Today after chapel we recognized the two men who completed the Specific Ministry Program in the past year, as we do at the end of the Good Shepherd Institute Conference each year. In the words of Dr. Carl Fickenscher, Director of Pastoral Formation Programs:
“The Specific Ministry program was created by the Synod to provide pastors particularly to those settings which cannot afford or for other reasons provide a residentially-trained pastor. We have two men who have completed the program. Both of them are serving in their calls and are in absentia. We are delighted nevertheless to thank God for their service to us:
“Daniel L. Dockery, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Glen Arbor, MI, Michigan District
“Joshua J. Parsons, Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Midland, MI, Michigan District
“We thank God for their preparation for the Office of the Holy Ministry through the Specific Ministry Pastor’s Program and we pray for their continued faithful ministry in their places. God be with you all.”
