We Need One Another!

By President Rich Gurgel NWC ’81, WLS ’86

President Richard Gurgel“Do your best to come to me quickly, [Timothy,] for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:9-11)

These are some remarkable words of Paul. They are among the final words we have from his inspired pen before that pen was silenced by Rome’s death sentence.

Paul Needed Timothy’s Encouragement: What stands out is how much Paul cherished the support and encouragement of his fellow Christians. Yes, it’s true: when necessary, Paul knew how to stand all alone against those who opposed him and the gospel. During what Paul called his “first defense” before Nero, everyone deserted him and he did stand alone—but not completely alone, for he knew his Lord Jesus was standing by his side to rescue him (2 Timothy 4:16-18).

Yet here’s what Paul’s strong plea for Timothy to come to Rome reveals: Paul understood that God’s typical way of providing his gospel’s comfort, support, and encouragement is through other people, specifically brothers and sisters in Christ. Just as we thank God that our Lord Jesus took on flesh to become our brother, so we are also thankful when our brothers and sisters in Christ come to our side to bring us God’s strength.

In our Lutheran Confessions, Martin Luther spoke highly of this gift: “the mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters” (Smalcald Articles, III, article 4). Luther knew this is God’s usual way of bringing to us the comfort of his gospel.

Called Workers Need Mutual Encouragement: Our synod has made significant strides in demonstrating the importance of this “mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters” for called workers out in the field. We can see that in the New Teacher Induction (NTI) program at MLC, which pairs new teachers with a mentor for the first two years of ministry. And we see it in the Pastor Partners Mentoring initiative through Grow in Grace at our seminary, which provides new pastors with a peer pastor encourager during the first three years of parish ministry.

Mutual Encouragement in This Issue: We hope, as you peruse the articles in this edition of InFocus, you will see how we make use of the “mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters” for the benefit of everyone who is part of our campus family. Here’s what you’ll read:

  • New Teacher Induction: You’ll see this mutual conversation and consolation in an interview with a new teacher who learned so much from her mentor in the New Teacher Induction program.
  • Early Ministry Experience: You’ll see it in the report of the new Early Ministry Experience (EME) we are providing for preseminary students. As these young men keep their eyes on the goal of ministry, EME connects them to active parish pastors, older brothers already serving in ministry, who give them very personal encouragement.
  • Student Teaching: You’ll sense that mutual conversation and consolation as you read about the critical mentorships that develop during student teaching. As our education majors approach graduation and their first assignment, they often form deep and encouraging relationships with their cooperating teachers.
  • Professor Mentors: You’ll be grateful to God as you read about that mutual conversation and consolation in some of our graduates’ comments about the professors who mentored them while they were here on campus.
  • Student Ambassadors: You’ll also sense it as you read about the Student Ambassadors in our Admissions Office as they get to know and interact with high school students who are considering pursuing the public ministry at MLC.
  • Scholarships: And of course, while we may not label this as “mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters,” the scholarships and other special gifts you’ll read about in this issue are very much that same encouragement being given. Every gift proclaims that the gospel matters, and that preparing a new generation to share that gospel with others matters. Every student who benefits from these gifts is encouraged on their path toward public ministry.

Pursuing Excellence logoThank You: And finally, allow me to say “thank you” to all of you who are taking the time to read this edition of MLC InFocus. We know that your interest is reflected in multiple ways: in your prayers for our students, faculty, and staff; in the words of encouragement you speak to us; and in your gifts, which enable us to carry out the mission of our WELS College of Ministry.

God uses all such “mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters” to help us Pursue Excellence Under the Cross as we prepare pastors, teachers, and staff ministers to meet WELS ministry needs.

For that we are profoundly grateful to God.

For that we are profoundly grateful to you.