So many] helped me through those hard times. They are the reason I’m pursuing my education as a called worker. I hope someday I’ll have the opportunity to share that same comforting news of grace and love from Christ to a student in need.” 

Paul Ritter took a little detour, but he also wanted to share the blessings the Holy Spirit led him to treasure. “After I graduated [from high school] I enlisted in the army. I learned much while I was away, and it forced me to grow up fast,” he says. “I was going through things most adults would never experience. No matter how bad things seemed to get, I clung to the one thing that promised me solace. I held on to my faith in the Lord, and it brought me great comfort. When I came back home, I wanted to share that feeling of comfort that is a lighthouse to those who are lost in this sinful world.” 

Elliott Butler said it simply, “Ultimately, the deciding factor was that I want to serve God in the ministry and be able to influence young people like all my teachers did when I was growing up.” 

vision of ministry 

Faith! Taking the step toward ministry flows from the faith the Holy Spirit has created within. That faith also provides a vision of how they might serve. Sarah Koelpin shared her vision: “Everyone always told me how wonderful a teacher I’d make.” Then while at MLC, she learned how the Lord could use her. “I learned that being a teacher means telling jokes that aren’t funny, throwing away the lesson plan sometimes, and taking time to talk with your kids about life. . . . And most important, it means being the person who gets to tell them about Jesus every single day, not only in religion class but also in every situation that life throws at us.” 

Life experiences sometimes provide that vision. Daniel Wessel comments, “A semester spent in Hong Kong as a sixth grader made me realize just how big the world is and just how much the world needs to hear the good news that we have been so blessed to know.”  

Danielle Hall fell in love with the idea of being a teacher and is “excited and willing to share God’s Word with others.” Abbie Mleziva looks forward. “I never had an epiphany moment when I suddenly know I was meant to be a teacher. I was the first person in my family to pursue a career in the public ministry,” she says. “I’m so thankful for the people and experiences God used to help me realize that I would enjoy being a teacher. Now I can’t wait to get my first call!” 

Jeremiah Wallander adds, “I became interested in the public ministry when I saw how much pastors helped people. I do not consider myself one of the smartest guys, but I am very passionate about helping others and showing them the greatness of our God.” 

Encouragement from others 

Students preparing for the ministry do not all follow the same path. Each student has a little different personal story. Their faith is the solid foundation for taking the step to enroll at Martin Luther College. They often acquire the vision to serve through the encouragement they receive. 

For some, it’s finding a role model. “My Aunt Jenny has definitely been one of the most influential people in my life,” says Cassie Doering. “She’s just an overall great role model and seeing how much she loves teaching children about their Savior really solidified my desire to do the same.” 

Rylee Weisensel was offered an athletic scholarship at another university, but she followed the example of her role model. “I was home schooled until high school. Being taught by my mom made me want to be a teacher. It was the way she taught. She let us discover things but was always there if we were struck on something. My mom was my role model.”  

Michaela Bessler offers a little different perspective. “My mom was a music teacher and worship coordinator for many years in Tucson. I remember seeing her work late at night with a smile on her face. That ‘servant’s heart’ attitude opened my eyes to the ministry.” 

Encouragement also comes in what others say. Michael Wu shares his story: “I come from a Buddhist family.” He was baptized and confirmed but “public ministry wasn’t even a consideration until about four months before high school graduation. . . . While my decision was not well received by my family, I was certain. I owe it to the teachers and pastors who encouraged me all my life to consider the public ministry.” 

Personal and specific encouragement came to Aaron Bush. “My parents weren’t WELS. They were looking for a church right before I was born when a WELS pastor out canvassing knocked on their door,” he says. “I really didn’t know I could become a pastor. I didn’t think that was a thing I could do. Then my confirmation class went to visit the seminary, and my pastor pulled me aside and said he thought I could be a good pastor. He even visited my parents and talked to them about it.” 

Pray and encourage 

The next generation of pastors and teachers are still out there, waiting to make important decisions about their future. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead some of them into public ministry. Then encourage them as they consider this noble task. Make that encouragement as sincere and specific as you can. 

Perhaps they will be like Kailyn Dabe who heard about the need for called workers at her church. “I was planning on going to a university near my home. . . . Then at church my pastor’s sermon followed the theme of ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.’ After hearing his sermon, praying a lot, and talking with my family members and former teachers, I realized I wanted to be a teacher.” 

Do you know someone who has the talent to be a pastor or teacher? Pray! Encourage! Repeat! 


John A. Braun is the executive editor of Forward in Christ and a former college recruiter.


Student quotes from this article originally appeared in KnightWatch, MLC’s recruitment magazine for high school students. Thanks to Laurie Gauger-Hested for gathering and providing the information. Learn more about MLC at mlc-wels.edu. 


This is the first article in a two-part series on encouraging young men and women to consider the public ministry. 


SUBMIT YOUR STORY

Do you have a manuscript, idea, or story from your own life you’d like to share for use in Forward in Christ or on wels.net? Use our online form to share it to our editorial office for consideration.

SUBSCRIBE TO FORWARD IN CHRIST

Get inspirational stories, spiritual help, and synod news from  Forward in Christ every month. Print and digital subscriptions are available from Northwestern Publishing House.

 

Author: John A. Braun
Volume 105, Number 9
Issue: September 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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