Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary began the new academic year on August 22, 2022 with an opening service at Good Shepherd Chapel. For the opening service, President Hartwig preached on John 17:13–23. He reassured the seminarians that although they cannot see the future with its difficulties and triumphs, Jesus can. Jesus sees and knows what is to come and will work all things for their good. They can trust him because he prayed for them and their work on his behalf on the night he was betrayed. If Jesus was mindful of them as he prepared to suffer and die for the sins of the world, he certainly has them in mind today. They can confidently move forward into the future even knowing that they will have failures as servants of Christ. Christ has lived and died for them. Jesus was the perfect pastor and his righteousness is credited to them by faith. Through His death, Jesus has forgiven all their sins: past, present, and future. Jesus will bless their future work of proclaiming this forgiveness to the world.

Pictured from left to right: (back) Graham Parsons, Peter Estrem, Caleb VonDeylen, Joel Hansen.

(front) Caleb Strutz, Matthew Lehne, Skyler Hepler.

Vicars not pictured: Cody Anderson, Caleb Helmen, Max Kerr.

The teaching staff for the seminary this semester is as follows: Timothy Hartwig, Brian Klebig, Nicholas Proksch, Gaylin Schmeling, and Timothy Schmeling. Professor Timothy Hartwig is teaching courses in pastoral theology and symbolics; Professor Brian Klebig is teaching communication; Professor Nicholas Proksch is teaching in the areas of New Testament, homiletics, and hermeneutics; Professor Gaylin Schmeling is teaching homiletics; and Professor Timothy Schmeling is teaching Old Testament, church history, and homiletics.

The seminary enrollment this year numbers ten. There are three vicars, two seniors, three middlers, and two juniors. The vicars are Cody Anderson at Saude, Jerico, and Redeemer Lutheran Churches (Lawler and New Hampton, Iowa); Caleb Helmen at Our Savior Lutheran Church (Naples, Florida); and Max Kerr at King of Grace Lutheran Church (Golden Valley, Minnesota). 

Candidate of Theology Placements

• Colin Anderson as pastor to First Lutheran Church, Suttons Bay, Michigan
• Peter Bockoven as pastor to Saint Luke Lutheran Church, Mt. Vernon, Washington
• Abraham Faugstad as pastor to King of Grace Lutheran Church, Waukon, Iowa & Trinity Lutheran Church, Calmar, Iowa
• Nicholas Lilienthal as pastor to Christ Lutheran Church, Sutherlin, Oregon & Resurrection Lutheran Church, North Bend, Oregon

Vicar Assignments

• Cody Anderson to Saude Lutheran Church Lawler, Iowa, Jerico Lutheran Church, New Hampton, Iowa & Redeemer Lutheran Church, New Hampton, Iowa
• Caleb Helmen to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Naples, Florida
• Max Kerr to King of Grace Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Timothy Hartwig, a 2001 graduate of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, has accepted the call from the ELS Board of Regents to be the next president of that institution. He replaces President Gaylin Schmeling, who became the seminary president in 1997. Pres. Schmeling is retiring at the end of the current academic year.

Rev. Hartwig has been pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato, Minnesota, since 2011. From 2001–2011 he was pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City Arizona. In addition, Rev. Hartwig has served the synod on the Boards for Evangelism and Home Outreach and as a circuit visitor and synodical vice president. He will be installed as seminary president in June at the Synod Convention.

The seminary commencement service will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. in Trinity Chapel on the campus of Bethany Lutheran College. The Rev. Daniel Faugstad will serve as the preacher, and Pres. Gaylin Schmeling will serve as liturgist. The following will be graduated from the seminary with a Master of Divinity degree: Colin Anderson, Peter Bockoven, Abraham Faugstad, and Nicholas Lilienthal. The vicars who will be assigned at this service are: Cody Anderson, Caleb Helmen, and Max Kerr.

Click here to watch live streaming of service.