Tim adds: I could lift up many powerful influences over the years, through continuing ed and reading, but relative to the seminary experience: The Biblical Division at ELTS/Trinity: Drs. Hals (my advisor) & Doermann in OT, Hoopes, Taylor, and especially Dr. Bruce Shein in NT. In systematics I was blessed to have Hans Schwartz early, before departing seminary only to return on the "10-year plan"! Walt Bouman was influential insofar as his continual challenge even as his overall theology was not persuasive. I always had the sense that his theological career was spent battling his own family systems experience with old WELS & LCMS kinfolk. I was appreciative of Trgve Skarsten and his ability to bring the strengths of the pietistic movements to bear without demanding the same be normative.
Beyond seminary, I deeply appreciated being able to listen to Dr. Joseph Sittler, Bp. Bill Lazareth in later years, as well as serve in parish ministry under the guidance of Dr. August Wenzel. Braaten, Jensen, Gritch, Forde, Piepkorn, Neuhaus were all influential along the way, even as persons like Drs. Amy Schiffrin and Frank Senn continue to challenge and inspire. I am grateful to God for all the gifts I've been so graciously granted by these and many others through the years.
