Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, announces that registration for a new program designed to provide a sense of Seminary life for young men in high school has reached full capacity. The program, "Exploring the Pastoral Ministry" (EPM), will take place Aug. 6-9, 2002 on the Seminary campus and the maximum capacity of 50 registrants was reached last week. Participants will study theology with Seminary professors, worship with the Seminary community, hear pastors discuss the joys and challenges of the pastoral ministry, take part in a Servant Event and attend a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. A $60 registration fee is the only charge for youth to attend, and all meals and lodging at the event are provided free of charge.

"We are excited about the chance to offer this experience for young men who are starting to feel the desire to serve our Lord in the pastoral ministry," commented Rev. Glen Thomas, vice president for seminary relations at Concordia Seminary. "Many young men we encounter in recruitment travel throughout the United States have said they would really enjoy the chance to experience Seminary life for a few days."

The EPM will take place immediately following the fourth annual Exploring Church Careers Event (ECCE). The Aug. 3-6 ECCE emphasizes all church work vocations and is open to young men and women in high school. A $50 registration fee is the only charge youth pay for the ECCE and, like the EPM, all meals and lodging are provided free of charge on the Seminary campus. Travel scholarships are available to assist with travel costs. The ECCE, limited to 80 participants, still has about 25 spots open for registrants.

For more information, contact the Admissions Office, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314.505.7722; ECCE@csl.edu. Additional information and nomination forms are available on the Seminary's Web site (www.csl.edu).