2004 Symposium on Pastoral Education

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is pleased to host a symposium on Pastoral Education, held on the days following the observance of the 75th anniversary of the Seminary’s Mequon campus. Fittingly, the symposium focuses on pastoral education as it has been carried on at the Seminary since 1929.

Three speakers, all graduates of the Seminary, will address the symposium topic. After presenting a thorough review of New Testament passages that deal with qualifications for an overseer, Pastor Paul Kelm will compare educational priorities in 2004 with those of 1929, noting similarities and differences. Prof. John Brenner will summarize the story of the synod's early desire for and commitment to pastoral education, analyzing both the historical record and contemporary attitudes. A third essay will review and assess the contributions of two professors who taught future pastors for a combined total of 82 years and served as presidents of the Seminary for almost half of its Mequon and Thiensville history. Pastor Joel Gerlach, a student of both John Meyer and Carl Lawrenz, and a colleague of the latter on the faculty, will present the essay.

• Priorities in Pastoral Education: 1929 and 2004 Pastor Paul E. Kelm (WLS 1970), Consultant, WELS Parish Assistance, Brookfield, Wisconsin.
• Commitment to Pastoral Education Prof. John M. Brenner (WLS 1977), Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin.
• Two Pastoral Educators: John Meyer and Carl Lawrenz Pastor Joel C. Gerlach (WLS 1953), Pastor and professor emeritus, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.