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My
name is Bill Peterson and I am a candidate for ministry in the
Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program
through Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. My faith journey
began when I was baptized in Hebron Lutheran Church in Burdick,
Kan. Hebron is a Swedish Lutheran congregation and was the church
home to most of my ancestors. I attended Bethany College in
Lindsborg, Kan. and there met my wife of 35 years this date.
Judy came from a Berea Lutheran Church, which believe it or
not was also a Swedish Lutheran. I guess you could say that
we are both cradle Lutheran’s and proud of it! We raised
two daughters in Herington, Kan. where I served as a Health
Care Administrator/CEO for 25+ years and Judy has just now retired
after serving 30 years as a Special Education Teacher in our
community. We have been active members of St. Paul Lutheran
Church in Herington, Kan. for over 25 years.
I felt
a sense of call when I was 40 years old and visited seminary.
Our children were at a very impressible age and were very opposed
to moving. For that reason I did not pursue the call. After
they had left home and finished college Judy and I began a program
in the Central States Synod called Parish Ministry Associate
(PMA). We went to classes for two years every Saturday and when
finished were certified by the church to serve in this capacity.
This allowed me to serve two different parishes, four churches,
while they were in the call process. This further deepened my
sense of call. Along the way we had wonderful ministers who
continued to encourage me to consider the vocation of ministry.
The decision
to enter the TEEM program came at the encouragement of our church
council at St. Paul’s. I decided that God wanted me to
serve and that it was time to move forward. I applied for candidacy
and seminary. I was accepted and am grateful for a grace filled
God who sees worth and purpose for me to do work for the kingdom.
This would not be possible with out the TEEM program and I am
so grateful for this opportunity. Although going back to school
at 57 years old seems at times a bit overwhelming, one is never
too old to learn and to strengthen your faith is indeed a gift.
I am currently
serving in my home congregation which is another blessing. I
believe that the TEEM program is so important because it meets
the needs of the church in these ever changing and challenging
times. I have lived and worked in Rural America my whole life.
I have looked and seen the fear in the eyes of our own folks,
who are wondering how their communities and churches are going
to survive. I am grateful to the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA) for their recognition and concern for these
folks and their willingness to meet the needs of these people.
I applaud the staff and professors of Wartburg Seminary for
their commitment to rural and specialized ministry and their
expertise in the development of the TEEM program. I am humbled
and grateful for this opportunity to serve as this would not
be possible without the TEEM program.
TEEM is currently offered at four ELCA seminaries: Luther Seminary,
Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest, Pacific Lutheran
Theological Seminary and Wartburg Theological Seminary. Through
the TEEM Program, individuals can specialize in ...
- Rural
Ministry
- Urban
Ministry
- Ethnic
Ministries
- Evangelism
- Stewardship
- Youth
Ministry
To learn
more about TEEM, please visit their web sites for more information.
I thank
the Central States Synod, ELCA for assisting and supporting
me in my seminary studies through prayers, guidance, and providing
financial support through the Central States Synod Mission Endowment
Fund.
Serving
by God’s Amazing Grace,
Bill Peterson
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Herington, Kansas
June 19, 2008
“Commit
your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”
Psalm 37:5 (NRSV)
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