The spring semester at Luther Seminary is always full of much excitement. Graduating students eagerly prepare for interviews and their first call. Many anticipate where they will serve their year-long internship, while others complete their degrees even as they continue to discern how God is calling them to serve in the world and church.
As I watch these stories unfold, I think back to my final year of seminary. I had only a slight inkling of the challenges, joys and unexpected twists and turns that would mark ministry. I remain deeply grateful for the solid theological education and preparation for ministry I was blessed to experience at Luther Seminary. I look back at seeds that were sown during my years at Luther and see how they have taken root in my own life as a disciple of Jesus and as a Christian public leader.
In many ways, seed planting is the work and ministry of seminary through a variety of experiences and relationships. The Apostle Paul used this imagery to describe the ministry of the gospel in the church at Corinth: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Recent plantings:
- Daily worship and weekly Communion continue to stand at the heart of this community of faith and learning. Here we receive the Word and Sacrament as the most tangible, “real” of seeds that we know.
- This fall we begin a new curriculum that has at its heart the formation of leaders for Christian congregations and communities throughout the world, focusing on the work of integration and preparing students to be lifelong learners. This curriculum will plant “perennial” seeds that will continue to grow over a lifetime of ministry.
- On a weekly basis, many of our students, staff and faculty gather in spiritual care groups. Here, individual members support one another in mutual care and consolation in order to strengthen the whole body of Christ.
All of these seeds are being planted to equip students to serve in God’s world. We look forward to and give thanks for your continued support, prayers and stories of what God is doing in the world.
—Laura Thelander, ’97, seminary pastor
Give today and Make it Happen!
By giving a gift to Luther today, you will make your investment go further and have an even greater impact on students and leaders who are eager to follow God’s call. All gifts to the Sustaining Fund will be doubled through June 30 by the Make it Happen Challenge Your gift will be matched 1:1 by a generous donor who is dedicated to the mission of Luther Seminary and the future of the church. Make your gift today!
Many ways to give
There are many ways you can support future church leaders through a gift to Luther Seminary. You can make your tax-deductible gift today, or consider a planned gift that will make a long-term impact on Luther Seminary and its students.
The relationship we have with friends, alumni and donors is invaluable. Your investment in future church leaders will have an impact on generations to come. To learn more about ways to give, we encourage you to visit the Give to Luther Seminary section on our website or contact Seminary Relations at 888-358-8437 or semrel@luthersem.edu