Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

Internationals Attend WLS Summer Quarter

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International pastors and missionaries at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in the US

Summer Quarter 2024 was held June 17–28 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS) in Mequon, Wisconsin USA. Fifteen courses were offered, and 55 pastors attended. Eleven of those pastors were international pastors or missionaries living overseas. They joined us from Latin America, the United Kingdom, Latvia, India, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

The international pastors attended for both weeks and took two courses each week. They brought unique perspectives to classroom discussions, shared their stories, and served as reminders that God’s kingdom is global. A highlight was two evening mission presentations about the work of God’s kingdom in Asia.

                             An evening presentation in the chapel

The international pastors indicated that the courses, the daily chapel services, and the fellowship time were a blessing and encouragement to them. In addition to gaining knowledge, they made new friends and learned new ways of teaching.

WLS is tasked with training pastors for service in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The seminary also partners with pastors for their spiritual and professional growth by offering resources, courses, and events that encourage and equip them. Through the efforts of the Grow in Grace office, WLS offers courses that are part of a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) degree program. Pastors may take courses for credit without entering the program; in the last few years about 200 pastors have done that. Pastors may also choose to pursue the STM degree; currently about 40 pastors are in the program.

            A Summer Quarter class at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

Credits can be earned in a variety of ways, including face-to-face courses and online courses. In odd-numbered years, face-to-face courses are offered in the districts of WELS. In even-numbered years, face-to-face courses are offered on the campus of WLS at a two-week event called Summer Quarter.

The next WLS Summer Quarter is scheduled for June 15–26, 2026. We are hoping there will be a strong international presence again.

Submitted by Prof. Bradley Wordell, WLS Director of Grow in Grace

 

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies, committed to the teachings of the Lutheran Church found in the Book of Concord of 1580. Established in 1993 with thirteen churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to include thirty-four church bodies today.

Every three years, representatives from CELC churches gather for fellowship and theological study at an international convention. Regional meetings are held in alternate years. These gatherings provide spiritual encouragement for confessional Lutherans who often find themselves quite isolated. Visitors are always welcome at these gatherings

Joint work of the CELC includes the writing of The Eternal Word: A Lutheran Confession for the Twenty-First Century, which testifies to the unity of doctrine enjoyed by CELC churches. The CELC also has a commission to help coordinate and improve theological training in CELC churches.

Speaking about the heart and core of the CELC, former President Gaylin Schmeling wrote:  “The CELC stands ready to give answer to the confident hope of salvation in Christ that is within us. It is a refuge for those seeking confessional homes and a beacon shining the light of the Gospel in a sin-darkened world. Here the central truth of the Reformation, justification by faith alone, continues to be proclaimed. We are declared righteous by nothing we do or accomplish, but alone on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work which is counted as ours through faith in the Savior. He accomplished salvation for all on the cross and announced it to all by His resurrection, declaring the whole world righteous in Christ. This treasure is brought to us personally through the means of grace and is received by faith alone in the Savior which is worked through those very means of grace.”

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