CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Wayne L. Menking, Arlington, Texas, was appointed director of the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS), Austin, Texas. Menking's appointment was announced by the Rev. Duane H. Larson, president, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, and the Rev. James Kenneth Echols, president, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC). Wartburg and LSTC, both seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), co-sponsor LSPS, a program focusing on preparing leaders for mission and the convergence of cultures.
Born in Sinton, Texas, Menking comes to LSPS from the Ministry Development Center of the Southwest, where he has served as executive director since 1996. He succeeds the Rev. August E. Wenzel, Austin, who served as director of the program for 13 years.
"As a pastor, theologian and clinician, Menking brings many gifts to the director's position at LSPS," said Larson in a news release. "From his work with theological students and pastors, he is known as a thoughtful, insightful and passionate person. These gifts will serve him well and we are profoundly grateful that Menking will be leading LSPS."
"Dr. Menking brings an impressive background and a wealth of experiences to LSPS. I look forward to working with him closely as director of the program," Echols said in the release.
Menking earned a bachelor's degree in 1971 from Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. In 1976 he earned a master of divinity degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. Capital is one of 28 ELCA colleges, Luther is one of eight seminaries of the ELCA. He earned a doctor of sacred theology degree from the San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1990.
After his ordination in 1975, Menking served the Nome-Fingal Lutheran parish, Nome and Fingal, N.D.; Central Lutheran Church, Menominee, Mich. ; and Trinity Lutheran Church, Forth Worth, Texas. Menking and his wife Nancy have four children.
LSPS was established in 1974. It is located on the campus of the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest and next to the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. -- -- -- *Michelle T. Mills is a senior at Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. This summer she is an intern with ELCA News & Information.
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