Students minister to area nursing home residents

Throughout the school year, students minister to the residents of two nursing homes in Cedarburg and Mequon. The services, held on Sunday mornings and Monday evenings, give each junior and middler the opportunity to preside over devotional services with WELS and non-WELS members at least twice a year.

Student coordinators work with students to provide direction and support before, during, and after the services. While this program is one of the many valuable experiences that help prepare students for the public ministry, the proclamation of the gospel is its most important accomplishment.

Junior Coordinator Keith Schleis tells us, “These services are an integral part of our Early Field Training experience. What makes these opportunities so special? For many students, it's the first time they've ever conducted devotions with WELS and non-WELS members. It may be the first time that they have even given a devotion. The experiences of the residents we serve are far-ranging and so are their physical ailments, but their spiritual ailments—they’re all the same!”