Life in seminary: Jeremy Richert

For the January/February issue of The Canadian Lutheran, we’ve been discussing how God calls men to be pastors to serve in the Church. To that end, we asked four current seminarians for their take on life in seminary. Before reading the interview below, you might want to see the introduction here.

Jeremy Richert

School: Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines, Ontario)
Studies: Fourth year with one to go because he spent an extra year studying at a sister-seminary in Germany
Status: Single
Interests: All things John Deere and horticulture
Favourite movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Claim to fame: Was once almost struck by lightning (but claims this had no impact on his decision to enter ministry)

CL: How did you end up at seminary studying to be a pastor?
JR:I can honestly say that “pastor” was never on my “when I grow up, I want to be…” list as a kid. I wanted to be a carpenter like my dad, or a teacher so I could get lots of holidays, or a pharmacist so I could make lots of money. Becoming a pastor was something suggested to me by members of my congregation, and I was encouraged by many people along the way.

CL: What are the challenges of seminary life? The rewards?
JR: One challenge is the workload, which can be quite heavy at times. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There is great joy as you worship, study, and converse with fellow students—great pleasure as you sit and learn at the feet of amazing teachers of the faith. You learn to appreciate the saints who have gone before; you see how God has sustained and grown His church even in difficult times.

CL: Who encouraged you to become a pastor?
JR: The idea came from the encouragement of congregation members and family who were able to see in me qualities and characteristics fitting for a pastor. My home pastor also encouraged me along the way by inviting me to help with Divine Service. Some family members got me in contact with a seminary professor, and he continued to guide me along when he saw I was having doubts.

God uses sinful, insignificant men like me to proclaim his Word. Don’t wait for some inner voice or for God to speak to you directly.

CL: Why should our readers consider going to seminary?
JR: God uses sinful, insignificant men like me to proclaim his Word. Don’t wait for some inner voice or for God to speak to you directly. If you’re thinking “I’m not cut out for this,” good. None of us are. But God prepares and moulds us through His Word at seminary. If you have even the slightest hint of ‘I wonder,’ contact the seminary. After all, they had the same questions as you once upon a time.

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This is one of four interviews with current seminary students which appeared in the January/February issue of The Canadian Lutheran. Be sure to read the others here.

If you’re considering pastoral ministry, contact one of Lutheran Church–Canada’s two seminaries: Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton) or Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines, Ontario). They can help you discern whether seminary is right for you.

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