Bethany News Archive
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8/25/09
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2009-2010 School Year Begins
Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary began its new school year with an opening service on August 24 in Good Shepherd Chapel. Prof. Adolph Harstad based his message on 1 Kings 19:3-8. In that text, despondent Elijah learns that his difficult mission can be carried out only through the power and encouragement of the LORD. When the LORD commands that a task be performed, He Himself provides the tools and strength to do the job. That is true also for the challenging vocation of being a seminary student. The Word that is at the center of seminary studies is not only the tool that seminary students will use in their future ministry, but their personal strength and encouragement in their years of study. A man named Farah Ahmed Omar was appointed to be head of the navy of Somalia with the tough job of fighting off the problematic pirates in that part of the world. To do his job, Mr. Omar had not one ship, not a single sailor, and Omar himself had not been to sea for 23 years. God does not deal with His people in that way, as illustrated by His providence in the case of Elijah. Sometimes God’s providence toward seminary students comes in the form of gifts and encouragement from the people of the ELS.
The teaching staff for the seminary this coming year is as follows: Adolph Harstad, Thomas Kuster, Michael Smith, and Gaylin Schmeling. Professor Harstad will teach in the areas of Old Testament, history, and homiletics; Professor Smith will be teaching in the areas of New Testament, practical theology, and homiletics; Professor Kuster will teach communication; and Professor Schmeling will teach courses in history, dogmatics, and homiletics.
The seminary enrollment this year numbers twenty-two. There are seven vicars, six seniors, five middlers, and four juniors. The vicars are Mark Faugstad in the Madison, Wisconsin, area; Samuel Gullixson at Bethany and Concordia Lutheran (The Dalles and Hood River, Oregon); Daniel Hartwig at Holy Trinity Lutheran (Okauchee, Wisconsin); Jeffery Merseth at Our Savior’s Lutheran (Albert Lea, Minnesota); Nicholas Proksch at St. Paul’s Lutheran (North Mankato, Minnesota); Trent Saari at Our Saviour Lutheran (Lake Havasu City, Arizona); and Joshua Skogen at King of Grace Lutheran (Waukon, Iowa).
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6/21/09
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2009 Graduation
Graduation for Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary occurred on Sunday evening, June 21, 2009, at Trinity Chapel. President Gaylin Schmeling served as liturgist, Mr. John Baumann was the organist, and the Rev. Jonathan Madson preached the graduation sermon. His text was 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 with the theme, "You will Serve at the Lord's Command."
The Rev. Dr. J. Kincaid Smith, representing the Board of Regents, presented deplomas to the Candidates of Theology. This year's graduates were Christian Eisenbeis, Peter Faugstad, Kyle Madson, and Luke Ulrich.
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5/22/09
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2009 Pastors’ Institute at Frankenmuth, Michigan
The annual pastors’ institute of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary has been held in various locations throughout the country in order to make it possible for more of our pastors to attend. This year the institute took place at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, Michigan, on May 22, 2009.
This year’s institute included two presentations. The first presentation was a history of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC), the international body of Lutheran churches of which the ELS is a founding member. The presentation was entitled Make Known God’s Manifold Wisdom. The CELC was established as the spiritual heir of the Synodical Conference. The second presentation was entitled The Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. This is a pertinent topic because the charismatic movement continues to pervade much of Christianity today. These presentations were delivered by Prof. Gaylin Schmeling.
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5/14/09
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2009 Seminary Call Day
On May 14, 2009, after a day of presentations from last year's out-going vicars and other synodical officials, the Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary community gathered at Bethany Lutheran College's Trinity Chapel for the annual call service to find out where both our new Candidates of Theology and vicars are going to be moving. The Rev. Gaylin Schmeling, seminary president, presided over the divine service and the Rev. Steven Petersen preached.
Candidates:
Christian Eisenbeis - No Assignment
Peter Faugstad -Co-Pastor, Parkland Lutheran Church, Tacoma, Washington
Kyle Madson - Co-Pastor, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Luke Ulrich - Pastor, Abiding Word Lutheran Church, Bowling Green, Ohio
Vicars:
Mark Faugstad - Western Koshkonong, Grace, and Faith Lutheran Churches; Cottage Grove, Madison, and Oregon, Wisconsin
Samuel Gullixson - Bethany and Concordia Lutheran, The Dalles and Hood River, Oregon
Daniel Hartwig - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Okauchee, Wisconsin
Jeffery Merseth - Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, Minnesota
Nicholas Proksch - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, North Mankato, Minnesota
Trent Saari - Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Joshua Skogen - King of Grace Lutheran Church, Waukon, Iowa
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02/22/09
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2009 Spring Recruitment Night
Twice a year, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, Minnesota, holds recruitment nights to encourage young men to come see what seminary life is like. This Spring our seminary night was held on February 22. The Rev. Donald Moldstad, chaplain of Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota, gave a presentation about the joys of the parish ministry and how the pastor’s parish is really his “paradise on earth.”
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02/20-21/09
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2009 Seminary Marriage Retreat
The Seminary Marriage & Parsonage Retreat took place on February 20–21, 2009. Prof. Michael and Anita Smith gave a presentation about keeping Christ at the center of a marriage. The purpose of this seminar is to prepare the students and their families for life in the parsonage and to increase their awareness of Christian service.
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10/30-31/08
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2008 Reformation Lectures
The forty-first annual Reformation Lectures were held at the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center, Mankato, Minnesota, on October 30–31, 2008. These lectures are sponsored jointly by Bethany Lutheran College and Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary.
This year there were three presenters. The first lecture was given by Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, who is the Ellis Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, (LCMS) and chairman of the department, serving since 1983. The second presenter was Prof. James F. Korthals of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin, (WELS) where he presently serves as Professor of Church History and Homiletics. The third presenter was Dr. John Maxfield who, since January 2005, has served as Associate Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Saint Francis, Minnesota (LCMS).
The theme of the lectures was “The Freedom of the Will in Three Reformations.” The first lecture, presented by Dr. Cameron MacKenzie, focusing on the Lutheran Reformation, was entitled “The Bondage of the Will in Lutheranism—Man’s Sin or God’s Will?” The second lecturer, Prof. James Korthals, presented “The Freedom of the Will in the Radical Reformation.” The third lecture, given by Dr. John Maxfield, was entitled “The Freedom of the Will in Catholic Reform and Counter Reformation.”
In his greatest work on the human will, The Bondage of the Will (De Servo Arbitrio), Martin Luther maintained that a rejection of the biblical doctrine of total depravity will always lead to synergism, work righteousness, and will ultimately destroy the chief doctrine of justification by faith alone. Luther praised Erasmus for criticizing his insistence on total depravity because it indicated that Erasmus understood the substance of Luther’s teaching. He exclaimed, “You have seized me by the throat” (“ipsum iugulum petisti” [LW 33:294]). The teaching of freedom of choice on the part of Erasmus led to synergism and ripped the jugular out of the central article of the faith.
The complete lectures will be published in the March issue of the Lutheran Synod Quarterly.
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10/12/08
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2008 Fall Recruitment Night A Success
Twice a year, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, Minnesota, holds recruitment nights to encourage young men to come see what seminary life is like. This Fall our seminary night was held on October 12. The Rev. John A. Moldstad, STM, gave a presentation entitled The Pastor's Relationship to His Synod which highlighted the various activities and programs which pastors and congregations participate in by way of their synodical affiliation. Rev. Moldstad is the president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), the church body which owns and operates Bethany Seminary and consists of over 20,000 members spread throughout the United States.
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8/25/08
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Bethany Seminary 2008-09 Academic Year Begins
Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, Minnesota, began classes this year with a day of orientation on August 25, 2008. A brief chapel service was conducted in the Good Shepherd Chapel by Prof. Michael K. Smith, the Dean of Students and Professor of New Testament. He emphasized that, much like finding the prize in a cereal box, the students and faculty of the seminary must keep their eyes on the final prize of eternal life in heaven. Additionally, the students of this institution have the extra responsibility of preparing for the ministry of helping others to keep their eyes on that final eternal prize.
This year the seminary serves a student body of 23 full-time students and 1 part-time student. There are 6 juniors, 4 middlers, 9 seniors, and 4 vicars. Three of the students are international students from India and Korea.
Prof. Michael K. Smith is teaching Galatians, Parish Administration & Counseling, Hermeneutics, and Homiletics III. Dr. Thomas Kuster is teaching two communication courses and Homiletics I, Prof. Gaylin Schmeling is teaching Christology, Christian Denominations, and Homiletics II. Prof. Adolph L. Harstad, Professor of Old Testament, is on sabbatical this semester.
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8/23/08
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2008 Seminary Opening Picnic
Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, Minnesota, opened its 2008-2009 academic year with an opening picnic on August 23, 2008. The seminary faculty, student body, spouses, children, and not a few special guests assembled for food and fellowship. President Gaylin Schmeling opened the festivities with a brief devotion, followed by introducing the members of the student body and their wives. Entertainment was presented in the form of a satirical liturgical fashion show, and delicious food was provided by everyone who attended.
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6/15/08
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2008 Seminary Graduation Exercises
On June 15, 2008, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, Minnesota, officially concluded their 2007–2008 academic year by conducting the graduation service for this year’s vicars. After completing three years of graduate-level study in the classroom and a one year vicarage (comparable to an internship) under an experienced pastor, three men were presented to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod as Candidates of Theology, each earning a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree. These men were H. Boyd Longshore, who has been assigned to be the pastor of Forest and Zion Lutheran Churches in Forest City and Thompson, Iowa; Brian Klebig, who has been assigned to be the pastor of New Life Lutheran Church in Sebring, Florida; and Bobby Oberg, who is awaiting an assignment. The Rev. David Russow of Redeeming Grace Lutheran Church, Rogers, Minnesota, preached the sermon and the Rev. Gaylin Schmeling of the seminary conducted the liturgy and graduation exercises with the Rev. Dr. J. Kincaid Smith representing the seminary Board of Regents.
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6/3–5/08
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CELC 15th Anniversary
Lutherans from around the world gathered at Kiev Ukraine from June 3-5 for the 5th triennial convention of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference, the international fellowship of Lutheran churches of which the ELS is a member. The conference included several essays presented by many pastors of our broader fellowship all centered on the theme of "Make Known God's Manifold Wisdom!" This conference also marked the 15th anniversary of the CELCs founding in 1993. To celebrate this anniversary a short history of the CELC has been prepared by the Rev. Gaylin Schmeling, president of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, Minnesota. The history can be downloaded on the seminary's website.
Click here to download a copy of the history.
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5/15/08
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2008 Seminary Call Day
On May 15, 2008, after a day of presentations from last year's out-going vicars and other synodical officials, the Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary community gathered at Bethany Lutheran College's Trinity Chapel for the annual call service to find out where both our new Candidates of Theology and vicars are going to be moving. The Rev. Gaylin Schmeling, seminary president, presided over the divine service and the Rev. Erling Teigen preached.
Candidates:
Brian Klebig - New Life Ev. Luth. Church, Sebring, FL
H. Boyd Longshore - Forest and Zion Ev. Luth. Churches, Forest City and Thompson, IA
Robert Oberg - To be assigend
Vicars:
Christian Eisenbeis - King of Grace Ev. Luth. Church, Waukon, IA
Peter Faugstad - Parkland Ev. Luth. Church, Tacoma, WA
Kyle Madson - St. John's Ev. Luth. Church, Frankenmuth, MI
Luke Ulrich - Our Savior's Ev. Luth. Church, Albert Lea, MN
Special:
Nicholas Proksch - Our Savior's Ev. Luth. Church, Roseau, MN (summer vicarage)
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3/24/08
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2008 Pastor's Institute
The annual Pastor's Institute of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary has been held in various locations throughout the country in order to make it possible for more of our pastors to attend. This year the institute took place at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lakeland, Florida, March 24-25, 2007.
This year's institute included two presentations. The first presentation was a history of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference, the international body of Lutheran churches of which the ELS is a founding member. The presentation was entitled Make Known the Manifold Wisdom of God. The second presentation was on the life and work of Paul Gerhardt, the renowned Lutheran hymnist and theologian. These presentations were delivered by Prof. Gaylin Schmeling.
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2/16/08
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2008 Seminary Marriage Retreat
The Seminary Marriage & Parsonage Retreat took place on February 16, 2007. Prof. Michael and Anita Smith gave a presentation on time management in the parsonage. This retreat is made possible through a special grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The purpose of this seminar is to prepare the students and their families for life in the parsonage and to increase their awareness of Christian service.
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2/10/08
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Recruitment Night, Spring 2008
This spring our seminary night was held on February 10. Rev. Daniel Basel gave a presentation entitled Why I am Thankful For and Love the Public Ministry.
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12/7/07
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2007 Seminary Christmas Party
Pres. and Mrs. Schmeling invited many guests and friends to their house for the annual seminary Christmas party on December 7, 2007. The guests enjoyed food and drink with the good company of their fellow classmates, coworkers, and associates. The food and fellowship was enjoyed by all.
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10/25/07
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2007 Reformation Lectures: Paul Gerhardt
The 40th Annual Reformation Lectures were held October 25–26, 2007. This year our theme was: The Life and Work of Paul Gerhardt—400th Anniversary.
The two lectures were:
Lecture I
Paul Gerhardt: Pastor and Theologian, by Professor Gaylin Schmeling, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, MN
Lecture II
Paul Gerhardt: Poet and Hymn Writer, by Dr. Carlos Messerli, retired professor of Lutheran Music and director of the Luther Summer Music Institute
The Reformation Lectures centered in the important contribution that Paul Gerhardt made to the Lutheran Church and Lutheran hymnody. In his hymns, sermons and other writings, the Gospel always predominates as he applies that Gospel truth to the burdens and struggles of the Christian’s life. He faced the Christian cross, and his hymns offer comfort as we face the Christian cross. His enemies considered him to be as thickheaded as a mule and as stubborn as one, but his friends knew that his strong convictions were based on the salvific Word of the Lord. This divine, sifted in Satan’s sieve, is indeed the sweet singer of Lutheranism.
Each lecture was followed by a panel discussion. The panel members were the Rev. Jerome Gernander, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church, Princeton, Minnesota; the Rev. Thomas Rank, pastor at Center and Scarville Lutheran Churches, Scarville, Iowa; Prof. Mark Harstad, professor at Bethany Lutheran College; and Prof. Dennis Marzolf, professor at Bethany Lutheran College.
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10/14/07
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Recruitment Night, Fall 2007
This fall our seminary night was held on October 14. Dr. Thomas Kuster gave a presentation entitled The Pastor: A man of words, A man of the Word.
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8/27/07
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New Seminary Academic Year
Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary began its new school year with an
opening service on August 27 in Good Shepherd Chapel. Dr. Thomas Kuster,
basing his message on the account of the transfiguration recorded in Mark
9:29, urged students not to be distracted from the focus of their work.
Dr. Kuster displayed souvenirs from Bethlehem and related experiences
visiting Biblical sites in Israel to illustrate how some people lose proper
focus by believing that such items and places convey a special holiness, and
a feeling of being "close to Jesus." Peter lost focus on the transfiguration
mount by suggesting that the place should be venerated. But Jesus set the
example on the way down the mountain by continuing to focus solely on His
work, the redemption of the world, which He would accomplish also for each
of us by His death and resurrection. We then should not be distracted by the
self-importance of being in the seminary or becoming a pastor, but instead
focus on our God-assigned work. Nothing brings us "closer to Jesus" than
attaching children to Him in baptism, distributing His true body and blood
to believers in His Supper, and putting the word of the Gospel into the ears
of those who by it are built up in faith. God in His grace has made that
work ours, and it deserves our full attention.
The teaching staff for the seminary this coming year is as follows: Adolph Harstad, Thomas Kuster, Michael Smith, Erling Teigen, and Gaylin Schmeling. Professor Harstad will teach our Old Testament classes; Professor Smith will teach our New Testament classes; Professor Kuster will teach communication; Professor Teigen will teach dogmatics; and Professor Schmeling will teach history courses.
The seminary enrollment this year numbers twenty-two. There are three vicars, four seniors, nine middlers, five juniors, and one part-time student. The vicars are Brian Klebig at Abiding Shepherd Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin; Boyd Longshore at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, Minnesota; and Robert Oberg at Redeeming Grace Lutheran Church, Rogers, Minnesota.
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8/25/07
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Opening Picnic, 2007
On Saturday, August 25, 2007, the Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary staff and student body held the picnic inaugurating the opening of the 2007-2008 academic year. After a brief devotion and prayer was given by Pres. Gaylin Schmeling the crowd was entertained by the guitar playing of Prof. Adolph Harstad, who sang several songs from the "oldies" era of American music, and the Seminary Bingo game held by Prof. and Mrs. Michael Smith. The main speaker for the event was the Rev. Craig Ferkenstad, pastor of our Norseland/Norwegian Grove Parish, who presented on the peculiarities of Norwegian church practices. The meal was a potluck provided by the many people who came and fellowship was enjoyed by all.
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6/17/07
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2007 Graduation
On Sunday evening, June 17, 2007, Trinity Chapel was filled for the graduation service of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary. President Gaylin Schmeling served as liturgist, Mr. John Baumann was the organist, and Professor Adolph Harstad preached the graduation sermon. His text was Luke 2:52 with the theme “Jesus Grew—How About You?”
The Rev. J. Kincaid Smith, representing the Board of Regents, presented diplomas to Candidates of Theology Dale Jaech, Michael Muehlenhardt, Daniel Oberer and Andrew Schmidt.
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5/10/07
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2007 Assignments
The call service for Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary was held on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at Trinity Chapel of Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota. This year 7 assignments were made:
Candidates:
Michael Muehlenhardt - Christ Ev. Luth., Klamath Falls, OR
Daniel Oberer - Hope Luth. Mission, Farmington, MN
Andrew Schmidt - Peace Ev. Luth., Lakeland, FL
Vicars:
Brian Klebig - Abiding Shepherd Luth., Cottage Grove, WI
H. Boyd Longshore - Our Savior's Ev. Luth., Albert Lea, MN
Robert Oberg - Redeeming Grace Luth. Mission, Rogers, MN
Special:
Christian Eisenbeis - Czech Ev. Luth. Church, Plzen, Czech Republic
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