| dc.description.abstract | From time to time it’s good to count our blessings. As we look around us, one of the
blessings that we have in our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a well-thought-out and
well-set-up ministerial education system. In and among that system are our synodical preparatory
high schools (Michigan Lutheran Seminary and Luther Preparatory School). These schools have
the focus and purpose of training young men and women for the full-time gospel ministry. On
average about 50% of these prep school graduates end up going on to Martin Luther College to
continue their training and preparation for service in the kingdom of Christ. What a blessing that
is! The first part of this thesis paper will outline one of these prep schools (Michigan Lutheran
Seminary) and how it has carried out this purpose through the years. However, what happens to
those who don’t go on to MLC? What happens to the other 50% of graduating students? This
thesis will also look at the value of a preparatory high school education for those students who
don’t go on to train for the ministry. It will answer that question, based on first hand experiences
of Michigan Lutheran Seminary graduates and faculty members through surveys and interviews.
It will frame the discussion of preparatory school importance from the lens of the graduates
themselves and their personal experiences. After examining their responses and reactions to the
questions asked and also alongside synodical evidence, it can be concluded: Yes, there is great
individual and institutional value for a preparatory graduate even when he or she does not go on
to Martin Luther College. These benefits include: 1) A Christian education, 2) Preparation for lay
leadership and Christian service, 3) Continued ties to Lutheran friends and faculty, and 4) “Next
Generation” benefits. | en_US |
