CAPstone

The final component of the program, the only element that is not offered locally, is the 10-day CAPstone session split between New Ulm, Minnesota, and Milwaukee and Mequon, Wisconsin. Students may participate in the CAPstone session after completing the other program requirements. Those who, for legitimate reasons, are unable to attend should contact the director to see whether alternate arrangements can be made.

The CAPstone session is typically held once a year in the summer. CAPstone participants will spend Saturday evening through Friday morning on the Martin Luther College campus in New Ulm studying Biblical Interpretation and Basics of Culture. Friday afternoon the group will travel to Milwaukee. On Saturday the participants will spend the day learning about and conducting ethnographic interviews for one of the local Milwaukee churches. Sunday the group will take a tour of the Milwaukee area visiting various historic sights important to the history of WELS. Events on Monday and Tuesday will include lectures on the various organizations and boards within WELS and a tour of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

The following is a list of the CAPstone courses and the materials participants will need to read before attending CAPstone.

WELS History and Structure

Brief history of WELS and its place in American church history. Overview of synodical mission statement, structure and work of its divisions. Visits to synodical headquarters and WLS as well as meeting synod leaders.

Note for the WELS History and Structure Course: Prior required reading - Together in Christ: A History of the Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod by John Braun. Available from the program's administrative assistant.
 

Basics of Culture

Introduction to what culture is, how cultures vary, and how to learn to understand other cultures.

Note for the Basics of Culture Course: Prior required reading - Change by E. Allen Sorum. Available from the program's administrative assistant.
 

Biblical Interpretation

Review of principles of Bible interpretation. Examples and effects of improper interpretation.

Note for the Biblical Interpretation Course: Prior required reading - Biblical Interpretation: The Only Right Way by David P. Kuske. Available from the program's administrative assistant.