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CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, FORT WAYNE For the Life of the World Spring 2021, Volume Twenty-Five, Number One The Seminary They Couldn’t Close Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie Blessed Is the Man Who Waits Dr. James G. Bushur Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled Dr. Scott Spring 2021 R. Murray 1
Photo: Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
PRESIDENT
FROM THE
I
love delving into the stories of the past and discovering how and why certain
things came to pass—I suppose that’s why I’ve spent my life studying history.
While I enjoy this learning for its own sake, being a historian is so much more
than that. I find great satisfaction in the lessons learned from the past that can be
applied to our circumstances today and that help us plan for the future.
One of the great frustrations of this past year, under I went on to talk about the disappointment we felt
the COVID-19 pandemic, is how it has thrown our where there had previously been hopeful anticipation
future plans into uncertainty. At CTSFW, we are always and then brought our attention back to our friends on
planning months and years in advance. The pandemic their walk to Emmaus:
has thrown some of our plans out the window. I know
that this has been as true for you as it has been for “And they stood still, looking sad.” That could
us. It is very frustrating. But should we be surprised? be us.
Remember James 4:13–14: “Come now, you who say,
‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such But it cannot be us. Because we have hope. We
a town and spend a year there and trade and make hope because we know and believe the outcome
a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will of Jesus’ story. We know that Christ is risen: He is
bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears risen indeed! Alleluia.
for a little time and then vanishes.” Still, we all long
for a return to normalcy and the ability to plan for our The lack of certainty about the future is very
future with a degree of certainty. At the Call Service unsettling. Yet there is one certainty—One in whom
last April, I preached on the Emmaus passage from we can place all of our hope: Christ. He is faithful. He
Luke 24:13–35: will continue to work His purposes for the sake of His
beloved bride, the Church.
“We had hoped.” The finality of the disciples’ CTSFW is celebrating 175 years of service to
words is overwhelming. All they had worked for, the Church. We are certainly taking time this year to
hoped for, prepared for over the course of a number recognize the partnerships and the blessings we have
of years was now ended, finished. Their hopes were received over nearly two centuries. All of this looking
wrecked, their dreams unrealized, their expectations back is helping us to prepare for all that is yet to come.
dashed . . . We plan for the future with great hope because Christ’s
Yet as they trudge along, they are joined by an promises are certain. I pray that you may find peace and
unrecognized companion who engages them in comfort in that certain hope as well.
what may be the most ironic conversation recorded
in all of the Scriptures. Ironic because we know In Christ’s service,
who He is and what the outcome will be. But our
downcast disciples are kept from recognizing their
friend . . . But why? Why could they not recognize
Him? And the answer is simply this: so Jesus
could reveal Himself to them in the midst of their Lawrence R. Rast Jr.
human weakness and within the context of their President
profound challenges, as He always does through the Concordia Theological Seminary
Scriptures and the breaking of the bread . . . Fort Wayne, Indiana
Cover: He Is Risen! Copyright 2018 Patti Miller
2 For the Life of the World
CONTENTS Volume Twenty-Five, Number One
F E A T U R E S
4 The Seminary They Couldn’t Close
By Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie
In the early 1990s, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort
Wayne was the setting for a synodical controversy over the
involuntary retirement of the Seminary’s president, Robert
Preus. Powerful men in Synod started to discuss closing
“the Fort” and selling the property. Thankfully, those plans
went nowhere and by the late ‘90s, CTSFW had recovered.
It would remain what it is today—an essential part of the
synodical system for training men for the pastoral ministry,
and now also women for service as deaconesses.
7 Blessed Is the Man Who Waits
By Dr. James G. Bushur
In American culture, there is no virtue that meets with
more skepticism and suspicion than the good of patience.
We live in a supremely impatient society. In such an
activist culture, patience is disdained for its perceived
passivity. The patient can be seen as impotent spectators,
doomed to an inconsequential passing of time without
achievement or fulfillment. To be patient is equated with
doing nothing; and to do nothing is to achieve nothing;
and to achieve nothing is to be nothing.
10 Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled
By Dr. Scott R. Murray
For the Life of the World As people are recovering from the devastating effects
PUBLISHER
Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. of COVID-19, many feel that their trial is a sign of their
President weakness, sin, or unrighteousness. When trial and testing
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER come upon us, we so easily presume that they are a sign of
Carrie M. O’Donnell Colleen M. Bartzsch God’s wrath, that He is punishing us with such burdens and
EDITOR COPY EDITOR sorrows. If we find the meaning of our trouble in our own
Rebecca S. Ahlersmeyer Trudy E. Behning hearts, we will never know what God wants to teach us by
ART DIRECTOR our trial.
Steve J. Blakey
For the Life of the World is published by Concordia Theological Seminary Press, Also in this Issue:
6600 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825. No portion of this publication may
be reproduced without the consent of the Editor of For the Life of the World by email
What Does This Mean? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
at SeminaryRelations@ctsfw.edu or (260) 452-2150. Copyright 2021. Printed in the Student Artist Patti Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
United States. Postage paid at Berne, Indiana.
Upcoming Events at CTSFW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
For the Life of the World is mailed to all pastors and congregations of The Lutheran Called to Serve: Anna Miels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Church—Missouri Synod in the United States and Canada and to anyone interested
in the work of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Instructor Focus: Deaconess Amy Rast . . . . . 22
Rast Reappointed as Seminary President . . . . 24
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are from the English Standard Version
(ESV). Profiles in Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
In the Word Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Spring 2021 3
The Seminary They Co
I
n the early 1990s, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort
Wayne was the setting for a synodical controversy over
the involuntary retirement of the Seminary’s president,
Robert Preus. Powerful men in Synod started to discuss
closing “the Fort” and selling the property. Thankfully,
those plans went nowhere and by the late ‘90s, CTSFW had
recovered. It would remain what it is today—an essential
part of the synodical system for training men for the pastoral
ministry, and now also women for service as deaconesses.
But this was not the first time that graduates? Would the Synod still need
people had talked about closing this a “practical” seminary for men who,
Seminary. In fact, there were several for whatever reason, did not attend St.
previous episodes in its history that Louis, the “theoretical” seminary?
went a lot further than talk. Part Ironically, in 1896, just when
of the explanation arises from the the Seminary was marking its 50th
circumstances in which the Seminary anniversary, the synodical convention
began. Its origins go all the way back of that year considered the question of
The Seminary origins go all the way to Wilhelm Loehe (1808–72), Lutheran whether to close it. When the discussion
back to Wilhelm Loehe (1808–72), pastor in Bavaria, who started training concluded, the delegates voted
Lutheran pastor in Bavaria, who men in 1841 for service in America, unanimously that, for the welfare of the
started training men in 1841 for when the need was great on account of church, CTSFW should remain open.
service in America, when the need German immigration. That was still his The Synod could “not yet” do without
thinking when in 1846, Loehe sent 11 the school. That “not yet” would haunt
was great on account of German
students and a teacher to Fort Wayne, the school for decades.
immigration. In 1846, Loehe sent to Pastor Wilhelm Sihler, to begin a Of course, one might expect the
11 students and a teacher to Fort seminary. The idea was to get men question of school closures, including
Wayne, to Pastor Wilhelm Sihler, ready for frontier ministry as soon as seminaries, to arise in the 1930s during
to begin a seminary. The idea possible and not to worry about whether the Great Depression, and it did. What
was to get men ready for frontier they had the kind of academic training one might not expect is for the question
that Lutherans in the old country would of closing the Sem to have arisen in the
ministry as soon as possible and
expect of their pastors. So CTSFW 1920s, but it did then as well. Some of
not to worry about whether they was established to meet an the motivation for considering whether
had the kind of academic training “emergency” situation. or not to close Springfield (where the
that Lutherans in the old country But when would the “emergency” Seminary was located from 1875 to
would expect of their pastors. So end? As long as Germans kept coming, 1976) was a new campus for the St.
CTSFW was established to meet an the need for CTSFW remained evident. Louis seminary. In 1926, that institution
But what would happen when that moved from facilities that dated back to
“emergency” situation.
immigration slowed to a trickle in the the 1880s, to brand new ones, erected at
1890s? And what if the more “academic” a cost of $2.5 million dollars in Clayton,
track into ministry represented by Missouri. Couldn’t this campus also
the prep schools (six years, basically house the “practical” program? At least,
high school and junior college) and that was the suggestion of a “special
St. Louis was producing more and more conference” from Wisconsin that the
4 For the Life of the World
Couldn’t Close Cameron A. MacKenzie
EVENTS S
Mark your calendar
For more information, please visit ou
Please check the events webpage for
Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his
MARCH
Prayerfully Consider Visit
March 18–20
Information and registration: www.ctsfw.edu/PCV
Contact: Admission@ctsfw.edu or (800) 481-2155
Vespers Service with the Kantorei
synodical convention of 1926 took up. But the Springfield
Sunday, MarchSeminary
21, 4:00 p.m. inAbove,
Kramerclockwise from upper
Chapel
After all, the proponents argued, the responded with several objections, e.g., left: Luther Hall at the Concordia
Springfield facilities were so poor that the difficulty of instructing two kinds of Theological Seminary Springfield
the whole campus needed to be rebuilt
and anyway, wouldn’t it be better if of academic preparation in the same class
APRIL
students with substantially different levels campus; Logo to celebrate CTSFW's
175th Anniversary; Luther Statue on
the training of all Synod’s pastors or the risk that the theoretical division the Springfield campus; an aerial shot
was as uniform as possible? For many
Christ Academy: Confirmation Retreat
would so overshadow the practical from 1961 of the then Concordia Senior
subjects, the theoretical and practical April 9–11
program that the latter would suffer College campus. CTSW moved to the
students could actually attend the same neglect or die out entirely. For 80 years campus in 1976.
class. Besides, many of the prep school Information:
the practical Seminarywww.ctsfw.edu/Confirmation
had demonstrated
graduates weren’t really capable of its value to the Synod.
Register: Why should the
ChristAcademy@ctsfw.edu or (800) 481-2155
succeeding at the theoretical school, but church risk losing it by merging the
if the practical program moved to St. two institutions? When the debate came
Louis, such students could still go there 175th Anniversary Lecture Series
to a conclusion, once again the Synod
and take a less rigorous route into the resolved to maintain
Sunday, Aprilthe25,
Seminary
2:30inp.m. in Sihler Auditorium
ministry instead. Springfield and even appropriated money
“Luther on Trial at the Diet of Worms”—Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie
Spring 2021 5
Easter Hymn Festival
Sunday, April 25, 4:00 p.m. in Kramer Chapel
for new buildings. There was still room debated once again, but once again the
for an alternative to the more academic Seminary persuaded the Synod that it
program represented by St. Louis. was still needed.
But more debate was on its way. But now the tide turned in the opposite
Although the 1929 convention did direction. First of all, there were soldiers
not consider closing the Seminary, it returning from battle after World War
did appoint a committee to assess the II and then Korea, who were excellent
entire Synod’s system of education, candidates for the ministry but would not
and in 1932 that committee reported be going to prep schools. Springfield was
the Seminary had accomplished the the obvious place for them. Secondly,
purpose for which it had been founded. congregations were beginning to establish
Furthermore, the practical program led local Lutheran high schools that would
to an inferior kind of pastor—one who naturally encourage some young men
could not use the biblical languages. to think of becoming a pastor. Campus
Therefore, Springfield should be ministries were also being established
repurposed to offer courses on missions at secular universities. Once again
for men going overseas to teach, as well Springfield was the logical choice for
as courses for lay workers in the church. graduates of such schools who wanted to
Once again, however, Synod rejected be pastors. So finally, in the late ‘40s and
the recommendations and the practical ‘50s, the Seminary secured its place in the
seminary remained open. synodical system, even though it changed
But by 1935, the synodical tide was its actual place by moving to Fort Wayne
definitely turning against Springfield. On in 1976.
account of the Depression, the task of So “the Fort” was here to stay. But
placing graduates of both seminaries into what about today? New challenges
the ministry had become severe. By that now face the Seminary. One of these
year, there were about 300 candidates is demographic. For some time now,
Photo: Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
who had not been placed. So once the Missouri Synod has been shrinking
more a Synod convention considered in size, in part due to white American
New challenges now face the a motion to close the Seminary and Protestants having fewer children.
Seminary. One of these is this time it passed by the narrowest of Secondly, American higher education
demographic. For some time now, margins, 266 in favor of closing, 265 is making more and more use of
the Missouri Synod has been opposed. But with the vote that close, nonresidential, internet-based education.
Synod leadership decided to consider the So what does the future hold for CTSFW?
shrinking in size, in part due to
question again so as to achieve a broader We don't know the future, but we
white American Protestants having consensus—and they did, but perhaps know who holds the future. As The
fewer children. Secondly, American not the one they expected. Two days Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod sorts
higher education is making more later the convention voted to reopen the through the challenges the need for the
and more use of nonresidential, Seminary by a vote of 283 to 256. faithful work of your Seminary remains
internet-based education. So what Many still had their doubts. In vital. Concordia Theological Seminary,
response to changing expectations Fort Wayne stands ready to adapt as
does the future hold for CTSFW? Of
in America about educational needed in order to continue its service to
course, we don’t know. But we do qualifications for all professions, the Synod in preparing church workers.
know who holds the future. including clergy, Springfield began It has done so for 175 years and, by
raising its admissions standards and God’s grace, it will continue to do so for
strengthening its curriculum, but were many years to come.
changes like these consistent with the
original objective of the Seminary? The Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie
Furthermore, was there really any need (Cameron.MacKenzie@ctsfw.edu)
for a way into the ministry for men serves as the Forrest E. and Frances
who did not have the education and H. Ellis Professor of German
training provided by the prep school/ Reformation Studies and the Faculty
St. Louis system? At the 1941 and Marshal at Concordia Theological
1944 conventions, these questions were Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
6 For the Life of the World
Blessed Is the
Man Who Waits James G. Bushur
Photo: Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
“Blessed is the man who waits.” Daniel 12:12
H istorically, oppressed and victimized minorities are tempted
toward two opposite extremes—zealotry or despair. The
passion of zealotry often compels us to seek victory at all
costs, a victory that idolizes the world and finds fulfillment in its
power and pleasure. The zealous can be tempted to take power from
their oppressors and wield it for themselves in retributive vengeance.
Such zealotry often takes the form of activism, as anger arouses the
will and gives birth to actions that serve the selfish desire for revenge.
The Jewish rebellions against Rome in the 1st and 2nd centuries
demonstrate the power of zealotry. Zeal tempts the strong to conquer
their oppressors and take the power of the world for themselves.
Spring 2021 7
The passion of despair, on the other would end their suffering by fleeing the
hand, compels us to repudiate this world conflict and avoiding the sorrow of an
and to surrender it to the oppressors. inevitable defeat.
The passion of despair is resigned to In America, the Church stands
perpetual defeat. Despairing minorities before this fork in the road; yet, our
can be tempted to wash their hands present situation is not the first time that
of any responsibility for the world, zealotry and despair have tempted the
withdraw from its petty conflicts, and Church. For the first three centuries of
orient their hope toward a transcendent its existence, the Church faced wave
utopia. Such despair often takes the form after wave of hostility. Early Christians
of pacifism, as sorrow dampens the spirit faced political exclusion from the
and gives birth to the moral paralysis of ruling class, legal persecution by city
surrender and self-pity. Ancient gnostic magistrates, intellectual ridicule from
sects followed this path, tempting the the philosophical elite, and cultural
vulnerable to flee the world for a spiritual contempt from pagan society. Since
fulfillment in an alternate reality. the beginning of the 2nd century,
In the United States, the holy, Roman rulers identified the Christian
Photo: Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
Christian Church finds itself facing Church as a “superstition” and a
a fork in the road. Since the days dangerous “contagion” that needed to be
of Emperor Theodosius I (379 AD) quarantined for the good of society.1
Christianity has enjoyed privileged Thus, as an oppressed and persecuted
status in western European culture. As minority, the ancient Church experienced
the “establishment,” the Church has the inclinations toward zealotry and
enjoyed a profound freedom to wield despair. Some were tempted to accept
political, legal, intellectual, and even the call of Jewish zealots to take up the
cultural power, according to its own sword in rebellion against Roman rule.
mission and purpose. Yet, perhaps many Others were tempted to follow certain
recognize that the Church’s privileged gnostic teachers in repudiating the
status in the present age has come to material world and disdaining the body
an end. The tragic fragmentation of the as the source of suffering and sorrow.
The patient can be seen as Church since the Reformation and the The ancient Church rejected both paths
impotent spectators, doomed to rise of secularism in its countless forms in favor of a third—the path of patience
an inconsequential passing of time have pushed the Church to the fringe of or, better, long-suffering. The Epistle to
without achievement or fulfillment. society. Politically, legally, intellectually, Diognetus (150 AD) claims patience or
To be patient is equated with doing and culturally the voice of orthodox “long-suffering” as the central virtue of
Christianity is diminishing. God’s character.2 Tertullian (200 AD), a
nothing; and to do nothing is to
Zealotry or despair—which path Christian catechist in Carthage, wrote the
achieve nothing; and to achieve shall we follow? Shall we seek to regain first treatise dedicated to patience as the
nothing is to be nothing. Patience power in this world and wield it against “highest virtue.” Gregory Thaumaturgus
is the Christian form of life and it our opponents? Shall we surrender this (240 AD), the bishop of Pontus, adds
is supremely active. However, the world to those who oppose us, withdraw patience to the four cardinal virtues of
aim of the patient way of life is not from conflicts that seem insurmountable, the pagan philosophers, describing it
and seek fulfillment in a transcendent as “that virtue peculiarly ours.”3 And
to eliminate or to evade suffering,
realm? Shall we idolize the world or Cyprian (250 AD), bishop of Carthage,
but to bear it, to endure it, and shall we repudiate it? These paths during a deadly plague and one of the
finally to outlast it. appear to follow opposite trajectories, most intense persecutions of the Church
but in fact share a common goal. Both under Emperor Decius, wrote a truly
paths tempt us with the desire to avoid profound theological treatise designed to
suffering and sorrow. The zealous would focus his flock in a single direction: On
end their suffering by taking power the Good of Patience.
from their oppressors and using it for Yet in American culture, there is no
the pleasure of revenge. The despairing virtue that meets with more skepticism
8 For the Life of the World
and suspicion than the good of patience. For Cyprian, patience is the supreme and so, patience is the only path for
We live in a supremely impatient society. genetic trait of God’s own life. “From Christians. Thus, Cyprian ends with a
“Seize the day!” “Life is short!” “Time him patience begins… the origin and final exhortation. “Let us wait for him,
and tide wait for no man!” Such ancient greatness of patience proceed from beloved brethren… let us consider
aphorisms have all been transformed into God as its author.”6 And so, it becomes his patience in our persecutions and
calls for action, boldness, and ambition. children to imitate their Father. Indeed, sufferings; let us give an obedience full
“A man is defined by his actions,” we the patience of God is manifested in of expectation for his advent.”11 This
are told, so “just do it.” The politics of those generated from His Seed. It is seen exhortation points to the example of
our day feed this activism by agitating in Abel “who initiated and consecrated the martyrs who, as Cyprian points out,
the electorate with crisis after crisis, each the origin of martyrdom.”7 It is seen in continue to endure the command of God
marketed in ways to effect immediate Abraham who bore the command to to wait (Rev. 6:9-11).
action. In such an activist culture, offer his son, in Isaac who suffered the Cyprian’s exhortation needs to be
patience is disdained for its perceived binding, in Jacob who makes peace with heard again in our day. Our fulfillment
passivity. The patient can be seen as his brother, in Joseph, Moses, David, and is not found in ruling or rejecting this
impotent spectators, doomed to an all the righteous. Yet, it is only in Christ world; it is found in the advent of
inconsequential passing of time without that “a full and perfect patience” is finally Christ, the repentance of sinners, the
achievement or fulfillment. To be patient “consummated.”8 As the true Son, Jesus resurrection of the body, and the life of
is equated with doing nothing; and to gives form to the perfect patience of the the world to come. May our patience be
do nothing is to achieve nothing; and to Father. Although righteous, He bears a sign of God’s enduring mercy and a
achieve nothing is to be nothing. the sins of the world; though immortal, testimony to the hope of the resurrection.
From the beginning of his treatise, He suffers death; though guiltless, He is On that day, the beatitude will be
Cyprian rejects the definition of patience reckoned with sinners. Jesus even “bears fulfilled: “Blessed is he who waits”
as passivity or inactivity. “We do not Judas to the last with a long patience.” He (Dan. 12:12).
speak great things, we live them.”4 did not “openly point him out, nor refuse
This striking aphorism rejects the the kiss of the traitor.”9 1 See Pliny the Younger’s correspondence with
kind of patience expounded by pagan Some may object, claiming love the emperor Trajan.
philosophers. Patience is the Christian as the supreme virtue of God’s nature. 2 See Epistle to Diognetus 8.7, 9.2.
3 Gregory Thaumaturgus, Oration and Panegyric
form of life and it is supremely active. Yet, Cyprian points out that Paul calls Addressed to Origen, 12 (ANF, vol 6, p 33).
However, the aim of the patient way love the greatest precisely because it 4 Cyprian, On the Good of Patience, 3 (ANF, vol
of life is not to eliminate or to evade “abides” (1 Cor. 13:13). “Charity is 5, p 484).
suffering, but to bear it, to endure it, the bond of brotherhood… take from 5 Cyprian, On the Good of Patience, 19 (ANF,
and finally to outlast it. Cyprian rejects it patience…it does not endure. Take vol 5, p 489).
6 Cyprian, On the Good of Patience, 3 (ANF, vol
both zealotry and despair as forms of from it the substance of bearing and of 5, p 484).
impatience. Both paths seek to avoid enduring, and it continues with no roots 7 Cyprian, On the Good of Patience, 10 (ANF,
suffering, to evade sorrow, and to nor strength.”10 For Cyprian, patience vol 5, p 486).
circumvent the anguish of this world. For actively and persistently struggles. Yet, 8 Cyprian, On the Good of Patience, 7 (ANF, vol
Cyprian, such impatience is the essence patience does not seek fulfillment in the 5, p 486).
9 Cyprian, On the Good of Patience, 6 (ANF, vol
of sin and the genetic trait generated ruling of this world nor in the rejection 5, pp 485-486).
out of the devil himself. “The devil of this world; it seeks fulfillment in 10 Cyprian, On the Good of Patience, 15 (ANF,
suffered impatience that man was made the redemption of this world, in the vol 5, p 488).
in the image of God,” writes the bishop repentance of sinners, in the resurrection, 11 Cyprian, On the Good of Patience, 24 (ANF,
of Carthage. This impatience the devil and in the manifestation of Christ in the vol 5, pp 490-491).
then engendered in humanity. Impatient glory of His Father. The resurrection
for truth, Adam settled for the devil’s and the life of the world to come gives The Rev. Dr. James G. Bushur
lies. Impatient with God’s discipline, Christians the freedom to be patient, (James.Bushur@ctsfw.edu) serves
Cain murdered his brother. Impatient for the freedom to turn the cheek, to love as the Carl and Erna Weinrich
food, Esau sold his birthright. Impatient the enemy, and “to bear one another’s Associate Professor of New
for Moses’ descent from the mountain, burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” Testament and Early Church
Israel formed a golden calf.5 All sin is (Gal. 6:2). Studies and the Director of Deaconess
impatience, a failure to persevere, and so For Cyprian, patience is freedom Formation Programs at Concordia
always “falls short of the glory of God” because it has no boundaries—both its Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne,
(Rom. 3:23). beginning and its end reside in God Indiana.
Spring 2021 9
Let Not Your Hearts
Photo: Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
A s people are recovering from the devastating effects of COVID-19,
many feel that their trial is a sign of their weakness or their sin or their
unrighteousness. Sometimes we are even unable to articulate this, though
the anxiety and pressure leaves us with this vague unease that our suffering is a
divine judgment against us. When trial and testing come upon us, we so easily
presume that they are a sign of God’s wrath, that He is punishing us with such
burdens and sorrows. Several people have said to me, “Pastor, I know that God
is trying to teach me something by this crisis, but I don’t yet know what it is.”
The human heart is bent toward self-blame. We fall into what we think of as a
moral explanation for our sorrows: “I must’ve done something to deserve this.”
This, of course, is the flip side of moral self-righteousness, which presumes that
good things happen to me because I have been good. The human heart, in its
perversity, is also geared toward self-righteousness. Both self-blame and self-
righteousness are equally perverted. If we find the meaning of our trouble in our
own hearts, we will never know what God wants to teach us by our trial.
10 For the Life of the WorldBe Troubled
Christians see their trial and suffering suffering must mean something else.
Scott R. Murray
quite differently from those who do not Our trials mean that God is urging us
know God’s love in Christ Jesus, who into greater faith, a higher confidence in
gave Himself for our sins by suffering Him, and an otherworldly certainty about
on the cross of Calvary and offering His grace toward us. We are becoming
His blood for us. He has made the full blessed with the Blessed One, who
payment for sin. Why would we think sanctified our suffering. Only through the
that our suffering would be some kind Gospel will we ever know the meaning
of co-payment? How could we consider of our suffering.
the priceless blood of Christ to be in any From time to time, I suffered anxiety
way supplemented by the value of our and fear because of all the frightening
suffering, sorrows, or trials? If we did, things that happened this past year and
we would be looking at the moral value still echo through our culture and nation.
Photo: Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
of our world through the lens only of Last April, when churches shut down
the Law and not of the grace of God in and services went virtual, I suffered 10
Christ Jesus. If we live only in the Law, days of deep anxiety. I worried about
we will never understand the blessing of the Church, the future, the nation, and
the crosses that God sends us to exercise my service to the Gospel. I think many
and strengthen our faith. people suffered something of this sort;
When I am in the midst of trial or especially because of the social isolation
difficulty, I am greatly encouraged by to which we were all subjected. The
walking with Christ to Golgotha’s hill. Lord brought me through by turning
Here is the greatest trial, agony, and me back to His Word, to what was truly
suffering. It dwarfs our own. I’m not important: preaching Christ to sinners,
trying to minimize the significance sinners humbled by their experience of
of our human suffering. No, when I disease and its ill effects. I needed to be Opposite page: The Rev. Andy Wright,
cannot understand the meaning of my turned away from myself and set upon pastor of Saint John Lutheran Church,
own suffering, walking to Calvary with Golgotha under the blood-spattered Keystone, Iowa, on Monday, Aug. 17,
Jesus shows me that the most blessed cross. I needed Jesus more and not less 2020. “The tornado sirens went off.
person, Christ Himself, undergoes the in this crisis. You could hear the wind and things just
highest agony. It shows me that the During the last few months of 2020, breaking all around you, for about 30
greatest blessing flows out of the greatest I was often approached by parishioners minutes straight. At first we thought a
suffering. If the sinless Son of God can as well as guests from other parishes tornado was hitting. But it was not until
undergo suffering and agony for my thanking me for preserving Divine the storm was starting to dissipate that
sake, it changes the meaning of my Services, but it was simply a matter I looked outside, and saw trees down
own suffering. of keeping first things first. God gives all around our street, and then I looked
His heavenly Father laid on Him Himself to His people in Word and back at the church, and my mouth just
the iniquity of us all, that we might be Sacraments. COVID could not change dropped open.”
freed from our sin. His suffering changes that. Instead, the Gospel of Christ
the moral meaning of everything. It addresses our fears and promises Above: The interior stained glass of
changes the meaning of our suffering. salvation, so that whether we live or Saint John Lutheran Church, Keystone,
God uses it to strengthen our faith and whether we die, we belong to the Lord Iowa, survived intact despite a massive
make us all the more thankful confessors (Rom. 14:8). Despite my anxiety about “derecho” wind storm that tore through
of His Gospel. Our suffering cannot the church, the Lord has brought great the Midwest, hitting thousands of square
be a payment, because Christ has paid blessings out of this crisis. My parish miles with winds of up to 112 mph.
for every and all sin. Therefore, our is now experiencing growth, which we
Spring 2021 11Our suffering cannot be a payment,
because Christ has paid for
every and all sin. Therefore, our
suffering must mean something
else. Our trials mean that God
is urging us into greater faith, a
higher confidence in Him, and an
otherworldly certainty about His
grace toward us. We are becoming
Photo: Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
blessed with the Blessed One,
who sanctified our suffering. Only
through the Gospel will we ever
know the meaning of our suffering.
could not have anticipated in 2019. The to apply this comfort to both present “From these and similar words and
health challenges and obvious cultural and future need.” How much we need admonitions of Christ, we should also
decline of 2020 had its own blessed way Jesus’ encouragement in these COVID- learn to know the Lord Christ aright, to
of making clear what is important to us stressed days! He has not abandoned develop a more cordial and comforting
and has driven us back to the gifts of us. He is not punishing us. Yes, the confidence in Him, and to pay more
God in Christ. unbeliever may see the struggles of this regard to His Word than to anything else
Jesus is especially thinking of the past year as a clear statement of God’s which may confront our eyes, ears, and
suffering, anxiety, and trial of His righteous wrath against a sin-sick world other senses. For if I am a Christian and
disciples when He encourages them on and a decayed society. However, we hold to Him, I always know that He is
the night of His betrayal. He says, “Let Christians should always look upon talking to me.” When He does, He is
not your hearts be troubled. Believe in our experiences from the standpoint of saying, “My dear child, do not be afraid.
God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). the cross and faith. Luther encourages No matter what, I am still your Lord. Let
He knew the fear that would overtake believers, “Where suffering and the not your hearts be troubled.”
them when the Shepherd is struck and cross are found, there the Gospel can
the flock scattered (Matt. 26:31). While show and exercise its power.” Christ The Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray
facing the weight of the world’s sins has promised that the suffering Lord (smurray@mlchouston.org), is
pressed down upon His holy arms at would be with us in our suffering, for the Senior Pastor of Memorial
Golgotha, He is concerned for them in our good and blessing. He says to us, Lutheran Church in Houston,
their coming tribulation and anxiety. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give Texas, and serves as the Third Vice
We too are His disciples, and He to you. Not as the world gives do I give President of the West Southwest
speaks to us. Luther says of Jesus’ to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, Region of The Lutheran Church—
encouraging speech, “These words neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Missouri Synod. He also serves on
were recorded, not for [the apostles’] This is the Word upon which we should the Board of Regents of Concordia
sakes, but for ours, that we might learn feed, and in it find our life. Luther says, Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.
12 For the Life of the WorldWHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Hope in Christ—
Not Buildings Adam C. Koontz
O
through the message of the Gospel.
ur hope is and was always only in Christ. That was true “Good” means Christ’s words and works
when institutions and finances and demographics all prevailing in all things. That’s our hope,
seemed so favorable to us. That is true when sometimes and it’s founded on God’s Word that all
things—including times of enormous
very little is projected to favor our church body. Our hope was upheaval and change—work together
never in statistics; it was always only in Christ. That’s why for those who love God, who are called
if you have a symbol of hope somewhere in your church’s according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).
There isn’t anything more wonderful
sanctuary, it’s an anchor. Hope holds onto what is sure and than His purpose, and that was always
keeps us stable when the seas rock and the winds roar. We true. His purpose is to save sinners
have safe harbor because we have hope for an anchor. through the Son’s atoning sacrifice and
death-destroying resurrection. There was
Hope is not the last resort of the are infallible and good and mighty. a time when very few people believed
desperate, as if we said, “Well, since Why say this now? Because on that God’s purposes would find their
we don’t have much going for us now, some level we all thought or intuited “Yes” and their “Amen” solely in the
let’s see if Jesus might be able to do that our many plans, our accustomed crucified and risen Messiah. Very few
something for us.” Jesus was our sole comforts, and our human purposes were believed, very few listened, very few
hope in the days when seminaries sent worth more than they have proved to picked up on what they were hearing.
out hundreds of men between them each be. On some level we expected that the That didn’t stop God and His gracious
year, and He is the sole hope of the men world, the public health authorities, and glorious purposes in Jesus Christ for
who will enter the harvest work this year the governors of our states, the mayors the world’s salvation. Do we think that
too. Jesus was interceding at the right of our cities, our congregations, our somehow the Victor of Mount Calvary
hand of the Father for the men who got a schools, and just about everything else and the Prince of Peace will be thwarted
car and enough money to start building in our lives would show more respect by what has happened with us in the past
a church in the 1950s, where people for our sense of how things should be year, or that He will step down from His
just seemed to show up, and Jesus is than they have. We thought that we could throne because our future is unsure?
interceding for the men who now go out go here and there without having to say Christ is always King. People,
to places where people don’t show up what James advised us to say, “God institutions, financial projections, and
like they used to. willing” (James 4:15). many other things come and go in the
Our hope was never in our plans, The glory of the past 12 or so months church, but they are always in the service
our comforts, or our purposes, but since is how much has been revealed. Some of His Gospel and at the beck and call of
our hope is in Christ, it definitely rests of that was clarifying. Some of that was His Spirit. Only our gracious God and
on Christ’s plans for us, comforts for very unsettling. All of it will prove to His Word endure forever. In Him alone
us, and purposes for us. He is the same work for the good of Christ’s body, the we hope.
today, yesterday, and forever. If our plans Church. “Good” does not mean easy.
crumble, His are carried out. If what was “Good” does not mean foreseen by The Rev. Dr. Adam C. Koontz
our comfort and our routine is now gone us or known by us. “Good” does not (Adam.Koontz@ctsfw.edu) serves
from our lives, He sends His Comforter, mean accustomed or comfortable or as assistant professor of Exegetical
the Holy Spirit, to guide us afresh. If statistically projected. “Good” means Theology and the Director of Field
our purposes are thwarted and we don’t godly. “Good” means working for our Education at Concordia Theological
know where to turn next, His purposes salvation and the world’s salvation Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Spring 2021 13Shining His Light Together Patti Miller
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your
good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
A
s a little girl, I loved to light that shines from our participation
draw and make things. as a member of the body of Christ. It
is a light that is fanned in relationship
Even though I was very with Christ and with one another, so that
shy, God gave me plenty together we may shine His light into the
of people to love and who darkness of sin and suffering. Our hope,
as His body, is that all may receive and
loved me; I think, just so that know the peace and healing of faith and
I might one day overcome forgiveness in Christ our Lord. It is a
that shyness. Since I loved light to our path for this life and, best
of all, it lights the way to a greater and
my time alone, I often sat on eternal life. That is my hope as I paint
our front porch, cross-legged and my desire as I create. It is why I
with my sketchbook in my must use the gift of art that God has
given to me to share with His Church
lap and pencils in my hand, and the world. My prayer with every
asking myself “What should stroke of a brush or every pixel I draw on
I draw?” Lots of drawing a screen is that others will come into this
wonderful relationship and fellowship as
led me to study visual art in children of God, that they will find their
college and the love of godly way to the sanctuary where His Word
parents and grandparents led is proclaimed and the gifts of faith and
forgiveness are received.
me to faith in Christ. Since God gives gifts to His Church so that
those early days of drawing all people might receive forgiveness, life,
and a preference for being and salvation in Christ. To each individual
He gives unique gifts so that they might
alone, God has blessed me serve those around them and bring them
with a great desire to study into the family of believers. In 2003, I
His Word. In my hearing served my church as a church secretary.
During my first week, I realized that
and study of His Word, I we were without a preprinted bulletin
have found plenty of things cover. At the time it seemed like a pretty
to draw, and many joyful insignificant event. I had agreed to take
the position because of my art and design
reasons to reach out in service background, as well as my knowledge
and love to His people. Top: Good Friday bulletin cover
and ability to put together a bulletin
and newsletter—two really important
Above: Advent 3 Sword digital art cover
As I consider the Holy Scriptures and things in the life of a congregation before
many of the pericopes and verses that our reliance upon social media and the
have inspired my art, this verse from to create visual art that serves to point internet. The congregation had recently
Matthew has been a strong and guiding to the saving message of the Gospel of undergone staffing changes and was in
inspiration to me. This light, ignited by Jesus Christ. This light that shines in my the middle of the call process. With the
faith and the blessing of God’s Word heart and in the heart of all believers is vacancy being filled by local Lutheran
in my life, is why I began and continue the light of faith in Christ. It is a shared pastors, along with the recent changes
14 For the Life of the Worldin staffing, the normal subscription to my bulletin cover designs to painted the Distance Deaconess Formation
bulletin covers had expired. I found wood pieces. My painted wood crosses Program at CTSFW. In the summer
myself on a Thursday afternoon ready have traveled the world, and I have of 2019, I attended my first set of on-
to print the order of service but not sure completed many original works for both campus intensives. At present, I am very
what should go on the front. There is LCMS congregations and Christian blessed to continue to grow in faith and
where it started. I began that day and each organizations, as well as hundreds of service as I serve at Immanuel Lutheran
week after that to study more intensely pieces for individuals wanting to share Church in Seymour, Indiana. My time
the Gospel lesson for the week and come the Word and images with others. During at Immanuel has been nothing but a
up with a drawing or sketch that might this time, God continued to give me gracious outpouring of opportunity from
point to that lesson, that I could use as a opportunity to grow in faith and formed God. My work there has allowed me to
bulletin cover. What was really going on in me a greater desire to serve His use my gift of service to others through
here during that solid year of study and suffering people in need of the Gospel my work as children’s ministry director,
drawing of bulletin covers each week, message. He also brought to me many as well as my visual art background as
was the building of a relationship. The opportunities to create religious art. In all communications secretary. George and
congregation there in my hometown of areas of my life, God continued to bring I both are blessed once again by the
Fairhope, Alabama, my family in Christ, people into my life who encouraged me many new relationships in Christ we
allowed me to do and share the drawings in my service to others and in my art. have formed at Immanuel in Seymour. I
with them each week. am so thankful to my
My hope, of course, pastors, to my mentor,
was that something the Rev. Dr. Ralph
in the drawings Blomenberg, and my
would inspire each entire church family
of them and their there for allowing and
understanding of encouraging me to
God’s Word and share my art in many
connect them to ways, so that it may
service of the Word. shine the light of Christ
Greater really was and give glory to our
their service to me Father in Heaven.
than mine to them. In May of 2021, I
That year of study plan to complete the
and sketching allowed Deaconess Formation
me to dig deeply Program at CTSFW and
into God’s Word, to continue my service
something I had to God’s people in
always loved to do. Seymour as a deaconess.
Doing so consistently As a deaconess, I’m
each week, in a way I excited to continue to
had not done before, use my art, as well as
created an ever greater Above: Patti Miller with the Rev. Dr. Ralph Blomenberg the many other gifts,
desire to study and to at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour, Indiana. for service that God has
serve. My relationship given to me. With joy I
with God was fueled by His Word. The These relationships are all so important to look forward to the work of shining His
opportunity to shine His light and to me and to the path that I would continue light with and alongside my brothers and
continue to study was also fueled by my to walk, where I find myself today. sisters in Seymour, the Synod, and around
relationship with my brothers and sisters In the fall of 2018, my husband, the world, so that others may be brought
in Christ in Fairhope and our new pastor, George, and I moved to Seymour, out of darkness and, with us together,
the Rev. William Parsons, who accepted Indiana, to be close to our two into the great light of hope and peace
the call to serve Redeemer, and who first daughters, their families, and four young found through faith in Christ. Galleries of
told me that I should consider deaconess grandchildren. All of a sudden, there my work can be found on my website at
studies at CTSFW. were again before me opportunities www.jubileeart.com.
After serving Redeemer as church to develop new relationships and new
secretary, I was blessed to serve in ways to serve with my art. Our move Patti Miller serves as the
the senior care industry for 10 years, to Indiana also brought a renewed Children’s Ministry Director
using my love for creating art with the interest—with a little nudging from and the Communications
elderly and dementia patients. During my good friends, the Rev. Dr. Ross, Secretary at Immanuel Lutheran
that time, I began transferring many of Mireya Johnson, and others—to pursue Church in Seymour, Indiana.
Spring 2021 15EVENTS SCHEDULE
Mark your calendars or register today!
For more information, please visit our website at www.ctsfw.edu/Events or call (260) 452-2100.
Please check the events webpage for current information as events are subject to change.
MAY
Baccalaureate
Friday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. in Kramer Chapel
Commencement Organ Recital
Friday, May 21, 2:00 p.m. in Kramer Chapel
APRIL Commencement
Friday, May 21, 4:00 p.m.
Christ Academy: Confirmation Retreat
April 9–11 JUNE
Information: www.ctsfw.edu/Confirmation
Register: ChristAcademy@ctsfw.edu or (800) 481-2155 Christ Academy: Timothy School
Christ Academy: Phoebe School
175th Anniversary Lecture Series June 20–July 3
Sunday, April 25, 2:30 p.m. in Sihler Auditorium
Information and registration: www.ctsfw.edu/TimothySchool (boys)
“Luther on Trial at the Diet of Worms”—Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie or www.ctsfw.edu/PhoebeSchool (girls) or (800) 481-2155
Easter Hymn Festival
Sunday, April 25, 4:00 p.m. in Kramer Chapel
JULY
Organist Workshop
Vicarage and Deaconess Internship July 26–30
Assignment Service Information and registration: www.ctsfw.edu/MusicWorkshops
Monday, April 26, 7:00 p.m. Contact: Music@ctsfw.edu or (260) 452-2224
Candidate Call Service
Tuesday, April 27, 7:00 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
Opening Service
Tuesday, September 7, 10:00 a.m. in Kramer Chapel
COVID-19 Preparedness
for Lecture and Event Attendees OCTOBER
Please know that CTSFW is truly blessed to have you as SAVE THE DATE
our guest, and we take your safety very seriously. We will Culminating Anniversary Event
keep you updated as we follow CDC Guidelines, clean all Sunday, October 24
surfaces thoroughly and regularly, and design classes and
events to allow for social distancing. Masks are required Services and lectures will
for every attendee while indoors and when less than six be livestreamed online at
feet apart outdoors. We appreciate your understanding. www.ctsfw.edu/DailyChapel
We are thankful for the opportunity to safely open our or www.facebook.com/ctsfw.
doors to you. We pray your experience is as enjoyable and Some services may be open to the public. Please check our
enlightening as it is peaceful and protected. events website for the most current information.
16 For the Life of the WorldContinuing Education 2021
In-person learning, growth, and fellowship with your brothers in Christ
HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA SHAWANO, WISCONSIN TAMPA, FLORIDA
May 31–June 2 June 28–30 July 26–28
Dr. Arthur Just Dr. Dean Wenthe Dr. Adam Francisco
Liturgy as Pastoral Care Scripture and Sacramentality Why Should I Believe You?:
Christian Apologetics for Today
WYOMING DISTRICT ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA
May 31–June 4 June 28–30 ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Dr. Adam Koontz Dr. Adam Francisco August 2–4
To the Point of Shedding Blood: Christian Apologetics for the 21st Century Dr. Roland Ziegler
Martyrs in the First Three Centuries Luther’s Bondage of the Will
LE MARS, IOWA
GONZALES, LOUISIANA June 28–July 1 FLATHEAD LAKE, MONTANA
June 7–9 Dr. Naomichi Masaki Aug 2–6
Prof. John Pless Refreshing the Confession of the Dr. Jeffrey Pulse
The Formula for Pastoral Ministry Office of the Holy Ministry Joseph Narratives: A Tale of Two Brothers
in Genesis 37-50
AUBURN, MICHIGAN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
June 14–16 June 29–July 1 SILVER BAY, MINNESOTA
Rev. Eric Andrae Prof. John Pless August 2–6
Bo Giertz: The Atheist Who Became a Bishop The Formula for Pastoral Ministry Dr. Gifford Grobien
Methods in Moral Theology
KNOWLES, OKLAHOMA RIVERTON, UTAH
June 14–16 July 12–14 CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
Dr. Roland Ziegler Dr. Reed Lessing August 17–19
Luther’s Bondage of the Will Exodus: “Let My People Go!” Dr. Gifford Grobien
Sanctification
CEDAR FALLS, IOWA WENTWORTH, SOUTH DAKOTA
June 15–17 July 12–14 DENVER, COLORADO
Rev. Chad Kendall Dr. Adam Francisco August 23–27
Early Christian Mercy to the Secular Culture Apologetics for the 21st Century Dr. Adam Koontz
Against the Stream: Paul’s Missionary
CARLYLE, ILLINOIS GRASS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA Gospel in Hard Times
June 21–23 July 19–21
Dr. Adam Koontz Dr. Lawrence Rast AUSTIN, TEXAS
To the Point of Shedding Blood: Christian TBD August 24–27
Martyrs in the First Three Centuries Prof. John Pless
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO Pastoral Care from Luther’s Letters of
DECATUR, ILLINOIS July 19–23 Spiritual Counsel
June 21–23 Dr. Naomichi Masaki
Dr. Reed Lessing FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
Luther’s Great Galatian Lectures Oct 18–22
The Book of Jeremiah: Overcoming Life’s Sorrows
TUCSON, ARIZONA Dr. Robert Macina
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN The Divine Service in the Old Testament
June 21–25 July 19–23
Dr. James Bushur Dr. Benjamin Mayes
Johann Gerhard on Biblical Interpretation Please note that information is
Theological Narratives that Surround
and Support the Nicene Creed and the Knowledge of God subject to change. Check our
website at www.ctsfw.edu/CE for
PLANO, TEXAS NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
July 26–28 the most current information.
June 22–24
Dr. Roland Ziegler Dr. Gifford Grobien
Faith and Reason Law, Virtue, and Life in Christ
ADDITIONAL CLASS AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION
To register by phone with credit card: To find additional Continuing Education classes:
Contact LeeAnna Rondot at (260) 452-2204. Visit our website at www.ctsfw.edu/CE.
To register online: To inquire about adding Continuing Education opportunities:
Visit our website at www.ctsfw.edu/CE. LeeAnna Rondot
Administrative Assistant for Continuing Education
To find out additional information about individual classes Email: CE@ctsfw.edu Phone: (260) 452-2204
(including accommodations): Dr. Jeffrey Pulse
Contact the site coordinator listed on each site’s webpage. Director of Continuing Education
Spring 2021 Email: Jeffrey.Pulse@ctsfw.edu Phone: (260) 452-2273
17CALLED TO SERVE
Deaconess in Service Derek Wolter
S
o, what exactly does a deaconess do? Anna Miels, a
deaconess intern at Lutheran Home and Harwood Place
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, could provide a ready answer
to that question, if she could take a minute from her work
during the current COVID-19 situation. So I, her supervisor,
will speak on her behalf.
18 For the Life of the WorldA deaconess in a mercy-based people as they develop in real time.
ministry, such as a health care center, The deaconess expands her offering
spends hours each day visiting our of Bible classes and devotions to comply
residents on a one-on-one basis. She with orders restricting the number of
often is the only visitor that a resident people who can gather. Her number
will have who is there simply to provide of events may go from two to six in a
comfort and companionship. Families week, and she is there with kindness and
are currently restricted from all visits, compassion as she delivers the Word
and staff members are overwhelmed of God and the hope of the Gospel to
due to absence of fellow workers. The those in her care. She may be asked at
deaconess is that one-on-one assurance a moment’s notice to develop a series
that a person, in his/her humanity, of devotions to include in a weekly
is important, valued, and cherished, devotion booklet, so that people can have
not only by our Lord, but by fellow a spiritual resource that speaks to their
members of the Church of Christ. current fears and situation. She may arrive
The deaconess answers requests to early and stay late so that she can enter
be with a resident who is actively dying, her care notes in residents’ individual
whose family is not able to be present, records, having spent her regular eight-
whether because of virus restrictions hour schedule in direct personal care of
or distance from each other. She prays the residents, her duties and events having
with and for the resident, reads the expanded due to the current crisis.
words of Scripture, and offers prayers In short, the deaconess is an extension
for peace and comfort during the of the chapel, the visible reminder of the
transition from this world to our Lord’s presence and love of God in Christ. Her
heavenly presence. She may be the last hands, her voice, and her skills all seek
person to speak a word of hope, to hold to serve the Lord by bringing comfort,
a hand in comfort, to ease the loneliness meaning, and peace to His people as
that often accompanies death. they experience the cares and fears of
The deaconess answers the call to bring a fallen world. She is the servant of her
a word of comfort to someone suffering Lord, seeking only to bring comfort to
through depression and hopelessness. His people. She is a great resource to the
She is there when a person is isolated by Church, and a blessing to any ministry to
a new routine when they arrive, or when which she is attached.
a resident loses a child or grandchild to As you can see, Anna has been a true
death. She sits with the individual in their gift to us during this past year. There is The deaconess is an extension of
loss and hurt, bearing the burden of pain no way that the spiritual needs of our the chapel, the visible reminder of
and fear with them as she speaks of Christ, residents could ever hope to be met if the presence and love of God in
His love and presence, and the hope that we did not have her with us. This young Christ. Her hands, her voice, and
He brings of restoration. woman truly embodies the vocation of
her skills all seek to serve the
The deaconess provides for the needs service to the Lord’s people, and we are
of the staff by taking upon herself extra blessed that she is among us. Lord by bringing comfort, meaning,
duties, so that staff members can rest and and peace to His people as they
find some refreshment for their spirit. The Rev. Derek M. Wolter experience the cares and fears of
She may serve meals in resident dining (CTSFW, 1989) serves as the a fallen world. She is the servant
rooms, help with resident hygiene, or Director of Spiritual Care at the of her Lord, seeking only to bring
make deliveries of clean clothing and Lutheran Home and Harwood
comfort to His people. She is a
supplies from families who cannot go Place in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
past the front desk. She calls the families In addition, Lt. Col. Wolter serves as great resource to the Church, and
of residents she has visited, giving unit chaplain for the 115th Fighter Wing a blessing to any ministry to which
them the assurance that their loved one in Madison, Wisconsin. His ministry she is attached.
is cared for, that the resident has an has been varied, with calls as a parish
advocate in the facility, even though pastor, missionary to Russia, Air Force
family cannot be there. She goes above chaplain with several deployments, and
and beyond to meet the needs of God’s healthcare chaplain.
Spring 2021 19You can also read
