A Look Back at Christ Academy

By Seminarian Brian Kachelmeier

Is that possible? Yes, it is! In fact it took place in northern Indiana during the last two weeks of June. They came from 22 different states and 21 different districts. They traveled from as far away as Florida, California, and Texas. They had two main things in common: they were members of the LCMS, and they aspired to the office of pastor. While other teenagers were looking for jobs, going on vacation, and attending various camps, these students decided to spend their time at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. They gathered to learn about the pastoral office and experience seminary life at the fourth annual Christ Academy.

Students were taught in the classroom and outside of the classroom. The program consisted of theology classes, daily worship, sports, choir practice, service projects, touring local churches, a Concordia University information night, a movie discussion night, and even a trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Ohio.

These young men lived in the dormitories, ate in the cafeteria, learned in the classrooms, and prayed in the chapel four times a day. They joined the seminary community in its daily routine. Students enjoyed this new experience. Dirk Walker from Columbia City, Indiana, said, "Worship was a great way to start the day and continue on with it. I cannot wait to become a student here!"

In class, they were taught Pastoral, Systematic, Historical, and Exegetical theology. These courses centered in the forgiveness of sins won by Christ and the office, which proclaims and administers this forgiveness. Seminary professors, Concordia University professors, and pastors taught classes. The list of professors included such people as Dr. Dean Wenthe, Dr. Arthur Just, Dr. Cameron MacKenzie (all from the seminary), and Dr. Steve Mueller of Concordia-Irvine and Professor Brian Mosemann of Concordia-River Forest, and others. Students were able to learn from the professors in class and out of class. The topics went from the classroom to the lunchroom. Derek Johnson from Seward, Nebraska, commented, "I am very thankful for the friendships that I now have with my proctors and the pastors here. I was glad that they ate with us; it allowed them to be more accessible to us and I had many of my questions answered. This was a good time for me to learn about myself, my church, and, most importantly, God."

Some of these students have made Christ Academy a yearly part of their summer schedule. Returning student James Lee II from San Antonio, Texas, had this to say about the Academy, "Personally, I think Christ Academy is one of the greatest blessings our church has. It allows young men to come and learn doctrine from some of the finest theologians of our times. It allows young men to see whether pursuing a vocation as a pastor is something that God would have them do. In my own experience, God has used it to help me discover my love for theology and is now guiding me down the path which will hopefully allow me to serve as a pastor in our church. He has allowed me to make many friends, friends that have helped guide me through my life and friends I may one day share in the joy of being a pastor."

These students have built life-long friendships during this two week event. The Rev. Scott Klemsz, Director of Admission at CTS, commented, "This type of study crystallizes for many participants the desire to serve the church in the pastoral office. In addition, a sense of community was built among the participants: they came as strangers and left as brothers."

These friendships will continue to grow through the college years as they keep in touch. Each year, more and more Christ Academy students are deciding to enter into the pre-sem programs at the Concordia Universities. The youth are exposed to the Concordia system through the guest professors and the Concordia night, where schools are able to provide written information and representatives can talk with students about the benefits of attending a Concordia. This fall, there will be nine students entering the Concordia system who attended the Christ Academy this summer.

In addition to the 42 students who came to Fort Wayne, there were ten students who went to Germany to trace the footsteps of Martin Luther. Christ Academy Germany is a new addition to the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary. It is the next step after the residential academy. It is primarily designed for college age students.

The dates for next year's Christ Academy are June 22-July 3, 2003. Christ Academy-Germany will be July 4-14, 2003. You can find more information about Christ Academy at www.ctsfw.edu, and you can send e-mail to ChrstAcademy@mail.ctsfw.edu if you have questions.

Brian Kachelmeier is a second year seminarian at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.