In this episode, join hosts Rev. Tom Schlund and Katie Gaschler as they get to know one of Concordia Seminary's newest exegetical professors, Dr. James Fickenscher. From studying mathematics as an undergraduate student, to attending seminary and getting a graduate degree, to serving seven years in a Texas parish, Fickenscher shares how God led him on the path to ministry. "I'd always loved math. I loved teaching people and helping people, and there was this other side of perhaps being a pastor. But I always had that internal doubt and struggle with grace...'I don't know that I'm good enough to be a pastor.'" Listen as he shares what the discernment process looked like for him, both as a college student first deciding to attend seminary, and as a pastor accepting the call to become a professor.

While talking about his time in the parish, Fickenscher discusses three of his favorite parts of being a pastor, one being the people. "Being able to go into the lives of God's people, have them invite you into their lives in such a deep way that as they're going through the darkest moment of their life, you get to be there. As they're going through the best moments of their life, you get to be there. And every step of the way, you get to be a visible reminder that God is there with them."

Additionally, you'll learn a little bit about the exegetical department, Fickenscher's role as a New Testament professor, the connection he sees between math and theology and his advice to people considering applying to the seminary.

In the recurring segment "Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree," Tom and Katie bring up some outdoor activities that get mixed reviews, digital book reading and the love-hate relationship with smart phones.

Interested in vocational ministry? Start a conversation with our admissions team at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. Learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at [email protected] or 800-822-9545.

“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added semi-weekly during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.