Thorough Theological Training
MLC preseminary students understand the honor and privilege of gospel ministry.
David Fenske (Our Savior-Brookings SD, pictured), for instance, spent a semester in Ireland, where, for the first time in his life, he met people who’d never heard the gospel. “I learned what it truly means for someone to need Jesus,” he said.
He’s excited to share Jesus in his own congregation one day—administering Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, preaching and proclaiming, convicting and comforting, shepherding from font to funeral.
Such a significant task requires thorough training, and we’ve been providing that training since 1865: theology, biblical languages, and the liberal arts—all within an environment of meaningful mentoring.
“There’s a different attitude at MLC,” David says. “You are growing and developing to become a part of something bigger than yourself.” Pictured: 2025 preseminary graduates.
First-Years Get Early Ministry Experience
It’s an eight-year road. From their first steps on MLC’s campus, preseminary students have four years here and another four at seminary. To encourage them for the journey, we’ve developed the Early Ministry Experience, which places them into a congregation for a few days their very first year of college.
Evan Otto (St. John-St. Paul MN) and Jeremiah Bain (Martin Luther-Oshkosh WI) spent a few days over J-Term at Christ Lutheran in Denver.
“The most important thing I learned about the pastoral ministry,” said Evan, “is the importance of being present and faithful to your congregation. The joy the members have when they see Pastor Biedenbender and Vicar Bain stems from something deeper than a friendship. These are the people whom God uses as tools to share his gospel in the city of Denver. I feel so blessed to be studying for the pastoral ministry. The Early Ministry Experience gave me a great look ahead to what, God willing, I will be doing seven years down the road.”
Pictured: Abel Bain MLC ’22, Jeremiah Bain, Evan Otto, Pastor Paul Biedenbender MLC ’01, WLS ’05
New Curriculum Options
We could call it a “minor change.” In a curriculum expansion, our preseminary students will continue to major in biblical languages and theology, but will have more options for their minor or emphasis.
We’re no longer requiring them to minor in a nonbiblical language: Latin, German, Latin and German, or Spanish. Now they can also choose history, English, music, or science.
Be assured, though, that we recognize the significance of Latin and German. In fact, the preseminary faculty has established the Confessional Language Scholarship Fund and Endowment Fund to support and encourage students to study these languages of the Reformation, the languages our greatest theologians spoke and wrote.
Pictured: Jason Horn (Reformation-San Diego) and Matthew Koelpin (Calvary-Dallas) work on their German homework.
