Students prepare to serve Nicaraguan church

ILSN President Luis Turcios addresses the future pastors and deaconesses in Nicaragua

Future church workers in Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua participated in the final stage of their preparation for theological education last week. The class of 15 pastoral students and 21 diaconate program students gathered at the Mission Centre in Chinandega September 7 to meet with ILSN President Luis Turcios and several ILSN pastors. Following devotions and a question and answer time, the president interviewed each student. The majority of the students have served in their congregations or missions as Lectors, assisting pastors in such areas as children’s education, Sunday school, evangelism, hospital calls, reading in worship services, Bible study groups, and music.

Formal classes begin October 3 when Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan, president emeritus of Lutheran Church–Canada and volunteer missionary will teach the first in a series of classes on Christian Doctrine. Joining him is Rev. Kurt Reinhardt, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gowanstown, Ontario, who will teach Introduction to the New Testament.

“It is rewarding to witness the candidates’ desire to study and be trained to serve the Lord in His mission,” said Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, LCC’s mission executive. “Once more we see God’s promises come true to our church in Central America: ‘I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.’ (Jeremiah 3:15).”

This is the third series of theological education classes coordinated by Lutheran Church–Canada through Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario. For two years students meet four times per year for two weeks of intensive classes. Each session totals 30 hours of classes. All students receive a basic theological education. The future pastors and deaconesses also study courses specific to their area of ministry. Following ordination or commissioning, pastors and deaconesses also participate in continuing education courses

“This is a tremendous commitment for these men and women, many of whom are supporting families,” noted Dr. Neitzel. “Please pray for these classes and students in Nicaragua and ask the Lord to provide workers for our own mission field in Canada.”

Theological education in Nicaragua is supported by a grant from Marvin M. Schwan Foundation. The foundation also supports the continuing education program.

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