In Anticipation of the Holy Ministry

By Rev. John M. Dreyer

How does one prepare for the seminary, what kind of classes should I take in school, what should I read, what kind of experiences are important to my preparation? These are common questions and naturally there are many different opinions regarding these questions. The following are a few thoughts of my own after being in the parish for nine and one-half years and a CTS Admission Counselor for about five years.

The preparation for the seminary is not simply about what classes to take in high school and college, but encompasses nurturing oneself for a distinctive life in anticipation for the Holy Ministry. Regular attendance at the Divine Service is expected and necessary. Daily devotions are important, especially devotions as simple as Luther’s Morning and Evening Prayer, praying the catechism, and the reading of the Holy Scriptures. Set prayers are ways in which we learn to pray as the Lord taught us to pray and avoid pride. Keep your prayers simple. Add to your daily devotions but only as a supplement just in case you get busy you can remain faithful to a “basic” devotion. Memorizing the catechism is essential and of course Holy Scripture as well. Memorizing the Te Deum, parts of the liturgy, hymns, and the like is also very helpful. Such devotions should keep you from pride and you will learn to exercise humility before God.

An additional and foundational reading would be the Book of Concord. You may want to consider reading summaries of Lutheran doctrine and other theological books. Also read a variety of literature like prose and poetry.

Academically, it is encouraged that you get a good classical education such as history and geography, philosophy, literature, and languages. More and more students are retreating back to these fundamental classes. Languages may pertain to Greek and Hebrew, but other languages can also be helpful. If you start a language in high school or college, stick with it and develop it. Theology is a fine subject to study in college, especially from the many fine theologians we have in our Concordia Universities. Use your college experience to gain a broader knowledge in the classics.

Extracurricular activities are very important in addition to keeping up with your studies. I recommend getting involved with organizations that place you in a position to interact with others in matters of planning and leadership. Become active in helping out with your congregation on Sundays with Sunday School and the like. When it comes to being involved with organizations during the week, it would be helpful to pursue something that is more secular in nature. When you become a pastor, you will have parishioners who are not serving in the church during the week but work in the secular world. As a pastor you will be interacting, speaking, and participating with a variety of people in the community. It would be important that you are able to speak meaningfully to people concerning their roles in the secular society.

Spend time conversing with friends and "people on the street" about a variety of issues in life so you can learn to articulate your thoughts and learn to communicate in a very meaningful way. This involves listening as if this world is a teacher, not exactly of what is right, but to learn about the nature, pattern, and character of this life.

Keeping yourself physically fit is important—this is a given. A disciplined life is also helpful that we may live with a constant awareness of our distinctive life in Christ and not be taken in by elements in this world that cloud our focus. Evaluate your day and note how you spend your time.

Finally, connect yourself with the seminary. We have programs that were not available to me when I was in high school or college. Our Christ Academies at the seminary have become a very effective way for students to take classes and meet the professors of our Synod. Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne has Christ Academy for high school and college. (Find out more information concerning our Christ Academy opportunities by going to www.ctsfw.edu, clicking on Events, then make your Christ Academy selection from the left-hand column.) Having the opportunity to meet seminary professors while in high school and college is a real blessing. The professors I met when I was in high school have become my mentors in the pastoral ministry.

The Rev. John M. Dreyer is an Admission Counselor at Concordia Theological Seminary,Fort Wayne, Indiana.