LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 316

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316 HIGHER EDUCATION

nary students into the program. Many of the junior colleges,
needing larger enrollments in order to maintain a viable aca-
demic and financial program. expanded their college enroll-
ments by adding more students in teacher training programs
and in general education programs, thus considerably changing
the character of the student body, curriculum, and ultimately
the faculty. As a result of these changes the style of education
has lost some of the special preministerial character it once
held. A planned system of preministerial education no longer
provides a single route into the seminary or pastoral ministry.
Larger and larger numbers of students enter the seminaries
without having experienced the specially designed preseminary
liberal arts education available at the Senior College.

In order to maintain a special synodical program of pre-
seminary education and maintain a viable and economical
educational institution at Fort Wayne. Concordia Senior College
proposes a 4-year ministries education on its campus which
would consolidate and strengthen the highly integrated and
articulated single-purpose programs specifically designed for
the student preparing for the pastoral ministry and complement
this program with a selected range of additional church minis-
tries programs.

A 4-year preseminary program at Concordia Senior College
is eminently feasible since the Fort Wayne college more than
any other synodical school possesses the resources of presemi-
nary education described above. Since the Senior College
already holds the appropriate state charter and regional ac-
creditation by the North Central Association, the addition of the
first two college years would be relatively easy to accomplish.
Synod might expect from a 4-year preseminary program at
Concordia Senior College an undergraduate preseminary
program made increasingly viable again for college freshmen
and sophomores, a preseminary program more responsive to
changes in the seminary and to changing ministerial needs in
the church because it is centered on one institution. Ultimately
a 4-year preseminary program at Concordia Senior College
should help produce more pastors for the church.

In addition to the preseminary program the college proposes
to offer 4-year programs intended to prepare young men and
women for a variety of church work or Christian service voca-
tions at a preprofessional level. The college is presently explor-
ing the following areas for inclusion in a Christian service
studies program: social work. deaconess. youth and recreation
leadership, nursing. and general liberal arts. Each of these
programs serves to prepare for Christian service in either
church or community settings. Concordia Senior College's basic
aims and traditions in educating men for ministry provide
a suitable climate and setting for the development of these
programs. The college’s current curriculum provides most of
the essential academic ingredients such a program demands.
Campus facilities are more than adequate. The Fort Wayne
community provides an unusual set of resources for this pro-
gram.

In addition to the strengthening of the preseminary program
and the likelihood of increased numbers of graduates equipped
for service to the church, 4-year education at Concordia Senior
College could reasonably be expected to improve the college's
program in the following ways: increased enrollment with a
subsequent reduction in overhead and per-capita cost to the
church: the development of integrated ministries curricula
would be made easier; increased possibility of recruitment
for the ministries programs at all college levels and especially
at the important senior high school level: a more stable and
efficient student government and a greater “school spirit”
should result over a 4-year period compared with a 2-year
period. Adjustment problems to a new institution after the
sophomore college year would be eliminated.

Recommendation

WHEREAS. The traditional preseminary program has served
the church well for many vears and continues to offer the
thorough training in the skills and knowledge most valuable
for the seminary student and minister, as well as a means of
appropriate indoctrination and spiritual formation: and

WHEREAS. The junior college — senior college — seminary
system of ministerial education is currently undergoing radical

change as a result of recruitment and financial and other
pressures: and

WHEREAS. The expansion of teacher training and general
education programs on various synodical campuses has diluted
the traditional preseminary programs at these schools: and

WHEREAS. Concordia Senior College is the educational
institution in Synod in which the resources of the traditional
preseminary education survive most notably: and

WHEREAS. The Fort Wayne faculty itself is ministerially
trained and committed to preseminary education as its primary
although not exclusive task: and

WHEREAS. Concordia Senior College is equipped with physi-
cal and administrative resources for the task of preseminary
training: and

WHEREAS, Fort Wayne's educational, religious, and social
service institutions present opportunities for broadened services
to students: therefore be it

Resolved. That the Senior College develop and implement
a 4-year preseminary program for the 1976—77 school year:
and be it further

Resolred. That this program be complemented with a
selected range of additional church ministries programs in
consultation with the Board for Higher Education.

Board of Control
Herbert G. Bredemeier, Executive Officer
Elwood H. Zimmermann. Chairman

6-12

Concordia Lutheran Junior College
Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Reformers and the fathers of our Synod recognized the
critical importance of an education that was thoroughly Chris-
tian. Understandings founded and rooted in the message of
the Scriptures were desirable goals for which teachers and the
whole church would strive together.

Our rapid movement into the final quarter of the 20th century
presses upon our church and its places of education the call
for a strong reaffirmation of the importance of the Christian
education of the young. Here is a cause that dares us to be
bold. that calls us to be innovative, that drives us to move for-
ward with confidence and trust in our Lord Jesus.

In the past biennium, faculty. students, and staff of Con-
cordia, Ann Arbor, have worked together toward the achieve-
ment of the high goals and expectations that the Synod has for
all its schools. Whatever the achievements have been and what-
ever progress has been made reflects the commitment, church-
manship, and faith of individuals determined to work together.
But there is more. It is recognized that without the presence,
blessing, and kindness of our gracious God little that is worth.
while would have been accomplished. The Concordia com-
munity joyfully affirms, “To God alone the glory!”

The Board of Control

Service willingly given has characterized the men who
function as members of Concordia's Board of Control. Their
faithfulness, insights, and careful direction have insured steady
and ordered development of the college program.

Two members of the board were called by their Creator to
live in His presence: Mr. Walter E. Senne of Bay City, Mich..
served as a teacher member of the board from 1969 to 1973.
Mr. William C. Gast of St. Joseph, Mich., served as a lay mem-
ber of the Board from 1966 to 1974. The service of both of these
men was marked by a high degree of commitment to the Savior.
the Synod, and Concordia.

Two new members have been added to the board as replace-
ments: Mr. Justin C. Schwartz, principal of Emmanuel Lutheran
School, Dearborn, Mich.: and Mr. Robert O. Schoenherr, a
layman from Ludington, Mich.

The Office of President

The first president called to serve at Concordia was Dr. Paul
A. Zimmerman. He assumed his duties in the closing months
of 1961. Under his capable leadership and direction the campus
was designed and constructed, a faculty was gathered, and the
first class was enrolled. The program continued to develop, and