thy kingdom come - winter 2010
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A Newsletter for Collegiate Men Interested in the Holy MinistryTRANSCRIPT
You Are Notthe Only One!
By Rev. Timothy D. Storck
What are you going to do with your life?Maybe you have been asked that questiona lot. I certainly was. During those last
few months of high school and possibly collegethat question and those like it get thrown around alot. What are you going to do with your life?How are your plans shaping up? You may eventhink you have it all decided. Finish high school,attend a good university and then get a great job.Through my last year of high school I had thesame thoughts. Yet in the back of my mind I hadone thought that would always remain, “Whatabout being a pastor?”
You see, I went to publicschool from grade school throughhigh school, and the thought ofmentioning the word “pastor” inthose discussions of futurevocations seemed a little strange.I felt we were supposed tomention vocations like marinebiologist, doctor, firefighter.Becoming a pastor was one
vocation I never listed nor heard anyone elsemention. To be frank, I was afraid of mentioning itto my friends, classmates and family. What wouldthey say? How would they react?
Maybe you have had the same thoughts. Attimes we may even believe we are alone in thosethoughts. That no one else out there in the worldunderstands what you are going through. I’vebeen there. I thought no one else couldunderstand. But guess what, you are not alone.There are others your age who have pondered lifein the Holy Ministry.
That was the driving forcebehind a new program created 11years ago at ConcordiaTheological Seminary. What ifthere were young men in highschool who wanted to learn moreabout the pastoral ministry? Howcould young men experienceseminary before seminary?
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A Newsletter for Collegiate Men Interested in the Holy Ministry.
ThyKingdomCome
Winter 2010
Christ Academy is afirsthand way of beingimmersed in the life ofthe seminary, in thepreparations of
becoming a pastor.
IN THISISSUE:You Are Notthe Only One!
Christ Academy 2010June 20–July 3
Get on Board for ChristAcademy 2010
ThyKingdomCome
Rev. Thomas ZimmermanEditor
Jayne SheaferAssistant Editor
Trudy BehningCopy Editor
Colleen BartzschGraphic Designer
Thy Kingdom Come is publishedby Concordia Theological
Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.No portion of this publication maybe reproduced without the written
consent of the editor.Copyright 2010.
If you wish to be added to ourmailing list or know of someonewho would be a good candidatefor the Holy Ministry, please
contact:
Rev. Thomas ZimmermanConcordia Theological Seminary
6600 N. Clinton StreetFort Wayne, IN 46825
(800) 481-2155
The Admission Staff at ConcordiaTheological Seminary is here to
serve you and answer anyquestions you may have about
becoming a pastor or deaconess.You may contact us via telephone,
web, or e-mail at the followingaddresses:
Concordia Theological Seminary(800) 481-2155
www.ctsfw.edu/admission
Rev. Thomas ZimmermanDirector of Admission
Rev. Stephen WagnerAdmission Counselor
Dcs. Melissa DeGrootDeaconess Recruitment [email protected]
Christ Academy was born. In1999 I was one of 15 high-school-aged men who gatheredat CTS for the first event. Itwas two weeks of intensiveclasses taught by the seminaryprofessors and pastors, playingsports on the expansive fieldsand in the gym, dorm and dininghall life, roller coasters galore atCedar Point and gathering dailyaround the forgiveness of sinsthrough the proclamation of theWord and the reception of theSacraments.
Christ Academy is afirsthand way of beingimmersed in the life of theseminary, in preparation for becoming a pastor.For those of us who struggled with the thought ofbecoming a pastor, Christ Academy showed usthat we were not alone. As we spent timetogether, we began to realize that we had commonbonds, especially in our desire to learn more aboutthe office of the ministry. Though we had allcome from different backgrounds, experiencesand families, we had found common ground. Yes,common ground in learning more about life as apastor and seminary preparation, but also commonground in the confession of faith. We learned thatwe are a part of a community of believersgathered around Christ’s Altar to receive theblessings of forgiveness and salvation in His bodyand blood.
Over the last 11 years, hundreds of youngmen have attended Christ Academy. We have hadthe opportunity to watch the Academy grow andflourish. Christ Academy—Germany allowedcollege-aged men the opportunity to visit the sites
of Luther and to worship inBerlin with our fellow brothersand sisters in the faith. In 2005,Christ Academy—College wasbegun in order to give youngmen in college, who aspired tothe Office of Holy Ministry, anopportunity to gather at theseminary. And, beginning in2009, PhoebeAcademy—College was formedto give college-aged womenwho aspire to become adeaconess a place to gather andlearn about that calling.
Though not everyone whoattends Christ Academy and itsbrother and sister programs
goes on to serves in professional church work, itdoes help to answer that question, “Am I the onlyone who thinks about becoming a pastor?” Youare not alone, there are others. Take heart in thatknowledge.
In each of these events young men andwomen have discovered that they weren’t the onlyones to think about a life of service in the Church.They were strengthened by their own fellowshipand encouragement, but most importantly in thefellowship of the altar in knowing that they sharea common faith; in knowing that their sins havebeen forgiven by the blood of the Lamb.
Rev. Timothy D. Storck isthe Associate Pastor ofLutheran Church andSchool of Messiah in GrandJunction, Colorado, and a1999 Christ AcademyAlumnus.
They werestrengthened by theirown fellowship andencouragement butmost importantly inthe fellowship of thealtar in knowing thatthey share a commonfaith; in knowing thattheir sins have beenforgiven by the blood
of the Lamb.
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Then and Now: Christ Academy 2000 (above)and Christ Academy 2009 (right).
Join us at
Christ Academy is a two-weekresidential program for high-school-aged young men of
The Lutheran Church—MissouriSynod. It is a place where studentscan study about Christ who ispresent in His Word andSacraments and who died that oursins would be forgiven. It is a placewhere students can experienceseminary life and a time whenstudents can explore the possibilityof some day becoming a pastor.
Life-Changing StudiesChrist Academy, like Concordia TheologicalSeminary, is centered on Christ crucified, whois present in His Word and Sacraments toforgive and dwell in His Church. Students ofChrist Academy will study Exegetical,Systematic, Historical and Pastoral Theology.Seminary professors, Concordia Universityprofessors and pastors teach the classes.� “Very edifying, interesting and kept me on
the edge of my seat.”� “The professors, while being extremely
smart, always listened to what I had tosay.”
� “It's great living on campus and learningfrom the professors.”
Worship: The Centerof the ExperienceStudents are engaged in thedaily prayer life of the seminary.Attendees will join bothprofessors and seminarians indaily worship services whichtake place four times a day.� “These past two weeks have really
made me come to realize that what'snot important is what we do for Christ,but ultimately what He did for us inHis sacrifice.”
� “I really enjoy worshiping four times aday. It really ties in with what we'relearning.”
� “Loved it. Adored it. I want more.”
June 20–July 3, 2010
Clarity of DirectionHaving a focus that's uniquely Lutheran,Christ Academy explores the many facets ofpastoral ministry and its application in thereal world.� “A great event to attend if you are
planning on becoming a pastor orif you just want to learn more about whatyou believe.”
� “The Academy was not only veryinformative, but also very fun and helpedme not only strengthen my faith, but torealize that I want to serve the Lord bypreparing to go into the Holy Ministry.”
Fun ActivitiesLifelong friendships are made at the Academy.These friendships are strengthened throughactivities such as the trip to Cedar PointAmusement Park, the tour of churches, flagfootball, soccer and capture the flag. Activitiesare designed to engage studentsin the whole of Christian life.� “It is the best possible way to spend two
weeks of summer with excellent teaching,heavenly worship and a good community.”
For more information aboutChrist Academy, please call us at:
1-800-481-2155You can also find informationat the seminary’s Web site:www.ctsfw.edu/christacademyor e-mail:[email protected]
Top 10 Reasons to Cometo Christ Academy:
1. “God’s Word and Holy Sacraments”2. “clarifies one’s vocational direction”3. “theological learning experience”
4. “the professors are awesome”5. “learn as an adult”
6. “great food”7. “worship”8. Cedar Point
9. “meet great people”10. “theology and fun activities”
APPLICATIONFor more information please call:
What isChrist Academy:A two week retreat atConcordia TheologicalSeminary, Fort Wayne,Indiana.
Who is ChristAcademy for:High-school-aged youngmen of The LutheranChurch–Missouri Synodwho are (or should be)considering becomingpastors. It is open to thosewho have completed theirfreshman year throughthose who have completedtheir senior year.
What does it cost:$500 is all inclusive(housing, meals, ChristAcademy polo shirt,admission to an amusementpark and other events, etc.)Limited financial aid maybe available at therecommendation of yourpastor.
How do I get there:Please arrange your owntransportation to and fromChrist Academy. We canoffer suggestions forplanning air or rail travel,airport shuttles, car pooling,directions and the like.
June 20–July 3, 2010
Please type or print in ink all information. The form must be completed in every detail.Answer “N/A”for all items that do not apply to you.
Personal Information
Name ________________________________________________________________________________First Middle Last
Permanent Address ____________________________________________________________________Street, Route, Box #
City ________________________________________________ State _______ Zip__________________Phone ( _____ ) _______ – __________ E-mail Address________________________________________
Date of Birth ____ / ____ / _____ Year of High School Graduation_________________
T-Shirt Size__________ Musical Experience ________________________________________________
Do you play an instrument?______ If yes, what instrument(s)? __________________________________
Church Membership Information
Home Congregation ____________________________________________________________________
Church Address ______________________________________________________________________
City ________________________________________________ State _______ Zip__________________
Church Phone ( _____ ) _______ – __________ Year of Baptism__________________
Year of Confirmation___________________ Years as LCMS Member____________
Pastor’s Name ____________________________________ LCMS District ________________________
“I, (Pastor):________________________________________________, give my recommendation and
approval for (Student):________________________________________ to attend the Christ Academy at
Concordia Theological Seminary. He has shown interest in the Academy and in learning more about
theology and the Holy Ministry.”
Signed: Rev.______________________________________________ Date _______/_______/_______
On a separate sheet of paper, please answer the following questions:(Please fold and mail with application.)1. What is the Gospel?
2. What is the mission of the church?
3. Why do you seek to attend Christ Academy?
Please return this form to:Admission/Christ Academy RegistrationConcordia Theological Seminary6600 North Clinton StreetFort Wayne, Indiana 46825-4996�
HowdoesGod’skingdomcome?God’skingdomcomeswhenourheavenlyFathergivesusHisHolySpirit,sothatbyHisgracewebelieveHisHolyWordandleadgodlyliveshereintimeandhereafterineternity.
Non-ProfitOrg.U.S.Postage
PAIDPermitNo.1540FortWayne,IN 6600NorthClintonStreet
FortWaye,Indiana46825-4995
ForwardingServiceRequestChrist Academy is a two-week residential experience at
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, forhigh-school-aged men of The Lutheran Church–Missouri
Synod which will take place June 20–July 3. It is Christ-centered,biblically-based and confessionally Lutheran. In relation to manyother youth programs and gatherings, Christ Academy is the onlymulti-week residential event that strives to mimic the structure andrigor of advanced theological studies.
Participants of Christ Academy receive an in-depth andhands-on seminary experience as they worship, study and enjoyrecreation. Worship takes place in Kramer Chapel with theseminary community, study takes place in classes taught byseminary professors (and other remarkable teachers and pastors)and extracurricular activities take place anywhere from on theseminary grounds to amusement parks. These components are allcentered in and flow from the reception of Christ's gifts offorgiveness and life in Word and Sacrament at daily corporateworship, central to the entire experience. In addition to valuablestudy and edifying recreation, participants learn about the richliturgical traditions of the church.
The theme for Christ Academy 2010 is “EvangelicalResponses to Non-Christian Religions.” In addition to a specialclass entitled “Ministry in a Pluralistic Context” with Dr. DouglasRutt, CTS Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions,and Dr. Adam Francisco, CTS Assistant Professor of HistoricalTheology, this Academy will feature a day-trip to Chicago whereparticipants will visit the Baha’i Temple, a mosque and a Jewishsynagogue. Students of Christ Academy 2010 will explore how topresent and defend the faith “with gentleness and respect.”(1 Peter 3:16) Whether you are interested in pastoral ministry orwould like to have more exposure to theology and seminary life,come join us for an enriching opportunity and clarity of vocationaldirection.
If you would like more information, please contact me [email protected] or 260-452-3140.
Brian German is the Student Director forChrist Academy 2010 and a fourth-yearseminarian at Concordia TheologicalSeminary.
Get on Board forChrist Academy 2010
By Sem. Brian German