Continuing education for called workers
Filed Under: education, Seminary, Summer Quarter, WLS
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS), Mequon, is again offering graduate level-courses for all called workers through its 2008 Summer Quarter, June 16-July 4. Summer Quarter is part of the seminary's ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for theological study and professional growth for called workers in the field.
"Continuing education is important for those of us who serve in the calling of the ministry," says Rev. Richard Gurgel, chairman of the continuing education committee and professor at WLS. "The fact that someone has a diploma doesn't mean they've mastered the Scriptures. These courses help further growth and understanding of the Word for preaching and teaching."
To make that benefit available to as many called workers as possible, WLS is now offering one-, two-, and three-week courses during Summer Quarter; some seminary professors also teach satellite courses around the country. "Down the road we'd also like to offer classes online," says Gurgel. "We want to remove as many barriers as possible that would prohibit people from continuing to grow in their ministry."
All called workers can enroll in these classes; they also have the option to pursue advanced degrees. Rev. Peter Panitzke has been taking Summer Quarter classes throughout the past 20 years and will receive a Master of Sacred Theology degree this spring. "The classes really helped me, and to be honest, some of them were life-changing," he says.
Panitzke also says that through Summer Quarter, he has met many pastors he wouldn't have otherwise known, and learned many things he otherwise wouldn't have thought about. "You can't replace the kind of close fellowship and growing in the Word that you have at summer school," he says. "And if we want God's people that we're leading to take seriously the idea of continuing education, then we as pastors will want to model it."
To view this year's class offerings, or to register for Summer Quarter, visit: www.wls.wels.net/sections/continuing-education/summer-quarter (applications will be accepted until April 1). WLS would also like input from called workers about which courses to provide in the future. Send comments and suggestions to Prof. Richard Gurgel at gurgelr@wls.wels.net.
