A record 84 prospective students and their guests attended the 2002 "Shepherds of God's Flock" retreat, held Jan. 8-10 on the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, campus. The retreat emphasized the spiritual and personal aspects of the decision-making process to become a pastor. This year's "Shepherds of God's Flock" retreat was the fourth of its kind. Attendance has increased each year it has been offered.

"This was an incredible experience, and it gives us a lot of hope concerning the number of future pastors God is raising up," commented Rev. Jeffery Moore, director of ministerial recruitment at Concordia Seminary. "We hope this is the start of a trend that will provide increasing numbers of pastors for the many vacant congregations in our church."

While on campus, retreat participants were led by Seminary faculty members through a study of the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions concerning the pastoral ministry. Pastors, missionaries and chaplains spoke about the joys and challenges of their service. Retreat participants from across the country talked with others who are contemplating Seminary enrollment, worshiped with the Seminary community in daily chapel services and attended Seminary classes with current students.

Participants were enthusiastic in their evaluation of the retreat. "A hugely enlightening and spiritual experience," commented one participant. "I wish…to thank all those participants of the "Shepherds of God's Flock" for such an overwhelming display of love and kindness," commented another participant. "Surely God is present at Concordia Seminary and if it is His will, I will return."

The next structured visitation program offered for prospective students and their guests on the Concordia Seminary campus is the "Institute on the Ministry" which will take place March 7-9. This Thursday-through-Saturday experience is designed to give a thorough orientation to the preparation that leads to service in the pastoral ministry and life in the Concordia Seminary community.

Prospective students and their guests also may visit at an individual time that is most convenient for them. All meals and lodging on the Seminary campus are provided free of charge, and transportation to and from the St. Louis airport is also available as needed.

Those interested in scheduling a campus visit may contact the Admissions Office of Concordia Seminary at 801 DeMun Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63105; 1.800.822.9545; admissions@csl.edu.