Read: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8

As you know from past newsletters, your Seminary is moving rapidly towards the point where we can start teaching students in February 2027. The enrolments have started coming in, textbooks are being chosen and teaching materials are being prepared. Like Paul, Silvanus and Timothy before us, we want our students to know about the ‘living and true God’ (v9) so that they in turn can teach their people the Gospel (v5): the joyous news that God’s Son Jesus, whom He raised from the dead, delivers us from the wrath that we deserve because of our sinfulness (v10).

What you may not know, is that seminary is as much about formation as it is about academic knowledge. We insist on our pastoral and diaconal students studying for five years not only because it takes that long to learn to understand and teach God’s Word, but because it takes so long to be shaped by Him. Note how Paul and his co-workers stress not only learning but action, and not just doing but being. The Thessalonians ‘became imitators of us and the Lord’ (v6) and ‘became an example to all the believers’ (v7). Knowing about God and being His faithful servant aren’t separate concepts; they come as a package. And so the preparation your students receive at LTS-A will be wholistic, shaping future servants of the church through God’s Word, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to be like Him in His love for His people. And note that even when they graduate, students will still have much to learn. One of the joys of studying God’s Word is that it never ends (at least in this life); it truly is an inexhaustible treasure!

Of course, what Paul, Silvanus and Timothy teach doesn’t only apply to seminary students. All Christians are called to hear, understand and share God’s Word. All Christians are called by virtue of their faith and hope in our Lord Jesus to labour in love for others (v3). And that labour isn’t always easy. Often it’s accompanied by affliction (v6). And so all God’s people are invited to dwell in God’s Word to receive the help they need for their labours; to allow God to work on, in and through you.

Tom is studying at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary St Catharine’s in Ontario, Canada. He will complete his studies in December.

Grace and Peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ!

I thank God for all of your prayers and support, and your continued labour in the Gospel. It has been my great joy this month to enjoy the fruits of the Inaugural Synodical Assembly of Lutheran Mission – Australia, which recognised the bond of fellowship which Jesus Christ has established between LM-A and the Lutheran Church Canada. My first two weeks in Canada were mostly spent getting to know the area along with the other students, visiting local attractions, including Niagara Glen and the Falls.

The latest Sem Vlog has just been uploaded to YouTube and can also be seen on our Videos page. In the video, Pastor Michael Prenzler outlines current developments with the Sem and identifies ways in which students can prepare for their studies with LTS-A in 2027. Information on how to enrol should be announced at the LM-A Synodical Assembly in August.

As the pastoral and diaconal stream courses will be held at a bachelor’s degree level, students should be prepared for tertiary study. Deaconess Kathleen Mills can assist any prospective students to enrol in an Academic Research and Writing unit which begins online at the end of August, and which is designed to build the skills needed to succeed at university level studies. Students should be in contact with Deaconess Kathleen ASAP, as enrolments close mid-August.

The video further distinguishes between general admission students and LM-A sponsored students who are preparing for service as a pastor or deaconess in LM-A. While general interest students and those from other church backgrounds have some flexibility in their enrolment choices, LM-A students must follow a set academic and formational curriculum. LM-A is planning on offering full scholarships to cover tuition for sponsored students.