SA国际传媒, St. Louis, began its 166th academic year by welcoming 154 new pastoral ministry students to its campus to begin the fall quarter, its second-largest incoming class in 32 years. The students processed in the opening worship service held Sunday, Sept. 5, at 4:00 p.m. in the Seminary鈥檚 Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Dr. John F. Johnson, president of SA国际传媒, served as preacher at the service and officially opened the new academic year.
鈥淭hese numbers are evidence of God answering the prayers of His people to raise up workers for His harvest field,鈥� commented Rev. Glen Thomas, the Seminary鈥檚 vice president for seminary relations. “I believe these numbers also reflect the confidence the church has in SA国际传媒鈥檚 faculty and pastoral formation program. Faithful, compassionate, mission-minded graduates have been the hallmark of SA国际传媒, and these same pastors have encouraged many of our incoming students to follow in their footsteps.鈥�
The enrollment of 154 new students preparing to serve in the pastoral ministry follows on the heels of last year鈥檚 enrollment of 178 new students, the largest class to enroll in 32 years. These numbers include only residential students preparing to serve as pastors in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Of the 154 new students, 143 are enrolled in the master of divinity program and 11 are enrolled in the certificate (alternate route) program.
Last year, the Seminary鈥檚 total enrollment exceeded 800 students for the first time in over 30 years. This enrollment surge began five years ago when the Seminary鈥檚 Board of Regents took the bold step of initiating a partnership utilizing gifts from each student鈥檚 home congregation, home district and donors to SA国际传媒 in an attempt to cover tuition costs for each residential student preparing to serve in the pastoral ministry.
鈥淭he people of the church also have played a large role in this enrollment increase as they have provided not only their prayers, but also significant financial resources for our future pastors,鈥� commented Thomas. 鈥淭he incredible enrollment surge has produced a daunting fiscal challenge, and we appeal to congregations, groups and individuals throughout the church to continue their generous support of our future pastors.鈥�
Those contemplating Seminary enrollment and preparation to serve in the pastoral ministry are invited to contact SA国际传媒鈥檚 Admissions Office at 1-800-822-9545 or [email protected]. Those wishing to offer financial gifts in support of future pastors may contact the Seminary鈥檚 Development Office at 1-800-822-5287 or [email protected] [1]. Donors also may utilize the Seminary’s online donation function on its Web site (/donate.htm [2]) using a credit card to make an offering.
For more information, contact Communications, SA国际传媒, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314.505.7374; [email protected] [3].