The main purpose of MLS is to encourage students to consider serving in the public ministry of the Church as a pastor or teacher. Part of that encouragement comes through a structured program of different ministry experiences that students take part in throughout their years at MLS.
The entire freshman class takes an afternoon to speak with a mix of pastors, teachers, and representatives from Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. These speakers share their own personal stories of how they became pastors and teachers, and what students can expect if they decide to go the same route.
The sophomore students, along with their parents and guardians, attend an informal dinner with the MLS faculty and representatives from Martin Luther College and MLS alumni that are currently students at MLC. After dinner there are various activities and presentations to inform both the students and their parents about the next step in ministry training.
The junior class takes a four day trip to visit the other three ministerial education schools that are operated by the WELS. They visit Luther Preparatory School, MLS’ sister high school in Wisconsin, Martin Luther College in Minnesota, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. This trip allows the students to see the various schools first hand and experience a taste of campus life as well. An additional college tour is optional for seniors who would like to visit again, called Second Look.
Each senior is paired up with an experienced teacher or pastor for a multi-day “behind the scenes” look at the life of a called worker. Many students help with Sunday worship or classroom instruction, as well as informally interacting with the called worker and church/school families. Several senior young men are often paired with mission pastors in various states around the country.
Students from every grade are able to take part in the Project Titus mission trip program. Since 1981, MLS students have traveled throughout the summer months to cities across the country and around the world. These trips offer an amazing opportunity for cross-cultural immersion and outreach experiences. Students often help organize and run various programs with their host congregations - soccer camps, music camps, Vacation Bible School, and more! Students gain real life experience in a mission field often very different from their own. They come home exhausted by the amount of work (and fun!) but encouraged to continue their training for the public ministry of the gospel.