Progress is being made toward addressing a resolution from the 2009 synod convention designed to encourage continuing education among called workers. The Conference of Presidents has reestablished a committee to coordinate a comprehensive, yet flexible, continuing education program. Several grants have been secured to help fund the manpower needed to make this coordination possible.

As the synod takes steps to encourage continuing education, many congregations already recognize the value of lifelong learning for their called workers. Members at Immanuel, Greenville, Wis., give their pastors—David Scharf and Joel Heckendorf—time off every year to attend conferences and workshops as well as more in-depth classes during the summer at the seminary. Money is budgeted to pay for many of these courses.

"We want to encourage our pastors to grow in their knowledge and faith in Christ, just like we would encourage all our other members to do the same," says Bob Schroeder, Immanuel's Board of Elders chairman.

Bob Starner, the congregation's president, says continuing education also gives their pastors and teachers knowledge of changes in methods for preaching and teaching. "We need to reinforce the concept that growing in knowledge is a good thing versus 'I'm okay with what I already know,' " he says.

Heckendorf and Scharf take advantage of these opportunities to grow both spiritually and professionally. "It's important to refresh yourself," says Scharf. "It's hard work, but it's a different kind of work—a refreshing work and a new challenge."

After taking three courses at the seminary last summer, Heckendorf says that he immediately was able to apply what he learned. "When you're right out of college and going into seminary, it's all theoretical," he says. "It's so nice to be able to go back with experience behind you, having applications in mind."

Both Heckendorf and Scharf also appreciate the interaction with other pastors attending classes. "Half of the fun of Summer Quarter is getting to talk with the other pastors," says Scharf. "You are encouraged in your ministry as well as you get to grow from their insights."

He continues, "I'm thrilled that we've been blessed with a congregation that supports that work, and I've been blessed with an associate who wants to grow professionally as much as I do."

More than a thousand called workers participated in continuing education courses through Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., last summer. According to Paul Prange, administrator for the Board for Ministerial Education, off-campus opportunities—whether through seminars or distance-learning—are also growing in popularity. "Iron sharpens iron," he says. "When people of the same fellowship gather around the Word of God, the Holy Spirit works."