A Unique Foundation The Wisconsin Synod’s Approach to Seminary Training

1. A Unique FoundationThe Wisconsin Synod’s Approachto Seminary Training The WLS Alumni Society Meeting Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary September 16, 2013 Pastor Peter M. Prange

2. A Unique FoundationThe Wisconsin Synod’s Approachto Seminary Training “Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is inseparably bound to the parish. It trains men in the skill of applying the means of grace to the hearts and lives of sinners in a parish setting, rather than equipping men with a training intended for academic or professional pursuits.” President Armin Panning, “Our Primary Calling—Providing Pastoral Candidates,” Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly 85, no. 1 (Winter 1988): 14.

3. A Unique FoundationThe Wisconsin Synod’s Approachto Seminary Training How was this foundation laid? By whom?

4. A Unique FoundationThe Wisconsin Synod’s Approachto Seminary Training Johannes Muehlhaeuser Muehlhaeuser was not interested in or equipped for confessional battles, and often the battles revolved around forms rather than doctrine. He claimed that he had received “at least enough theological education to realize how little I know.” His winsome and evangelical manner had a profound influence on Pastors Johannes Bading (1854) and Philipp Koehler (1855) and has had a lasting influence on the synod

5. A Unique FoundationThe Wisconsin Synod’s Approachto Seminary Training The Circumstances Wisconsin Lutherans did not come to America as one people for confessional reasons Many Wisconsin congregations were not gathered first by pastors. Pastors were only sought afterwards and circumstances were not ideal The first Wisconsin pastors were missionaries not theologians, and they did extensive gathering of people The Wisconsin Synod was far from monolithic, requiring a patient, evangelical approach

6. A Unique FoundationThe Wisconsin Synod’s Approachto Seminary Training Pastor-Missionary Models & Training

7. A Unique FoundationThe Wisconsin Synod’s Approachto Seminary Training Pastor-Missionary Models & Training Pastor-missionary perspective (“Preach the gospel!”) Proper scriptural and confessional understanding Avoided the often deadly formalism (worship and office) of the Old Lutherans They were not primarily theologian-scholars but pastoral Seelsorgers

8. A Unique FoundationThe Wisconsin Synod’s Approachto Seminary Training Pastor-Missionary Models & Training Johann Christian Wallmann (1811-1865)

9. A Unique FoundationThe Wisconsin Synod’s Approachto Seminary Training The WLS Alumni Society Meeting Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary September 16, 2013 Pastor Peter M. Prange