Formed for Service: The Journey to Ministry at Concordia Lutheran Seminary

by Mike Kuhn & Danielle Glubish 

There is no single path that leads a person to seminary.

For some students, the journey begins with years of serving in their congregation. For others, it grows out of work, education, family life, or a desire to use the gifts God has given them in service to His Church.

For Levi Hennig, a lifelong interest in theology and a deep appreciation for Lutheran worship and preaching have helped shape his interest in pastoral ministry. Having grown up receiving God’s gifts through the Church, he began to consider how he might help make those same gifts available to others. Although he had already established himself as a teacher in Edmonton, and was enjoying family life, a conversation about the shortage of pastors during a Sunday morning Bible study prompted him to reconsider his future.

“The final push to apply was the ever-growing concern for laborers for our Lord’s harvest (Lk. 10:2). The Lutheran Church continues to be such a blessing in my life. It is where we receive God’s good gifts through Word and Sacrament. I hated the thought that there are people who desired this without regular access to a pastor. ”

For Josh Buchholtz, the journey is similar. A background in education and years of serving his congregation have helped shape his desire to enter ministry. As he begins his studies, he hopes to share the same grace and forgiveness he has received through Christ and to encourage others to use the gifts God has given them in service to the Church.

“I hope to be able to offer the same grace and forgiveness that I have received to those who I will serve throughout the coming years of ministry.”

Other students have found their interest in ministry growing through different experiences.  For Kristian Berg, the possibility of ministry became more serious after hearing Ted Hill share his own journey to becoming a pastor. The conversation prompted Kristian to speak with his pastor and pursue further study.

“I am looking forward to learning more about biblical interpretation.”

While their journeys differ, these students share a desire to serve Christ and His Church. Their experiences also reflect an important part of seminary formation.

Being Formed for Service  

At Concordia Lutheran Seminary, preparation for ministry extends well beyond the classroom. Students spend time studying Scripture, theology and the history of the Church, but their formation also takes place through worship, fellowship, conversations with professors and practical experience in congregational life.

The study of God’s Word provides the foundation for this work and students have their individual theological desires. Yet learning at seminary is not simply an individual pursuit. Levi has come to appreciate how much ministry depends on working alongside others. The opportunity to learn from professors with varied experiences and perspectives, as well as from fellow students, has helped him recognize the importance of collaboration in ministry. Even with different backgrounds and viewpoints, students have much to learn from one another as they prepare to serve the Church.

Worship and practical experience are also important parts of that formation. Through Chapel, students gather regularly around God’s Word and worship together. Fieldwork provides another opportunity to connect what they learn in the classroom with the life of the congregation. By serving alongside experienced pastors and getting to know the people in their assigned congregations, students begin to experience the joys and responsibilities of ministry firsthand.

These experiences also remind students that the work of the Church is shared. Kristian’s growing appreciation for the importance of lay leadership reflects the vital role that all Christians play in the life of the congregation. Pastors and church workers serve alongside God’s people, encouraging and equipping them to use their gifts in service to others.

Preparing for What Lies Ahead  

As students continue their studies, they look toward the future with a growing understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities that ministry brings.

Their hopes reflect an understanding that ministry is not simply about a position or a particular set of responsibilities. It is about caring for God’s people, faithfully sharing His Word and serving wherever He provides opportunities. The formation they receive at CLS is intended to prepare them for that work, while also reminding them that they do not undertake it alone. They are part of a larger Church, sustained by God’s gifts and supported by the prayers and encouragement of fellow Christians.

The journey toward ministry looks different for everyone. Some begin with a clear interest in theology, while others discover possibilities through conversations, service or the encouragement of those around them. For those who have begun wondering how they might serve, exploring that possibility can be a meaningful first step.

Exploring the Possibilities  

Have you ever wondered what preparing for ministry involves? Or do you know someone who has expressed an interest in serving the Church but isn’t sure where to begin?

Lutheran Church–Canada’s two seminaries invite you to explore those questions through Pathways into Ministry, an online information session on Saturday, November 21, at 5:00 p.m. ET. The session will offer an opportunity to learn more about ministry vocations, theological education, and the preparation involved in serving the Church.

You don’t need to have all the answers or even know exactly where your interests might lead. Sometimes, the journey begins with a question and a willingness to explore. Whether you’re considering ministry yourself or know someone who might be, you’re invited to join the conversation and discover where that first step might lead.

Rev. Dr. Michael J Kuhn is an Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Recruitment & Admissions at Concordia Lutheran Seminary 

Danielle Glubish is the Administrative Assistant to the President at Concordia Lutheran Seminary  

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