Symposium on Congregational Health

We welcomed nearly 400 men to campus on September 21-22 for the 2009 Symposium on Congregational Health. The two-day event marked the tenth annual continuing education symposium offered by the seminary.

Pastor Joel Petermann, president of the North Atlantic District, preached on the theme “Mercy is the Medicine” from Matthew 9:9-13. He offered this prayer of encouragement for his brothers in the ministry, “The mercy of our God is the mercy that heals souls. Help us to be healing doctors.”

The symposium offers a continuing education option for many pastors who are unable to attend summer quarter. “For me, symposium is a good fit,” says Pastor Paul Schossow (1995), Immanuel, Manitowoc, Wis. “The topics are very relevant to modern congregational life, and it is an easy option — in the aspects of time and cost — to present to my church council.”

Pastor Dave Waterstradt (1996), Palos, Palos Heights, Ill., sees another value as well. “To come together with my brothers and have discussion on such timely topics is a blessing, but I truly value the time for worship, fellowship, and mutual encouragement that the symposium offers.”

Papers presented at the symposium included —“God’s Bible Men Assess Congregational Health” by Pastor David Kolander (1983), Christ the Lord, Brookfield, Wis.; “21st Century Pastors Address Congregational Health” by Pastor Thomas Kock (1992), Living Word, Gray, Tenn.; and “Brothers in Ministry Arrange for Congregational Health” by Pastor Kenneth Fisher (1993), Risen Savior, Milwaukee. All three papers and reaction are online.

The 2010 Symposium on Worship and Outreach will be held on September 20-21, 2010.