Our Pastors’
Education and Training

     We almost take it for granted sometimes, but our pastors are some of the best educated and trained in any church today. In some church bodies, a two-year Bible College education is the only thing required to become a pastor. Our church expects a lot more.

     Every one of our pastors is required to follow a course of study very similar to that of a medical doctor, comprising at least eight years of college and graduate study. The first four or five years of college are spent in pre-theological studies. In addition to studying the Bible and the Lutheran Confessions, they also are expected to become fluent in the Biblical and confessional languages - Latin, German, Greek and Hebrew. Only if they satisfy these requirements do they receive their Bachelor of Arts degree and a recommendation to continue their studies at our Seminary.

     The Seminary courses consist of three additional years of classroom study and a year of internship in a local congregation. In the classroom they continue their study of the Bible in the original languages (Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic), grow in their understanding of the Lutheran Confessions and the confessions of other church bodies,  learn teaching techniques, become firmly grounded in the doctrines of the Scriptures, and learn how to care for souls in an evangelical manner. Courses in evangelism, mission work, and pastoral counseling round out their studies. The year of internship is spent in a local congregation under the close tutelage of an experienced pastor. Only if they demonstrate a competency in all of these areas are they awarded a Master of Divinity degree and certified to become a pastor in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. 

     The ability to work in the original languages of the Bible is highly prized and appreciated in our church body. The special nuances of Bible language help our pastors understand the meaning of the Biblical texts in a highly specialized way - and equips them to share with members of the congregation the special word pictures contained in so many of the Bible passages. In addition, they are equipped to correct misunderstanding that may arise from unclear English translations or faulty theologies.

     Throughout their careers, our pastors continue to grow in their understanding of the Bible through continual personal study, group study at pastoral conferences and, at times, continued classroom study.

     All of this provides our church with a highly educated and skilled pastorate, able to preach, teach, counsel individuals and families, and defend the Christian faith.

     We encourge you to contact one of our pastors. They stand ready to assist you with any spiritual guidance you may need, consistent with their calling.

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