Concordia Seminary magazine | Summer 2021

PASTOR, PROFESSOR,

CALL DAY

COMMENCEMENT LAUDS

SERVANT LEADER

SPECIAL SECTION

CONCLUDING STUDENTS

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FIRST LOOK Concordia Seminary’s 2021 graduates line up for the Commencement processional May 21 in the academic quad as faculty, staff and Board of Regents members join the celebration.

Photo: Harold Rau

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

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FROM THE

PRESIDENT PASTOR, PROFESSOR,

CALL DAY

COMMENCEMENT LAUDS

SERVANT LEADER

SPECIAL SECTION

CONCLUDING STUDENTS

ON THE THE COVER COVER ON

Concordia Seminary faculty caption member Dr. Thomas J. Egger became the institution’s 11th president in March. He was installed and inaugurated Aug. 27, 2021. Photo: Jill Gray

Dr. Thomas J. Egger. Photo: Jill Gray

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus!

PRESIDENT Dr. Thomas J. Egger

PUBLISHER

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dale A. Meyer Vicki Biggs

EXECUTIVE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR Vicki Biggs Melanie Ave

MANAGING EDITOR ART DIRECTOR Melanie Ave XiaoPei Chen Jayna Rollings

ART DIRECTOR Jayna Rollings DESIGNER Courtney Koll

DESIGNERS Michelle Poneleit WRITERS Jayna Rollings Melanie Ave Kim Plummer Krull Deaconess Rebekah Lukas WRITERS Sarah Maney Maney Sarah

Daniel Mattson PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Mills Melanie Ave Travis Scholl Jill Gray Courtney Koll PHOTOGRAPHERS Deaconess Rebekah Lukas Sarah Maney Jill Gray Harold Rau Sid Hastings Michael Thomas Courtney Koll

Sarah Maney Michelle Poneleit Harold Rau

It is my great privilege to greet you on behalf of Concordia Seminary as I begin my service here as the 11th president of this stalwart institution. Concordia Seminary exists so that the Good News of Jesus Christ can be proclaimed clearly and boldly in this land and in every land, in this generation and to coming generations.

Growing up, I heard of Jesus and His love from my pastors, Rev. Harold Roschke and Rev. Marlin Rempfer, both Concordia Seminary alums. I myself was taught the riches of God’s Word and Lutheran doctrine here, which prepared me to bring Jesus’ forgiveness and comfort to the dear people at Zion Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, Iowa, as their pastor from 2000–05. For the last 16 years, I have been a professor of Old Testament here, delighting to lead our students into the writings of the prophets, which testify so beautifully to Christ.

Teaching, teaching, teaching. That is the role of the Seminary. Teaching from God’s Word. Teaching the life-giving truth of Jesus, His saving work, His present mercy and His coming kingdom. Serving The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and partner churches worldwide by teaching with boldness, with clarity, with humility, with faith and with hearts full of praise to our God. Teaching those who will bring Christ’s Gospel into the lives of sinners, sinners like you and me, struggling our way through this sin-broken world.

As our 21st century culture lurches about with change and with the vain effort to find meaning apart from the one true God, what should Concordia Seminary teach? The answer to that question is unchanged from the days of the prophet Isaiah who, inspired by God’s Spirit, penned these words: “A voice says, ‘Cry!’ And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’

All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Is. 40:6–8 ESV).

When Concordia Seminary dedicated a beautiful new campus in 1883, its first president Dr. C.F.W. Walther expressed a similar conviction: “In this house, neither the word of man nor the wit and wisdom of man, but rather the Word of God and the entire Word of God, and that which serves the elucidation and application of that Word, shall be studied with unwearied diligence, day after day, from the first rays of the morning until late after nightfall.” For, as Walther wrote elsewhere, “Only the Word of God makes the heart certain, secure, and glad.”

Concordia Seminary magazine magazine is is a a Concordia Seminary member of of the the Associated Associated Church Church Press Press member and the the Evangelical Evangelical Press Press Association.

Association. and

Dr. Thomas J. Egger, President

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMER 2021 ISSUE FEATURES 6 Pastor, professor, servant leader

10 Special section: Call Day

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 From the President

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17 News Worth Noting 24 Student Spotlight 26 Staff Focus 28 Alumni and Friends 30 Support your Sem

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OUR MISSION Concordia Seminary serves church and world by providing theological education and leadership centered in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for the formation of pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod.

WANT TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST? To be added to the mailing list, or to receive the magazine electronically, address correspondence to: Concordia Seminary magazine, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; call 800-822-5287; or email magazine@csl.edu. Congregations may request copies in bulk for distribution within their churches.

Copyright © September 2021, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of Concordia Seminary.

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PASTOR PROFESSOR SERVANT LEADER

BY KIM PLUMMER KRULL

Thomas J. Egger arrived at Concordia Seminary in 1993 as a new Master of Divinity student from Muscatine, Iowa. His primary aspiration was to become a parish pastor someday.

“There was the opportunity to make an eternal difference in people’s lives, speak about Jesus and bring His strength and promises into the situations of life. Of all the wonderful, worthwhile things in this world, nothing seemed to compare with that,” says Egger from his new presidential office in Pieper Hall on the Seminary campus where he moved this spring. It was a move this former parish pastor — and now the Seminary’s newly installed 11th president — never imagined during his seminarian days.

Twenty-eight years after stepping onto campus as a first-year student, Egger’s passion for ministry remains unchanging even as God ended up calling him in another direction.

LIFE INTERTWINED WITH SEMINARY Egger became president in March and was installed in August. But as a Seminary graduate (M.Div. 1997; Ph.D. 2019) and longtime Seminary professor (2005-21), the new president is no newcomer.

“Steeped in Concordia Seminary; I think he bleeds green and gold,” says Dr. Todd A. Peperkorn, former chairman of the Seminary Board of Regents.

Egger doesn’t disagree. “My whole life is intertwined with and flows from this place,” says the 50-year-old. When he came to the Seminary from a liberal arts college (Central College, Pella, Iowa), he appreciated the refreshing and life-giving community here.

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CONCORDIA SEMINARY’S 11 TH PRESIDENT: DR. THOMAS J. EGGER

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He loved hearing the Scriptures expounded and Christian doctrine explained, and “learning from men who love their Savior and are committed to the work of the Gospel, not just as an academic exercise.”

The Iowa native grew up in The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS), the son of engineer Dr. Carl Egger, a man who was a very involved lay person at Our Savior in Muscatine. His teacher-trained mother, Bonnie Egger, began the church’s preschool.

“The whole time growing up, my dad was always so respectful about our pastors,” says Egger. Thomas Egger, along with his older brother, Rev. Paul Egger, are the family’s first pastors. The elder Egger serves St. John Lutheran Church in Galva, Iowa.

thought about the children — his children and the children of others — he reconsidered.

The church needed professors with expertise in the Hebrew language and Old Testament history, and Egger had that specialized training. As a pastor, he knew it was important for congregations to have pastors with a firm and faithful grounding in God’s Word. As a father, he knew the importance of wellequipped future pastors.

The opportunity to help prepare the pastors, deaconesses and church leaders “who will proclaim Jesus Christ to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and to other people’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren seemed very exciting,” Egger says. He joined the Seminary faculty as an assistant professor of Exegetical Theology in 2005.

PASTOR WHO MAKES OTHER PASTORS

FROM PARISH TO CLASSROOM After doctoral studies in the Old Testament, Egger returned to the Hawkeye State for his first call, Zion Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. “It was a wonderful congregation,” he says. “They made pastoral ministry so rewarding and they took such good care of our family,” which included his wife, Tori, and four young children.

Egger loved serving God in the parish and walking alongside people through their joys and sorrows. He loved seeing the power of God’s Word in their lives. Initially when asked to consider leaving pastoral ministry for a faculty position at the Seminary, he declined. But later, as he

Egger’s years in the parish shone through his 16 years in the Seminary classrooms. He delighted in connecting Old Testament texts with the work and promises of Christ. He also hoped that the Old Testament accounts of God’s often-unfaithful people would give seminarians a realistic picture of ministry today, and a deep sense of our continual need for a Savior.

Such knowledge gives future church leaders a resource to understand today’s changing culture and to proclaim God’s enduring faithfulness, says Egger. In 2020, he was named the Seminary’s Gustav and Sophie Butterbach Professor of

Dr. Thomas J. and Tori Egger.

Photo: Jill Gray

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Exegetical Theology in support of scholarship excellence and Old Testament studies.

Dean of Faculty Dr. David Peter tells how his colleague shared stories from his pastoral ministry with students.

“He focused on how we can put these truths being revealed to us in these biblical passages to practice and apply them in our lives and the lives of people we serve,” Peter says.

“Tom has a very pastoral demeanor, engaging with students as brothers and sisters in Christ, showing them Christian love and concern,” says Peter. “He is a consummate servant, which is what God calls us to be as leaders. Along with serving our students, he’s dedicated to serving God, the church and, already in the brief time he’s taken the helm, serving our faculty.”

family’s move — now have six children, ages 13 to 26. The youngest, Ellen and Mary, live in the campus home. Stacey has an apartment nearby. Bonnie lives in Wisconsin, and Abram and Andrew, who are both married, live in Virginia. Andrew and his wife, Grace, are expecting their first child in October.

“I’m so grateful to God that all my children have great pastors, faithful shepherds to care for them,” says Egger.

“MY WHOLE LIFE IS INTERTWINED WITH AND FLOWS FROM THIS PLACE.”

Reflecting on his August installation during the Opening Service for the Seminary’s 183rd academic year, Egger again recalled his arrival on campus as a new seminarian.

He spent his first days reading the history of the Seminary.

— DR. THOMAS J. EGGER Soon after, he got plugged into the Concordia Historical Institute, where he worked throughout his seminarian career, organizing materials on Dr. C.F.W. Walther, the first president of When Egger was named chairman of the the Seminary and the LCMS. Department of Exegetical Theology in 2020, Seminary Provost Dr. Douglas L. Rutt was struck Along with biblical history, Egger has an abiding

by Egger’s organizational skills and his proactive interest in American Lutheran church history. “It’s nature. “He told the faculty that his door is always an amazing honor to have that heritage as the open,” Rutt says. “He’s been very clear and firm about foundation from which we serve, that tradition and his commitments and also very willing to discuss those founding commitments of the Seminary that things as he learns everything that goes along with continue to drive our present commitment and his new role.” mission,” Egger says.

Likewise, students should know that the Seminary president is “very personable and open,” says Dean of Ministerial Formation Dr. Timothy Saleska. “They should feel free to approach him with questions and concerns.”

MOVING FORWARD IN MISSION In June, Egger and his family were settling into House No. 1 on campus, where Egger plans to continue the same interaction with students he enjoyed in the classroom. Along with conversations after daily chapel services, he looks forward to sitting around a backyard fire pit with seminarians and chatting with them on the patio.

Egger and Tori — who teaches English online to Chinese students, though scaling back since the

The new president begins his leadership as the pandemic nears the two-year mark. “It is a time of joy and satisfaction that we can again participate in the most fulfilling aspects of our life together,” Egger says. “I’m stepping into this new role surrounded by a strong, seasoned leadership team, at a time of financial stability and great resources. It is the testimony of the strong support of our church body and of God’s people for the work we do together.”

Egger is thankful for all the support he has received already. “I pray for God’s help and wisdom and know and appreciate that many people are praying for me,” he says. “That’s no reason to stop working hard, but I believe He will provide the help and wisdom to keep our Seminary moving forward.”

Kim Plummer Krull is a St. Louis-based freelance writer.

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Unless otherwise noted, all calls and assignments were in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program or Master of Arts (M.A.) plus Deaconess Certification Program and announced on Call Day, April 28, 2021.

ABBREVIATION KEY CHS: Center for Hispanic Studies CMC: Cross-cultural Ministry Center EIIT: Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology ODS: Online Deaconess Studies RAR: Residential Alternate Route SMP: Specific Ministry Pastor

CALLS INTO THE PASTORAL MINISTRY

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CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT Cullen, Justin: Faith Lutheran Church, Sullivan, IL Harrell, Brenden: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL Hickey, Aaron: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Peoria, IL Ronchetto, Kyle: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lexington, IL

EASTERN DISTRICT Bellinghausen, Jake: Grace Lutheran Church, Vestal, NY

ATLANTIC DISTRICT

Bocian, Brian: St. Luke Lutheran Church, Cabot, PA (SMP Fall 2020)

Johnson, Erik: True Light Lutheran Church, New York, NY (SMP Fall 2020)

Christ, Jason: First Trinity Lutheran Church, Tonawanda, NY (SMP Fall 2020)

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT Didanu, Berhanu Kumalo: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Woodland, CA (EIIT Fall 2020) Morales, Moisés: Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Richmond, CA (CHS Fall 2020) Pieper, Christian: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Turlock, CA Simpson, Andrew: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Sparks, NV

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Greg, Daniel: Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Elk Grove Village, IL

FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT LaMay, Colton: Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Myers, FL (SMP Fall 2020) Moore, Brendon: Grace Lutheran Church, Winter Haven, FL Roberts, William: Faith Lutheran Church, Sebring, FL (SMP Spring 2021) Wrasman, Andrew: Oak Road Lutheran Church, Lilburn, GA (RAR)

INDIANA DISTRICT Borcherding, Kyle: Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Avon, IN (SMP Fall 2020)

Johnson, Peter: Faith Lutheran Church, Rochester, NY (SMP Fall 2020)

Hecksel, Shawn: Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN (SMP Fall 2020)

Woolweber, Donn: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA; and Bethel Lutheran Church, Glenshaw, PA (RAR)

Huffman, Zachary: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Seymour, IN

Zech, Rako: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clarence Center, NY (Fall 2020)

ENGLISH DISTRICT Glenn, Ellory: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO (SMP Spring 2021)

Troemel, Samuel: Calvary Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, IN (SMP Fall 2020) Vieth, Mason: Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkhart, IN

IOWA DISTRICT WEST Pierson, Joseph: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Webster City, IA

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1. Hayden Brown, right, and Rev. Donald Fondow, president of the LCMS Minnesota North District, take a photo together after the vicarage assignment service. Photo: Michael Thomas 2. Veronica and Scot Missling are all smiles amid the Call Day festivities. Photo: Courtney Koll 3. Alicia Benning waits for her deaconess internship assignment. Photo: Michael Thomas 4. Eric Larson and his wife, Judith, are excited to begin their vicarage in Gretna, Neb. Photo: Courtney Koll 5. Brenden Harrell receives a celebratory hug after the call service. Photo: Jill Gray 6. Ryan Schnake and his wife, Emily, are excited to share their new call. Photo: Courtney Koll

KANSAS DISTRICT

MINNESOTA NORTH DISTRICT

NEBRASKA DISTRICT

Baker, Sean: Bethany Lutheran Church, Overland Park, KS

Brown, Nathaniel: Trinity Lutheran Church, Odessa, MN; Grace Lutheran Church, Correll, MN; and Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellingham, MN

Gradberg, Eric: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE (RAR)

MICHIGAN DISTRICT Beckett, Garrick: Zion Lutheran Church, Mount Pleasant, MI

Lorenz, Matthew: Zion Lutheran Church, Alexandria, MN

Deneen, Christopher: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lansing, MI

MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT

Longden, Daniel: First Lutheran Church, Charlotte, MI (SMP Fall 2020)

Cornes, Martin: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Columbia Heights, MN (SMP Fall 2020)

Magneson, Scott: Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Marysville, MI (SMP Fall 2020)

Dunavan, Dean: Woodbury Lutheran Church, Woodbury, MN (SMP Fall 2020)

Oelschlaeger, Benjamin: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lake Orion, MI Rosche, Bryce: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Westland, MI (RAR) Veen, Evan: Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church, Dryden, MI Wittig, Brandon: Trinity Lutheran Church, Sawyer, MI

MID-SOUTH DISTRICT Johnson, Anthony: First Lutheran Church, Hot Springs, AR (EIIT Summer 2021)

Mussell, Andrew: Zion Lutheran Church, Mayer, MN

MISSOURI DISTRICT Berry, Matthew: Concordia Lutheran Church, Sikeston, MO Denholm, George: Emmaus Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO Elliott, Bruce: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Barnhart, MO (RAR) Schrader, Alexander: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Olivette, MO Ward, Dale: New Beginnings Lutheran Church, Pacific, MO (SMP Spring 2021)

Maser, Ryan: First Lutheran Church, Plattsmouth, NE Rempfer, Paul: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Columbus, NE

NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT Shaffer, Corey: Trinity Lutheran Church, Port Edwards, WI Van Pay, Craig: St. John Lutheran Church, Luxemburg, WI (SMP Fall 2020) Zobel, Andrew: St. James Lutheran Church, Shawano, WI

NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT Bolosan, Chad: Messiah Lutheran Church, Sterling, IL Dubensky, Matthew: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Chicago Heights, IL Gonzalez-Feliciano, Miguel: King of Glory Lutheran Church, Elgin, IL Kolupa, Christopher: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Burbank, IL (SMP Spring 2021) Kosberg, Joel: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Downers Grove, IL

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Janie Fisher walks to the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus where she is about to learn where she is going for her deaconess internship.

Photo: Courtney Koll

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for the 2020-21 academic year

REV. DEAC. VICAR INTERn REV. DEAC. VICAR INTERn REV. DEAC. VICARTOTAL INTERnCALLS, REV. DEAC. TOTAL PASTORAL CALLS AND REV. DEAC.VICARAGES VICAR INTERn VICAR INTERn REV. VICARAGE AND DEAC. VICAR INTERn REV. INTERNSHIPS: DEAC. VICAR INTERn ASSIGNMENTS: REV. DEAC. VICAR INTERn REV. DEAC. VICAR INTERn REV. DEAC. VICAR INTERn REV. DEAC. VICAR INTERn REV. DEAC. VICAR INTERn REV. DEAC. VICAR INTERn REV. DEAC. VICAR INTERn FIND PHOTOS, LISTS AND MORE FROM CALL DAY AT

csl.edu/callday

FARTHEST CALL OR ASSIGNMENT

CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS, HONG KONG DISTRICT WITH MOST CALLS AND ASSIGNMENTS:

MISSOURI (22)

Mason Vieth makes his way to the chapel to receive his first pastoral call during the placement service. Photo: Courtney Koll

TOTAL VICARAGE AND DEACONESS INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENTS ON CALL DAY:

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TOTAL CALLS ON CALL DAY:

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Ian Thormodson, right, smiles big for a photo in front of the chapel tulips with his wife, Brittany. Photo: Courtney Koll

(INCLUDING DUAL/ TRIPLE PARISHES)

Novacek, Mark: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Roselle, IL (SMP Spring 2021)

Perry, Andrew: Mission Lutheran Church, Las Cruces, NM (CMC Summer 2021)

NORTHWEST DISTRICT

Schuetzler, Michael: CrossPoint Lutheran Church, El Paso, TX (CMC)

Kong, Albino: Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK (EIIT Fall 2020)

S.E.L.C. DISTRICT

Mueller, Jacob: Epiphany Lutheran Church, Kenmore, WA Nix, Joshua: Trinity Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, OR (SMP Summer 2021) Simmons, Christopher: Grace Lutheran Church, Pocatello, ID (CMC)

OHIO DISTRICT Renner, Mark: Hosanna Lutheran Church, Columbia Station, OH (Fall 2020)

Fitzpatrick, Matthew: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lake Mary, FL (SMP Fall 2020) Howe, Danlias: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lake Mary, FL (SMP Fall 2020)

TEXAS DISTRICT Bresson, Chad: The Table of Los Fresnos Lutheran Church, Los Fresnos, TX (SMP Summer 2021) Drengler, Micah: Living Word Lutheran Church, The Woodlands, TX Holleway, George: Emmaus Road Lutheran Church, Katy, TX (SMP Spring 2021) Johnson, Andrew: Shepherd of the Hills, Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX

Schnake, Ryan: Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church, Macungie, PA

Martínez, Luis Gerardo: Trinity Klein Lutheran Church, Spring, TX (CHS Summer 2021)

SOUTH DAKOTA DISTRICT

Payne, Mark: Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Flower Mound, TX (SMP Fall 2020)

Bakat, Albert: Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD (EIIT)

OKLAHOMA DISTRICT

Smith, Jacob: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, SD

Wallingsford, Jason: Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Austin, TX (SMP Fall 2020)

Bangert, Justin: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Edmond, OK (RAR)

SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT

PENDING

Harms, Myron: Messiah Lutheran Church, Oklahoma City, OK (SMP Summer 2021)

Reseburg, Aaron: Elm Grove Lutheran Church, Elm Grove, WI

Harder, William: Palatine, IL (SMP)

Highley, Joseph: First Lutheran Church, Ponca City, OK

SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT Barlow, Brian: Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, Quartz Hill, CA (CMC) Koll, Quincy: Christ the Cornerstone Lutheran Church, San Diego, CA; and Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Poway, CA LeBorious, Joshua: Edgewater Lutheran Church, Eastvale, CA

Greenfield, Henry: Zion Praise Tabernacle Lutheran Church, Bowie, MD (EIIT Summer 2021) Petajan, Andrew: Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf, Silver Spring, MD (EIIT) Sarrault, Zachery: Resurrection Lutheran Church, Cary, NC Shaw, Alan: Resurrection Lutheran Church, Cary, NC (SMP Spring 2021) Singer, Bradley: Peace in Christ Lutheran Church, Walkersville, MD

Stevens, Art: Grace Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, CA (SMP Spring 2021)

Speerbrecker, Nathan: Chesapeake Community of Hope Lutheran Church, Chesapeake, VA (RAR)

Tucker, Jeffrey: Christ Church Lutheran, Phoenix, AZ

Thormodson, Ian: Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Chesterfield, VA

Velázquez, Carlos: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Orange, CA (CMC Winterim 2021)

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT Boone, David (Kerry): CrossPoint Lutheran Church, El Paso, TX (SMP Spring 2021)

Biermann, Jess: Trinity Lutheran Ministries, Edwardsville, IL Nowak, Brian: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red Bud, IL; and St. John’s Lutheran Church, Baldwin, IL

Dr. Glenn Nielsen gives Eric Stacy his Call Day documents.

Photo: Erik Lunsford

Loum, Cyril: Faith Lutheran Church, Oakville, MO (SMP) Martínez, Eduardo: Hope Lutheran Church (Esperanza Viva Mission), Orlando, FL (CHS)

DEACONESS CALLS MISSOURI DISTRICT Lukas, Rebekah: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO

NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT Estrada, Nancy: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aurora, IL (CHS Spring 2021) Villegas, Mariaisabel: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aurora, IL (CHS Spring 2021)

PENDING Berry, Amanda Highley, Rachell

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VICARAGES ATLANTIC DISTRICT Deming, Sean: St. John the Evangelist Lutheran Church, Brooklyn, NY (SMP Fall 2020) Kintz, Joshua: Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Garden City, NY

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA- HAWAII DISTRICT Chang, Corey: Hope Lutheran Church, Daly City, CA (CMC Fall 2020)

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA- HAWAII DISTRICT Meux, Eric: Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, San Francisco, CA (CMC Spring 2021) Tuft, Jeffrey: Calvary Lutheran Church, Oroville, CA (SMP Fall 2020)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT Lackey, Jonathan: St. John’s Lutheran Church, East Moline, IL Makey, Joshua: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Washington, IL

ENGLISH DISTRICT Bowyer, Robert: Epic Lutheran Church, Shelby Township, MI (SMP Fall 2020) Bretthauer, James: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Medina, OH (SMP Fall 2020)

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FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT Bettcher, Brandon: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, FL Jewell, William: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, North Fort Myers, FL (SMP Spring 2021) Munnicha, Jonathan: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Warner Robins, GA Sharp, Jonathan: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville Beach, FL

INDIANA DISTRICT Bozarth, James: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Columbus, IN Wagenknecht, Nicholas: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, IN

IOWA DISTRICT EAST Lewis, Kyle: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Iowa City, IA

KANSAS DISTRICT Roll, Zachary: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Olathe, KS

MICHIGAN DISTRICT Budibuende, Leon: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MI (EIIT Fall 2020) Dwyer, Keith: Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Brighton, MI (SMP Fall 2020) Ferguson, Ryan: St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, MI

Greenwalt, James: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Birmingham, MI (SMP Fall 2020) Nelson, Briton: Messiah Lutheran Church, Clio, MI

MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT Beckman, Aaron: St. Mark Lutheran Church, New Germany, MN (RAR) Hoffman, Joshua: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Norwood Young America, MN (SMP Spring 2021) Langewisch, Daniel: Woodbury Lutheran Church, Woodbury, MN Limmel, Frederick: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Excelsior, MN (SMP Spring 2021) Thao, Daniel: Hmong Lutheran Church, Saint Paul, MN (CMC Fall 2020)

MISSOURI DISTRICT Boos, Brandon: Faith Lutheran Church, Oakville, MO (SMP Fall 2020) Gerzevske, Matthew: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Saint Charles, MO Gurung, John (Tika): Ascension Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO (EIIT Fall 2020) Koehler, Timothy: St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO (SMP Fall 2020) LaMie, Oliver: St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, MO Mangar, Ratna: St. Johns Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO (EIIT Fall 2020) Moore, Jacob: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Union, MO

Participants in the Theological Diploma Service gather for a photo on Chapel Plaza. Photo: Jill Gray

Munoz, Faustino: Faith Lutheran Church, Oakville, MO (SMP Fall 2020) Oswald, Drew: Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, MO Palmer, Nickalaus: Salem Lutheran Church, Affton, MO Ryherd, Brian: Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO (SMP Fall 2020)

NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT Duncan, Joshua: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Green Bay, WI Sipes, Jacob: Peace Lutheran Church, Antigo, WI

NORTHWEST DISTRICT

Samal, Nabin: St. Johns Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO (EIIT Fall 2020)

Schuldheisz, Joel: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tacoma, WA (SMP Fall 2020)

Tanz, Jared: St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO (SMP Fall 2020)

Toenjes, Nathan: Church of All Nations, Hong Kong (CMC Fall 2020)

NEBRASKA DISTRICT Berg, Chad: Zion Lutheran Church, Pierce, NE Greer, Andrew: Messiah Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE (SMP Spring 2021) Larson, Eric: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Gretna, NE

OHIO DISTRICT Burke, James: St. John Lutheran Church, Dublin, OH

OKLAHOMA DISTRICT Ellison, Adam: Faith Lutheran Church, Oklahoma City, OK (SMP Fall 2020)

Strand, Noah: Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church, Gilbert, AZ

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT Brown, Hayden: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lakewood, CO

S.E.L.C. DISTRICT Werner, Joel: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, FL

SOUTH DAKOTA DISTRICT Mueller, Thomas: Emanuel Lutheran Church, Sisseton, SD; and Zion Lutheran Church, Waubay, SD (RAR)

SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT Childers, Jacob: St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC Kirk, James: Hope Lutheran Church, Wake Forest, NC

Longacre, Randall: 1C/The Sanctuary, Columbus, NE (SMP Fall 2020)

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

Martin, Tony: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Winston-Salem, NC (SMP Spring 2021)

NEW JERSEY DISTRICT

Bérus, Jean-Enoch: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, CA (CMC Fall 2020)

Missling, Scot: Living Savior Lutheran Church, Fairfax Station, VA

Davis, Isaac: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Schools, Pacific Beach, CA (SMP Fall 2020)

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT

Golden, Ryan: Saving Grace Lutheran Church, Queen Creek, AZ (SMP Fall 2020)

Hill, Christopher: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville, IL

Campbell, Jeffrey: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Old Bridge, NJ (SMP Fall 2020)

NORTH DAKOTA DISTRICT Moon, Aidan: Zion Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND

Fenske, Jarod: Zion Lutheran Church, Bethalto, IL

Parrish, Michael: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Rancho Cucamonga, CA (SMP Fall 2020)

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TEXAS DISTRICT Bauer, Jeremiah: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Carrollton, TX (SMP Spring 2021) Christians, Corey: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX (RAR) Cotner, John: Faith Lutheran Church, Georgetown, TX (SMP Fall 2020) Gamez, Oscar: Water of Life Lutheran Church, Forney, TX (CHS Fall 2020) Brenden Harrell and his wife, Katie, eagerly anticipate learning where they will be placed for their first call. Photo: Jill Gray

Hahn, Joshua: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Giddings, TX (RAR) Kanagasabai, UmaShankar “Uma”: Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, TX (CMC Fall 2020) Knippa, Kenneth: Concordia Lutheran Church, Garland, TX (SMP Spring 2021) Pennington, Ryan: Fortress Lutheran Church, Harker Heights, TX (SMP Spring 2021) Reuter, Jeffrey: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Houston, TX Roberts, Sammy: Peace Lutheran Church, Hurst, TX (EIIT Fall 2020) Stephen, Sujit Kingston: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Houston, TX (CMC Spring 2021)

Jonathan Munnicha, left, and Briton Nelson wait for their names to be called and their vicarages announced during the service.

Photo: Michael Thomas

DEACONESS INTERNSHIPS ATLANTIC DISTRICT Hanson, Ellyn: The City to Come Lutheran Church, New York, NY (ODS Spring 2021)

ENGLISH DISTRICT Huelsman, Jenny Zoë: First Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA

MID-SOUTH DISTRICT Moyer, Robin: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lafe, AR (ODS Spring 2021)

From left, Sarah Rusche, Alicia Benning and Jenny Zoë Huelsman pose for a photo after receiving their deaconess internship assignments. Photo: Jill Gray

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Weichenthal Mader, Judith: Ascension Lutheran Church, Madison, TN (ODS Spring 2021)

MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT Thao, Kia: Hmong Lutheran Church, Saint Paul, MN (EIIT Fall 2020)

MISSOURI DISTRICT Fisher, Janie: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wentzville, MO Hsu, Kan: Immanuel Lutheran Church Light of Christ Chinese Mission, Olivette, MO (EIIT Fall 2020) Qiu, Helen (Yonghe): Immanuel Lutheran Church Light of Christ Chinese Mission, Olivette, MO (EIIT Fall 2020)

NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT Benning, Alicia: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Manawa, WI

NORTHWEST DISTRICT Macduff, Grace: Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School, Kennewick, WA (ODS Spring 2021)

OHIO DISTRICT Rusche, Sarah: Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH; and Luther Home of Mercy, Toledo, OH

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT Vieane, Jessica: Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church, Gilbert, AZ (ODS Spring 2021)

SOUTHERN DISTRICT Kidd, Alene: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Pineville, LA (ODS Spring 2021)

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT Melin, Elizabeth: Signal Hill Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL Sramek, Leslie: LCMS Southern Illinois District, Belleville, IL (ODS Spring 2021)

NEWS WORTH NOTING

Golden, Prieto, Vieker join faculty Concordia Seminary added three new professors this summer:

DR. KEVIN GOLDEN Dr. Kevin Golden joined the Seminary as associate professor of Exegetical Theology after serving as pastor of Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Mo. (2009-21). Previously, he served as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Holts Summit, Mo. (2002-09).

Golden earned his Doctorate in Philosophy and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary (2010, 1999). He earned his Bachelor of Arts in antiquities and religious studies, summa cum laude in the Honors College, from Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. (1995).

DR. ELY PRIETO Dr. Ely Prieto is associate professor of Practical Theology, the Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and associate dean for Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry.

Prieto joined the Seminary after serving at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas (200921) and as executive director/urban mission developer for LINC-SA in San Antonio (2011-21). He received his Doctor of Ministry from Concordia Seminary (2009) and a Master of Sacred Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. (1993). Prieto also holds a Bachelor of Theology (2016) from the Lutheran University of Brazil in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and a Bachelor of Theology (1993) from Seminário Concórdia in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

DR. JON VIEKER Dr. Jon Vieker joined the Seminary as associate professor of Practical Theology and dean of chapel after serving as senior assistant to LCMS President Dr. Matthew C. Harrison from 2010 to 2021. Vieker earned a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Sacred Theology and Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary (2004, 1990, 1987).

He received a Bachelor of Arts in music from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, Calif. (1983).

His areas of academic interest include the study of hymns, hymn writers, and hymnals of the LCMS, especially as viewed through the history of American Lutheranism and the wider American ecclesial context.

Seminary receives communications awards Concordia Seminary received 14 awards from the Associated Church Press (ACP) and the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) during the organizations’ award ceremonies earlier this year for exceptional work completed in 2020.

ACP

Overall Excellence/ Best in Class Seminary Publication First place Award of Excellence Concordia Seminary magazine Journal Second place Award of Merit Concordia Journal Public Relations/Marketing Campaign First place Award of Excellence Faith and Film Festival 2020 Visual Communications Online Media: Publication Website Third place Honorable Mention ConcordiaTheology.org Video: Video Series (Vlog, video podcast) Second place Award of Merit “Mission Works: Thanks to Donors” Integrated Communications First place Award of Excellence Call Day 2020 Second place Award of Merit “Jesus Christ … Forever” 2020-21 academic year branding

Third place Honorable Mention Faith and Film Festival 2020 Marketing and Public Relations Traditional News Release First place Award of Excellence “President Emeritus Meyer honored with festschrift” Second place Award of Merit “Outdoor summer carillon concerts slated for June” Social Media Event Promotion/ Marketing Campaign/ Brand Awareness First place Award of Excellence Prof Insights Second place Award of Merit Faith and Film Festival Third place Honorable Mention Lay Bible Institute

EPA

Award of Excellence contest for publications Second place Award of Merit for Higher Ed (Digital) Concordia Seminary magazine

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Commencement lauds concluding students Concordia Seminary celebrated 85 students and five honorees as part of the school’s 2021 Commencement exercises May 21.

The ceremony marked the close of the 182nd academic year.

Of the students recognized, 51 earned a Master of Divinity, 11 earned a Master of Arts and eight earned a Master of Sacred Theology. In addition, three students earned a Doctor of Ministry and eight earned a Doctor of Philosophy. Four students who earned Residential Alternate Route certificates also were recognized. A list of students and their degrees and certificates in the Commencement program is available at csl.edu/commencement.

The Seminary’s faculty presented the Christus Vivit Award to Chris Shearman in recognition of his exemplary service to the church. Shearman has dedicated much of his life’s work to the people and communities of St. Louis, Mo., using his expertise in service to the Great Commission as he seeks to help Lutheran congregations engage their surrounding

communities. The faculty also presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Dr. Robert L. Rahn (’61) of Macomb, Mich.; and an honorary Doctor of Divinity to Dr. John Wohlrabe Jr. of St. Francis, Wis.; an honorary Doctor of Letters to Ted Kober of Billings, Mont.; and an honorary Doctor of Laws to Seminary President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer of Collinsville, Ill. Also during the ceremony, Egger recognized three professors who retired after the 2019-20 academic year, bestowing each with an Emeritus Medallion for their service to the Seminary: Meyer, who retired after 15 years as president and 19 years as a faculty member; Dr. Andrew Bartelt, who retired after 42 years as a faculty member; and Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, who retired after 28 years as a faculty member.

This year’s graduates join more than 7,000 called leaders of the LCMS around the world and more than 13,000 individuals who have received degrees from Concordia Seminary in the school’s history.

The 2021 Commencement honorees, from left: Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Robert L. Rahn of Macomb, Mich.; Honorary Doctor of Laws Dr. Dale A. Meyer of Collinsville, Ill.; Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger; Honorary Doctor of Letters Ted Kober of Billings, Mont.; Christus Vivit Award Chris Shearman of St. Louis, Mo.; and Honorary Doctor of Divinity Dr. John Wohlrabe Jr. of St. Francis, Wis. Photo: Harold Rau

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NEWS WORTH NOTING

The theme for the 2021-22 academic year is taken from Ps. 119:105 ESV.

2021-22 academic year begins with Opening Service The 183rd academic year for Concordia Seminary, St. Louis began Aug. 27 with the Opening Service in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod President Dr. Matthew C. Harrison preached on the 2021-22 academic theme, “Your Word is a Lamp to my Feet,” from Ps. 119:105. The service also featured the installation of President Dr. Thomas J. Egger.

Three new professors also were installed: Dr. Kevin Golden as associate professor of Exegetical Theology; Dr. Ely Prieto as associate professor of Practical Theology, associate dean of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and the Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry; and Dr. Jon Vieker as associate professor of Practical Theology and dean of chapel.

Seven professors were installed in new positions: Dr. Gerhard Bode as chairman of the Department of Historical Theology; Egger as the Seminary’s 11th president; Dr. Joel Elowsky as dean of Advanced Studies; Dr. Erik Herrmann

as dean of Theological Research and Publication; Dr. David Lewis as director of the Master of Divinity and Residential Alternate Route Programs; Dr. Glenn Nielsen as director of certification; and Dr. Bruce Schuchard as chairman of the Department of Exegetical Theology. One new staff member was installed: Deaconess Rebekah Lukas as communications specialist. In addition, other staff and faculty members were recognized for new positions.

The service included a welcome of all new students and the assignment of vicarages and deaconess internships for new distance program students.

The new academic year festivities included the annual Opening Weekend Hymn Festival held Aug. 29, which also served as the kick-off for the annual Concordia Seminary Concert Series.

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EMINA RY

NEWS WORTH NOTING

Title

The campus was filled with music lovers during the last carillon concert of the 2020-21 season held June 29. Photo: Melanie Ave

Alumni applaud during the 2019 Alumni Reunion. Photo: Courtney Koll

Carillon concerts end successful season

Alumni Reunion set for Oct. 14-15

The annual Summer Carillon Concerts, part of the annual Concordia Seminary Concert Series, were held Tuesday evenings in June. The 2020-21 series featured carillonneurs Karel Keldermans and Roy Kroezen.

The annual Alumni Reunion for graduates of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will be held Oct. 14-15 on campus. This year’s reunion extends a special welcome to members of the jubilarian class of 1971 and graduates, spouses and widows of graduates of class years ending in “1” or “6.”

Guests were invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and enjoy the music from the Main Quadrangle or on the Seminary grounds near Luther Statue.

The carillon at Concordia Seminary is one of only 170 such instruments in North America. The 49 bells have been played atop the 120-foot Luther Tower since 1971 and are dedicated to all pastors who have served the LCMS.

The reunion provides an opportunity for alumni and spouses to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate. It also offers time for alumni to reacquaint themselves with the beautiful Concordia Seminary campus and the global ministry taking place at their alma mater. For more information, call Alumni Relations at 314-505-7626, write to alumni@csl.edu or visit csl.edu/alumni/alumni-reunion.

New recruitment resource available r Nets DropFoYou And llow Me

ers n of church work next generatio Raising up the

By Rev. Micah Glenn

5-7000 63105 | 314-50 LOUIS, MO PLACE , ST.

| CSL.ED U

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Concordia Seminary has created a new resource, Drop Your Nets and Follow Me: Raising up the Next Generation of Church Workers, to help identify and encourage future church workers. Written by Director of Recruitment Rev. Micah Glenn, the eight-page booklet provides insights and practical tips aimed at increasing enrollment at both seminaries of The Lutheran

Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and in church worker programs across the Concordia University System (CUS).

The booklet was sent to all rostered workers in the LCMS with the intention of supporting pastors, church leaders and laity as they strive to “be like Jesus and find people where they are in life and invite them to follow Jesus into professional ministry,” Glenn writes in the booklet. “We should look into the crowds of people in our congregations and encourage our brothers in Christ to take up the Office of Public Ministry and our sisters in Christ to become deaconesses.” A digital version is available for download at csl.edu.

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

NEWS WORTH NOTING NEWS WORTH NOTING

Title

Director of Placement Dr. Glenn Nielsen congratulates Aidan Moon during the vicarage assignment service on Call Day. Photo credit: Michael Thomas

On April 28, 110 students were recognized during two Call Day services held in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Students learned of their first calls to pastoral and diaconal ministry and second-year students learned of their assignments as vicars and deaconess interns.

First calls to serve as pastors, chaplains, deaconesses and missionaries were announced at an evening worship service in which President Dr. Thomas J. Egger preached on the theme of “One Shepherd, Jesus Christ,” based on John 10:11-18. It was Egger’s first Call Day sermon as the Seminary’s 11th president, a position he began in March.

The pastoral students receiving calls included 47 Master of Divinity students, seven Residential Alternate Route (RAR) students, three Cross-cultural Ministry Center (CMC) students, two Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) students and two students in the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) Program. Three deaconess students, including two of whom have completed the CHS deaconess program, received calls. Two deaconess students have placements pending.

Thirty-nine students who will serve as vicars (pastoral interns) and five deaconess interns received their assignments at an afternoon worship service. The pastoral students included two CMC students and four RAR students. Lutheran Church Missouri—Synod CaliforniaNevada-Hawaii District President Rev. Michael Lange preached a sermon titled “Embrace the Authority Adventure” from 1 Peter 2:18-25.

A complete list of assignments and placements, including an interactive map and photos, can be found at csl.edu/callday.

Concordia Seminary hosted 19 high school students for Vocatio June 19-24. From a service project to a college fair, to hearing from some of our professors, these young men and women had a full schedule packed with lots of learning, growing and fun. Recruitment Director Rev. Micah Glenn led this great group, introducing them to life at the Seminary, and encouraging each of them in their faith journeys.

Photo: Rebekah Lukas

Prospective students: Schedule a visit Thinking about attending Concordia Seminary? We would love for you to come and visit and get a real feel for what life is like as a seminarian. Contact us today at 800-822-9545 or admit@csl.edu.

Give STL Day raises record $22,963 Concordia Seminary’s second annual Give STL Day campaign culminated May 6, raising $22,963 from 112 donors, surpassing the previous year’s total of $20,957.

A generous benefactor provided a matching gift that doubled donations dollar for dollar up to the first $11,000 raised. In addition, the St. Louis Community Foundation awarded the Seminary $500 for its successful early giving campaign that encouraged giving from April 5 to May 5.

These unrestricted funds will be used to help ensure the Seminary has the resources needed to prepare future pastors, deaconesses, missionaries and church leaders to serve in congregations and ministries worldwide. Learn more at csl.edu/giving-days.

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#WhoWillGoForUs

Call Day caps years of ministry preparation

EVENT RECAP

JUNE– AUG. Prof Insights concludes summer series

From archeology to worship, from the Anabaptists to Martin Luther, from beauty to pop culture, from adult faith formation to child rearing, from the Old Testament to Revelation. Those are just a few of the topics that were offered as part of Concordia Seminary’s 2021 Prof Insights: FacultyLed Workshop Series – held this summer as a mix of online and in-person events nationwide. Designed for pastors, church workers and laypeople, the annual series offers in-depth study on contemporary topics that influence the practice of ministry and worship.

UPCOMING EVENT

JAN

2022

New in 2022!

Short film contest

27-29 Faith and Film Festival map-marker-alt Concordia Seminary, St. Louis laptop csl.edu/faith-and-film-festival

UPCOMING EVENT FEB

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REGISTER

BY JAN. 22, 2022 FEE: $20

Lay Bible Institute

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow user Dr. Dale A. Meyer clock 10 a.m.–3 p.m. map-marker-alt Sieck Hall 202, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

laptop csl.edu/lbi

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New to the Faith and Film Festival in 2022 is a short film competition based on the theme of hope. The competition is open to amateur filmmakers who are at least 18 years old. Films may be of any genre or style (narrative, experimental, animation or documentary). There is no submission fee. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 15, 2021.

NEWS WORTH NOTING

Seminary celebrates faculty authors

Concordia Seminary recognizes with honor the following faculty and staff members who wrote or contributed to published works during the 2020-21 academic year: Let the Gospel Lead: Essays and Sermons in Honor of Dale A. Meyer Edited and introduction by Dr. Travis Scholl, former managing editor, Seminary Publications Concordia Seminary Press, 2020

ESSAYS

SERMONS

Dr. Joel Biermann Professor of Systematic Theology “Truth and Unity”

Dr. Gerhard Bode Associate Professor of Historical Theology “The Festival of the Reformation” John 8:31-36

Dr. Thomas J. Egger President “Glory on the Mountain” Exodus 19:7-25

BOOKS

Martin Lutero: Commentario Al Salmo Vigesimo Segundo Concordia Seminary Press, 2021 Dr. Alberto L. Garcia, translator Guest Instructor Rev. Hèctor Hoppe, editor Guest Instructor

Psalms 1–50 Concordia Publishing House, 2020 Dr. Timothy Saleska Professor of Exegetical Theology

ANATOMIES OF A SERMON Dr. Peter Nafzger Assistant Professor of Practical Theology “Grace, Mercy, Peace ... Lives of Significance by Dale. A. Meyer”

Dr. David Maxwell Professor of Systematic Theology “Translating Cyril of Alexandria Into Life and Ministry”

Dr. Erik Herrmann Professor of Historical Theology “Johannes von Staupitz, Luther’s Father Confessor”

Dr. Douglas L. Rutt Provost “Theological Education and Mission”

Dr. Richard Marrs Professor of Practical Theology “A Sermon on John 17:11b-21”

Dr. Glenn Nielsen Professor of Practical Theology “Light from Above, Laser Our Hearts by Dale A. Meyer”

Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. Professor of Systematic Theology “Beyond Facebook Love: Luther’s Two Kinds of Love and the Immigrant Other”

Dr. David Peter Professor of Practical Theology “Final Verdict: A Courtroom Drama based on Micah 6:1-8 (7:18-19)”

Dr. David Schmitt Professor of Practical Theology “A Sermon on 1 Chronicles 16:23-31 by Dale A. Meyer” Rev. Dale Ward Senior Media Producer “On (and Off) Main Street: The Multimedia Ministry of Dale A. Meyer”

Dr. Timothy Saleska Professor of Exegetical Theology “On the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation” Galatians 4:4-9

Dr. Mark Seifrid Professor of Exegetical Theology “Come to Jesus, Rejoice with Jesus, Go with Jesus!”

Luke 15:1-10

ARTICLES OR CHAPTERS IN BOOKS Dr. Benjamin Haupt Associate Provost “The Conclusion of John’s Gospel: Did Tertullian know 20 or 21 Chapters?,” in At One Remove: The Text of the NT in Early Translations and Quotations (Texts and Studies 24, 2020)

Kolb, continued Damasas Dürr’s Preaching in Wittenberg Context,” in Common Man, Society and Religion in the 16th Century/ Gemeiner Mann, Gesellschaft und Religion im 16.

Jahrhundert, ed. Ulrich Wien (Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2021)

Dr. Robert Kolb Emeritus Professor of Systematic Theology “Martin Luther’s Pedagogical Exposition of the Letter to Titus,” in Always Reforming. Reflection on Martin Luther and Biblical Studies.

Essays in Honor of Mark A. Seifrid, ed. Channing L. Crisler and Robert L. Plummer (Lexham, 2021)

“Die Kirche als Kleine Herde. Die Wittenberger Ekklesiologie des Kreuzes nach 1548,” in An den Rand gedrängt—den Rand gewählt.

Marginalisierungsstrategien in der Frühen Neuzeit, ed. Henning P. Jürgens and Christian Volkmar Witt (Evangelische Verlagsanstalt, 2021)

“Joachim Mörlin and the Heidelberg ‘Defamation’ of Martin Luther,” in Fides, Confessio & Pietas.

Studien zur Wirkungsgeschichte der Reformation. Festgabe für Ernst Koch zum 90. Geburtstag, ed. Christoph Barnbrock and Christian Neddens (Evangelische Verlagsanstalt, 2021)

Dr. Philip Penhallegon Professor of Exegetical Theology “Esther: Our Faithful God Works in Unexpected Ways” in Lexham Context Commentary: Old Testament. Digital format. ed.

Douglas Mangum and Steven E. Runge (Lexham Press, 2020)

Dr. Paul Raabe Emeritus Professor of Exegetical Theology Published sermon studies for Pentecost 7 and 8 on Amos 7 and Jeremiah 23 in Concordia Pulpit Resources (2021) Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. Professor of Systematic Theology “Beyond Facebook Love: Luther’s Two Kinds of Love and the Immigrant Other” in Global Migration and Christian Faith: Implications for Identity and Mission (Wipf & Stock, 2020) “Many Stories, One Spirit.” Christianity Today. CT Pastors Special Issue: The Essential Work of Pastoral Care (2021) Dr. James W. Voelz Graduate Professor of Exegetical Theology “Standard/Classical Greek Constructions in the Gospel according to Mark and Their Importance for Interpretation” in Novum Testamentum Volume 62: Issue 4 (Brill, 2021)

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CHAD BOLOSAN (M.DIV. ’21)

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, STERLING, ILL.

Bolosan was born and raised in Hawaii, and studied accounting at Michigan State University. He worked for several private corporations in the Chicago suburbs before deciding to attend Concordia Seminary. He and his wife, Sherry, have three daughters; Annabelle, and twins Charlotte and Emma.

What prompted you to follow the call into ministry?

I have a desire to bring others to true peace in Christ and to share the Gospel message of complete forgiveness in Him, especially through sharing my personal experiences, knowing God is working in all of it.

How has your Seminary journey affected your family?

We’ve had struggles and many blessings as we have grown as a family and experienced love from a variety of people and congregations.

What are you looking forward to in your future ministry?

It is exciting to now be leading a congregation out of the pandemic and back into some “normalcy.”

How have you dealt with challenges throughout your Seminary experience?

I was blessed with a great class of brothers and sisters to work and grow alongside, as well as a faculty and staff who truly cares about the well-being and academic advancement of their students.

BY REBEKAH LUKAS

Deaconess Rebekah Lukas is a communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

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A look back on Call Day …

I have so much confidence in my fellow graduates.

They will be a blessing to God’s church. It is a joy to call them “partners in the Gospel.” As our former Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer drilled into us from day one, “It’s a great day to be the church!”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

JENNY ZOË HUELSMAN (DEACONESS INTERNSHIP ’21) FIRST TRINITY EVANGELICAL-LUTHERAN CHURCH, PITTSBURGH, PENN.

Huelsman grew up across the Midwest, attending nondenominational churches most of her life and becoming a Lutheran as an adult. After spending a decade in communications, she decided to attend Concordia Seminary. She enjoys going on walks with her husband, Norm, and their dog, Weatherby.

Can you share a formational Seminary experience?

When I arrived for my first day of field education at Lutheran Senior Services, the chaplain greeted me saying, “I’m glad you’re here. There’s been a death. Let’s go.” It was a powerful moment of participating in the ministry of presence at a tender time.

How has your Seminary journey affected your family?

My husband, Norm, has been incredibly sacrificial and supportive of my journey to diaconal service. He was willing to leave his current job and our community to relocate to St. Louis.

What are you looking forward to in your future ministry?

I am grateful for the chance to learn from and care for older adults, providing visitation and spiritual care to members of the community whose value to Christ’s church is often overlooked.

How have you dealt with challenges throughout your Seminary experience?

Going on walks with my dog brought routine and got me moving. With more significant challenges, the Seminary community’s support was palpable. Whether it was a stressful test or health challenges my husband faced, they were always in my corner.

A look back at Call Day …

Call Day was full of emotion. I felt humbled and grateful for the opportunity I have had to study at the Seminary. Surrounded with supportive friends and family, my heart was full.

GEORDIE DENHOLM (M.DIV. ’20)

EMMAUS LUTHERAN CHURCH, ST. LOUIS, MO.

Denholm grew up in Columbus, Ind., and graduated from Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., with a theater degree, intending to further study acting and directing. After working a variety of theater jobs in the Chicago area, he heard the call to begin at Concordia Seminary. He and his wife, Kara, have two dogs they love to walk through their neighborhood.

Can you share a formational Seminary experience?

Seminary was four years of building relationships and learning to be vulnerable with my brothers in the ministry. In class and around late-night bonfires, we shared our own brokenness and supported each other. These friendships will help me throughout my ministry.

What prompted you to follow the call into ministry?

After college, I witnessed lost souls crying out into the cosmos, desperate, angry and scared. One Sunday in worship, the reading was John 10 and Jesus spoke to me, “I am the Good Shepherd. ... I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice.” I had to stop making excuses. I had the Good News of Jesus in my heart and on my lips, and there are lost sheep that need a shepherd.

What are you looking forward to in your future ministry?

Everything! Near the top of my list, though, is listening to the stories of my community, hearing the voices of the lost and hurting, and doing what Jesus calls us all to do: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

A look back at Call Day …

That moment of release when my church and district were called is still in my very bones. Kara and I can finally begin planning this next step for our life and ministry at Emmaus. The stress and anxiety that had built up for weeks broke like a dam, and I slept better that night than I had for weeks.

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LONGEST-SERVING FACULTY MEMBERS

DR. CHARLES ARAND

& DR. JAMES W. VOELZ BOTH OF WHOM JOINED IN 1989 Concordia Seminary’s distinguished faculty members are known and respected throughout the church for their biblical and confessional scholarship and experience in applying the truth of God’s Word to daily life.

Many students say the reason they come to Concordia Seminary is because of our outstanding faculty. Our professors are not only scholars and theologians, but also pastors who personally care for the future church leaders in their midst — whether in the classroom, during online discussions or chatting over coffee after morning chapel.

Seminary faculty members bring a real-world knowledge to the classroom as they average more than 11 years of service each as pastors, missionaries or chaplains. As they combine theological expertise with experience in ministry, they seek to engage the most pressing issues affecting the broader culture and our world.

Their individual expertise and widely varied scholarship enriches the curriculum and includes such topics as biblical archaeology, Pauline theology, New Testament, Old Testament, Martin Luther and the Reformation, Christology, hermeneutics and biblical languages, missions, preaching, church history, creation, counseling, reconciliation, Muslim-Christian dialogue, film analysis, worship and on and on and on.

# FACULTY WITH D.MIN OR TH.D.

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# FACULTY WITH PH.D.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Dr. David Adams, professor of Exegetical Theology, was engaged for several years as a member of the excavation staff at Khirbet Qeiyafa in Israel, the place associated with the battle of David and Goliath.

Seminary faculty members regularly teach worldwide including in the Philippines, Siberia, Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Taiwan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Latvia, Sweden and Slovakia.

Many faculty members are musical: Dr. Timothy Dost plays the clarinet and oboe; Dr. David Maxwell plays the organ; Dr. David Peter plays the piano; Dr. David Adams and Dr. Ely Prieto play guitar; Dr. Paul Robinson plays the tuba; and Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. plays double bass.

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AVERAGE YEARS IN THE PARISH/ CHAPLAINCY/ MISSION FIELD

11 YEARS

FACULTY FOCUS

FACULTY MEMBERS

ENDOWED CHAIRS

34

12

An endowed chair is one of the highest academic honors that a college, university or seminary can bestow upon a faculty member.

PRESIDENT: Dr. Thomas J. Egger

PROVOST: Dr. Douglas L. Rutt

DEANS: Dr. Joel Elowsky: Dean of Advanced Studies Dr. Erik Herrmann: Dean of Theological Research and Publication

TOTAL YEARS OF ROSTERED SERVICE

TOTAL YEARS OF SEMINARY SERVICE TOTAL YEARS OF PARISH SERVICE (BEFORE COMING TO THE SEMINARY)

889 518 328

Dr. David Peter: Dean of Faculty Dr. Timothy Saleska: Dean of Ministerial Formation Dr. Jon Vieker: Dean of Chapel

FACULTY ENDOWED CHAIRS: Dr. Charles Arand: Eugene E. and Nell S. Fincke Graduate Professor of Theology Dr. Joel Biermann: Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Kent Burreson: Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Thomas J. Egger: Gustav and Sophie Butterbach Professor of Exegetical Theology

# OF FACULTY IN EACH DEPARTMENT HISTORICAL

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SYSTEMATIC

Dr. Joel Okamoto: Waldemar and Mary Griesbach Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Ely Prieto: Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M.: Werner R.H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries

PRACTICAL

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Dr. David Maxwell: Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology

Dr. David Schmitt: Gregg H. Benidt Memorial Professor of Homiletics and Literature Dr. William Schumacher: Buehner-Duesenberg Professor of Missions Dr. James W. Voelz: Dr. Jack Dean Kingsbury Professor of New Testament Theology

EXEGETICAL

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STAFF ENDOWED CHAIR: Dr. James Marriott: Kreft Chair for Music Arts CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

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Title

“WE REALLY DO HAVE THIS GOOD NEWS THAT BREAKS INTO OUR TROUBLED CONSCIOUSNESS. AND IT BRINGS RELIEF, FORGIVENESS, JOY AND ASSURANCE IN A WAY THAT IS NOT HAVING YOU LEAN ON YOUR OWN PERFORMANCE.” - MARCUS GRAY

Marcus Gray. Photo: Sarah Maney

Ignited by truth

BY SARAH MANEY

In the middle of a chaotic childhood, Marcus Gray found comfort in the care of his grandmother. Gray, known as the Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist FLAME, remembers her with love. “She’s the one who made Christianity attractive,” Gray recalls. “She was always telling me about personal testimonies or walking me through Bible stories. If someone asked me when I was a kid if I was a Christian, I would’ve said yes, but at the same time, I was influenced by hip hop culture, the drug culture, gang culture. I was torn as to where I fit in this world.

“What brought me to a point of decision on my faith was when I was 16 years old, and some guys came to my high school with guns, looking for me. It was over a girl. It was scary. I got kicked out of school for that reason,” Gray says. As a result, he transferred to a trade school in a different part of St. Louis. While he was on his way to orientation, he and his friend were struck by an 18-wheeler.

He remembers praying, “Lord, save me,” while the car was spinning around like an amusement park ride. The rig struck the sedan a second time, flipping the car on its roof. The accident left a 12-car pileup on the highway and Gray with major injuries to his left side — and even bigger questions about his faith.

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In the aftermath of the accident, he asked his grandmother, “Why would God let this happen?” “Maybe God is trying to get your attention,” he remembers her saying in response.

“Turn to Him. Turn away from your lukewarm lifestyle and commit to Jesus.”

Less than two weeks after that discussion, his beloved grandmother was dead from a heart attack. Filled with shock and grief, Gray began his search for greater meaning in life. “I was invited to church,” he says. “Eventually I went, and that’s when I heard the Gospel. I was like, this sounds like the stuff my grandmother used to tell me.”

Gray grew in his faith and in his music. In his early 20s, he toured with a Christian rap group, The Cross Movement. The group members took him under their wing and helped him navigate the music industry. “They were staunch Calvinists,” he says. “They asked me, are you a Calvinist or an Armenian? And I was like, ‘I just follow Jesus.’”

At the end of the tour, he felt he needed to decide: Was he a Calvinist or an Armenian? Was that the only choice? he asked himself. He had never heard about Lutheranism. But that was all about to change.

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

“A friend of mine was like, ‘Hey, I’m coming back to the city. One of my Baptist professors recommended Concordia Seminary. If you want to continue your graduate work, you should go there. They have a strong church history program.’”

Gray decided he wanted to see for himself. During a visit to campus, he met Dr. Gerhard Bode, associate professor of Historical Theology and dean of Advanced Studies at the time. “During the entire visit, I talked about how much I loved John Calvin. I had no idea that Luther and Calvin had some differences. Dr. Bode said little things to put me back on track as to what the Seminary was all about … I didn’t know where all that was coming from in terms of Reformation history, but it made me want to submit an application.”

In preparation for the Seminary’s entrance exam, Gray read a series of Lutheran systematic theology books. He was intrigued by the Lutheran understanding of the Sacraments and the doctrine of justification. After being accepted into the Seminary’s Graduate School, he began the work to earn a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Systematic Theology.

Dr. Joel Biermann, the Seminary’s Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology, was particularly instrumental in Gray’s theological journey. “Biermann was very bold about his Lutheran convictions,” Gray says. “I had never seen such clear distinctions.”

Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. also was influential. “Sánchez made sure that I really understood the distinction between how Calvin viewed Christology versus the Lutheran understanding,” Gray says. “He really tightened up my Christology,” which is the branch of Christian theology that studies the nature, person and work of Jesus.

After graduating with his M.A. in 2018, Gray took a year to work through his Seminary class notes. He compared Lutheranism and Calvinism, and talked with Lutheran pastors and Calvinistic pastors, all the while praying and seeking counsel from God. “That’s when I began to see Lutheranism as a more faithful expression of the New Testament,” Gray says.

In January 2020, Gray tweeted out his 10th record release, “Extra Nos,” which means “outside of ourselves.” This was his way of sharing his theological flight from Calvinism to Lutheranism, captured in his lyrics: “I used to think like That bread and wine were elements that represent I don’t think like that This is my body and blood He said what He meant I used to, I used to, I used to, think

Jesus’ death wasn’t for all It was sufficient for all” — “Used to Think” Gray even included a shout-out to Biermann, who says he feels honored to be mentioned on Gray’s EP and applauds how the hip hop artist and Seminary alum is using his craft to share the Gospel and Lutheran beliefs.

“To me, this is the master application,” Biermann says. “Truth is always relevant. He’s speaking to the culture. And he is eating up Lutheran teaching because it’s true and it’s right — and it applies to life. It’s about as relevant as it gets.”

While Gray is open to whatever the Lord has in store for him, whether it’s a ministerial call or more education, he likes the space that being an artist affords.

“I am in the gap so I can bridge worlds and cultures,” he says. “People are looking for meaning and purpose outside of themselves. So, I want to come in and say, Christianity has something to say there, or God does something for us, in us, that we can’t do for ourselves.

“HE’S SPEAKING TO THE CULTURE. AND HE IS EATING UP LUTHERAN TEACHING BECAUSE IT’S TRUE AND IT’S RIGHT — AND IT APPLIES TO LIFE. IT’S ABOUT AS RELEVANT AS IT GETS.” - DR. JOEL BIERMANN

“We really do have this Good News that breaks into our troubled consciousness. And it brings relief, forgiveness, joy and assurance in a way that is not having you lean on your own performance within the last week or the last month for assurance. It is in God’s Word — His promises — united with external elements, the Sacraments, that provide grace and comfort. You tangibly eat the bread and drink the wine, and it’s just this awareness of the physicality of creation that God worked into our Christian experience. So, when I don’t feel worthy of acceptance, I realize I just took the Lord’s Supper and Someone outside of me, Christ Himself, applies forgiveness afresh and reminds me of my Baptism. And I can draw on that, His real bodily presence, in real time for the comfort and assurance that I long for.”

Sarah Maney is a communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

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From left, Dawn and Rev. Joel Sarrault celebrate with their son, Zachery, and daughter-in-law, Kelsey, on Call Day April 28. Zachery Sarrault received his first pastoral call to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cary, N.C. Photo: Jill Gray

Couple plans for legacy gift to support future seminarians

BY MELANIE AVE

Pastors have played an especially important role in the lives of Joel and Dawn Sarrault for as long as they can remember.

“We both grew up in Lutheran congregations and were both influenced by good Lutheran pastors,” says Joel, a pastor himself at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Adrian, Mich., where he has served since 1999.

It was another pastor, Dr. Arthur Graudin, now professor emeritus at the Seminary, who encouraged him to consider a summer vicarage. “I thought, sure, it’s better than going home and flipping burgers,” he recalls. Turns out his vicarage supervisor at Peace Lutheran Church in Shell Knob, Mo., gave him lots of ministry opportunities that summer.

“It was a mission church and I preached every single Sunday,” Joel says. “I got to write “WE BOTH GREW a sermon every week. I preached in a UP IN LUTHERAN funeral home because they didn’t have a CONGREGATIONS building yet. I did a Bible study on John’s AND WERE BOTH Gospel on Tuesday nights in a member’s INFLUENCED BY beauty salon. I taught confirmation for GOOD LUTHERAN two or three grandchildren of one of Pastors came front and center again PASTORS.” the members. And I’m sure those kids at a pivotal time in Joel’s life at the end — REV. JOEL SARRAULT wanted to be anywhere else, but I was of his first year in the Master of Divinity teaching confirmation at my kitchen table in Program at Concordia Seminary. After a the middle of summer. And I absolutely loved it. “very tough” first year of studies in the 1984When one of the members told me after a Bible study 85 academic year, he was unsure if ministry was that he finally understood ‘grace,’ I was convinced that Jesus for him. His classmates were placing bets on whether was nudging me into the ministry.

Sarrault would come back in the fall.

When he was in junior high school and felt the call to ministry, Joel wondered what it would be like to lead a congregation. He immediately thought of his own pastor, whom he had long admired.

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SUPPORT SUPPORT YOUR YOUR SEM SEM

“That convinced me … this is what I loved doing. I went back to the Sem. I truly enjoyed my professors, my classmates and the rest of my time. So the Sem was a challenging but also a nourishing place to be prepared for parish ministry.”

Joel has been a pastor for three decades. Before his call to St. John’s, he served congregations in Scott City, Mo., and Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada. Dawn, who early on served as a teacher for a couple of years, moved to work in the retail industry. “I realized my heart wasn’t in teaching,” she says. “I began working in my mother’s quilt store and continued until Joel and I got married. Then, I was a stay-at-home mom, but always doing something in the quilting field.”

The benefits of CHARITABLE BEQUESTS A charitable bequest is an easy way for you to support Concordia Seminary’s ministry! Here are some of the benefits of bequest giving: It costs you nothing today to make a bequest.

The couple has two grown sons, Nicholas, a truck driver in Texas, and Zachery, who graduated from Concordia Seminary and received his first call to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cary, N.C., this year.

The Sarraults’ love for the pastoral ministry and for the education of pastors and other church workers is at the heart of their faithful support of Concordia Seminary as well as Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., where the couple met and graduated. The Sarraults recently named Concordia Seminary as a beneficiary of their estate and have earmarked their ensuing bequest for the “Class of 1988 Scholarship Endowment,” which was established by Joel’s class.

Distributions from the fund provide financial aid for ministerial formation students.

“IN OUR SOCIETY AND OUR CULTURE RIGHT NOW WE NEED FAITHFUL SERVANTS IN FULL-TIME CHURCH WORK.”

Your bequest can be changed down the road.

You can still benefit your heirs with specific gifts.

TAX

A bequest may produce estate tax savings.

You can leave a legacy through a bequest.

Learn more: csl.edu/support

— REV. JOEL SARRAULT

“We believe in what both institutions [Concordia Seminary and Concordia, Ann Arbor] do,” Joel says. “Both of them are very necessary, as they always have been. But in our society and our culture right now, we especially need faithful servants in fulltime church work. We also believe that whatever we have in life, in terms of stuff and finances, it’s all on loan. God has loaned it to us. We don’t own any of it. We are truly stewards. In Matthew 25, the parable of the talents, it’s pretty explicit about the fact that we’re accountable for everything we’ve been loaned. I think the Lord is going to ask all believers someday, ‘So, what did you do with everything I loaned you?’ It’s our understanding, personally anyway, from Scripture that the answer to Him isn’t, ‘Well, we gave or left it all to my kids.’

“The answer should be, ‘I supported the ministries of Christ.”

Melanie Ave is director of communications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Upcoming SEMINARY GIVING DAYS SEPT.

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GIVING TUESDAY

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