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Contact: CTSFW Communications, (260) 452-3153; communications@ctsfw.edu

CTSFW Students Receive Calls and Assignments

FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 26, 2023—Thirty-one students received their first call into the pastoral ministry in a packed Kramer Chapel at the annual Candidate Call Service, held April 25 at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW). The candidates, including 30 MDiv students and one Alternate Route student, will serve in 20 of the 35 districts of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Pastoral candidates process out of the Candidate Call Service, held Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Kramer Chapel.

“It is an exciting day, and it is a humbling day,” said the Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, president of the LCMS Northern Illinois District, who served as preacher at the service. Buss reminded call candidates that the night was not about them, nor the LCMS Council of Presidents, whom he had earlier praised for their dedication and service. Nor, he said, was it about the members of the congregations who were anxiously waiting to find out if the vacancy in their pulpits would be filled. “It’s about Jesus,” Buss said. “It’s about the risen Savior who is at work in you and through you and who has called you.”

Pastoral ministry students await the start of the Candidate Call Service April 25.

Before announcing the calls, Dr. Jeffrey H. Pulse, director of Certification and Placement, noted that there were 86 candidates available this year–including candidates from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis–for 137 pastoral calls.

“The Lord remains the Lord of the Church, and the Holy Spirit still moves and speaks according to His means,” Pulse said, acknowledging the number of unfilled calls. Still, it was a joyous day, he said, because all candidates who have been preparing for the Holy Ministry received a call.

Candidates also heard from LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, who personally congratulated each of them. “We’re proud of you. We love you. We’re happy for you. We’re happy with you,” said Harrison. “We thank God for you and your families, your spouses, and your children.” He then welcomed them to the “greatest Lutheran ministerium on the earth.”

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison offers words of encouragement to the candidates after the announcement of calls.

Vicars and Deaconess Interns Assigned; Wyneken Vicarage Award Announced

On April 24, the evening before the Call Service, 37 second-year pastoral ministry students were presented with vicarage assignments, and eight deaconess students learned where they will serve their internships. The students will serve during the 2023-2024 academic year at sites around the country.

“We thank God and rejoice that He has directed your lives to this place and this time,” said the Rev. David Nehrenz, president of the LCMS Oklahoma District and pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Norman, Oklahoma. “He gave you the desire to serve as pastors and deaconesses.”

Nehrenz told vicars what to expect in their new role. “On vicarage you will preach, you will teach, you will minister, you will visit, you will pray, and you will sacrifice for the sheep redeemed by Jesus,” he said. “You will learn what it means to really love people.” He then addressed deaconess interns, noting that their internship year will teach them “how to visit, to teach, and show mercy, care, and comfort for the sheep who are brought to Jesus.”

From left: Dr. Todd Peperkorn, director of Vicarage and Internship; Rev. David Nehrenz, president of the LCMS Oklahoma District and pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Norman, Oklahoma; and CTSFW President Dr. Lawrence Rast Jr.

During the service, Nehrenz and his congregation, Trinity, were presented with the Wyneken Vicarage Award. Named for one of the founders of CTSFW, the award is given to pastors and congregations who have demonstrated exceptional service to the church by hosting vicars over many years.

“It is this partnership between the Seminary, these congregations, and these pastors that make our pastoral formation as robust and Gospel-focused as it is,” said CTSFW President Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., who presented the award to Nehrenz.

Dr. Lawrence Rast greets students before the start of the Vicarage and Deaconess Internship Assignment Service April 24.

Trinity has been the vicarage site for 33 consecutive vicars, beginning with Dr. Peter Scaer, professor and chairman of Exegetical Theology at CTSFW. The congregation will welcome its 34th vicar, CTSFW student James Bruss, this summer.

“It’s important to our congregation because they’re involved in raising up ministers,” Nehrenz said. “They see the value of being a home for the vicarage program. They embrace this.” Vicars also play an important role in Trinity's mission to the University of Oklahoma at Norman, Nehrenz said.

For videos of both services and a complete list of calls and assignments, visit ctsfw.edu/callday.

Deaconess Studies students before learning where they'll serve their internships.

About Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne
Founded in 1846, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, forms servants of Jesus Christ in a vibrant, Christ-centered theological community that engages and resources the church and the world, domestically and internationally, with distinctively Lutheran teaching, practice, and worship. To learn more, visit ctsfw.edu.