LCMS Joint Seminary Fund: The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. LCMS seminaries in Fort Wayne and Saint Louis have collectively graduated a little more than half of the pastors needed to fill vacant calls and grow the church. How can they believe if they have not heard? Educating Christian pastors and teachers is a continuous process. Last April, 112 calls were filled for Pastors/Deaconess and 89 calls were filled for Vicarage/Internships. However, it is estimated that 300-350 seminary graduates are needed annually in order to replace the number of pastors who are leaving the clergy roster annually due to retirement, death, or other personal reasons. Merely maintaining the status quo does not describe a church that desires to grow in its mission outreach to those who are lost. How can they hear if the message is not proclaimed? How can the message be proclaimed if messengers are not sent out?
“ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
Support Concordia’s Seminaries with generous contributions and pray that others are called to be messengers of His promise. This month’s mission focus, in response to our congregational member survey, is for the LCMS Joint Seminary Fund which offers financial support for individuals preparing to serve as pastors at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Keep the seminaries in your prayers and give generously to this important function of the church.