Theological Education is a task and a privilege of the Christian church. Jesus told us to “baptize” and to “teach.”
In the same way as churches are baptizing and preaching/teaching, the Seminary concentrates its efforts on teaching, preparing pastors-to-be to serve God and the people and to share the Gospel with the unreached. This is a mission task as well, as the Seminary is not just preparing professional pastors, but messengers that will be able to witness like the first disciples witnessed to the world after Jesus went back to heaven.
The local lecturers and the guest professors are doing their best to share with the students not only their knowledge but also their life experience, in the ministry. Eight Intensive Courses are offered each year, which help to supplement our lack of fulltime lecturers. We thank St. Paul’s Congregation, Arcadia, for refurbishing the LTS Guest Room, which now enables us to comfortably provide suitable accommodation for two guests.
St. Philip Lutheran Mission Society (SPLMS), from the USA, is sponsoring extension work to the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane Library. The work is planned to begin in May and a portion of the necessary building funds is already available.
In spite of the financial difficulties we faced last year, the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane survived by the grace of God and by the support of many. Our heartfelt thanks to all who are praying for, and supporting the Seminary. We would like to encourage more people to support the Seminary on a regular basis, as some donors are already doing. Remember that your donation can be deducted from your tax return via Section 18A tax exemption. The treasurer provided us with a report which shows that the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane, on average, experiences a monthly shortfall of almost R 20 000. Please feel free to contact us, should you wish to receive more information in this regard.
Food donations were a great help to us during the last year. We spent only about 20% of our food plan, thanks to food donations received. This year we have, so far, received only one big donation. We encourage the members and congregations, especially those close to the Seminary, and also others when they come to Pretoria, to bring food donations.
The plans for the seminary’s accreditation are ongoing. It’s a long and difficult process, but we pray and hope to have it ready this year. Several new candidates have approached us, and they will begin next year under the accreditation benefit.
Visit our website to read about more news and also to see some photos of our day to day lives here at the Seminary; as well as to read the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane Newsletter: www.lts.ac.za.
May God put in your heart love and willingness to support the seminary financially and in prayer. We thank you in advance.
Rector Dr Walter Winterle, Pretoria
