Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary began its new school year with an opening service in Good Shepherd Chapel on August 27, 2018. Prof. Timothy Schmeling conducted the liturgy and the Rev. Larry Wentzlaff delivered the homily on 2 Corinthians 5:14–21, focusing on the doctrine of justification and the public ministry, the ministry of reconciliation. On the basis of Christ’s redemptive work the whole world has been justified or declared righteous in Christ. The Rev. Wentzlaff pointed out that this message is brought to all people through the means of grace by the ministry of reconciliation. This is the purpose of the God-given office of the public ministry. Those in this office will proclaim the message of salvation in Jesus Christ our Savior. Also at this service, the Rev. Nicholas Proksch was installed as professor at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary. He will teach the New Testament courses at the seminary and the Greek courses at the college. Pres. John Moldstad conducted the rite of installation.
The teaching staff for the seminary this semester is as follows: Adolph Harstad, Brian Klebig, Nicholas Proksch, Timothy Schmeling, and Gaylin Schmeling. Professor Harstad is teaching homiletics; Professor Klebig is teaching communication; Professor Proksch is teaching in the areas of New Testament and hermeneutics; Professor Timothy Schmeling is teaching Old Testament and homiletics; and Professor Gaylin Schmeling is teaching courses in dogmatics and homiletics.
The seminary enrollment this year numbers seventeen. There are five seniors, six middlers, five juniors, and one special student.