Guidance Counseling

Encouraging for Ministry

The purpose of MLS from the beginning has been to encourage and train called workers and congregational leaders to proclaim God’s Word to His people and to the nations. For more than 100 years, an average of 40 to 50 percent of graduates from MLS have gone on to study for public ministry in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Today, MLS graduates, together with graduates from our sister school (Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, WI) account for more than half of the pastors in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and about one-third of teachers in the WELS.

HOW do we encourage students for ministry? In order to encourage our students for ministry, we first minister to them personally, modeling what ministry looks like. Faculty, staff, and coaches walk beside students, helping them apply Biblical truth to their questions, relationships, and challenges. Students are given meaningful opportunities to share the gospel in word and action through athletics, clubs, choir tours, admissions events, and hands-on ministry experiences.

Throughout his or her four years, an MLS student will experience a program of ministry encouragement that is designed to introduce ministry as a concept and encourage ministry as an option.

  • Freshman Ministry Day: All freshmen are given a day off of classes to attend presentations by guest pastors, teachers, and staff ministers to introduce them to the world of ministry. For many of our first-year students, this is their first time truly considering whether these ministry roles are for them.
  • Sophomore Night: Our annual banquet for sophomores with guest speakers from Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. This event is also for parents and guardians of sophomore students so that the whole family understands what is being encouraged as we talk about ministry in action.
  • Junior College Tour: The entire junior class is driven by coach bus to Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota to see the campus and environment where our future called workers are in training. Stops are also made to the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and our sister school Luther Preparatory School. This critical trip for ministry recruitment also ends up being a wonderful bonding experience for the juniors each year.
  • Senior Taste of Ministry: Each senior chooses to shadow a teacher, a pastor, or a staff minister for several days each Fall. Travel costs are paid for and lodging is provided so that every one of our seniors can picture themselves in called ministry, and at the very least understand more fully what our called workers do for us in our church body.

Those who show gifts and interest for public gospel ministry are encouraged to enroll at Martin Luther College (MLC) for continuing study.

Pastor and student leading worship at the front of a chapel

Equipping for Life

It’s true that many MLS students will serve in pulpits or classrooms some day. Regardless of their chosen vocation, all MLS students are prepared to serve God faithfully, sharing their faith wherever God places them and living his truth with conviction, humility, and grace.

While our primary focus is encouraging students to consider serving in the public ministry, Michigan Lutheran Seminary also offers college counseling for students who wish to pursue other avenues of service to the Lord. If it becomes clear that a student does not choose to enroll in Martin Luther College for the path to public ministry, MLS guides that student to their next logical step.

Our graduates routinely apply and are admitted to other colleges and universities. Through our Registrar’s office, students can work through college options, the application process, prepare for ACT/SAT exams, discuss program plans for their desired field of study, learn about scholarship and grant opportunities, and be connected with various colleges and universities that fit their needs.

MLS students presenting to a grade school classroom

Parent Perspective

When I started at MLS in the fall of 1997, never could I have imagined what that single choice would mean for me. I have so many amazing memories and experiences that have brought some of the greatest blessings in my life. The encouragement I received from professors and faculty to consider not just public ministry, but how to best use my talents and gifts led me to my career as a nurse where I’ve served the Saginaw Community since graduating.

The friends I made in my time at MLS are still my very best friends today, including my husband of almost 20 years. The daily encouragement in God’s Word by so many has kept me active in my own church and my faith strong when things haven’t always been easy.

Being a part of the Seminary Family doesn’t just mean the four years you are a student there. It is having that connection with thousands of people who share the same faith in Jesus, our Savior. It’s cheering on an MLS team from across the country, remembering your own days as an athlete there. It’s running into a classmate years later and instantly picking up immediately where you left off. It’s hearing “God’s Word is Our Great Heritage” in church on Sunday, and immediately knowing you don’t need the words or music because you know it by heart. It is knowing there is a community who is ready to help you and pray for you when you need it, just like you would for them.

Although my time as a student has been over for many years, my time at MLS is not finished. My Seminary story continues in a new way, now as a parent of MLS students. It is only now in this new role that I can truly appreciate and thank my own parents for the sacrifices they made in sending me to MLS. I know they wanted for me what my husband and I want for our own children – A great education, to grow stronger daily in God’s Word, to have that constant encouragement in how best to use the gifts God has given them to serve Him, to make friendships that will last, and to carry with them a lifetime of experiences and memories.

MLS is different. MLS is special. I thank God so often for this place that has brought so many blessings to me, and continues to be a blessing to my children.

– Steph Wakefield,
MLS Alumna and Parent