Wartburg Logo
Find us on Facebook

 

2012.apply.button
2012.send.button
WTS EVENTS

Opening Worship

September 1, 2014

(5:30pm)

Rachel Kurtz Concert

Youth & Family Ministry Certification School

Come to the Castle

Daring to Be Disciples

Re-formation and Renewal

WTS Toolkit

The WTS Toolkit is a resource for individuals and congregations to use in conversation about vocation and for sharing information and stories about Wartburg Theological Seminary.  Go to Toolkit  
Our Mission 
Wartburg Theological Seminary serves Christ's church through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by being a worship-centered community of critical theological reflection where learning leads to mission and mission informs learning.
 
The community embodies God's mission by stewarding resources for engaging, equipping, and sending collaborative leaders who interpret, proclaim and live the gospel of Jesus Christ for a world created for communion with God and in need of personal and social healing.
 
Click here to visit our website.
 
amazon logo
Support WTS With Your Purchases From Amazon!


ONE:
Access Amazon.com through the Wartburg Theological Seminary website.
Add this page to your favorites for easy access or click the Wartburg Virtual Bookstore link on our homepage.

TWO:  
Search for any books, movies, gift cards, toys, games, or other items.

THREE:
Any purchase you make will have a percentage donated to Wartburg Seminary!  

podcasting
Connect with WTS via Podcasts
Nothing Less Than a Miracle! Nothing Less Than a Mission Opportunity!
 

"I hold all this to be nothing less than a miracle!" That was the response of a long time faculty member on reviewing the financial reports for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2014. Wartburg Seminary's renewed strength is nothing less than a mission opportunity. Six years ago, WTS leaders had to face the realization that the school might not survive. Now, from a position of real strength, we all must ask ourselves how we will continue to respond to the great mission opportunities we have.

 

Here's some of the evidence of the amazing turnaround:

  • On June 30, we completed our fifth consecutive year with a positive cash balance. Reserves are at or above the rates recommended for long term sustainability.
  • WTS consistently has the second or third lowest cost per student among the ELCA seminaries. Our student debt levels are among the lowest and going down. WTS is not only effective, it's efficient.
  • From 2001 to 2014, the endowment grew from almost $14 million to almost $22 million.
  • WTS graduates are WTS donors at an average rate unequalled among other ELCA seminaries. And, we are seeing good growth in the number of other donors and the size of their gifts.

Here's some of the evidence of the mission opportunity:

  • Final year students, as always, are returning to campus with new wisdom and energy, ready to be leaders in the shared learning of this worship centered community. They are key in the WTS approach to forming valued leaders for Christ's church.
  • Distributed Learning degree programs were initiated in 2010 and are now fully accredited. These "DL" students make up 17% of our degree candidates. Formation for ministry is now open to gifted people who previously couldn't consider beginning a theological education program.
  • 2014 graduates have been receiving calls with a speed not seen for several years. By summer's end, 90% of Master of Divinity, Master of Arts Diaconal Ministry, and TEEM grads, in the ELCA Assignment process, will have been ordained or consecrated, with the remaining in call processes on track for fall ordinations. We anticipate accelerating demand for pastors and other leaders as more and more baby boomers retire and as God opens our vision for new ministries.
  • This year and last, the Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben and the Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann have been called to tenure eligible positions on the faculty- in New Testament and Lutheran heritage, respectively. These young pastor-scholar-teachers are a gift to the future church.

A new school year is beginning. It's a privilege to see God at work around us every day and to look ahead with confidence so that we are ready for the mission opportunities to come.

 

 

Stanley N. Olson, President

 

2014 WTS graduate, Rev. Jason Adams (left).
Why Wartburg?  
As noted above in President Olson's message, 2014 graduates of Wartburg Seminary have been receiving calls with a speed not witnessed in several years. One of this year's graduates who has recently received a call is Rev. Jason Adams. Pastor Adams was ordained on June 5th and installed on the Sunday of Pentecost, June 8th, at Reformation Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pastor Adams shares that what excites him most about his new ministry is "serving as the pastor for a church engaged in an intentional process of revitalization. We have so many assets with which to begin this new effort. I see us spending time in prayer, studying scripture, and listening to what God is doing in our context. The needs in this community are great, and I'm excited to see how we allow ourselves to be centered in worship, and then led by the Spirit out into the world to serve those around us." Click here to read more about Pastor Adams and his new ministry.  
  
WTS to Host Rachel Kurtz Concert
Wartburg Seminary welcomes singer, Rachel Kurtz, to campus for a concert to be held at 7pm on Friday, September 5, 2014. This will be an outdoor concert, weather permitting. No tickets are necessary, but a free will offering will be taken at the concert. Those attending are also asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Dubuque Food Pantry. Rachel Kurtz will be at Wartburg to celebrate the ELCA's "God's Work. Our Hands." Everyone is invited to wear their yellow "God's Work. Our Hands." T-shirt. For more information on Rachel Kurtz, visit her website: http://rachelkurtz.org. Click here for a printable concert flyer.
  
  
Volunteers Continue Work on Housing Rehab Project  
The building project "Mission Possible - WTS" began this spring at Wartburg Seminary. Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, IA and the Northeastern Iowa Synod teamed up to contribute funds and labor for updates to ten single family housing units located on the Wartburg campus to improve their energy efficiency. An outreach group of Nazareth Lutheran, the "Naz Builders," have been coordinating the work of volunteers from congregations in the Northeastern Iowa Synod throughout the summer and so far have completed the rehabilitation of eight of the ten homes.

 

The students who have moved into the completed houses have commented that it is like moving into a new home and have expressed their gratitude in the work of the volunteers. The Naz Builders have not only provided more comfortable dwellings for the students, but also made it possible for Wartburg to be an even better steward of resources, as the new siding on the homes will eliminate the need to paint the exterior every eight to ten years and the new siding and the energy efficient doors and windows will reduce the amount of energy students use to heat and cool their residence.

 

The Naz Builders have scheduled work on the remaining two houses for the weeks of September 8 and September 22. Funds are still needed for the last two houses, so congregations and individuals are encouraged to send donations. Volunteers are also needed. To volunteer or to learn more about the project, contact Hank Wellnitz at 319-961-2288 or email [email protected]. Donations should be directed to the Northeastern Iowa Synod office or call Pastor Mark Anderson, 319-352-1414 or email [email protected].

 

Youth and Family Ministry Certification School
Offered This Fall
September 24-October 1, 2014
The Certification School offered by Vibrant Faith Ministries and Wartburg Theological Seminary is for adult leaders, volunteers, clergy, parents, young adults, and seminary students who have a passion for forming vibrant faith among young people. Our School begins with a seven day intensive training experience that is supplemented by six weeks of reading assignments, online blogging sessions, and webinars. The process ends with a two day peer ministry training experience and a closing ceremony that recognizes the completion of a comprehensive ministry plan and 130 hours of leadership development.  Participants learn about faith formation, family systems, team building, contemporary youth culture, strategic planning for congregational ministries, and build valuable networks for ongoing ministry support and learning. Click here to learn how to register.
  
 
Wartburg Seminary, together with the Tri-State Forum, will sponsor a new continuing education program this fall for clergy and congregational members. Known as "Come to the Castle," the program will include adult Bible study sessions for individuals from congregations that will be led by final-year Wartburg students. Clergy will be invited to accompany their congregational members and will have sessions specifically for them that include lectionary study of texts for upcoming seasons led by members of the Wartburg faculty. Come to the Castle will be offered three times this fall: September 26, October 24, and November 21. Click here to learn more or to register.
  

Lectionary Study of Texts for Clergy

September 26--Dr. Sam Giere....Advent Lectionary Texts
October 24--Dr. Troy Troftgruben....Epiphany Lectionary Texts
November 21--Dr. Ann Fritschel.....Lenten Lectionary Texts
  

Student Led Adult Bible Study Sessions for Church Members

September 26--Biblically Challenging Creationism

October 24--Living the Sermon on the Mount

November 21 --Preparing for Christ's Birth
 
 
Re-formation and Renewal 2014
October 19-21, 2014
All alumni are encouraged to come back to Wartburg Seminary and be a part of Re-formation and Renewal this October. The following class years will celebrate class reunions at this year's Re-formation and Renewal:  2009, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989 (25 Year Reunion), 1984, 1979, 1974 (40 Year Reunion), 1969, 1964 (50 Year Reunion), 1959, 1954, 1949. Click here to learn more or to register.
 
Alumni & Congregation Members Invited to Participate in Cross-Cultural Immersion with WTS

Each year, Wartburg Seminary offers its students opportunities to travel across the country and around the globe in order to take part in cross-cultural immersion and experiential learning outside of the traditional classroom. These immersions are processed in community and have proven to be very influential in the formation of our students. Three of our global immersions this upcoming year - Germany, Namibia, Mexico - are also open for WTS alumni and members of congregations to participate in as well. Please consider signing up for one of these study tours today.

 

Germany: January 4-25, 2015

This study tour to Germany will focus on sites related to the legacy of Martin Luther, German Pietism, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In anticipation of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, this immersion will trace these three key threads of the Reformation heritage in relationship to their significance to present day realities in church and society. This tour will be led by Dr. Craig L. Nessan. Registration deadline is October 1, 2014. Click here for more details.

 

Mexico: January 5-20, 2015

In Mexico, participants will explore the historical relationship between the U.S. and Mexico; experience the rich cultural heritage of Mexico; investigate the current socioeconomic and political context especially as related to immigration; engage in theological dialog with proponents of liberation theology and indigenous spirituality; and consider how our pastoral ministries in the U.S. might serve Latino immigrant communities. This trip will be led by Dr. Troy Troftgruben. Registration deadline is October 1, 2014. Click here for more details.

 

Namibia: January 5-23, 2015

While in Namibia, we will visit church leaders, pastors, and laity to understand the context of the Lutheran church a generation after independence and will explore the churches' mission in times of increasing secularization and widespread poverty. We will also meet with former Wartburg graduates and hear about their ministry. The trip will include a visit to the township of Katatura and a safari to Etosha National Park. Dr. Ann Fritschel will lead this trip. Registration deadline is November 1, 2014. Click here for more information.

 

  
Open Staff Position in WTS Office of Mission Support
Wartburg Theological Seminary is hiring for the position of Gift Consultant, which will serve in the Department for Mission Support and is responsible for sharing the Wartburg story and advancing the seminary's mission. The primary responsibility of the Gift Consultant is to cultivate constituent relationships and solicit gifts from current and prospective donors. If you, or someone you know may be interested in this full-time staff position, please click here for more information.