You are going to our seminary for a visit, and before you get there you start to formulate what you’ll experience. When you step onto the campus you are struck by its beauty and nostalgia. And it’s not a fleeting impression. Some of the possible preconceived notions deepen. What catches your eye piques your curiosity. The main buildings are fort-like. The arched entrance gives further evidence of an aged stronghold. Seeing the faculty and students dressed in their “Sunday best” instills seriousness and almost solemnity. Inside the building photos of past graduating classes and their professors line the hallway and classroom walls. And then you hear of a spiral staircase leading to a place called the “Holy Ghost Room.” What kind of hallowed ground are we standing on?

For those unfamiliar with the seminary, it is a striking place. For those unfamiliar with their Savior, the seminary is a strange place. Why are these young men dedicating their lives to this work, why are they dressed so formally, why are they studying such strange and ancient languages (Hebrew and Greek, sometimes Latin or German), why are they rapping their knuckles on wood? [Rapping on desks is a traditional way of applauding in German universities.-ed.] Why are the professors so adamant about being faithful to the Word and studying it in its original text, why are those professors and the administration so intent on trusting the Holy Spirit to do his work through the power of the gospel? It is an odd thing, but it is good.

Not only is it good, but it comes from God, and he is a strange God, who is described as doing “strange work”—calling sinners to repentance (Isaiah 28:21). God is not strange as if to imply that he does illogical things or follows some whimsical ideas. But rather, a world that does not know him or his truth and grace, finds him odd. And so the seminary follows suit. It is established and operates in a way that much of the world shakes its head or smiles condescendingly at, questioning its efforts and commitment. Our seminary is a strange place, but it is good.

Our seminary has wonderful grounds and buildings, capable and trustworthy administrators, intellectually gifted and faithful faculty, endearing traditions, committed and enthusiastic students, and a staff with a servant’s heart. These things are good and should cause us to rejoice. But before you accuse this author of indulgent flattery of those who serve at the seminary, all of those who serve there know and admit that they are flawed and on their own incapable of carrying out the seminary’s mission. They are not what really makes our seminary good. What makes it good is God’s hand that guides and directs our seminary. It is God who gives the seminary its purpose, and it is God blessing the efforts of those who serve there. What is strange to the world is just that—an unexplainable, wonderful grace. God has put this work in the hands of faulty humans so that his power may be known and his name be adored.

The seminary has a governing board made up of pastors, laymen, a teacher, and advisory members. We get to see some of the nuts and bolts of how this institution operates. When the board members come to the seminary campus we get to sit in classes and hear the depth of knowledge of God’s word the students and professors strive for. We worship in chapel with the students, faculty, and staff; listening to God’s grace by a student or professor and joining together in praise. We informally gather with students and professors and are greeted with gratitude and genuineness. At times the board is part of the calling of new professors. What a humbling experience. Faculty are chosen for their intellectual capacity, but also for their understanding and experience of serving as shepherds in a congregation. If the focus and mission of the seminary is to prepare pastors to serve in congregations, they must learn from those who have a love for God’s people and understanding of how to serve them while proclaiming the truths of his will. In each and every duty that the board is tasked with, there must be an intentional purpose: to see how finances, calling faculty members, evaluating capital endeavors, or getting to know the seminary family are all intimately connected to the seminary’s purpose and work—preparing pastors to serve our Lord and his people with the power of the gospel.

A visit to the seminary is a wonderful experience. Thankfully, it is also a “strange” experience in the best possible way. Strange in that it holds firmly to and readily proclaims the truth of God’s word in a world that has frequently given it up. Join me in praying that such important work continues for ages to come.

Phil Stern teaches at Fox Valley Lutheran High School and serves as member of the seminary’s governing board.