Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 1969 · 48th Convention › Page 262
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 262

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

262 HIGHER EDUCATION

all around, and led to specific proposals for short-range
and long-range action. At the time this report is being
prepared, the suggestions are under consideration by
task forces and various faculty committees. Coast-to-
coast and even foreign press, radio, and television cover-
age was achieved because of the positive way in which
students and faculty were working out problems, in di-
rect contrast to what was happening at the time on
many other campuses. The events turned out to pro-
vide a Christian witness to the whole country.

Advanced Education

We continue to be impressed with the caliber of stu-
dents who go on into advanced graduate programs
either at the seminary or in other schools for special
training. It is from this pooi of talent that our synodical
schools are drawing many candidates for their teaching
staffs, although many of the deferred candidates, upon
ordination, enter into the parish, where they can serve
as resources in their area of special training. There is a
concern in the church that too many of the students who
go on for graduate work never get into the service of
the church. This fear is not supported by the facts. It is
a rare occurrence that men drop out (less than a dozen
in 15 years), and even those who do drop out do so for
reasons other than any possible redirection resulting
from their graduate study.

Internship

In the interest of strengthening the supervision of
vicars the seminary is presently exploring the feasibility
of setting up intern centers around the country at which
vicars, or interns, would assemble regularly for half-
day sessions, frequently along with their supervisors.
The centers are intended to foster better development
of the vicars through a carefully devised program in
which seminary professors and local personnel will be
involved. Besides strengthening the supervision of the
vicars, the plan capitalizes on one of the chief discoveries
of clinical pastoral education which points up the value
of free interchange of ideas among peers in small
groups. With the seminary professor involved there is a
two-way benefit. The student will be helped to tie in his
vicarage experience with what he has learned at the
seminary. That is, he will be helped in working through
the theological principles behind his actual experiences.
The professor in turn will see the concrete realities to
which his teaching must be addressed both at the center
and, even more important, back at the seminary.

Spiritual Life

When, at the request of students and faculty, weekly
celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion was
instituted, a pastoral staff of six faculty members was
chosen by the students. The staff, together with the
dean of the chapel. has the charge of preaching and ad-
ministration at these weekly services and is available for
other pastoral needs associated with these services.

Attention has also been given to the seminary’s re-

sponsibility to help the students in the development of
their spiritual lives. Through a special foundation grant
the seminary initiated on its campus a study on the de-
velopment of the spiritual and devotional life in theo-
logical seminaries. Approaches to the implementation
of this study have been made possible through a second
grant. During the past year the faculty retreat has
focused on this area, and the faculty has devoted further
time to the discussion. both in full session and in small
groups. Student discussion has been initiated both in
course work in worship classes and by inclusion of the
subject in the recent seminary discussion days.

Cultural Activities

During the 1967—68 academic year a large-scale re-
search project was undertaken on the place of cultural
studies and activities in theological education. A sub-
stantial grant made it possible to employ a full-time di-
rector of the study for one year and to expand the in-
vestigation to make it useful to all Lutheran seminaries.
Under Dr. Warren Rubel the study was prepared and
conducted, and a full report was written. We are using
the findings of the report to stimulate the development
of our cultural program. Prof. Robert Werberig is serv-
ing as director.

The Faculty

Fifty-seven persons are at present serving full-time
on the faculty. This includes 25 professors, 12 associate
professors, 17 assistant professors, 1 instructor, and 2
full-time guest lecturers. The size of the faculty may
appear quite large, but since the seminary is responsible
for a variety of special educational services, a con-
siderable number of men with faculty status have been
prevailed upon to accept administrative assignments,
e.g., in field education, graduate studies, continuing
education, placement, library (2), correspondence
school, and the managing editorship of Concordia
Theological Monthly. These are in addition to the usual
administrative officers. The total number of adminis-
trators is equal to the service of approximately 11 men.
By special arrangement with the St. Louis State Hos-
pital we are able to have the half-time services of Rev.
Kenneth J. Siess, who assists us in the development of
courses in counseling. Two professors are on modified
service. Dr. Walter R. Roehrs retired from the faculty
with the honorary title of professor emeritus.

At the close of the present academic year Dr. Martin
H. Franzmann. Dr. Donald L. Deffner. and Rev. Nolan
R. Bremer will be leaving the teaching staff, having ac-
cepted calls and appointments in other areas of service.
Mr. James Michael left the services of the seminary in
October 1967 to accept an appointment with the Saint
Louis Public Library.

Five staff members have been added to the faculty
since 1967: Revs. Arlis J. Ehlen, Wi Jo Kang, Ralph W.
Klein, Duane P. Mehl, and Robert H. Smith. Rev. Paul
F. Goetting has recently accepted a call and will join
the staff in December 1969.

Associate Professors Walter J. Bartling, Robert W.