First Look
Master of Divinity graduate Idonis King waves to family in celebration on Commencement day May 17, 2024.
Photo: Sid Hastings
ON THE COVER Master of Divinity student
Kenneth Estes awaits news of his first call on Call Day April 23, 2024.
Photo: Sid Hastings
Dale A. Meyer
EXECUTIVE
Vicki Biggs
EXECUTIVE
MANAGING
Vicki Biggs
Melanie Ave
MANAGING
Melanie Ave
ART DIRECTOR Beth Hasek
ART DIRECTOR
Dear friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus.
Jayna Rollings
DESIGNER
Courtney Koll
DESIGNERS
WRITERS
Michelle Poneleit
Christie Hampton
Jayna Rollings
Sarah Maney
Lucas Moody
WRITERS
Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald
Joy is the will of God. We may wonder about this at times when we look at the world around us, at our lives, at the struggles of those we love. For there are trials, disasters, sufferings, griefs. God Himself sends them. And yet, by faith, because His Word declares it to be so, we trust that joy — joy and not grief — is the will of God. What a joyous article of faith this is: God desires joy for us and for those we love.
Sarah Maney Daniel Mattson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lisa Mills
Jill Gray
Even in Lamentations, as the people grieved the utter devastation of Jerusalem and the Temple of God, faith declared, “Though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict or grieve the children of men” (Lam. 3:32-33 ESV). The heart of God, the ultimate will of God for us, is not our sorrow, but our joy.
Travis Scholl
Christie Hampton
Sid Hastings
Gavin Johnson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sarah Maney
Jill Gray
Lucas Moody
Sid Hastings
Harold Rau
Courtney Koll
Tyler Simmons
Sarah Maney
Michael Thomas
Michelle Poneleit
Harold Rau
Martin Luther saw testimony to this truth both in creation and in redemption. “God wants us to be cheerful,” Luther writes. “For had He wanted us to be sad, He would not have given us the sun, the moon, and the various fruits of the earth. All these He gave us for our good cheer.” Elsewhere, Luther writes: “God … takes pleasure in happiness. For [Christ] came to refresh us, not to sadden us.” Nothing brings such true joy as the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ cross and the hope of everlasting life through Jesus’ resurrection. Therefore it is our joy at Concordia Seminary to prepare servants of Christ who will carry this joy-giving Gospel far and wide.
God also gives joy in our vocation. Our daily lives have meaning! Whatever our calling in life, we are called to serve the Lord by serving others. In such service, even when the outward results seem disappointing, even when we are worn down and worn out, there is God-given joy. Friends in Christ, may the Lord give you joy in Christ and joy in serving, until the day when we see Him face to face in His eternal kingdom. Yes, there is joy in Jesus — joy beyond measure!
Dr. Thomas J. Egger, President
President Dr. Thomas J. Egger in the Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library.
Photo: Jill Gray
SUMMER 2024 ISSUE
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.
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Copyright © September 2024, 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.
“Baptism has plunged us into the bottomless ocean of God’s joy, power, peace and eternal life ... soaked [us] in the super-abundant joy of the Lord.”
BY DR. JEFFREY OSCHWALD
It may be the case that, according to the rhythm of the world’s seasons, what happens in April leads to May flowers, but according to the rhythm of the seasons of our life together in the church, and especially here at Concordia Seminary, what happens in April leads to summer ordinations and consecrations and installations. Perhaps you have just celebrated yours — either as the one being ordained or consecrated or as the congregation receiving a new pastor or deaconess. Perhaps you’ve attended an ordination/consecration or two while beginning or continuing your own studies en route to becoming a pastor or deaconess. Perhaps you need to be careful.
Have you noticed how often the sermons at such services follow a pattern that begins by emphasizing the difficulties and challenges involved in the life of a servant of God, and continues by emphasizing the sacrifices involved in the life of a servant of God. Then, the sermons build to a climax focused on the hostile opposition shown by our own sinfulness, the world and our satanic foe to the life of a servant of God, and then conclude by calling upon the servant to rejoice — because the ministry will be the greatest source of his or her joy? I have heard sermons like this. I have preached sermons like this. Forgive me for making a caricature of good Lutheran preaching, but I do fear that sometimes the caricature is what people — including the newly ordained/consecrated — walk away with. And that can drain the joy right out of you. Surely, we have more to say about joy than this — both joy in general and joy in ministry! It can’t be true, can it, that the only kind of joy we know is “joy in spite of”?
Ten years ago this September, Concordia Seminary hosted a Theological Symposium on the theme “Faithful Witness to God’s Story in the World Around
Us: Bringing a Unique Perspective to Common Human Experiences.” The particular topic assigned to me was “Faithful Witness in Suffering and Joy.” Since we Lutherans love to talk about suffering (and other presenters were as well), I decided back then to focus on joy. There is no need to repeat here what I wrote back then; anyone interested can find it (and the other presentations) in volume 41:2 of the Concordia Journal. Thinking about joy again, however, reminded me of a kind of challenge I issued to my hearers (and myself) in that essay. I asked why anyone would want to listen to Christians — Christian theologians in particular — about joy. Are we “joy experts” or are we rather “joy expats” — people living at great distances from our homeland of joy, people whose only experience of joy is the hopeful longing that someday we might feel it again? I wondered: “Ten years later, how am I doing?” What have I learned of, tasted of, taught of the joy that is one of the defining characteristics of the child of God?
During this past decade, I have spent a fair bit of time studying the Acts of the Apostles and I’ll have to admit that some of the references to joy and rejoicing in Acts sound like very familiar territory for us Lutherans. For example, in 5:41, the Jerusalem apostles rejoice that they were considered worthy to be dishonored (honored to be dishonored!) for the sake of their Lord’s name. And yet, there are in Acts some words about joy that may not be quite so familiar, words worth some careful consideration. Let me share three significant ideas about joy, three steps toward moving from freshman to sophomore in the school of joy that all have anchors in Acts.
First of all, reading Luke’s second book gives the reader an ever-deepening appreciation of David’s prayer in Ps. 51:12a ESV: “Restore to me the joy of
your salvation.” This appreciation deepens not so much from a new understanding of joy, but rather from Luke’s rich and inclusive understanding of salvation. Both in his Gospel and in Acts, Luke prefers to speak of almost everything our Lord and Savior does to help us as “salvation”: Christ saves us from enemies, from damnation, from illness, from sin and death, from demons, from blindness, from lostness, from this crooked generation, from unbelief and unrighteousness, from assassination attempts and from shipwreck, from fainting because of hunger and from falling asleep in church, from snakebites and from the brood of vipers. In Acts, the Lord Jesus is saving people every day, and some, it would seem, more than once on the same day! As Luke narrates for us all that Jesus continues to do and teach (cf. Acts 1:1), he also reminds us that the Lord’s work of salvation includes every moment of His people’s lives. The Lord is always bringing us to that good end which He has planned for us, and that includes everything from surviving COVID, to not getting hit by the car that just ran the red light, to remembering your wedding anniversary just in time, to the gift of repentance for the forgiveness of sins in His name. And it includes “departing in peace” when it is time for us to receive “the inheritance of the sanctified.” How does the Lord restore salvation joy to us? By constantly showing Himself to be our Savior, every moment of every day. So, we too, just like the Jerusalem apostles, can be “on our way” every day “rejoicing.”
A second lesson: Often, and this is especially true for the church worker, joy comes from “being considered worthy” not to suffer but to witness the Word of life at work in someone else’s life. Acts 15:3 may strike the reader at first glance like some sort of subcanonical business/fundraising report, but in town after town hearing how “the nations” were being “turned around by” and “turned toward” the God of their salvation brought genuine joy to the hearers. It was amazing for the already-believing to witness the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the household of Cornelius in Acts 10. In Acts 8, the proclamation of Christ by Philip spreads “much joy” throughout the city of Samaria.
Brothers and sisters, this is no small gift, no petty honor, no trifling consolation for a life of personal sacrifice and hardship. The high honor of being called
“to be the Word’s
assistants” — is an honor that Paul will later describe as “overflowing with joy” or, more woodenly, “hyperabounding in joy.” Paul has seen the Gospel at work among the Corinthians, and seeing that has filled him with a joy that he struggles to describe (cf. 2 Cor. 7:4ff). There will be sacrifices and challenges to be sure, but what other calling invites a person to witness — sometimes with near strangers — the intimate joys of the hospital nursery and the graveside celebration of life — and every joy in between, especially the joy of knowing the Lord? And this leads right into my third and final and most important point.
In Acts 11:23 we read the strange report that Barnabas was sent to Antioch where he “saw the grace of God and was glad” — and that second verb is the verbal form of the noun joy, but sadly we can’t say in English “he saw and was joyed.” It’s the first part of that report, though, that we need to consider more carefully. What exactly did Barnabas see? What do you see when you see the “grace of God”?
The connection between grace and joy is not at all obvious in English, but, in Greek, χαρά (chara, “joy”) and χάρις (charis, “grace”) are so closely related that the dictionary tells us they can at times be equated with each other. When God shows us His grace, He is showing us that we are His joy, that He takes delight in us, that we are the object of His good pleasure. The family of words in and of itself has nothing to do with merit or lack of it, with deserving or not deserving anything. Grace, like joy, is because not in spite of: God takes delight in you just because He does. There is a play on words here: Barnabas sees that God has taken delight in these people and that fills him with delight.
Like grace, joy is not an addendum, not a concession, not an afterthought to our faith — or to our God. Our God is a God of joy — gracious joy and joyful grace. The psalmists know this: “He is the joy in my rejoicing” (cf. Ps 43:4); “in His presence I know complete joy” (cf. Ps. 16:11). And the New Testament church knows this, too: God is the One who fills the believer with joy (Rom. 15:13); His Spirit gives and is our joy. C.S. Lewis explains this last point in a beautiful way in “Mere Christianity”:
Good things as well as bad, you know, are caught by a kind of infection. If you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get
close to or even into, the thing that has them. They are not a sort of prize which God could, if He chose, just hand out to anyone. They are a great fountain of energy and beauty spurting up at the very centre of reality. If you are close to it, the spray will wet you: if you are not, you will remain dry. Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever? Once a man is separated from God, what can he do but wither and die? (“Mere Christianity,” Bk. 4, Chap. 4 “Good Infection”; first published, 1952).
It is no uncommon feeling for the pastor, old or new, the student, beginning or continuing, or even for the “merely Christian” person, on getting out of bed in the morning, to feel that he or she is being “thrown into the deep end.” Perhaps Lewis’ image can restore some joy and excitement to the plunge! The things the Lord Jesus is “continuing to do and to teach,” He is continuing to do and teach through us. Baptism has plunged us into the bottomless ocean of God’s joy, power, peace and eternal life. To remember that Baptism, to serve that Lord into whom you are baptized, is to walk in the spray, to be soaked in the super-abundant joy of the Lord because you are united with Him in His work of salvation.
I began with a reference to Acts 5:41 and I’d like to end here, too. A more wooden translation of that verse would read: “And they were departing — rejoicing — from the presence of the Sanhedrin, because they were regarded as worthy to be dishonored for the sake of the Name.” That reads a little awkwardly because the tenses of the verb forms “departing” and “rejoicing” indicate ongoing action. Often the narrative will be clear that this action continued (“was ongoing”) until something else happened, but Luke doesn’t do that here. I agree with those who suggest that that’s because there is no end to the rejoicing. The journey continues: The Word is still going out into all the world, still growing and prevailing. The rejoicing continues: Rejoice always, again — let’s say it — rejoice!
And now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom. 15:13).
Dr. Jeffrey A. Oschwald is a professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Anchored in the book of Acts
1. Salvation 2. Witness
How does the Lord restore salvation joy to us? By constantly showing Himself to be our Savior, every moment of every day. So, we too, just like the Jerusalem apostles, can be “on our way” every day “rejoicing.” (Acts 1:1)
Joy comes from “being considered worthy” not to suffer but to witness the Word of life at work in someone else’s life — the intimate joys of the hospital nursery and the graveside celebration of life — and every joy in between, especially the joy of knowing the Lord. (Acts 15:3)
3. Grace
When God shows us His grace, He is showing us that we are His joy. Grace, like joy, is because not in spite of: God takes delight in you just because He does. Our God is a God of joy — gracious joy and joyful grace. (Acts 11:23)
2024
Crucifer Henry Eising leads the procession into chapel on Call Day. Photo: Sid Hastings
The soon-to-be announced vicars sing during the Call Day service. Photo: Sid Hastings
CALL DAY 2024
Seminary President
ABBREVIATION KEY
CHS: Center for Hispanic Studies
CMC: Cross-cultural Ministry Center
DCS: Residential Deaconess Studies
EIIT: Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology
M.Div.: Master of Divinity
ODS: Online Deaconess Studies
RAR: Residential Alternate Route
SMP: Specific Ministry Pastor
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 (DCS) and announced on Call Day, April 23, 2024.
CALLS INTO THE PASTORAL MINISTRY
ATLANTIC DISTRICT
Conner Forbes: St. James Lutheran Church, St. James, NY
CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT
Corey Chang: Hope Lutheran Church, Daly City, CA (CMC Spring 2024)
Nathan Linehan: First Lutheran Church, Yuba City, CA (CMC Spring 2024)
Jonathan Zoch: Trinity Lutheran Church, Gardnerville, NV
CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT
Trey Dille: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Effingham, IL
Adam Rouse: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL
Jonah Schultz: Salem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, IL
Joel Springer: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL (SMP Spring 2024)
ENGLISH DISTRICT
James Bowes: Peace of the Desert Lutheran Church, Palm Desert, CA (CMC Fall 2023)
Owen Duncan: Faith Lutheran Church, Naples, FL
FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT
Deon Hull: Peace Lutheran Church, Okeechobee, FL
Timothy Mehl: St. John Lutheran Church, Ocala, FL
INDIANA DISTRICT
Case Farney: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Evansville, IN
Futao Liu: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Evansville, IN (CMC Fall 2023)
Janis Mikits: Faith and Good Shepherd Lutheran Churches, Salem and Medora, IN
IOWA DISTRICT EAST
Josiah Schultz: St. John Lutheran Church, Keystone, IA
IOWA DISTRICT WEST
Shane Acers: Hope Lutheran Church, Des Moines, IA (SMP Spring 2024)
Matthew Martin: Christ Lutheran Church, Remsen, IA (RAR Spring 2024)
Alexander Smith: Calvary Lutheran Church, Sioux City, IA
KANSAS DISTRICT
Matthew Goltl: Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Wichita, KS
Frank Johnson: Zion Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, KS (SMP Spring 2024)
William (Jeff) Lane: Faith Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS (SMP Spring 2024)
Deaconess students await their internship assignments on Call Day. Photo: Harold Rau
Dr. Thomas J. Egger offers a prayer during the Call Day service. Photo: Sid Hastings
KANSAS DISTRICT CONTINUED
Jaron Melin: Our Redeemer, Immanuel and St. John’s Lutheran Churches, Herington, KS (M.Div. Fall 2023)
Nathan Nelson: Trinity Lutheran Church, Leavenworth, KS
MICHIGAN DISTRICT
Joshua Britton: Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica, MI (SMP Fall 2023)
Patrick Brooks: Christ the King Lutheran Church, Southgate, MI (SMP Spring 2024)
Jonathan Dueker: Peace Lutheran Church, Rogers City, MI
Morgan Garrett: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Flint, MI
Richard Lewis: St. John Lutheran Church of Marion Springs, Brant, MI (SMP Fall 2023)
Benjamin Marsh: Shepherd’s Gate Lutheran Church, Shelby Township, MI (SMP Spring 2024)
Dante Pronsati: St. Peter Lutheran Church, Macomb, MI
David Schultz: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bay City, MI (SMP Spring 2024)
TOTAL VICARAGE AND DEACONESS INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENTS
Stats include dual parishes.
ON CALL DAY:
Bryan Varblow: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of the Irish Hills, Brooklyn, MI (SMP Spring 2024)
MID-SOUTH DISTRICT
Matthew Lynch: Christ the King Lutheran Church, Memphis, TN
MINNESOTA NORTH DISTRICT
Brandon Johnson: Zion Lutheran Church, Little Falls, MN
MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT
Todd Bentz: Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hamburg, MN (SMP Fall 2023)
Matthew Cephus: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN (EIIT Fall 2023)
Yohannes Ghebru: St. Stephanus Lutheran Church, Saint Paul, MN (CMC Fall 2023)
Jorge Gomez: New Creation Lutheran Church, Shakopee, MN (CHS Fall 2023)
Joel Her: Cornerstone Light of Life Lutheran Church, Maplewood, MN
Kyle Johnson: Samaritans Hill Lutheran Church, Albertville, MN (SMP Spring 2024)
Bennego Kangar: theAlley Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, MN (EIIT Fall 2023)
Luke Onken: Mayer Lutheran High School, Mayer, MN
Daniel Thao: Cornerstone Light of Life Lutheran Church, Maplewood, MN (CMC Spring 2024)
MISSOURI DISTRICT
Samuel Aizenberg: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Carrollton, MO
Jason Groth: LCMS Board for International Mission, St. Louis, MO
Lewi Jermiya: St. Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO (EIIT Fall 2023)
Idonis King: St. Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO
Christopher Knepper: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO
Jason Kohm: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, O’Fallon, MO
Ratna Mangar: St. Johns Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO (EIIT Spring 2024)
Nabin Samal: St. Johns Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO (EIIT Spring 2024)
Michael Winckler: Trinity Lutheran Church, Friedheim, MO
Peyton Holland sings before vicarages are announced on Call Day. Photo: Sid Hastings
Briton Nelson, third from left, gets a photo with loved ones on Chapel Plaza on Call Day.
Photo: Harold Rau
President Dr. Thomas J. Egger congratulates Karina Mazariegos on her deaconess call on Call Day. Photo: Sid Hastings
Stats include dual and triple parishes.
Conner Wondrasch: The Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
NEBRASKA DISTRICT
Jonathan Bartels: The Rock Lutheran Church, Seward, NE
Brady Betten: GraceHill Lutheran Church, Elkhorn, NE (SMP Fall 2023)
Alexander Bjoraker: Immanuel and Zion Lutheran Churches, Daykin and Tobias, NE
Joseph Haggas: River of Life Lutheran Church, Omaha, NE (SMP Fall 2023)
Paul Hammes: Grace Lutheran Church, Wayne, NE
Daniel McMahan: Faith Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE (SMP Fall 2023)
Drew Oswald: Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Utica, NE
Greg Rathke: Trinity Lutheran Church, Fremont, NE (SMP Spring 2024)
Caleb Wehling: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE
NEW JERSEY DISTRICT
Borbor Zolue: Christ Assembly Lutheran Church, Newark, NJ (EIIT Fall 2023)
NORTH DAKOTA DISTRICT
Vincent Otto: Zion Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND
NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT
Jamie Bauknecht: Good Shepherd and St. John’s Lutheran Churches, Crandon and Laona, WI (SMP Spring 2024)
Justin Brockman: Sion Lutheran Church, Chatham, MI
Bryce Clayton: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Jedidiah McClellan: Zion Lutheran Church of Wayside, Greenleaf, WI
Grant Thiel: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Greenville, WI
NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT
Tyler Coyne: Crosspoint Lutheran Church, Lakewood, IL (SMP Spring 2024)
Kenneth Estes: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Carol Stream, IL
Aaron Levenhagen: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Elgin, IL
Lawrence (Larry) Ruger: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Matteson, IL (SMP Spring 2024)
Adam Tanney: Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, IL
Alvaro Witt Duarte: St. John Lutheran Church, Wheaton, IL (M.Div. Fall 2023)
NORTHWEST DISTRICT
Dillon Weber: Trinity Lutheran Church, Seattle, WA
OHIO DISTRICT
Drake Peterson: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marysville, OH
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
Avery Hjulberg: Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
David Keane: Faith Lutheran Church, Vista, CA
John McCombs: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Riverside, CA (SMP Fall 2023)
Moises Rodriguez: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montebello, CA (CMC Fall 2023)
Kevin Sharp: Hope Lutheran Church of Linda Vista, San Diego, CA
Jose Villalobos: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Pomona, CA (CMC Fall 2023)
Karyn Naber awaits the announcement of her call.
Photo: Sid Hastings
Director of Placement Dr. Glenn Nielsen, left, shakes hands with Ratna Mangar after his call is announced on Call Day. Photo: Sid Hastings
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
William Beck: Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO (SMP Spring 2024)
Jeremy Lamont: Grace Lutheran Church, Sandy, UT (SMP Fall 2023)
SELC DISTRICT
Allen Dass: Zion Lutheran Church, Clark, NJ
SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT
Graham Jenkins: Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hartland, WI
Anthony Sedotto: Grace Lutheran Church, Menomonee Falls, WI
Christopher Sturges: Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hartland, WI
SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT
Ryan Barnett: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Glen Burnie, MD
James Doebler: Trinity Lutheran Church, Norfolk, VA
Peter Frank: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Conover, NC
Samuel Hoag: Trinity Lutheran Church, Henrico, VA
Timothy Phanco: Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Myrtle Beach, SC (SMP Spring 2024)
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
Andrew Frerichs: Grace Lutheran Church, Huntsville, AL
TEXAS DISTRICT
Steven Garrabrant: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Houston, TX (SMP Fall 2023)
Gregory MacMillin: Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX
Luis Morales: LCMS Texas District Board of Mission Administration, Round Rock, TX (CMC Fall 2023)
Sammy Roberts: Grace Divine Lutheran Church, Hurst, TX (EIIT Spring 2024)
William Rowland: Peace Lutheran Church, Hurst, TX (SMP Spring 2024)
Randall Sanders: Zion Lutheran Church, Abilene, TX (SMP Fall 2023)
CALLS INTO THE DIACONAL MINISTRY
CENTRAL ILLINOIS
DISTRICT
Bridgette Sharp: Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL
KANSAS DISTRICT
Ashley Nelson: St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Leavenworth, KS
MID-SOUTH DISTRICT
Christina Childers: Grace Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN
MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT
Alicia Neils: Rose of Sharon Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, MN
MISSOURI DISTRICT
Elizabeth Melin: Lutherans in Jewish Evangelism, St. Louis, MO (DCS Fall 2023)
Karyn Naber: Lutheran Senior Services, St. Louis, MO
Abigail Ward: Calvary Lutheran High School, Jefferson City, MO (DCS Fall 2023)
NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT
Karina Mazariegos: Life and Faith Lutheran Church, West Dundee, IL (CHS Spring 2024)
OKLAHOMA DISTRICT
Rachell Highley: First Lutheran Church, Ponca City, OK
TEXAS DISTRICT
Rebecca Jungklaus: LifeBridge Community Lutheran Church, Sealy, TX (EIIT Fall 2023)
VICARAGES
ATLANTIC DISTRICT
Zachary Thornton: Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Garden City, NY
CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT
Luther Cameron: Shepherd of the Valley and First Immanuel Lutheran Churches, San Jose, CA
Zachary Stringham: Trinity Lutheran Church, Exeter, CA (CMC Fall 2023)
Anthony Tin: Canaan Lutheran Church, San Francisco, CA (SMP Fall 2023)
CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT
Timothy Good: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL (SMP Fall 2023)
EASTERN DISTRICT
Alan Boezi: Pinnacle Lutheran Church, Farmington, NY (SMP Spring 2024)
ENGLISH DISTRICT
Samuel Wondemu: Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO
FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT
Jacob Anderson: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Warner Robins, GA
Troy Curtis: Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Palm Bay, FL (SMP Fall 2023)
Timothy Handrick: All Saints Lutheran Church, Blairsville, GA (RAR Spring 2024)
Jacob Manning: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Euder Paul: Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lake Worth Beach, FL
Erick Quezada: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, FL
Timothy Richter: Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Myers, FL (SMP Fall 2023)
Andrew Wise: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Kingsland, GA (SMP Spring 2024)
INDIANA DISTRICT
Logan Davis: Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN
IOWA DISTRICT EAST
Tyler Simmons: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Iowa City, IA
IOWA DISTRICT WEST
Simon Niemtschk: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Carroll, IA
Bradley Person: Faith Lutheran Church and Preschool, Adel, IA (SMP Fall 2023)
John Stacy: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Mapleton, IA (SMP Spring 2024)
KANSAS DISTRICT
Andrew Gunzelman: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Leawood, KS (SMP Fall 2023)
Jacob Harding: Zion Lutheran Church, Linn, KS
Josiah Sandcork: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Olathe, KS
MICHIGAN DISTRICT
Joseph Bender: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lansing, MI
Dayton Dangel: Messiah Lutheran Church, Clio, MI
Matthew Emery: Trinity Lutheran Church, Arcadia, MI (SMP Spring 2024)
Mkuninwa Salumu John: St. Luke Lutheran Church, Haslett, MI (EIIT Fall 2023)
Jonah Schutte: St. John Lutheran Church, Houghton Lake, MI (SMP Spring 2024)
Mmunda Shikoa: St. Luke Lutheran Church, Haslett, MI (EIIT Fall 2023)
Joshua Steele: St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, MI
MINNESOTA NORTH DISTRICT
Joseph Bates: Immanuel and Trinity Lutheran Churches, Parkers Prairie and Carlos, MN (RAR Summer 2024)
MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT
Bruce Gatz: St. John Lutheran Church, Winstead, MN (SMP Fall 2023)
Christopher Odenbrett: St. John Lutheran Church, Winstead, MN (SMP Fall 2023)
Nathan Sieveking: Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN (SMP Fall 2023)
Newly assigned deaconess intern
Julia Baumann, center, celebrates on Call Day.
Photo: Sid Hastings
Second-year students participate in the Call Day service. Photo: Sid Hastings
Conner and Emmi Forbes and their daughter are all smiles on Call Day.
Photo: Jill Gray
SRI LANKA
MISSOURI DISTRICT
Jonathan Christopher: All Nations Lutheran Church, University City, MO (SMP Spring 2024)
Kevin Curry: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Saint Charles, MO
Ryan Curtis: Hanover Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO
Donald Edie: Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Robert, MO (SMP Spring 2024)
Peyton Holland: Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, MO
Joshua Horst: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Olivette, MO
Jesse Liebmann: LCMS Office of International Mission, St. Louis, MO
Jacob Moede: Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, MO
Christopher Shearman: Lutheran Development Group, St. Louis, MO (RAR Spring 2024)
Nan Tian: Light of Christ/Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO (EIIT Fall 2023)
Stats include dual parishes.
Joshua Wareham: LCMS Office of International Mission, St. Louis, MO
Harry Wright: Our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Charles, MO
MONTANA DISTRICT
Peter Ross: St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Laurel, MT
NEBRASKA DISTRICT
Jacob Friedrich: Zion Lutheran Church, Pierce, NE
Jason Obermiller: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Loup City, NE (SMP Fall 2023)
Timothy Reicks: St. John’s and St. Paul Lutheran Churches, Burwell and Chambers, NE (RAR Spring 2024)
NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT
David Kaiser: St. James Lutheran Church, Shawano, WI (SMP Fall 2023)
Joshua Kastens: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Green Bay, WI
John Schultz: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Green Bay, WI (SMP Spring 2024)
Photo: CSid Hastings
Director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships
Joel Fritsche congratulates Jessica Thompson on her internship on Call Day. Photo: Sid Hastings
Newly-called pastor Jonah Schultz is all smiles on Call Day with his wife, Mary, and son, Stephen. Photo: Jill Gray
Erick Quezada and other second-year pastoral students fill the chapel before vicarages and internships are announced. Photo: Sid Hastings
NORTHWEST DISTRICT
Kory Walstad: Crown of Life Lutheran Church, Rogby, ID (SMP Spring 2024)
OHIO DISTRICT
Noah Burmester: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, North Canton, OH
OKLAHOMA DISTRICT
Arnold Graumann: St. John’s and Faith Lutheran Churches, Lone Wolf, OK (SMP Fall 2023)
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
Ryan Fink: Crean Lutheran High School, Irvine, CA (SMP Fall 2023)
Stephen Hanley: Searchlight Ministries and Christ Lutheran Church, Fullerton and Brea, CA
Michael Orme: Our Savior’s Community Lutheran Church, Palm Springs, CA (CMC Fall 2023)
Jacob Sitze: Christ Lutheran Church, La Mesa, CA (SMP Spring 2024)
Gustavo Valderrama Garcés: Victory Lutheran Church, Chula Vista, CA (CMC Fall 2023)
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Joseph Pierson: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Logan, UT (SMP Fall 2023)
Zachary Smith: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lakewood, CO
Daniel Vanderhyde: Colorado Lutheran High School Association, Parker, CO (Deferred)
SELC DISTRICT
Biruk Chiksa: St. Lucas Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO
Edward Krez: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, FL
SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT
Travis Galle: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Baraboo, WI
John Szupica: Emmanuel Deaf Lutheran Church, West Allis, WI (EIIT Fall 2023)
SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT
Joshua Armstrong: Living Savior Lutheran Church, Fairfax Station, VA
William Curley: The Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Bryans Road, MD (SMP Fall 2023)
Henry Eising: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Raleigh, NC
Mark Elgert: King of Glory Lutheran Church, Williamsburg, VA (SMP Fall 2023)
Joshua Marlatt: St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC
Timothy Thompson: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wilson, NC (SMP Fall 2023)
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
Peder Saethre: The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, AL
TEXAS DISTRICT
Garrett Anklam: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Houston, TX
Chase Drake: Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pearland, TX (SMP Fall 2023)
Jaime Durkin Vazquez: Tree of Life Lutheran Church, Garland, TX (CHS Fall 2023)
Rory Fry: Gathering Lutheran Church, Robinson, TX (SMP Fall 2023)
Carlos Loturco González: Iglesia Luterana Manatiales de Vida, Houston, TX (CHS Spring 2024)
Aldo Martínez Rosas: Grace Lutheran Church, Ennis, TX (CHS Spring 2024)
Daniel Moreno Salazar: Iglesia Luterana Manatiales de Vida, Houston, TX (CHS Spring 2024)
Jose Ojeda: St. Paul Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX (CHS Fall 2023)
Gustavo Reinoso: Iglesia Luterana Manatiales de Vida, Houston, TX (CHS Spring 2024)
Omar Sarmiento Ramirez: St. John Lutheran Church, Mansfield, TX (CHS Spring 2024)
William Zacharias: Our Savior Lutheran Church, McKinney, TX (SMP Fall 2023)
DEACONESS INTERNSHIPS
INDIANA DISTRICT
Janis Buelow: Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia, IN (ODS Fall 2023)
Katlynn Schnitker: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, IN (ODS Fall 2023)
KANSAS DISTRICT
Lara McComack: Calvary Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS
MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT
Meskerem Negera: LINC Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN (EIIT Fall 2023)
MISSOURI DISTRICT
Jessica Thompson: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO
NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT
Natalie Smith: New Song Community Church, Aurora, IL (ODS Fall 2023)
NORTHWEST DISTRICT
Naomi Brown: Trinity Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, OR (ODS Fall 2023)
SOUTH DAKOTA DISTRICT
Lisa Miller: Emanuel Lutheran Church, Milbank, SD (ODS Fall 2023)
TEXAS DISTRICT
Julie Baumann: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX
Dayana Fernández: Iglesia Luterana Manatiales de Vida, Houston, TX (CHS Spring 2024)
Verónica Garza Esparza: Iglesia Luterana Manatiales de Vida, Houston, TX (CHS Spring 2024)
Gladys Rosales López: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Harlingen, TX (CHS Spring 2024)
Sara Zambrano: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Harlingen, TX (CHS Spring 2024)
Find photos, lists and more from Call Day at csl.edu/callday.
SHARING THE THROUGH PODCASTS Joy of Jesus
BY LUCAS MOODY
Jessica Bordeleau was 4 years old when her family was invited to go to church with friends. She saw firsthand how the Lord worked through that Christian community to welcome her family and show them the love of Christ. “I knew something had changed in my family,” she said. “The church community became so important to my parents. I saw them sharing their faith with others. They were just so excited they couldn’t hold it.”
Bordeleau, digital publishing coordinator for Concordia Seminary, produces and hosts two faculty podcasts: “Lectionary Kick-start” and “Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived.” To the listener of either podcast, Bordeleau’s excitement for God’s Word and eagerness to learn more about Him is palpable as she facilitates discussions with and between the Seminary’s
distinguished professors. Her Christian joy, she said, is an inheritance from her parents, who received God’s Word as adults and were visibly transformed by their faith.
Bordeleau’s parents not only received the faith, but they also lived it. “It was normal for us to talk about faith at home and to pray together,” she said. The teachers at her Lutheran school and the college-aged camp counselors at her Lutheran summer camp lived the faith, too. As a collective, the intergenerational chorus of adults throughout Bordeleau’s life inspired her to become a teacher and to tell children about the Gospel. She earned a degree in education from Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon.
After college she served as program director at Camp Luther in Wisconsin and sought opportunities to deepen her knowledge of and relationship with Jesus. As part of this effort she enrolled
at Concordia Seminary and completed a master’s degree in systematic theology. She took this Seminary-enriched understanding with her as she went on to direct Christian education and youth ministry at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Minnesota and later at Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, where she continues to volunteer.
She also served a dual call at Timothy and the LCMS Youth Ministry Office, where she coordinated Lutheran Youth Fellowship (now YouthLead). It was during her time there that she and her husband, Adrian, started their family of three children. It also was during this season of life that she branched into new media. Having spotted a need for multimedia resources to accompany youth leadership training, she began learning the tools of the media production trade, largely by working alongside her husband, who specializes in media communications.
Bordeleau continued developing her production skills by freelance work. It was through these projects that Dr. Michael Zeigler, the speaker of The Lutheran Hour, asked her to co-host a Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) podcast called “Speaking of Jesus.” Later, her resume and ardent advocacy for the Seminary made her a natural fit when the Seminary created a new position to oversee the launch of the new faculty podcasts.
Under the guidance of the Seminary’s Theological Research and Publication department, “Lectionary Kick-start” debuted in May 2023. Bordeleau hosts weekly conversations on the lectionary texts with Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger, both homiletics professors at the Seminary. “During campus events I spoke with as many people as I could, and asked, ‘What kind of podcast would you listen to? What kind of podcast would help you in your ministry?’” she said. The podcast provides preachers and teachers with ideas and inspiration as they write their sermons and prepare their teaching lessons.
Following the success of “Lectionary Kick-start,” which has an average of more than 850 downloads per episode and has accrued an audience spanning pastors, deaconesses, teachers and laypeople, Bordeleau began producing another podcast called “Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived.” Her second Seminary podcast, which began in September 2023, helps listeners deepen their theology as faculty explore the many ways in which God is active in the everyday lives of believers. Episodes have explored topics like artificial intelligence and Christian nationalism, among a wide-ranging list of subjects. On the shows and in ordinary conversation, Bordeleau’s sincere appreciation for practical theology and authentic gladness about the Word of Jesus shines through. When discussing what she enjoys most about hosting and facilitating the two podcasts, her eyes light up. “It’s been so exciting for me to have these conversations with teachers in our church body,” she said, “and to learn from them while helping share their understanding of Scripture with the larger church.”
Bordeleau marvels at the many souls whom her podcasts and their distinguished teaching guests now reach. “It’s all about Jesus, and I want to be able to tell people about Jesus in any way I can,” Bordeleau said. “Nothing in life is as important as our relationship with God and our understanding of His love for us through Jesus.”
“I want to be able to tell people about Jesus in ANY WAY I CAN.”
— Jessica Bordeleau
Listen to “Lectionary Kick-start” and “Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived” on podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The podcasts also can be found on the Concordia Theology website at concordiatheology.org/podcasts.
Lucas Moody is a Master of Divinity student at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Left: Jessica Bordeleau records a podcast. Middle: She interviews Dr. Joel Elowsky, left, and Dr. David Maxwell, right, for a podcast episode. Right: She enjoys a cup of coffee during a recording session. Photos: Tyler Simmons
GOING where GOD CALLS
SHARING THE GOSPEL IN BELIZE
BY CHRISTIE HAMPTON
Concordia Seminary students eagerly await their placements before Call Day. The suspense builds as students’ families gather in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus where the calls are announced each year. Church members, friends and relatives from across the nation also watch online to see where future pastors are being called by name to go and share the Gospel.
The first calls for most seminarians entering the pastoral ministry in the name of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS) are typically announced to a U.S. location. But when Jason Groth, a 2024 Master of Divinity graduate, heard his name on Call Day this year, it was not alongside a pastoral call in the States. It was to Central America, to Belize.
“I will be an LCMS missionary, which means I belong to all LCMS churches,” he explains with a grateful smile.
Groth embraces this opportunity to spread the Gospel in a new and unfamiliar setting alongside his wife, Emily, and their children: Gideon, Esther, Martha and Joanna, ages 5 to 12.
While the Groths will be far from their extended family and their friends, they are embarking on this journey with courage and faith. Groth says they are prepared, thanks to the Holy Spirit. “I think I will be a good missionary, but I think my kids will be excellent missionaries,” he says. “They are going to open doors I never would have been able to just because they are so friendly.”
“It comes back to knowing the purpose for what we are being called to do. It is the greatest privilege on earth to share the GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL.” — Jason Groth
When Groth enrolled at the Seminary, he never imagined he would be a missionary at the end of his pastoral formation. In October 2023, however, he was asked by LCMS Director of Missionary Recruitment Dr. Mark Rabe if he would consider missionary service. Due to one of his daughter’s medical needs, he didn’t think he could serve as a missionary. Still, God continued to open doors. “They found us a missionary call that matched the needs for our daughter,” he says. “There are hospitals in Belize so she can get the medical attention she needs if an autoimmune issue were to flare up and, if needed, she can be transported to a children’s hospital in Houston within hours.” God, Groth says, continues to provide in ways the family had never imagined.
“I’m excited to tell the people in Belize about Jesus,” he says, citing Rom. 10:17 (ESV), “‘So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.’ Our whole family is well-suited for mission work in many ways.” As a child, his family moved several times. As a young adult, he lived in Illinois, Ohio, Vermont and Missouri. Emily, his wife, previously served as a short-term missionary in Quito, Ecuador.
The opportunities to learn a different culture and new language excite the family as they trust God’s plan and purpose for them. “Our work in Belize will be to do three things: share the Gospel, plant Lutheran churches and show mercy,” Groth says. “English is the official language of Belize, but 60% of the population speaks some Spanish. There are different ethnic groups. It’s a former English colony
with Kriol, Garifuna, Mennonite, Maya,Taiwanese and Mestizos people of Spanish descent. It’s very diverse. So, each one of these groups will have its own culture and language, which will provide opportunities to learn as we strive to form churches.”
He is eager to connect with the Belize community and create lasting bonds while preaching and teaching the message of hope and salvation. He looks forward to witnessing individuals receiving joy and growing in faith in a place where there is so much need.
The Groth family is embracing the unknown as they prepare as much as possible before their departure to Belize. The seeds they are planting by the power of the Holy Spirit will have immeasurable heavenly rewards. “I’m not going to say it’s easy,” Groth says. “It comes back to knowing the purpose
“So FAITH comes from hearing, and hearing through the WORD of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17 ESV)
for what we are being called to do. It is the greatest privilege on earth to share the Good News of the Gospel.”
Facing page: Jason and Emily Groth
Below: The Groth family has a little fun outside the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. From left, Joanna, Emily, Esther, Martha, Jason and Gideon Groth.
Photos: Tyler Simmons
Christie Hampton is communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Dr. JOEL LEHENBAUER
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD RECIPIENT
BY SARAH MANEY
“You never expect to get a call like that,” said Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, remembering the moment he learned he would receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award, an annual award given to a Concordia Seminary graduate who has rendered exceptional service in parish ministry, mission field, preparation of church workers or Synod service.
Not only would Lehenbauer, executive director of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS) Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), receive the award during Commencement 2024, he also would be delivering the Seminary’s Commencement address.
Upon learning the news of the award, Lehenbauer immediately thought about how his late father, a faithful LCMS pastor and district president, would be pleased. And then he reflected on the Lehenbauer lineage.
His great-grandfather, Johann Konrad Christian Lehenbauer, was the first Lehenbauer to attend Concordia Seminary and often worked as the buggy driver for Dr. C.F.W. Walther, the Seminary’s and the LCMS’ first president. Many of the Lehenbauer family church workers can be traced to Johann’s son Conrad, Lehenbauer’s grandfather. By birth or marriage, four generations of the Lehenbauer family have produced 24 pastors —
more than half of whom attended Concordia Seminary, including Joel. Married to the love of his life, Hope, the couple have four adult children and five grandchildren — continuing the Lehenbauer legacy.
Lehenbauer is a three-time Concordia Seminary alum; he has earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) (’84), along with the Hoerber-Hanser award for the highest GPA in his graduating class; a Master of Sacred Theology (’91); and a Doctor of Philosophy (’04).
In addition to receiving theological instruction and pastoral formation during his Seminary studies, he also grew in self-discipline and humility.
“The professors humbled us and they did so intentionally,” said Lehenbauer, recalling his time as an M.Div. student. “They let us know right away and in no uncertain terms that they were in charge. They were a lot smarter than we were, and they didn’t put up with any kind of arrogance, cockiness or nonsense. And that was good.”
The qualities of self-discipline and humility — recognizing that he doesn’t have all the answers — have served him well; first in parish ministry as a sole pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, Mich., (1985–90); and during his 33 years of service with the CTCR. Today Lehenbauer serves as executive director of the CTCR, a position he has held since 2008.
As executive director, Lehenbauer serves as the CTCR’s chief spokesman. He contributes to the drafting of multiple reports and opinions, participates in
fellowship discussions with dozens of churches around the world leading to the recognition of church fellowship with the LCMS, and plans and organizes national and international theological and ecumenical conferences.
“You can’t serve on the CTCR and think you’ve got all the answers to everything,” he said. “We get the hard questions, and we have to remain humble about it and recognize that there are a lot of people from whom we can learn. And so, I credit my time at the Seminary for helping me begin to learn those qualities and seek to grow in them.”
The CTCR was created by the LCMS in 1962 to help the Synod speak with a single united voice on matters of theology and church relations. “The CTCR takes that mandate very seriously. I take that mandate very seriously,” Lehenbauer said. One of the ways the CTCR does this is by deliberately bringing the faculties of Concordia Seminary and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., together. The presidents of both seminaries are members of the CTCR. Each faculty appoints two members of its faculty to the CTCR and the LCMS president typically places other members of the faculty on the CTCR. The LCMS
Council of Presidents does the same thing. Typically, more than a third of the members of the CTCR also are members of the two seminaries’ faculties.
“They’re a critical presence on the CTCR. The vast majority of CTCR reports have been drafted by seminary professors, and I just think that’s ingenious. Lay people, district presidents, teachers are all involved but the core of the commission are the seminaries,” Lehenbauer said. “It helps the seminaries communicate with each other better. It helps keep the Synod united.”
Recalling his years of ministry service, Lehenbauer reflects on God’s faithfulness.
“You never know where God may call you and what He might ask you to do,”
Lehenbauer said. “But He promises to be with us every step of the way and to give us what we need to do, what He has asked us to do. So, I’m very thankful to Him and grateful to the Lord for all the blessings that He’s given me and the ways that He’s allowed me to serve.”
“You never know where God may call you and what He might ask you to do, but He promises to be with us every step of the way and to give us what we need to do, what He has asked us to do.”
— Dr. Joel Lehenbauer
CONCORDIA
Dr. Joel Lehenbauer. Photo: Sid Hastings
Sarah Maney is manager of communications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Below: Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, left, shakes the hand of Dr. David Peter, professor of Practical Theology and dean of faculty, during Commencement May 17, 2024.
Photo: Sid Hastings
SPREADING THE Word
BY CHRISTIE HAMPTON
As the sun sets on a sizzling summer day, a golden glow pours into the sunroom of the home of Vernon and Joann Schroeder in St. Charles, Mo. They sit side by side on a refurbished pew from Immanuel Lutheran Church — the St. Charles church in which they were married and first attended as a couple. Both were raised not too far from their beautiful bungalow on Missouri farms, only three miles apart. However, they didn’t meet until Joann stopped in the little country store where Vernon worked. “She would stop once in a while and fill up her gas tank and that’s how we met,” Vernon said.
Their first date was Vernon’s 20th birthday. Two years later, also on his birthday, they were engaged and four months after that were married. “We had our reception at the golf clubhouse,” Joann added. “And our 25th and 50th anniversaries were celebrated with dancing,” Vernon continued. “We like ballroom dancing. The waltz is our favorite. We also like the foxtrot and rumba.” The couple have been married for more than 62 years.
The Schroeders also share the same joyous mission. “Our goal is to spread the Word as much as possible. We do that in lots of different ways,” Vernon said. As Adopt-A-Student sponsors at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.,
the Schroeders “adopt” seminarians each year and support students with financial gifts and prayers.
“It’s all related to spreading the Word,” Vernon said. “Look what the Lord has done for us. He gave us eternal life. We want to share that with everyone. There is very little that we support that is not involved in that mission. We get to share Christ’s love with others. The seminaries are one way of doing that.”
Concordia Theological Seminary and the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) also are very important to the Schroeders, who emphasize the high priority of funding organizations that share His Word. “If one soul is saved, it’s worth it,” Vernon said.
Near the farm where Vernon grew up, there were two sisters who never married but were very close to his family. “Those women were so generous and kind and gave us things we would never have had if it hadn’t been for them,” Vernon said. Now the Schroeders share their financial blessings to support their goal of sharing the Gospel with as many people as possible.
“We’ve been blessed immensely all our lives,” Vernon said. The couple’s extended family includes their daughter-in-law, two grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren in Columbus, Ohio, and their son, John, daughter-in-law and grandson, who live in Lubbock, Texas. Since the couple travel very little, they look forward to when their family visits them.
“That doesn’t mean we haven’t had some hardships,” Vernon said. “We had three children and two of them are deceased: Thomas, at 22 months old, and Philip, three years ago at age 53. Through the hardships, the Lord sees us and guides us and sees us through it. We thank the Lord. I don’t know how we could have done it without our faith.”
Their faith was strengthened through their Lutheran upbringing and service in several St. Charles-area congregations. As a child, Vernon attended and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, and later joined Joann’s home congregation, Immanuel Lutheran Church, to worship together. In the early 2000s, the couple was asked to help form a new church, Child of God Lutheran Church and School.
The Schroeders have enjoyed attending church at Child of God and became members in 2006. They love hearing the children from the school sing during services and have seen the school’s enrollment grow to more than 270 students. The couple is fond of their pastor, Rev. Jeremy Gorline (’01), who regularly visits the Schroeders’ home. The couple attends weekly worship and Bible study, setting an example of the importance of continuing to be in His Word.
Also in 2006, they both retired: Joann from a legal firm and Vernon after 37 years from the accounting department at the Boeing Company. Since then,
Discover Planned Giving
Like many people, you may be wondering what planned giving is. Planned giving is a way to integrate your personal, financial and estate planning goals. The right planned gift may provide you with tax and income benefits while helping Concordia Seminary, St. Louis further our mission of preparing church leaders. Here are some of the most common planned gifts you can make:
Bequest
Your will or trust may include a gift of a specific asset, a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to our ministry.
both have volunteered in different capacities over the years at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles.
“Our goal is to spread the WORD.”
— Vernon Schroeder
Vernon and Joann have spent their lives dedicated to spreading the Word and helping others. From their humble beginnings to their volunteer work and active involvement in church and community, the Schroeders have exemplified a life of faith, love and service.
Pointing heavenward to Christ, Vernon said, “We get to share His love with others.”
Christie Hampton is communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Facing page, Joann and Vernon Schroeder sit together on a refurbished pew from Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Mo., where they were married and first attended church together.
Photo: Christie Hampton
Charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts
These plans can provide you with lifetime income and the opportunity to leave a nice gift to the Seminary.
Endowments
When you establish an endowment at the Seminary you can achieve the impact you desire and you also may realize an income tax deduction.
What’s happening
Commencement 2024
Concordia Seminary closed its 2023-24 academic year with Commencement exercises May 17, 2024, celebrating and recognizing some 83 students and six honorees. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, executive director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations, delivered the Commencement address. (Read more about Lehenbaur on Pages 22-23.) Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger cited the Seminary’s academic theme, “We Belong to Christ,” as he addressed students. “Graduates, you belong to Jesus Christ. He has paid for you, not with gold or silver but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death. He did this, as the Catechism puts it, ‘that I may be His own …’ We are His, and He is ours,” Egger said. “No matter where life takes us, no matter when death takes us. We belong to Christ.” Find a list of honorees and graduates at csl.edu/commencement.
Carillon concert
Carillonneurs of national and international acclaim performed in four concerts held each Tuesday in June as part of the Seminary’s annual Summer Carillon Series. Guests brought lawn chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy the music on the Seminary’s beautiful grounds. “Concordia Seminary is honored to provide world-class carillon music to friends, neighbors and music lovers from far and wide,” said Dean of Chapel Dr. Jon Vieker. “The folks who attend our annual carillon series look forward to these concerts each summer.” Learn more about the Seminary’s carillon, housed in Luther Tower and one of only 170 such instruments in North America, at csl.edu/campus-landmarks.
Campus guests gather in the Main Quadrangle June 11, 2024, to picnic while enjoying the music of carillonneur John Widmann from Frederick, Md. Photo: Lucas Moody
The Seminary’s 2024 graduates participate in Commencement. Photo: Harold Rau
Give STL Day record
This year’s Give STL Day, which began with early giving April 24 and culminated May 9, 2024, raised a record $60,065 from some 170 donors. Gifts were matched dollar-for-dollar up to the first $25,000 raised. Funds raised will help the Seminary further its mission of preparing pastors, deaconesses, missionaries and other church leaders for service in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod across the country and around the world. “It is the support of caring friends who make the Seminary’s mission possible, and we are deeply grateful for the love they show for our students and all that we do — all for the sake of the Gospel,” said Vicki Biggs, senior vice president of Seminary Advancement and chief communications officer. Give STL Day is one of three of the Seminary’s annual giving days. To learn more about the Seminary’s annual giving days, visit csl.edu/giving-days.
Writing workshop
Led by Dr. Travis Scholl, author of “Walking the Labyrinth” and director of mission integration at Lutheran Senior Services in St. Louis, Mo.; and Peter Mead, a Christian editor, publisher and writer, the annual Faith and Writing Workshop was held July 16-18, 2024, attracting 10 writers from all walks of life. Students, faculty and friends of the Seminary attended the workshop and explored the art of creative writing in its various forms — blogs, sermons and devotions, stories, nonfiction, drama, poetry and beyond. Learn more at csl.edu/faith-writing-workshop/.
Participant listens to a presentation during the Faith and Writing Workshop. Photo: Sarah Maney
M.Div. student Andrew Borseth. Photo: Tyler Simmons EIIT student Meskerem Negera. Photo: Sid Hastings
New BuehnerDuesenberg chair
Concordia Seminary’s Board of Regents appointed Rev. Joel Fritsche this past spring as the new occupant of the BuehnerDuesenberg Endowed Chair of Lutheran Missions, established by Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg in 2012 in honor of Phyllis’ parents and as an opportunity to inspire future church workers for mission service. Fritsche, who joined the Concordia Seminary faculty in 2023 as an assistant professor of Exegetical Theology and as director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships, was formally installed Aug. 23, 2024, during the Opening Service for the 2024-25 academic year. Before joining the Seminary faculty, Fritsche served as a pastor, church planter, missionary and theological educator in the United States and the Dominican Republic. He also was the director and professor of biblical languages at Seminario Concordia el Reformador (Concordia Seminary the Reformer) in Santiago, Chile. Learn more at csl.edu/endowed-chairs.
Rev. Joel Fritsche. Photo: Michael Thomas
Service anniversary milestones
During a daily service in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus May 6, 2024, the Concordia Seminary community celebrated significant anniversary milestones of 15 faculty and staff members with 200 years of combined service. Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger acknowledged the service of the honored faculty and staff, saying: “The Lord has given Concordia Seminary many gifts to carry out the beautiful work He has placed in our hands. After the Gospel itself, the most precious of these gifts are the faculty and staff who serve here,” Egger said of the honorees. Following a round of applause and the service’s closing, the honorees attended an outdoor reception and time of thanksgiving on Chapel Plaza.
Following the May 6, 2024, recognition of their Seminary service anniversaries, honored faculty and staff gather for a group photo.
Photo: Christie Hampton
New faculty
The Seminary formally installed four new faculty members Aug. 23, 2024, during the Opening Service of the 2024-25 academic year. Installed were:
Dr. Samuel Eatherton, who previously served as kantor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Sheboygan, Wis., is assistant professor of Practical Theology, kantor and director of music arts, and the Kreft Chair for Music Arts.
Dr. James Fickenscher, who has served as an associate pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, School and Early Learning Center in McAllen, Texas, and adjunct faculty with the Concordia University System (CUS), will serve as an assistant professor of Exegetical Theology.
Dr. Jason Lane, formerly assisting pastor at Luther Memorial Chapel and University Student Center in Shorewood, Wis., and associate professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, will be an associate professor of Historical Theology. He also will serve as the Seminary’s director of research, assessment and academic programming.
Dr. Ryan Tinetti, previously a pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, Mich., and a guest lecturer at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Praetoria, South Africa, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., will serve as an assistant professor of Practical Theology.
Read more at csl.edu/newsroom.
Psalms workshop
Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology Dr. Adam Hensley guided some 43 participants through the Aug. 3, 2024, Lay Bible Institute, “The Book of Psalms and the Christ.” Hensley led the group in considering how the psalter’s arrangement contributes to the Psalms’ rich picture of Christ. “As Christians we know that the Psalms, like all the Old Testament, are about Christ,” Hensley said. “In them we also hear His voice speaking, from its deepest laments to its highest thanksgivings and praises.” The next workshop is set for Oct. 5. Learn more at csl.edu/lbi.
Dr. Adam Hensley leads “The Book of Psalms and the Christ” Lay Bible Institute in Sieck Hall.
Photo: Gavin Johnson
Dr. Samuel Eatherton
Dr. James Fickenscher
Dr. Jason Lane
Dr. Ryan Tinetti
Seminary Authors
The Seminary celebrated faculty who wrote or contributed to published books or other publications during the 2023-24 academic year during the 15th annual Concordia Seminary Author Reception, held May 16, 2024, in the Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library.
CELEBRATED AUTHORS:
Dr. Andrew Bartelt, Professor Emeritus, “Isaiah 1–12”: Concordia Commentary Series (Concordia Publishing House, 2024).
Dr. James Brauer, Professor Emeritus, “Music — God’s Mysterious Gift: Its Power to Influence Humans and Its Role in God’s Kingdom” (Wipf and Stock, 2023).
Dr. Joel Elowsky, Professor of Historical Theology:
• Steven Tyra, “Neither the Spirit Without the Flesh.” T&T Clark Studies in Historical Theology, Series eds. Brian C Brewer, Joel C. Elowsky (New York: T&T Clark, 2024).
• Angelo DiBerardino, “Origins and Significance of Ancient Feasts,” ed. Joel C. Elowsky (New Haven, CT: ICCS Press, 2024).
Dr. Adam Hensley, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, The Ordination of Women and God’s First Article Gifts of Human Sexuality and Order in Creation in “Women’s Ordination through the Lens of the Apostles’ Creed,” ed. Jonathan Shaw. Revised Edition 2024. LCMS Church Relations booklet.
Dr. Robert Kolb, Professor Emeritus:
• Election in Martin Luther’s “Body of Doctrine” in “T&T Clark Handbook of Election,” ed. Edwin Chr. van Driel (London: T&T Clark, 2024), 191–208.
• The Changing Role of the Bible in Theological Discourse in “The Cambridge History of Reformation-Era Theology,” ed. Kenneth G. Appold and Nelson H. Minnich (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2024), 35-47.
• Theology, Politics, and Warfare in “The Cambridge History of Reformation-Era Theology,” co-authored with Robert J. Bireley, S.J.; ed. Kenneth G. Appold and Nelson H. Minnich (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2024), 718–736.
• The Reformation and the Emergence of Protestant Orthodoxy in “Oxford History of Modern German Theology. Volume I: 17811848,” ed. Grant Kaplan and Kevin M. Vander Schel (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2023), 15–37.
• The Polis in Luther’s Theology in “Theology and Ethics for the Public Church. Mission in the 21st Century World,” ed. Samuel Yonas Deressa and Mary Sue Dreier (Lanham: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2023), 109-121.
• Martin Luther as Evangelist and Apostle, the Sermons of Cyriakus Spangenberg in “To See a Theological World in a Grain of Sand. Festschrift for Pilgrim W. K. Lo on the Occasion
of his Sixty-Fifth Birthday,” ed. Alister Au, et al (Hong Kong: Gratia Christian College, 2023), 3–20.
Dr. Rick Marrs, Senior Professor of Practical Theology, “Journey through Depression,” pamphlet for Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Dr. Ely Prieto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Two sermon studies for “Concordia Pulpit Resources” – Concordia Publishing House, Volume 34, Part 1, Series B, December 3, 2023-February 11, 2024.
• Advent 3 – December 17, 2023 – Study on John 1:6-8, 19-28 (Pages 20-23).
• Advent 4 – December 24, 2023 – Study on Luke 1:26-38 (Pages 23-26).
• Ideas for Illustrating – Advent 3 and 4 (Page 4).
• Children’s Message – Advent 3 and 4 (Page 73).
Dr. Paul Raabe, Professor Emeritus, “Isaiah 13-27”: Concordia Commentary Series (Concordia Publishing House, 2023).
Dr. Mark Rockenbach, Professor of Practical Theology, “Unforgivable?: How God’s Forgiveness Transforms our Lives,” coauthored with Ted Kober (Concordia Publishing House, 2023).
Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., Professor of Systematic Theology, “Migraciones: un poemario familiar.” Illustrated by Angélica Dayana Sánchez Merino (Kindle, 2023).
Dr. Mark A. Seifrid, Professor Emeritus:
• Justification in “Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament,” ed. G.K. Beale, D.A. Carson, Benjamin L. Gladd, Andrew David Naselli (Baker, 2023). 425-430.
• The Untamed Wrath of God in Romans in “Paul’s Letter to the Romans: Theological Essays,” ed. Douglas J. Moo, Eckhard J. Schnabel, Thomas R. Schreiner, and Frank Thielman (Hendrickson, 2023). 34-37.
• “These Things are Spoken Allegorically”: Paul and Christian Interpretation of Scripture in “Scripture, Texts, and Tracings in Galatians and 1 Thessalonians,” ed. A. Andrew Das and B.J. Oropeza (Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2023). 95-111.
• “Ecumenical and Confessional Writings: Ecumenical Dogmatics, Edmund Schink Works,” Volume 2. Edited with an introduction and notes by Matthew L. Becker; translated by Matthew L. Becker, Robin Lutjohann, Hans G. Spalteholz, Mark A. Seifrid, Eleanor Wegener and Ken Jones (Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2023).
Dr. James W. Voelz, Graduate Professor of Exegetical Theology, “Principles of Biblical Interpretation for Everyone” (Concordia Seminary Press, 2023).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Theological Symposium 2024
Technology and the Church: Promise and Peril
map-marker-alt Concordia Seminary, St. Louis laptop csl.edu/symposium
Registration closed Sept. 4, 2024. Fee: $175; $200 walk-in registration
Lay Bible Institute
Christian Caregiving for People Suffering with Depression and Anxiety
user Dr. Stephen Pietsch map-marker-alt Concordia Seminary, St. Louis laptop csl.edu/lbi
Register by: Sept. 23, 2024 • Fee: $20 ($15 boxed lunch)
Lay Bible Institute
Christian Politics: Jesus is Lord
user Dr. Joel Biermann map-marker-alt Concordia Seminary, St. Louis laptop csl.edu/lbi
Register by: Sept. 30, 2024 • Fee: $25 ($15 boxed lunch)
Special welcome to the jubilarian class of 1974; the silver anniversary class of 1999; and alumni from class years ending in “4” or “9”!
map-marker-alt Concordia Seminary, St. Louis laptop csl.edu/alumni-reunion
Register by: Sept. 16, 2024 • Fee: $150 per person, 2 days
