Robert Paul ’08
B.A. in Liberal Studies—Biblical Languages, Religion, History, Pre-Seminary, Fellows Program
Sayville, NY
“Receiving a Lutheran education has helped me truly understand how happy I am to be Lutheran and has led me to a greater understanding and appreciation of not only the Scriptures, but Lutheran Doctrine as well.”
How did you hear about Concordia, and what were the key factors in your decision to attend Concordia? I heard about Concordia from alumni Steve Romano,’99, and Rev. Harry Schenkel, ’91. Steve is a member of my home church, and Rev. Schenkel is our pastor. Key factors were the proximity to my home and home congregation, the size, and the fact that it had a Pre-Seminary program.
What do you like most about the Pre-Seminary program? What I like most is the ability to gain knowledge in the exegetical field, learning the languages which give us greater insight into the nature of the inspired Word of God.
Who was the influential person/people in your decision to choose to attend seminary? Since I was 9 years old, I have wanted to become a pastor. My parents have constantly supported me, as well as my uncle who also is a pastor. But my home pastor, Pastor Schenkel was highly influential since he has been a mentor to me since 1997.
In your four years here, how has Concordia shaped your ideas about yourself? Receiving a Lutheran education has helped me truly understand how happy I am to be Lutheran and has led me to a greater understanding and appreciation of not only the Scriptures, but Lutheran Doctrine as well.
What’s your favorite campus activity? My favorite campus activity is the Handbell choir. Handbells are an excellent musical way for a congregation to serve a church in the same way that we as students seek to serve our school, or hope to as we play more.
What do you enjoy most about Concordia? Mostly I enjoy the safety of a predominately Lutheran environment and a Lutheran religious education.
What activities are you involved in outside of your academics studies? Outside of my academic studies I am in Tour Choir, Festival Choir, Holy Ground (The Contemporary Christian Choir), Handbells, Concordia Players, and have duties as a residence assistant.
What are your plans after graduation? My plans after graduation are to attend seminary at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, to earn my M.div. and to eventually not only serve as a parish pastor, but hopefully work toward a doctorate in some exegetical field.
What is your internship experience and how has it prepared you for life after Concordia? My internship experience was that of serving as Chaplain, Assistant Commissioner, and Island Venture Program Director at Baiting Hollow Boy Scout Camp for the summer of 2007. It has prepared my life in its enabling me to deal with people of various ages and backgrounds helping them through situations and leading them to open new pages in their lives, as well as hopefully passing on a greater sense of Christian responsibility.
Name one piece of advice you’d give a new student at Concordia. Always be courteous, remember to say please, thank you, and excuse me. You never get a second chance at a first impression.