Friday, I sat with the faculty for the opening service of Concordia Seminary’s 185th academic year. As I was watching the new students, bright-eyed and eager, I thought about all the myths people believe about our seminaries.
It’s a myth that the Seminary graduates pastors. We graduate men who have shown an aptitude for pastoral ministry, who have passed academic and practical requirements, and who have a first call to public ministry of Word and Sacraments. A great highlight for students during their last year of study is when the Faculty certifies them as ready for their first call. Ready to go out and do it. Ready to experience what ministry really is. You might say new graduates have a toolbox of knowledge and skills for the ministry, but it’s years of using those “tools” that matures them into real pastors, real “Seelsorgers” as the Germans say, pastors who know how to care lovingly for the souls entrusted to them.
The young married woman whose husband ran out on her… The husband killed in an auto accident… The couple who told me they were divorcing, never talked to me before but expected me to bless their decision… The grade school child with profound emotional problems after her only parent died… The confirmands who never come back to church… The ministry blunders I made… Yes, all these are my examples from my years in ministry. So often the congregation was supportive, but sometimes a member took me aside. “Pastor, were you right to handle the situation that way?” Successes, mistakes, maturation… that’s how a loving congregation under the grace of God helps form a pastor.
The Seminary welcomed 124 new students in all its programs. Waiting for the service to begin, I spoke with three new students. One was from Omaha, the second from Quincy, Illinois, and the third from Ithaca, New York. I wished them blessings as they begin their study. I pray that you and your congregation will one day—with God’s grace and patience, they’re essential—help form them into mature pastors, men who lovingly care for souls redeemed by Jesus.