There is a motto in medicine, “See, Do, Teach.” A medical student becomes a doctor by seeing procedures, doing them and finally teaching them. Paul in his letters prescribes the same for the preparation of pastors. See, do, teach. See a pastor administering word and sacrament. Do the work of the Gospel yourself under supervision. Then teach someone else how to do the same.
We’ve been blessed to have Oliver and Bethany as a fieldwork family at Glendale Lutheran over the last two years. This weekend is their last here before they go to St. Joseph’s Missouri on vicarage. There, Oliver will continue to see, do and teach in a different setting. St. Paul’s has an elementary school, two pastors and a Director of Christian Education. They train vicars as part of their mission.
Oliver has preached seven times and we’ve all seen him grow as a speaker, a teacher and a minister. He and Bethany have been woven into the fabric of our congregation. God calls us to hold onto his precious things lightly. We give the LaMies to St. Joseph’s for the year if they promise to send them back. A year from now will be Oliver’s 4th and final year with us. Then he will be called to another congregation anywhere in America. He will see, do and teach to the glory of God. We love you, Oliver and Bethany.
