Free materials are available online that are designed to help congregations celebrate “Pastoral Education Month” in May. The special observance is designed to highlight the preparation of men for the pastoral ministry.
In an April 6 e-mail “blast” to congregations and ordained and commissioned Synod workers, the LCMS Board for Pastoral Education (BPE) will be encouraging congregations to take part in Pastoral Education Month. The BPE is offering a number of resources — including a sermon, a Bible study, hymn suggestions, and prayers — that may be downloaded free from its Web site.
“We hope that pastors and congregational leaders will take advantage of the resources that are available online, free of charge,” said Dr. Glen Thomas, BPE executive director. “From recruitment to the pastor’s fiscal and physical health, there are resources to provide assistance.”
Thomas says many of the resources are appropriate for use throughout the year. “The worship resources, however, are designed to accompany the assigned readings in the Lutheran Service Book lectionary for May 16, the Seventh Sunday of Easter,” he added.
The sermon and Bible study were written by Dr. David Peter, associate professor of practical theology and director of the D.Min. Program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
“This is the fourth observance of Pastoral Education Month and we have been encouraged by the response that the materials have received each year,” Thomas said.
The effort includes a special emphasis on the pastoral ministry and the Synod’s two seminaries in the May issue of The Lutheran Witness.
To download the materials, visit the BPE Web site at www.lcms.org/pastoraleducation (click on “Pastoral Education Month”).
Posted April 1, 2010
