Pastors gather for seminary symposium
Filed Under: Seminary, symposium, WLS
Almost 400 men are gathering at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., Sept. 21-22 for the 2009 Symposium on Congregational Health. This is the tenth annual symposium hosted by the seminary for the continuing education of WELS pastors. Other topics have included Holy Baptism, Christian Vocation, and Christian Stewardship.
"The symposium provides a common space where veteran pastors, seminary students, and professors can meet together every year to work through contemporary issues facing the church," explains Rev. Paul Wendland, seminary president.
Rev. James Backus, St. John's, Florence, Wis., has attended seven of the symposiums. He says, "It sounds funny, but my schedule makes it a constant struggle to keep growing in my studies of Scripture. The symposium is a quick, affordable way to take back some of my time and keep my priorities where the Lord wants them."
Three parish pastors are presenting papers at the symposium—Rev. David Kolander, Christ the Lord, Brookfield, Wis., on "God's Bible Men Assess Congregational Health"; Rev. Thomas Kock, Living Word, Gray, Tenn., on "21st Century Pastors Address Congregational Health"; and Rev. Kenneth Fisher, Risen Savior, Milwaukee, on "Brothers in Ministry Arrange for Congregational Health." Seminary professors Paul Zell, Richard Gurgel, and James Tiefel will provide reactions to the essays, and attendees can ask the authors questions about their papers.
Wendland notes, "When congregational health suffers, the mission of the church is compromised and souls within and outside the church suffer. The three essays this year will help us give a biblical and Lutheran answer as to how we evaluate congregational 'wellness' and treat 'illness.' "
For more details about the 2009 seminary symposium, visit www.wls.wels.net/sections/continuing-education/symposium.
