Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, was the site for a new program designed to provide a sense of Seminary life for young men in high school. The program, "Exploring the Pastoral Ministry" (EPM), took place Aug. 6-9 on the Seminary campus and was experienced by 50 participants, the maximum allowed.

Participants studied theology with Seminary professors, worshiped with the Seminary community, listened to pastors discuss the joys and challenges of the pastoral ministry, investigated theological questions with Seminary students who also served as their guides, took part in a Servant Event and attended a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. A $60 registration fee was the only charge for youth to attend, and all meals and lodging at the event were provided free of charge.

"Many young men we encounter in recruitment travel have said they would really enjoy the chance to experience Seminary life for a few days and their desire led to this new event," commented Rev. Glen Thomas, vice president for seminary relations at Concordia Seminary. "We are encouraged that the first EPM met with such a positive response, both in terms of the number of young men attending and in the effect it had on those who attended. The evaluations submitted by participants indicate that this event had a very positive influence on their desire to serve in the pastoral ministry."

The EPM took place immediately following the fourth annual Exploring Church Careers Event (ECCE). The ECCE was attended by 76 high school youth, male and female, and emphasized all church work vocations.

The 2003 ECCE and EPM will take place Aug. 2-5 and Aug. 6-8 respectively. A mailing including nomination forms will be sent to pastors, teachers and DCEs throughout the United States on Feb. 15, 2003. Registration forms will be accepted following March 1, 2003.

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).