Around the Tower Feature Story 3 Drowning Pastors: Th E Cost of Seminary Patrick Gumz We Are Drowning Men...Drowning in Our Debt

Arroundound the Toowerwer A Student Publication of Concordia Seminary Spring Edition - Two Th ousand and Eleven Around the Tower Feature Story 3 Drowning Pastors: Th e Cost of Seminary Patrick Gumz We are drowning men...drowning in our debt. Th e water is deep and is only gett ing deeper. Th is article proposes radical changes on all levels, from the student to the synod, in order to foster discussion among our ranks to see that the current system is unsustainable. Content 8 Movie Review: Th e Social Network Patrick Fertitt a 10 Music Review: Sanctus Real, “Pieces of a Real Heart” Chad Elfe 12 Athletics: Preacher Basketball Andrew Wilson 15 Phase One Renovations 16 Student I.D. Eric Hutchison 18 Pro-Life or Life Affi rming? Joe Seifert 21 Lett er from Student Association President Joshua Errer 22 Sermon: We Get to Rejoice Dallas Dubke 27 Refl ections on a Seminary Career Ted Hopkins 31 A Piece of Stone History Dr. Bob Caldwell 39 Th e Last Word Carl Deardoff , Editor Spring Edition - Two Th ousand and Eleven DrowTHE COST OF SEMINARYn

We are drowning men. We have been thrown into the ocean with stones tied around our ankles and we are barely treading water. We are drowning in our debt. Th e only thing that keeps us from sinking is a sliver of wood called the hope of future employment and benefi ts. More and more of us are beginning to realize that the fi nancial cost of this endeav- or is higher than the return invest- ment. All of us know that we did not enter seminary in order to make the big bucks. We came to be shepherds of a lost fl ock living in a broken world. We knew before signing the application that seminary would be expensive, but we are a group of men committ ed to the ministry even if it results in poverty to some degree.

Th is article has a two-fold purpose. First to expose how deep the water is and how it is only gett ing deeper. Second is to propose radical changes on all levels from the student to the synod in order to foster discussion among our ranks to see that the current system is unsustainable. Feature Story ning PastorsBY PATRICK GUMZ

Let’s start with a single number and break the sake of convenience assume $200 a it down into its parts. $116,352. Th is is month from both for four years which cuts the approximate amount paid by all parties $19,200. Th is leaves the single seminarian to make the lowest cost single student a to pay $51,319. Th ere are of course other pastor. Here is how it breaks down: factors and numbers that can move the cost up and down. Some districts and home 119 credit hours x $585 an hour = congregations pay much more than $200 a $69,615 month , but some don’t (sorry PSW district 9 qtrs. of tech fee x 105 = students). Th ere are also scholarships $945 from congregations within your district 1 year of vicarage tuition and fees = and other parties that can help the overall $11,109 cost. For the sake of ease let’s assume that 9 qtrs. of double room for single student the cost per year to the single seminarian @ $2,043/qtr = $18,387 is $17,000. Th at means every year you are 4 years of CHP health insurance = a residential student at St. Louis you are $10,896 required to pay at least $17,000 out of your Anticipated books and supplies @ pocket. Th at is the amount of money you $1,800/year = $5,400 are responsible to make with your pre-sem Total = $116,352 degree and three months of summer work.

Now, I said it was the cost to all parties For the married student and the married not to the seminarian because we receive a student with children all other costs go up substantial amount of aid in our four years. besides tuition and books. Health insur- Vicarage year is practically paid for by the ance, housing, and food costs go up, way congregation you serve which eliminates up. Beyond these added expenses students $13,833. Th e seminary through its grants have travel costs, car payments, and other and adopt-a-student program covers ap- living expenses. With all these expenses the proximately $32,000. Th en there is home most popular way to pay for everything is to congregation and district aid which for take out loans. 3 Th e average amount of student loan taken aid budget by $35,000 this past year. Th e by a seminarian is $26,144 over the course economy continues to aff ect the gift s given of 4 years. If you ask many seminarians they by individuals and groups. Enrollment is typically take the max amount available decreasing which causes income for the every year which is $20,500 or $61,500 for seminary to decrease while costs stay high. the three years here. Over the last four years It is hard to imagine that the current situa- the average percent of students taking loans tion is sustainable for the future, even if the is a litt le over 70%. In the last four years we economy improves. have sent out 335 graduates with an average of $26,000 in debt. Th at is $8,750,000 owed Th e debt to future income ratio is also an to the government by the newest pastors in area of concern. According to the LCMS our synod. Th ese are the same pastors who Ministerial Growth and Support website, are gett ing married, starting families, and they suggest that in order to have healthy trying to buy houses. fi nances it is best to keep “In the last four years your total debt to income Th ere is one last number ratio under 38%. With that is diff erent for each we have sent out 335 many districts guidelines person in regards to stu- graduates with an sett ing the starting salary dent loans, undergrad. A average of $26,000 in at approximately $32,000 majority of students here with other benefi ts like went to a Concordia for debt... these are the housing and health insur- their undergrad. Accord- same pastors who are ance, debt repayment ing to their websites the gett ing married, start- may be very diffi cult. Not sample cost without fi nan- only debt repayment but cial aid of four years of col- ing families, and try- purchasing a house with lege is between $128,000- ing to buy houses.” a credit score burdened 140,000. It could be even with copious amounts of more for those not att ending Concordia educational debt can become strenuous if schools. It’s hard to assume it is possible for not impossible. Th ere may also be stu- students to graduate without debt. dents struggling with credit card debt and car loans. All of a sudden that percentage All of these numbers assume the cost of the begins to get into the 50’s and 60’s and extra present year extrapolated over time, but income is necessary, but diffi cult to acquire the costs are not staying the same. Under- without a hard working spouse. grad continues to become more expensive. Since 2001 seminary tuition has increased Now, I am very pleased with the education seven times and is increasing again next I have received here and take great pride in year by fi ve percent. eTh synod and dis- the academic standards at our seminaries. tricts continue to cut spending. My home Th e four year program is great in terms of district, Indiana, cut their church worker time spent preparing for the ministry, but Feature Story it is time to explore alternatives to this program. Beyond just alternatives, resolutions and system changes would be required for any system either current or proposed.

Moving from simple to radical, here are some suggestions: 1)Uniform or minimum district and congregational aid. I mentioned the Pa- cifi c Southwest District (PSW) earlier for one reason; it is the most affl uent district, but sends seminarians the least amount of aid. Having either uniform aid or a bare minimum would require districts and congregations to properly budget to support their seminarians. 2)Require all calling congregations to have a seminary debt fund. If a congregation is planning to call a seminarian in the future they should budget money to assist in paying off his education. Every year the new pastor is there, they receive assistance in paying their loans off . 3) Establish a synod loan fund similar to the LCEF in which seminarians can take low interest loans from the synod. Instead of taking government subsidized and unsubsidized loans or worse private loans from Sallie Mae, seminarians benefi t from ultra-low interest loans governed by their non-profi t church. 4)Require a bachelor’s degree in education or other trade skill prior to entering seminary so that seminarians can earn money either before entering seminary or during seminary or aft er seminary before taking a full time call. Th is is not a worker priest, but someone using a skill in order to pay off debt prior to serving as a congregation’s pastor. 5 5)Change seminary program to 5 year B.A. and M.Div. program without fi eld ed. and all seminarians serve as assistant pastors for a few years before taking other calls.

I want to take some time and discuss proposal #5. Th is proposal is based off something off ered at Purdue University for engineering students. At Purdue an engineer can take three and a half years earning a mechanical or electrical engineering degree, then a year and a half to earn an M.B.A. Th is results in two degrees in fi ve years with minimum debt and higher entering salaries. What proposal 5 entails is that high school graduates come to seminary and earn a B.A. in religious education or counseling then an M.Div. Aft er completing the fi ve year program, the student is called to a congregation to serve as an assistant pastor in order to complete the forming process and mature. By doing all fi ve years at one theological school the student can cover both languages, introductory and advanced theological classes from the same profes- sors, have the skills to teach the fl ock both young and old and develop communication skills. Th is is then followed with in the fi eld education which allows the student to as- sess strengths and weaknesses while able to be ordained and participate in all activities within the church.

With only fi ve years of education the total cost to the student is cut drastically and with immediate employment he begins making money even sooner. Beyond that if a student wants to pursue further education he is not saddled with so much prior debt. Feature Story I also think that this cannot be the only We cannot ignore the problem of student program in the synod. Th ere would be a debt and the cost of preparing for the need for a second career path and a path for ministry. It will cripple our fi nancial futures those entering the ministry with a diff er- putt ing burdens on our families and our ent bachelor’s degree from other private or congregations. To continue acting like public schools. nothing is wrong or to allow our synod to treat us like we have suffi cient resources to Th e fi nal result of proposal 5 is a young man pay for seminary will only lead to disaster coming to seminary and learning pastoral and the further drowning of our pastors skills and theology for fi ve years, leaving St. and students. If the combined total cost by Louis accruing half the cost, then enter- all parties for one system trained pastor is ing the ministry under an experienced $250,000+ we need to look long and hard supervisory or head pastor in which to at other options and alternatives and have a hone skills before becoming a sole pastor. real discussion. If a weakness is discovered, then there are the continuing education programs and ***Numbers and calculations are taken from the Aca- distance classes that can help students in demic Catalog 2010-2011, fi nancial aid information sheets, and a personal interview with the fi nancial aid specifi c areas. Also, if the student fi nds the offi ce. Other non-seminary numbers are taken from ministry overwhelming or not for him, he various synod, district, and university websites. may fall back on his teaching or counseling degree to continue to serve in the church instead of only a pre-sem or even worse a philosophy degree.

Th ese are a few ideas to improve the situation of future seminarians and to expose current seminarians to the cost and debt facing them. Th ere are plenty of resources for current seminarians to bett er manage their fi nances. Student Services frequently off ers courses on budgeting and debt reduction. Th ey are also willing to discuss your fi nancial situation. ereTh are websites like nslds.ed.gov that can help you track your government loans. Th ere is the debt to income analysis calculator on the LCMS Ministerial Growth and Support website along with the salary guidelines to bett er estimate future income, benefi ts, and plan for debt repayment. 7 the social network

Patrick Fertitta reviews one of the most successful movies of 2010. “Th e Social Network” is a movie that in all providing a mood reminiscent of classic Film actuality needs no introduction. It’s a memoir Noir. Th is serves to further heighten the view- fi lm about Mark Zuckerburg, the founder ers experience. of Facebook. As boring as watching a movie about how another “nerd,” or “geek,” as they Both the dialogue and visual aspects work in have aff ectionately become known as today, tandem to subtly provide a backdrop for the takes an idea and turns it into a billion dollars exploration of the “dark side” of the social might seem, “Th e Social Network” is defi - experience. As a result the fi lm seems to beg nitely worth watching. for the engagement of the audience in a tête- à-tête about these realities. For this reason, David Fincher, the man behind such fi lms theologians will appreciate the deeper, silent as, “Se7ven”, and “Fight Club,” has done a conversation “Th e Social Network” has with bang-up job of making you not feel as though them, furrowing into issues such as greed, you’re watching the typical linear memoir moral responsibility, anger, manipulation, and fi lm. He creates a very edgy atmosphere with ultimately-pride. the use of clever dialogue and fl ashbacks. Fincher presents Zuckerburg (Jessie Eisen- Of course the interesting nature of the fi lm burg) as a tragically ironic fi gure, with an is that it is a “history” about a company, an almost savant-like mentality. His dialogue is individual, and an entire generation that is fast-paced, full of quippy remarks, and yet still being writt en today. It off ers not only a intelligently strung together. Every word he look inside of Facebook and Zuckerburg’s speaks fl uidly reacts with the others begging life, but it provides the foundation for a social the listener to deeply consider his remarks commentary on the generation to which we especially when they are most condescend- as theologians have been blessed with the task ing. Because of this, what would otherwise of carrying Jesus Christ. have been a monotonous, plodding two-hour storyline of legal depositions has come to feel Th e experience of “Th e Social Network” is more like a court-room thriller. one that should not be missed. Th ree and a half out of fi ve “likes.” Alongside the brilliant dialogue, Fincher presents a stunning visual aura as well. Th e artistic elements of the fi lm coupled with the cinematography have worked in concert Movie Review “You know, you really don’t need a forensics team to get to the bot- tom of this. If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you’d have invented Facebook.” -Mark Zuckerberg

“We lived on farms, then we lived in cities, and now we’re going to live on the internet!” -Sean Parker (Founder of Napster)

Sean Parker: “You don’t even know what the thing is yet. How big it can get, how far it can go. This is no time to take your chips down. A million dollars isn’t cool, you know what’s cool?” Eduardo: “A billion dollars.”

9 Chad Elfe reviews SANCTUS REAL’s latest cd, “Pieces of a Real Heart.”

In 2010 the band Sanctus Real quickly hit the top ten charts with songs from their new album release, “Pieces of a Real Heart.” It was a bold new step for the band as they sought to re-energize their music while holding strong to their deeply Christian lyrics. Th is album in some ways reverted back to their early days with a “pop rock” style and catchy rhythms. Th eir devotion to Christ is evident in songs like “Forgiven” where the band paints the picture of the struggle against sin in this life. “Forgiven” is very much the confession of one who knows the sin that plagues his past. Th e lyrics provide a comforting declaration of grace in the line “I don’t have to carry the weight of who I am, cause I’m forgiven.” Th e song communicates the theologi- Music Review cal truth that we are all a “treasure in the arms of Christ” as he is the one that SANCTUS REAL Lyrics for “Lead Me” grants forgiveness. I look around and see my wonderful life Almost perfect from the outside Th e song “Lead Me” is a great example In picture frames I see my beautiful wife of the struggle to be a devoted husband. Always smiling, but on the inside Lyrics like “Father, give me the strength I can hear her saying... to be everything I’m called to be … show “Lead me with strong hands me the way to lead them” and “Lead me Stand up when I can’t Don’t leave me hungry for love cause I can’t do this alone” are a personal chasing dreams, what about us? prayer for the eternal Father’s guidance in fulfi lling the vocation of husband and Show me you’re willing to ﬁ ght That I’m still the love of your life father. It’s a solid message targeted to I know we call this our home men, encouraging them to be strong But I still feel alone” devout fathers who do not run from the I see their faces look in their innocent eyes troubles of family life, but instead rest in They’re just children from the outside the “strong hands” of God to lead them I’m working hard I tell myself they’ll be ﬁ ne They’re in independent, but on the inside and their families. I can hear them saying...

“Lead me with strong hands Like many of their prior albums, the Stand up when I can’t men from Sanctus Real are not afraid Don’t leave me hungry for love to put their hearts on the line, no pun Chasing dreams but what about us? intended. “Pieces of a Real Heart” is truly Show me you’re willing to ﬁ ght a confession of the heart and soul of this That I’m still the love of your life I know we call this our home group. As you listen to the album you are But I still feel alone” brought into the imperfection present in the lives of the band itself. Th e lyrics So Father give me the strength To be everything I’m called to be invite you to consider your own sin and Oh Father show me the way earthly struggles while rejoicing in the To lead them promises of Christ. Many recent “Chris- Won’t You lead me? tian” bands have slipped into more “posi- To lead them with strong hands tive” lyrics to embrace secular culture, To stand up when they can’t Don’t want to leave them hungry for love but with unapologetic lyrics Sanctus Real Chasing things that I could give up invites their audience to place their trust I’ll show them I’m willing to ﬁ ght in Jesus Christ who can “keep our hearts And give them the best of my life alive.” By no means does this album con- So we can call this our home tain perfect “Lutheran” doctrine, but it Lead me ‘cause I can’t do this alone does present a clearly Christian message Father lead me ‘cause I can’t do this alone that speaks to our own Real Hearts. 11 Preacher Basketball By Andrew Wilson

Another entertaining Preachers’ basketball teams competed in a spirited Tug-of-War season is in the books. Th e season included contest. Th e fun didn’t end at the fi nal buzzer yet another two victories over northern rival either. Aft er the Preachers’ victory, Stelzer Fort Wayne CTS. entertained the crowd for an awe-inspiring 15 minutes of dribbling tricks, juggling skills, Th e second matchup between the two rivals and all-around thrilling basketball display capped off a memorable night of basketball from “Wil the Th rill.” All put together it’s during the annual Preacher Classic at Ped- what CSL fans have come to expect from a erson Fieldhouse in January. A season-best trip to the Preacher Classic. crowd of over 300 energetic fans watched as the Preachers took down the Kingsmen “For the seminary in general, it is a time to of Fort Wayne 59-44. With the two wins come to together in support of the team and this season, the Preachers haven’t lost to the grow as a community,” Stelzer shared. “People Kingsmen in over 20 contests. of all ages and walks of life intermingle, laugh, yell, and have a good time regardless of the “Th e Fort Wayne game is our March Mad- outcome.” ness,” said Concordia’s starting point guard and athletic director Wil Stelzer. “It’s when we Fourth-year players Matt Gonzalez, Joshua play with a higher amount of adreneline due Keinath, Ben Vogel, Scott Yount and Justin to the band, number of fans and activities. It’s Sponaugle all depart for their calls this spring, nice to see that our fans respect our commit- just as second-year players will be away next ment and dedication to being the best team year on their vicarage, but next season still and people we can be and genuinely want us promises to be another exciting ride. to excel.” “Th e basketball team is above all a family of Th e event featured much more than just the brothers that grow through good times and showdown between the two seminaries. hard times,” Stelzer said. “We learn the values Th e big-game atmosphere of the evening of teamwork, learning one’s role, humility, was enhanced by a full Preacher Pep Band and fi nding the right balance of being com- complete with complimentary brass sections petitive but making sure that our competitive- and even some drums, and a bass guitar. Th e ness does not detract from the joy of playing Preacher cheerleaders showed their support the game.” for the team throughout the game and led cheers for the Preachers at the half. Seminar- Preacher basketball workouts for the 2011- ians got to burn off some of their own excess 2012 season will begin in the fall quarter. energy during halft ime as various intramural Athletics 2010-2011 Preacher Roster Doug Bender Quincy, IL 10 Harry Smith Waco, TX 12 Tim Fraker New Braunfels, TX 14 Wil Stelzer Long Island, NY 15 Joshua Keinath Seymour, IN 23 Matt hew Gonzalez Bronx, NY 24 Ben Delin Litt leton, CO 25 Andrew Bayless Carroll, IA 34 Ben Vogel Shawano, WI 35 Clayton Sellers College Station, TX 44 Bart Rall Lakeville, MN 45 Justin Sponaugle Booneville, MO 50 Andrew Schlund Great Falls, MN 51 Jason Swan Lakewood, CO 54 Matt hew Lane St. Paul, MN 55

Coach Timothy Saleska

13 Preacher Superfan Proﬁ le By Andrew Wilson One CSL student who witnessed more Preacher Seidler and some of his friends take it upon games this past season than any other was “CSL themselves to make signs for each game of the Superfan” Benjamin Seidler. Th e second-year season. Th e colorful signs are oft en fashioned seminarian from Merrill, Wisconsin didn’t miss around the team the Preachers are playing that a home Preacher game this season and he even night. When Concordia played the St. Louis made it to several road contests. Decked out in College of Pharmacy, Seidler sported a sign that yellow from head to toe, it’s hard to miss Seidler read “Jesus is our Prescription.” Seidler designed and his enthusiasm at Preacher games, as he a special sign for the showdown against Fort leads the home crowd in cheers and sign-waving Wayne. “My sign making crew and I came up support of the players on the court. with a sign this year that had a green and yellow basketball bouncing off of the chapel at Fort “My voice never gets tired cheering for the Wayne right in to the basket,” Seidler explained. Preachers,” Seidler said. “I made it to every “It was representing that we were going to just home game this year, and made it to three or bounce right on past them and move into the four away games, there is no stopping the Super- championship game.” fan from going to the away games. With fans like Seidler, the Preachers know they have a strong support when they take the fl oor. Like many CSL fans, the Preacher Classic stands out as a season highlight to Seidler. “I would like to say thank you to the whole team “It was the biggest crowd that I have seen in the for their eff ort in playing again this season, and fi eldhouse in my two years here, it was great to thanks to everyone who showed up to cheer on see everyone come out for that game.” the team,” Seidler said. “It was great to see their team spirit. Go Green and Gold!”

“CSL Superfan” Ben Seidler alongside fellow stormtrooper show Athletics their support for the Preachers. DOCTOR OF DEMOLITION On Friday, March 18, 2011, Dr. Dale Meyer demolished a wall to clear the way for the beginning of the Phase One renovation project. For more information about how the campus of Concordia Seminary is changing, project details, and artistic ren- derings, visit, htt p://phaseone.csl.edu. Phase One 15 matic house church (for lack of a bett er/”Lutheran” phrase!), then went to a Lutheran-based Christian college. We att ended diff erent types of churches, including Assemblies of God, Evangelical-Free, and others, but while at Trinity Lutheran College was led by God’s good grace to join the LCMS. We joined a church on Mercer Island, WA roughly 2 years be- Where are you from? fore Seminary. Th ose two years gave me some Originally I am from Arlington Heights, IL, a preparation, guided by my late Pastor Bill northwest Chicago suburb. Clements, for the ministry. I did not preach much, but helped to lead worship and music What is your educational background? and Bible Study a bit. I originally went to college to study piano performance, but that did not pan out, due How did this activity infl uence your decision to to many diff erent circumstances. Roughly apply to the Seminary? two years later I would go back to college in Th e activities that led me towards seminary Issaquah, WA (outside of Seatt le) at Trinity were leading worship, preaching, and commu- Lutheran College (formerly, a Lutheran Bible nity life at my college. As well, my experience Institute). I would complete a 4-year B.A. in in a house church taught me that all of life was Biblical Studies. “ministry” per se. So I always planned to serve others and live out my faith in whatever ways What is an interesting fact I should know about I could. But all of my service, a leadership your life? steadily affi rmed my feelings, my gift s, and my I came to faith while living and studying at desires to be in ministry. a Christian Community / Study Center / Retreat Place called L’Abri (french for “the Who were some of the main infl uences in your shelter”) in southwest Switzerland. Th is decision to aspire to the Ministry? Christian community was founded by the late Th e main leaders of the house church in and great Dr. Francis Schaeff er, an evangelical Portland, particularly one couple. Th eir pas- pastor, teacher, and writer. Th at experience sion, their knowledge, their love was lived in would lead me (i.e. God did lead me) later to tangible ways. Th ey supported me with lots of a house church in Portland, OR which was time and prayer and fellowship and I wanted also a very important formative experience to live life like he (and they) did. Passionate for my faith. Christian worship leaders such a Keith Green and Rich Mullins also infl uenced me (despite How were you involved in your church? some of their non-Lutheran ways!). Seeing As an adult convert, I was involved in a charis- people with such passion to serve and reach Student I.D. the lost inspired me to have a faith life that was vibrant and infl uential to/for others.

Why did you come to Concordia Seminary? Quite simply, when I felt sure that God was leading me towards seminary, I had studied enough and learned enough about church history, Lutheran theology, etc. that I could not have considered any other seminary/de- nomination with which I could truly partner and submit to.

What is the most challenging aspect of seminary life? For me, spiritual life and growth is the most challenging, but not because the Seminary does not foster this. Rather, the responsibility and weight of becoming a spiritual leader is the most challenging reality of training for the pastorate.

How do you continue to grow in faith amid the rigors of Seminary study? For me personally, I have been intentional about seeking help and fellowship from other students and friends. Daily prayer and worship and daily involvement with my family is crucial. Having regular times to read Scripture and pray is important to my day to day life. Also, making time for my vocation as father and husband is eff ective, making the rest of life and my duties more pleasant.

The Profile of Eric Hutchison

17 PRO-LIFE or LIFE AFFIRMING? by Joe Seifert

One thing I have learned throughout my seminary education is the importance of language and how we use it. Whether I am endeavoring to tackle the challenging art of translating Greek and Hebrew, looking for the right words to eff ectively proclaim God’s Law & Gospel in a sermon, or searching for what to say when my wife asks me how a particular outfi t makes her look, the words I choose make a huge diff erence! So why are the words I choose so important? Word choice makes a diff erence because of the wide spectrum of conceptual signifi eds people receive from them of course. (Th ank you, Dr. Voelz!)

In my hermeneutics class here at the seminary I learned that when someone hears and/ or reads a word it evokes diff erent characteris- tics (conceptual signifi eds) for each individual. For example, I remember Dr. Voelz talking about using the metaphor of a rose. If I were to call my wife a rose I would hope that the conceptual signifi ed that she received was that she is beautiful or at least that she smells pleasant, rather than the conceptual signifi ed that she is sharp and thorny. eTh diffi cult problem we face is that no matt er what language we use we cannot control the conceptual signifi eds people have because every person has diff erent memories and experiences that aff ect the way they hear or read things. Life Team Creating a desire not only to defend the unborn but to lift up all aspects of life ministry

So why have I spent the last couple of the pro-life arena. So when I read in the daily paragraphs talking to you about conceptual announcements that a group was going to a signifi eds and hermeneutics? Well let me local Planned Parenthood to pray for those ask you, when you hear the involved with abortion and term, ‘pro-life,’ what con- “Let me ask you, when help convince women to ceptual signifi eds come to you hear the term, keep their children my inter- your mind? What images do est was piqued. Needless to you think this term evokes ‘pro-life,’ what concep- say, that Saturday morning for others? Hold onto those tual signifi eds come I had quite the experience. I thoughts and we will come did not expect to be so over- back to this later. to your mind? What whelmed by emotion, but as images do you think I faced the reality of families Now the reason I am writing this term evokes for bringing their children into this article is that I would that building to be slaugh- like to let you know a litt le others?” tered I remember shedding more about the life group a few tears and experiencing that has been present on this campus for the a great deal of sadness and compassion. From past several years and the future plans it has that time on, I got more involved with the for life ministry as it transitions into a life pro-life group on campus. team. Here is my short story of how I became introduced to the seminary life group. Before You may not know that such a group ex- I came to the seminary, I was a pro-life ists on campus, or if you do there is a good advocate. I believed that abortion was wrong chance that what you are most familiar with and that it killed an innocent human being. is that the group has been involved with these However, I had never been really involved in Saturday morning vigils at Planned Parent- 19 hood. However, through the leadership of me back to my thoughts on the language of Renee and her husband, Dr. Jeff Gibbs, the being pro-life. group here has put on many life events such as adoption workshops, post-abortive healing Th e term ‘pro-life’ carries a lot of baggage. seminars, bioethics classes led by our own When people hear this term, many conjure Dr. Weise, roundtable discussions, and many up images of angry protesters who are violent others. Th e Gibbs have and and judgmental. Oft en continue to do some won- “We desire to engage when one hears this term derful service regarding life in life ministry not out their mind jumps straight issues here on campus and to the narrow defi nition of in our community. How- of anger or guilt, but anti-abortion. Our life team ever, through the wisdom of out of joy for the abun- hopes to break these kinds fellow Presbyterian Pastor dant life that Jesus has of stereotypes by changing and President of Churches our language from pro-life for Life, Rev. Doug Merkey, already given to us.” to life affi rming. We desire they have decided to trans- to engage in life ministry fer the leadership to the students and other not out of anger or guilt, but out of joy for the seminary community members in order to abundant life that Jesus has already given to best sustain the ministry. Rev. Doug Merkey us. And we desire not only to defend the un- has assisted us in forming what he calls a life born from abortion, but to lift up all aspects team. Renee and Dr. Gibbs have now taken of life ministry whether that means donating on advisory roles and our life team has just diapers or educating people about sexual recently established its offi cers: purity, adoption, or parenting.

Life Team President-1st year seminarian, And fi nally, the seminary life team wants to James Conrad (wife Katie) be a team, not a lone ranger outfi t. erefore,Th Life Team Vice President-Patt i Martinal we invite you to come to one of our meetings, (husband Tim 1st year seminarian) and if you are interested take the life team Life Team Secretary-Sonja Weber (husband training and become a team member. We Chris 2nd year seminarian) invite you to participate in the events that we host and we invite you (especially those of God has assembled a team that has some you who are going out to be pastors) to use amazing gift s and talents and I am excited to the seminary life team as a resource as you see what ministry God has in store for the fu- consider inviting the church you serve to start ture. Not only has Pastor Merkey helped give a life team and become a church for life. Th e our life team more organization, but he has life team has already been a real blessing in also given us an opportunity for new direc- my life, and I hope to take what I have learned tion and guidance. As I am writing this article and experienced with me as I enter into God’s we are currently in the process of coming up life affi rming ministry. with a mission statement. As we fi ne tune this mission statement one thing is for sure, our If you have any questions about the seminary ministry will be Gospel-driven, which brings life team please contact our President, James Conrad, [email protected]. Life Team Dear Concordia Seminary,

As we enter the Spring Quarter, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of what the Student Association has done so far this year.

First, we have been actively pursuing our goal of facilitating community development on campus. Under the leadership provided by the Social Cultural Committ ee, we were able to celebrate a well-att ended Oktoberfest, have had great fellowship at Prof-n-Stein, laughed and applauded at the Green and Gold Follies and through it all, been able to learn a bit more about each other in the process.

Second, our Spiritual Life Committ ee has helped support the Evening and Early Morning Chapel services, facilitated campus wide Bible Studies, sponsored several inter-faith dialogue events with the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, revived the Opus Dei speaking series, and prepared the Advent and Lenten Devotion books.

Th ird, we have continued to serve as advocates before the administration on behalf of the students. Aft er receiving a series of concerns regarding single life on campus, the student representatives and I participated in a series of meetings designed to answer questions and pursue solutions to the concerns that were raised. We are happy to report that the Seminary Administration responded to these concerns and were very interested in making sure that student life on campus is the best it can be.

Fourth, as you may have noticed by reading this lett er, we have revived the publishing of the Around the Tower newspaper on a regular basis. We hope that you have found this benefi cial and enjoyed reading the articles prepared by your fellow students.

While this is not an exhaustive list, I hope it provides you with some idea of what we have been doing this year. As we look ahead, do not forget that the Springfest celebration is on May 6th this year and we hope to see you all there.

May God bless you in this new quarter.

Joshua Errer Student Association President Letter from the President 21 We get to

Text: Matt hew 9:14-17 14 Th en John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? Th e time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. 16 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” New International Version 1984, ©1984 (NIV1984)

Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Long gone are the days when you felt the newness of the year, the newness of the quarter, and you might be fi nding yourself in the same old situation. You resolved at the beginning of the Spring quarter that you were going to have a new start with all the things that you’ve gott a do…gott a pay bett er att ention in class, gott a quit that bad habit, gott a be less critical, gott a stop procrastinating, gott a pay more att ention to the family, gott a do bet- ter at Seminary, gott a, gott a, gott a!

Fellow fourth years, aft er coming back from vicarage, you know about the same old situation. Same old cafeteria, dorm or “Th e Chapel of St. Timothy and Titus

Rejoiceby Dallas Dubke

Woods” and the same old gott as. Second well with the Pharisees who insisted that years, you’ve now fallen into the routine…the you’ve gott a avoid unclean things. From newness of Seminary has long since faded, their perspective, Jesus wasn’t doing what and now you’re focused on what needs to you’ve gott a do… avoid sinners. Th en John’s get done. First years, you’ve tasted the Sem disciples came up to Jesus and asked him why alright, drinking through the proverbial fi re he wasn’t fasting like they and the Pharisees. hose, and now having more than a mouth- From their perspective it was about the “got- ful, you’ve got a plethora of “gott as” on your tas,” and from their perspective, Jesus, was plate. It’s the same old list of just another teacher who was gott as… gott a parse, parse, “Jesus proclaims that going to add to their list of parse… gott a go to class, do He is something new, “gott as.” Th e answer Jesus homework, go to fi eld work. gave them wasn’t what they Oh yeah, then you remember and he brings a new expected. that you really gott a do a bet- perspective.” ter job of gett ing outside of Jesus said in 9:16, “No one the “seminary bubble” and stay in touch with sews a patch of un-shrunk cloth on an old the world somehow…gott a check the news garment, for the patch will pull away from more oft en, gott a get out more. Perhaps your the garment, making the tear worse.” My perspective has become…that old familiar mom tried to patch a pair of my sister’s old phrase, “I’ve gott a.” Can you relate? I believe jeans one time. She sewed the new patch of we all can! It sure would be nice to be free jean material over the hole, but when she put from all of the same old list of “gott as.” It sure them in the wash, the jean material shrunk, would be nice to experience something new and the tear wasn’t fi xed at all! Just as a new and diff erent! A new perspective perhaps? cloth doesn’t fi t with the old garment, Jesus is something new that can’t merely be added to Th e Pharisees and John’s disciples knew about the old system of the law. the “gott as.” Th e Pharisees were especially Jesus brings a new perspective. Not another keen on making sure the “gott as” got done. “gott a perspective” but a perspective that Right before Jesus was questioned by John’s gives reason for rejoicing! Jesus proclaimed disciples, the Pharisees were disgusted that himself to be the promised bridegroom of Jesus didn’t follow their list of “gott as.” Jesus Israel, the one who would lay down His life was eating a banquet with Matt hew the tax for his people, his bride. Weddings are joyous collector along with his tax collector bud- occasions, and from his perspective, this was dies and sinners, and that banquet didn’t sit a time when people get to rejoice, not a time 23 for adding to the list of burdensome “gott as.” bridegroom who brings forgiveness and heal- Jesus proclaims that He is something new, ing, a new perspective and reason to rejoice. and he brings a new perspective. We are His blood bought bride because He took all the “gott as” upon Himself on the Jesus’ brings a whole new perspective causing cross. He did what He had to do, and you and rejoicing! Earlier in chapter nine of Matt hew, I get a whole new perspective! Because the we see this rejoicing! Jesus gave people reason Bridegroom is risen from the dead, you and to rejoice as they witnessed life from a new I have new life and a new perspective. A new perspective. As a paralytic was brought before life of “GET to’s” instead of “gott as.” Jesus in Matt hew 9:1-8, he was laid out on a mat…helpless…likely discouraged…not In Matt hew 9:17, Jesus talks about new wine having much reason for rejoicing. Jesus didn’t and wineskins, saying that the new doesn’t give the man a list of a bunch of the same old fi t with the old. Wineskins were oft en made “gott as”. Instead, he gave the man a new per- of goat skins. As the wine fermented, it spective! As that paralytic left that place, he would expand. While a new goat skin was left jumping and dancing, sins forgiven with able to stretch with the wine, the old wine reason to rejoice! Jesus gives more reason to skin couldn’t stretch much more and would rejoice in verses 9-12. Instead of giving Mat- burst. Th e new couldn’t just be added to the thew and his tax collector and sinner friends old. Th ey didn’t mix. Jesus introduces new a lecture on the “gott as,” he spends time with wineskins for new wine, as we are given a them. God is dwelling among people in the new perspective for a new life. Jesus changes fl esh, sent to save His people. our perspective from the gott a to the GET to. Because of Christ, you get to study His Right aft er Jesus fi nishes speaking with John’s word in class. You get to help out at fi eldwork. disciples who asked him about fasting, he You get to visit that person and tell them encounters a bleeding woman (verses 20-22). about Christ. You get to att end vicarage or As she approached him, she was suff ering, placement meetings in preparation for the but as she walked home that day, she walked adventure of proclaiming God’s word with home with a new perspective, free from her others. You get to have the privilege of help- bleeding, having met the Bridegroom, given ing out with the music, the maintenance, or reason to rejoice! In verses 23-26 when Jesus the spreading of the message of God’s love. walked into the house of Jairus, he and his Sure, there are times when in the middle of family were staring death in the face. Th ey the tasks that we know need to get done, especially had no reason to rejoice in the face you and I can lose that joy and fall into the of death. But before Jesus left that place, Jairus perspective of the “gott a.” Nevertheless, God and his family were rejoicing, for the Bridg- is still at work in our midst, and He continues room had come and raised his litt le girl from to transform our lives and our perspectives. the dead. She was alive once again, and there I remember a time when I was tired aft er was rejoicing! being up late on a Saturday, and I thought that I might skip Bible class and just go to Instead of some kind of teacher of the law church during the late service, but somewhat who gives a list of more “gott as,” Jesus is the reluctantly, I still decided to go, with a “gott a” Chapel of St. Timothy and Titus att itude. But, while I was there, I learned some wonderful insights, and the Lord used his word and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to change my perspective. Th ough I went reluctantly, I left glad that I got to go. Now, we know that it doesn’t always happen this way. Sometimes we are still reluctant, but nevertheless, God is still always at work through His word, transforming our perspectives.

Perhaps you’re headed off to fi eld work, knowing that you’ve “gott a” go, maybe in a bad mood because you’ve got a lot of homework that you know needs to get done. Th en you get to the church, and you hear a devotion or a sermon that touches your heart, and God gives you a new perspective. Jesus changes the “gott a” to the GET to! You may have come with the “gott a “perspective, but you leave with the “get to,” rejoicing that you’ve heard God’s word and received His forgiveness.

Perhaps you make that hospital visit knowing that you’ve “gott a,’ but an elderly parishioner facing terrible diffi culties demonstrates their faith in the Lord, and touches your heart. Your perspective changes from the “gott a” to the “get to.” You walk out of that hospital room humbled and excited that you “get to.” “I get to go visit that person! What a privilege!”

Perhaps you go to a vicarage meeting, a placement, faculty or staff meeting knowing that you’ve “gott a” att end, but then aft er hearing about some of the exciting possibilities for serving the Lord, you realize what a privilege it is that you GET to serve Him. You thought about skipping devotions, class or chapel knowing that you’ve “gott a” go, but then in 25 the course of a Bible reading, lecture or a sermon, the Lord spoke to you through His word, and he changed your perspective from “gott a” to “get to.” You walk out the doors of the room, classroom or chapel, rejoicing because you get to hear God’s word. True, it may not always happen exactly in those ways, but nevertheless, God continues to work in your life through His word and sacraments, off ering you forgiveness and new life in Christ, your bridegroom.

In the middle of this Spring quarter, in the middle of life, you and I GET to rejoice. No, we don’t “gott a” rejoice, we GET to rejoice, because the bridegroom has come, has risen and will come again to join in the heavenly banquet feast full of rejoicing! Yes, there will be struggles in this life, and we can’t always change the challenges that we face. But, in the midst of all this, even in the midst of the dark- est sorrows, Jesus, your bridegroom gives you and me new life, a new perspective and reason to rejoice. When you come to chapel, you GET to hear God’s word and on Eucharist days, receive His body and blood, that you may leave with rejoicing, as God continually forgives your sins and changes your perspective from the “gott a” to the “get to.” Th ere is much reason to rejoice! New wineskins for new wine. All for Jesus. You GET to rejoice because of your Bridegroom! Amen.

Now may the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding guard, guide and keep your hearts and minds in the one true faith until you rejoice with all the saints at the Heavenly banquet celebration of the Bride- groom. Amen.

Chapel of St. Timothy and Titus Reflections on a Seminary Career

by Ted Hopkins

Aft er four years of seminary, I certainly would believe, and the angels in heaven would cannot say that I have learned everything I sing. Aft er four years as a student of theology, need to know about God and the Church. If I feel more like Qoheleth than Melanchthon. anything, aft er four years of seminary train- I have spent twenty plus hours working to ing, I feel like I can honestly speak Socrates’ make that sermon great, with only a few ‘nice dictum, “Th e one thing I know is that I know sermon’s at the end. I have worked my tail off nothing.” What I have learned more than any- trying to write confi rmation lessons that are thing is how inadequate my words are, how relevant and informative to middle-schoolers litt le I understand the things of God, and how only to have them pull out their cell phones in oft en I myself try to play god. the middle of class. Even for those of you who still think very highly of theology, I am willing Four years ago, I came to Concordia with to bet that you have days when you wonder high hopes for theology. Th e problem with about your eff ectiveness, even when you won- the church, I thought, was poor teaching der about the point of it all. On nights like and preaching – bad theology. I thought that that, one question creeps into my mind over theology had all the right answers about God, and over again, “Does theology matt er?” about evil, and about suff ering. I didn’t say We have spent long days, long quarters, and it like that, but looking back, I believed that even long years assuming that it does, and gett ing theology right would make a big dif- that what we do here at the seminary makes ference. Churches would grow, non-believers all the diff erence. We drop good paying Above photo: Th e Main Quad prepared for graduation ceremonies. 27 engineering jobs, move from the warmth of Bible classes include only the pure Lutheran Southern California, and uproot our families teachings. Th e kingdom of God doesn’t grow and children in order to come to this place because we pastors are the best theologians, and study theology. You’d think that aft er four the best preachers, or the best teachers. God’s years of this education, I’d be able to answer reign comes through the proclamation of his defi nitely in the affi rmative, but it isn’t quite word, through telling his story, even when it that easy. Th e question continues to haunt us, comes from the mouths of infants and babies. “Does theology matt er?” Th is creates a kind of tension that is inherent in being theologians. Th e problem, I think, is not theology, but you and me. Th eology is important, but it’s only Th eology does matt er, but it doesn’t matt er important within its limits. Th eology cannot in an ultimate sense. Th eology matt ers only do everything; theology cannot fi ll our empty in a penultimate sense. Of course, what we pews; theology cannot entice our people to practice in our churches, what structures we witness more or live the sanctifi ed life. eol-Th use in our sermons, and what we know about ogy can only do so much, but sometimes, we the Book of Concord do matt er. Sometimes, want theology to do more. these things make the diff er- Th e problem, however, is “We may think that if ence between credible faith not with theology; it’s a our theology and prac- and dead speech. We can problem with you and me. never forget, however, that I told you before that I have tice are top notch then these things are signifi cant this tendency to want to that will guarantee only in a penultimate sense. play god, and this is just that our churches will another one of these cases. Th e best preaching, the Ultimately, I don’t want to grow, and that Chris- best teaching, and the best rely on God to bring people tianity will come back worship will fail us. We may into the Church; I don’t think that if our theology want to rely on the Holy strong in America.” and practice are top notch Spirit to motivate and move then that will guarantee that Christians to do good works; I don’t want to our churches will grow, and that Christian- wait for Christian people to begin to mature ity will come back strong in America. But in their faith. I want to say the right words and these will fail us because even theology has to do it all. Th e problem is my own. I want its limits. When we forget about these limits, God to work on my time table, using my tools our trust moves away from God and toward (theology). ourselves, our worship, our preaching, and our teaching. And ultimately, I am convinced, Only God doesn’t do that! God doesn’t God doesn’t save his people because of our save his people because we have the right great theology but despite it. Th eology does theology. God doesn’t bless our ministries matt er, but we need to keep its signifi cance because our narrative sermon structures are in perspective. Our ministry and our faithful- top-notch (no-off ense to Dr. Schmidt!). Th e ness depend on it. kingdom of God doesn’t increase because our Reﬂ ections Laughter from Above Th e most diffi cult task for an editor is writing breath-taking headline copy. We at “Around the Tower” strive to write headlines that grab the reader’s att ention and refuse to let go. (We’ve even experimented in subliminal messaging, but due to our professional standards of ethics, and the fact that President Meyer wouldn’t let us, we won’t stoop to that level.) Th e following headlines were all seriously considered to grace the cover of this issue, but aft er much deliberation, we thought “Less is More” and went with the current title. Th e following are alternative titles that did not quite make the fi nal cut.

Professor Off ers Practical Advice for Drowning Seminary Student: “Learn to Breath Under Water” (at least you’re baptized)

We are all beggars, this is true.

Desperate Seminary Student Sells Kidneys to Survive

Seminarian tries to raise money by writing best seller, “Th e Real Purpose Driven Life” (Th is is just asking for a law suit…sorry Rick.)

“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You raised my tuition. Prepare to die!” (Classic movie…but a litt le violent.)

Seminary Raises Money by Partnering with CBS to produce “Survivor Seminary.”

Seminarian Questions: “Do I Really Need My Liver?”

Gollum Comments on Tuition Raise: “Sneaky, tricksy litt le hobbitses.”

Seminary Off ers “FREE CANDY! FREE CANDY TO ANYONE WHO WANTS IT!”

$$$Ka-ching$$$ Cashing in on a Seminary Education by Landing a Mega-Church

Books: $1800 a year, insurance $3500, housing $5000, tuition $18,000. Th e opportunity to learn and grow in faith at Concordia Seminary – priceless. Mastercard, we’ll give you a credit card at 20 % interest to help you pay for it. (A litt le lengthy, but aft er a litt le polishing, could be a beaut!)

Seminarian Runs out of Body Parts to Sell in Black Market. 29 A Piece of

By Bob Caldwell, Ph.D. Not long aft er he took offi ce, Seminary President Dale Meyer checked out master keys and conducted himself on a tour of every nook and cranny of the campus. On his journeys he ran into a strange item in the basement of Wyneken: a triangular stone carving about fi ve feet across the bott om and just under three feet high in a packing crate.

Carved into the face of this hitherto un- known object was a relief of the log cabin in which Concordia Seminary was originally housed with a reference to its founding in Perry County in 1839 [photo on the right]. Clearly, it belonged to the seminary, but from where did it come?

Eric Stancliff , Public Services Librarian and Art Curator, did not fi nd a picture or description of this monolith in any of his records. Neither is it mentioned in any of the books describing the architecture of this campus. At this point, I was put on the hunt.

Th ere are some numbers on the packing crate, so I took them to Dr. Martin Noland, then-director of the Concordia Historical Institute. It is CHI, not the seminary, that Campus History of President Stone Meyer discovers History a piece of the Old Seminary that sends Dr. Caldwell on the hunt.

actually owns the log cabin replica on the seminary grounds, so it was possible that they may have had this piece in their system at some point. Dr Noland took me deep into the bowels of CHI to search the old card records, but no number like this was in their catalogue.

Suspecting that it originally belonged to the Jeff erson Avenue campus, the next step was to comb through unsorted boxes of photos and newspaper clippings related to the seminary at CHI. A presumably pre-construction drawing of the seminary showed a triangular shaped object just above the archway that contained the main front doors [photo 1, next page]. Th is object has some type of relief to it, though no detail can be seen.

31 Photo 1 Photo 2

Two photos, one taken straight-on [photo the church who remembers playing in the 2] and one from an angle [photo 3], again abandoned building as a boy, is still living. show the triangular shape with a small cross He said that he never saw it anywhere in right above it. Both photos seem to indicate Holy Cross during his time. He was told that something was in the shape, but no that when the seminary relocated to the detail can be seen. present campus in 1926, they left behind the bell and the statue of Luther. He claims Th e fi nal photo [photo 4] is of the building that the church had to remind the seminary just before its demolition in 1934. It is clear to come get them before they tore down the that this piece would fi t exactly in that tri- building. angle above the door. Eric Stancliff and Dr. Meyer were convinced by the photos that So perhaps the pediment was moved to the the strange piece is a pediment that came Clayton campus at or near the time that from the Jeff erson Avenue building. the statue and bell were brought over and stored somewhere. Or maybe someone If so, a mystery remains. Where was the had it at their home for safekeeping and pediment between the time it was removed brought it to the seminary when cleaning and the time that Dr. Meyer found it? Den- up. Either way, the crating around it is prob- nis Crowell, the former Environmental ably not much older than the early 1980s. Services Director, remembered being part of the crew that put it in the Wyneken base- Regardless of where it has been, the next ment in the early 1980s. Unfortunately, he question is what to do with it. It was sug- did not know from where it was moved. gested by a recent graduating class to have it Could it have been stored at Holy Cross, the placed as a monument somewhere on cam- church which now owns the property? Un- pus, but the cost was deemed to be too high. fortunately, the long-time church historian So for now, it continues to collects dust as it passed away a few years ago and the current has for more than seventy years. staff didn’t know anything about it. How- ever, Milton Gaebler, a long-time trustee of Campus History Photo 3

Photo 4

33 The Green Gold Follies&

Campus Culture Werner Auditorium - January 28, 2011 35 Campus Culture Winter Revisited on March 26, 2011. 37 About this Issue Th is issue features art from around the campus of Concordia Seminary, particularly, the stained glass windows. Th is includes portions from the gran- diose stained glass windows in Th e Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, the chapel in Luther’s Tower, Th e Welcome Center, Wartburg and Koburg Hall, Th e President’s Room, and other various locations around the tower. As the stained glass window in Th e Chapel of St. Timothy and Titus does so well, these windows serve as a constant reminder to point our lives and ministry to the Lamb of God - Jesus Christ.

Contributors Special thanks go out to the writers and photogra- phers who made the 2011 spring issue of “Around the Tower” possible. Th is year, the publication had a very restricted budget and the release of this issue would not have been possible without the coopera- tion, eff ort, and support of the following people: Patrick and Kami Gumz, Patrick Fertitt a, Chad Elfe, Andrew Wilson, Eric Hutchison, Dr. Bob Caldwell, Joe Seifert, Dallas Dubke, Ted Hopkins, and Dr. Wally Becker.

Upcoming on-campus events April 11-15 Interim Ministry Workshop April 17 Bach at the Sem Concert April 24 Easter Brunch

May 4 Call Day May 6 SpringFest May 8 Mother’s Day Brunch May 11 Day of Homiletical Refl ection May 13 Seminary Guild Meeting May 20 Commencement May 23-27 Christian Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Upcoming Events Letter from the Editor The Last Word Carl Deardoff Th ere are approximately 10,254 words in this issue of “Around the Tower”…but who’s count- ing anyway? Th is litt le “bacon bit” of information shouldn’t be to surprising since this was a “mega-issue” encompassing the winter and spring quarters at Concordia Seminary. If a picture was worth 1,000 words, then the number jumps to 76,000 words in this issue! But, since that math comes from a fi gurative saying - let’s stick with 10,000.

A lot can be said in 10,000 words. Some authors use strong, vibrant, and powerful words that strike your heart and leave you asking for more. While other authors use weak, bland, and boring [email protected] words that miss the mark and leave you asking, “What’s the point?” Where would a magazine be Dear children, let us not love with words or without words? Where would our lives be with- speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3: 16-18 out words? How else could we communicate our thoughts, needs, and feelings? Words are truly Just as words without meaning are pointless, so excellent and language is a gift from God. is love without action. How can we follow Jesus’ example at Concordia Seminary? How can we lay Still, words are not enough. Popular sayings, down our lives for our brothers and love in action such as; “Put your money where your mouth and in truth? Th is could be as simple as taking is,” and “Actions speak louder than words,” help time to listen to the struggles that your friend is convey this simple truth. Sure, you love God and going through. Perhaps, you could volunteer at Jesus and all that stuff , but how have you shown one of our social events, in the re-sell it shop, or it lately? What does faith produce? St. Francis the food bank. Participating in Chapel is an ev- of Assisi famously said “At all times preach the eryday opportunity to be there for your brother. gospel and when necessary use words.” Th is saying eff ectively captures the need to put our words As you continue in your studies this spring into motion for the spread of the gospel, but still quarter I hope you take time to place people over comes up short. Clichés aside, let’s consult the papers and strengthen your relationships with fu- ultimate source of truth. Jesus constantly used ture colleagues in the Lutheran Church-Missouri comforting words of the Gospel to save people, Synod. God has blessed this institution with an but he said it best with his most powerful expres- abundance of talented individuals that are here to sion of love. support one another in their academic endeavors. Take the time to talk to a student you haven’t met “Th is is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ before, or a professor you haven’t had in class yet. laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay Who knows? You might just learn something. So, down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If any- as I fi nish this article and add a few more words one has material possessions and sees a brother to the 10,000, I hope your life is pointed to the or sister in need but has no pity on them, how son of man who taught us what real love is. And can the love of God be in that person? he is the last word. 39 Around the Tower