School year begins

Faculty, students, family, and friends gathered in worship on Monday evening, August 24, to mark the opening of the 2009-2010 school year. Prof. John Brenner, dean of students, presided over the service. Prof. E. Allen Sorum, director of the Pastoral Studies Institute, preached from John 12:20-33, reminding us that “Jesus Draws All Mankind To Himself” — to his death on the cross and to our death in the world.

Since its founding in 1863, the sole focus of the seminary has been to train men for the pastoral ministry of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod or of churches within our confessional fellowship. Our students follow in the footsteps of more than 3,300 men who have graduated before them, going out as gospel messengers to a dying world.

This year we welcome 39 men as first-year juniors. Thirty-five middlers and 42 seniors return to continue their studies. In addition, there are 41 men serving as vicars in congregations in North America and three men serving emergency calls in Cameroon, California, and Florida.