The Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Governing Board appointed Rev. Richard Gurgel, a seminary professor, as the director of continuing education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, on Mar. 8.
This appointment is part of a larger synodical initiative to encourage continuing education among called workers, as directed by the 2009 synod convention. The Conference of Presidents has reestablished the Committee for Continuing Education for Called Workers—consisting of representatives from the seminary, Martin Luther College, Ministerial Education, Home Missions, the Conference of Presidents, and the Congregation and Ministry Support Group—to coordinate a comprehensive, yet flexible, program.
"The goal for us as a seminary would be that called workers see our continuing education program as fitting beautifully with what they need to do day by day," says Gurgel. "They won't see a disconnect between the seminary and the parish."
Gurgel says one of his first tasks will be to put together a group of called workers as a think tank that would keep the seminary informed about current continuing education needs throughout the synod. He's also exploring ways to make online resources and courses available and reexamining existing continuing education offerings at the seminary.
The seminary has received two grants that will provide for the additional manpower and technology resources needed for the program to succeed. The seminary will be calling a new professor, which will allow Gurgel to devote half of his time to coordinating the continuing education program as well as give other seminary professors time to prepare or teach online continuing education courses during the year.
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GJ - Richard Gurgle, brother of failed SP Gurgle, is the one who blew up on the Church and Chicanery list about the lack of funds for CG projects.
This appointment will guarantee that Reformed doctrine will continue to be promoted at all levels at The Sausage Factory.