September 21, 2009

BME school enrollment remains stable

Filed Under: BME, LPS, Ministerial Education, MLC, MLS, WLS

Enrollment at WELS' four ministerial education schools remains stable for the 2009-2010 school year with a net decrease of 12 students from last school year for the entire three-tier, four-school system.

Although the number of students overall at the two preparatory high schools—Luther Preparatory School (LPS), Watertown, Wis., and Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS), Saginaw, Mich.—increased by 3, Rev. Paul Prange, administrator of the Board for Ministerial Education, says that according to the BME's projections, WELS doesn't have enough students in the ministerial education system to cover the synod's pastoral needs 8 to 12 years in the future.

In response, the recruitment offices at the schools are increasing contact with congregations and elementary schools while trying to coordinate travel to keep costs down. Materials for a Ministerial Education Sunday that will raise awareness and highlight the value of the three-tier system will be sent to all congregations in October.

Also in October, the Board for Ministerial Education will begin a careful study of tuition and fees as well as financial assistance offered at each of the schools, with the goal, says Prange, of putting together a financial philosophy that will help students graduate without educational debt.

Prange also notes that although enrollment in the traditional undergraduate program at Martin Luther College (MLC) is down slightly, participation in other areas—including the master's program, part-time undergraduate work, and professional growth opportunities—is on the rise. "MLC is working hard to offer training in ministry that goes beyond its traditional four-year, undergraduate education for pastors, teachers, and staff ministers," he says.

All of these goals are in step with resolutions passed at the 2009 synod convention this past summer.