The need for called workers to pursue education after graduation has been emphasized in the synod the past few years. Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS), Mequon, Wis., and Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., are leading the way—not just in the courses they offer but in the example their professors are setting.

Currently six WLS professors are pursuing graduate level education. This includes Prof. Stephen Geiger, who teaches New Testament courses. Already holding two master's degrees—one from WLS and one from the University of Wisconsin–Madison—he is now working toward his doctorate in Classics, also from UW–Madison.

Geiger says that while he had his own interest in pursuing additional education, the seminary encouraged him as well. "As ones tasked with teaching the Greek New Testament and being as familiar as possible with the language and culture of the first century A.D., we felt that additional linguistic study as well as increased familiarization with both the culture and the history of the period would be of great benefit," he says.

According to Geiger, it might take him up to four years to finish his degree. Juggling his seminary responsibilities and family life with his course work isn't easy. "One prays for wisdom, life balance, and faithfulness," he says. "Temptations to procrastinate and be lazy don't disappear. Planning ahead, scheduling, and follow-through remain critical."

The seminary does what it can to help, including paying for tuition and travel expenses through special gifts given to the seminary. Other professors teach additional classes to free up time for those going back to school. Paul Wendland, WLS president, says that this is especially helpful for new professors because they can get a good start on a degree program or pursue personal studies before having a full-time teaching schedule. "To be able to give a credible course to post-graduate students and to be able to keep abreast with current developments—both positive and negative—it's important for our professors to wherever possible get continuing education," says Wendland.

Keeping up with current trends and best practices is also important to Jonathan Roux, a professor at Martin Luther College. He received his master's degree in curriculum and instruction in 2005 while teaching at Divine Peace, Largo, Md. When he accepted his call to MLC in 2008, he began his doctoral work at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Having a terminal degree he says, shows a depth and breadth of knowledge. "You are instilling confidence in current practices—not just imparting the same knowledge you read in the book. You're able to flesh it out, to set it in context, and to give more application." MLC supports Roux and other professors continuing their education by paying for expenses and offering a reduced teaching load and sabbatical time if possible.