NEW MINISTRY, SAME GOAL: SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE
THE FACULTY ASSISTANT PROGRAM: CULTIVATING SCHOLARS AND LEADERS FOR TOMORROW
NEW SEASON OF SENDING: THE CHAPEL OF HOLY APOSTLES DEDICATION
FIRST LOOK
Members of Concordia Seminary’s children’s and youth choirs sing as part of the “The Only Son from Heaven” hymn festival for the season of Epiphany March 2, 2025, in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Photo: Jill Gray
Dear friends,
In Is. 43:19, God says, “I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 40–55 proclaims that God will rescue His people in a new way. These chapters call to mind His mighty deeds of old, saving His people in the Exodus from slavery in Egypt. Remarkably, Isaiah declares, God will accomplish this new thing through a suffering Servant, one who will suffer and die to bear Israel’s sins, to forgive them and give them new life (Is. 52:13–53:12).
Jesus has come to make all things new. He has come to restore Creation, to crush the serpent’s head and to reverse the curse. He has come as the new Adam. The first Adam brought death to all who came after him, but Jesus, the new Adam, brings eternal life to all who believe. Jesus won this new life for us through His death and resurrection. Today, He gives us His body and blood of the new covenant in the Lord’s Supper, and we proclaim His death until He comes.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17 ESV). In Holy Baptism, our old Adam is drowned, and a new man is raised in Christ Jesus to live a new life of service and praise. Therefore, the church sings a new song (Rev. 5:9; 14:3), the song of Christ’s redemption, a song of praise for this new thing that God has accomplished through His Son.
We sing this new song and we proclaim all that God has done until the day when we sing with all the saints in the new Creation. For Christ is coming soon, and the dead in Christ will be raised to new life. Let us rejoice and sing His praises anew today and every day until we join Him in that eternal kingdom, where the song of His love and salvation will never, ever grow old!
In Christ’s love, Dr. Thomas J. Egger, President
Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger. Photo: Jill Gray
SPRING 2025 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 © May 2025, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. All rights reserved. No part of
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BEHOLD, I AM DOING A NEW THING!
BY DR. KEVIN GOLDEN
It is the sixth century B.C. The people of Jerusalem are exiled in Babylon, far from home. So many of the Lord’s promises seem to have been undone. He had promised that David’s line would reign for eternity. But now there is no king in Jerusalem, only the heavy hand of Babylonian rule. He had promised that He would dwell among them in the temple, delivering forgiveness through His chosen means. But now the former temple is little more than rubble. The people of Jerusalem are dejected and depressed, frustrated and forlorn. Things seem hopeless.
Yet over a century earlier, the Lord inspired His prophet Isaiah to proclaim words of hope. With the Lord, hope is never a wish that may or may not come to fruition. With the Lord, hope is certain and sure. He gets their attention, saying, “Behold!” More casually, it could be translated, “Take a look at this!” They look around and they see Babylon, but He is calling them to look beyond the immediate circumstances. He is calling them to hear and believe what He is doing. “Look at this! I am doing a new thing!” Thus, the Lord promises that they will be delivered from exile. The day is coming when they will go home.
The Lord is doing a new thing. Yet, it sounds as if He is doing the same thing He has done in the past. He
describes Himself as the One who makes a way in the sea and mighty paths in the waters (Is. 43:16), the One who makes chariot, horse, army and mighty warrior to lie down so that they do not arise (Is. 43:17). Sound familiar? That is what He did at the Exodus, granting Israel a way in the sea, which then came crashing down upon the army of Egypt. The Lord had acted mightily in the past to save His people. He was about to do it again. His past saving deeds grant certainty of His promised saving deeds.
So, what is new about His impending salvation of His people? It is cut from the same cloth as His past actions — there is continuity; the Lord’s actions are an unbroken history of salvation. Yet He delights to do salvation anew in a grander fashion than He had before. What is new? Before He made a path through the waters so that His people walked on dry ground. Behold, now He is about to cause waters to appear in the desert! “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Is. 43:19 ESV).
Part of the continuity of these two great salvation events — the Exodus and the return from exile — is water. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul took note of this connection. He saw the unfolding narrative of Christ’s salvation from Exodus to return from exile to the first century A.D. and beyond, all bound by water. In 1 Cor. 10:2, Paul says Israel was baptized into Moses in the sea. Paul also uses Isaiah’s language of a “new thing” in 2 Cor. 5:17, saying that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. Paul’s letters are permeated with the language of being “in Christ,” which is a glorious part of baptismal theology.
Just as the Lord saved His people through the sea at the Exodus and did a new thing to save His exiled people
with water in the desert, so He makes His people to be a new creation today through baptismal waters. Do you feel all that new? Your life is likely punctuated with times of renewal. A chance to get away from the daily grind for rest and relaxation. Coming home to spouse and children. Gathering with fellow saints to be fed from Christ’s Word and with His body and blood. The vitality delivered by the Lord through each of these gifts is renewing.
There are also times when you must remind yourself how renewing those gifts are because you don’t feel that new. You look around and see a world undone by sin and you have a sense that you are an exile, a stranger in a strange place. Even more, you look within with self-examination to find the old Adam (the sinful nature) elbowing in to displace the new man who came forth from the waters of Baptism. Jerusalem, exiled in Babylon, was called to acknowledge the same thing. They were exiled not because the Lord didn’t keep His promises, but because of their sinful refusal to live in accord with His promises. We are the same. Our sin proclaims that we are old and dying.
“THE
world around us and the sin within us testifies to an old, dying creation, the Lord’s promise sustains us with hope, not a wish that may or may not come to fruition. The Lord delivers hope that is certain and sure because it is based upon His promises that are backed up by His past actions.
Ultimately, our hope is in an unfettered new creation. You are a new creation right now through your Baptism into Christ. Yet your new man still battles with your old Adam. You are new, but that newness is awaiting its full revelation at the return of Christ. “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth” (Is. 65:17 ESV)! “I saw a new heavens and a new earth … And he said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new’” (Rev. 21:1,5 ESV). Jesus is coming back and when He does, we will live in the new creation freed from every vestige of sin and death.
LORD DELIGHTS IN THE BECAUSE HE DELIGHTS IN LIFE.”
“Behold, I am doing a new thing” (Is. 43:19 ESV)! “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17 ESV). The Lord delights in the new because He delights in life. Even when — especially when — the
That is a huge promise. That is our hope. It is certain and sure because Christ’s promise is backed up by His past actions. From Moses and the Exodus to Isaiah and the return from exile to your Baptism into Christ, He has been making all things new time and again. He will bring that newness to fullness at His return. Until then, He sustains you in hope because you are in Christ. You are a new creation.
Dr. Kevin Golden is an associate professor of Exegetical Theology, director of Resident Field Education and dean of Theological Research and Publication at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
THE FACULTY ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Cultivating scholars and leaders for tomorrow
BY REBEKAH LUKAS
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38 ESV). These words of Jesus are a refrain among the community of Concordia Seminary, from chapel to campus events to conversations with Seminary faculty and leadership. Prayers are offered daily that the Lord would raise up more church workers. And He does!
And as these laborers — pastors, deaconesses, missionaries — graduate and go forth from the Seminary each year, the Seminary reflects on its mission of continuing the vital work of forming future church workers. Who will teach and educate the next generation of pastors? Who are they who will prepare more laborers?
In the Seminary’s 2022-26 Strategic Plan, the first strategic priority, “Faithful and Full-Person Formation,” emphasizes and recognizes the church’s
need for well prepared, well formed pastors. As part of the commitment to meeting this great need of the church, the Seminary must intentionally seek to cultivate future faculty — those who will continue proactively to prepare and form pastors to serve for generations to come. The Seminary’s faculty assistant program is designed to feed the future faculty pipeline.
At the directive of President Dr. Thomas J. Egger, this program began in the 2021-22 academic year. “In my own student days at the Seminary, I served as a faculty assistant,” says Egger. “That experience kindled in me a deeper appreciation and understanding of the vocation of ‘professor’ in the life of the church and opened for me the path of eventual service as a professor at the Seminary myself — which has been a wonderful and fruitful labor, as I look back over the last 20 years.”
Since he himself had worked assisting faculty during his Seminary studies, Egger recognized the value for
ANDISEE THEM GROW.”
“IENJOYGETTING TO KNOW THESESTUDENTS ...
both professors and the student workers. He tasked Dean of Faculty Dr. David Peter with developing the program, which initially was funded to provide eight faculty members with student workers for five hours per week in that first year. Currently, there is funding for 12 of these unique student worker positions.
This program is a great benefit to both the student and professor. Student workers provide general support to faculty by assisting with research projects, grading, tutoring, editing, clerical work, media projects or other assigned tasks. While this enables professors to be more efficient, effective and productive, it also benefits the students by enabling them to work closely with a professor on specific projects or research areas, deepening their theological knowledge and providing the special experience of collaborating in ministry. “Serving as a faculty assistant, I had the opportunity to work for Dr. Jacob Preus III, helping him in the academic dean’s office; for Dr. Won Yong Ji, helping with his
— DR. PHILIP PENHALLEGON
‘Theology of Missions’ course; and for Dr. Charles Arand, helping him with research for his book on Luther’s Catechism,” recounts Egger. “These were enriching and formative experiences for me and a chance to really get to know my professors as scholars, churchmen and mentors.”
Yet, in addition to serving professor and student, this program also serves as a great benefit to the Seminary and the church as a whole, naturally encouraging students to consider a future in academia, pursue advanced degrees and perhaps positions as professors themselves someday. This not only fits into the “future faculty pipeline” priority for Seminary administration as they anticipate future department needs, but it also is important for the larger church looking ahead to years of scholarship, research and church worker formation at all academic levels.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >
INTENTIONAL CULTIVATION OF FUTURE FACULTY
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Planting the seed
So how does this program prompt a student to consider a career in academia? “It starts with inspiration,” says Provest Dr. Ron Mudge. “Our faculty does this somewhat informally, saying to a student they might make a good professor, planting the idea in the mind.” Inviting a student to participate in the faculty assistant program helps in that process.
“Faculty have the privilege and responsibility of recruiting their own student assistants,” says Peter. Those who request a student worker have specific tasks in mind and intentionally ask students with the aptitude to complete them.
“I’ve had four student assistants and have benefited from each one,” shares Dr. Philip Penhallegon, professor of Exegetical Theology. “They have assisted by performing assignments that would have taken me hours, freeing me up to do other work. While some of it is tedious and repetitive, it is important work and requires certain skills that not everyone has.”
Recognizing these skills in students and inviting them to consider this assistantship role may open students’ eyes to something they had not seen in themselves before. “It’s a way for them to get a ‘first-taste’ of things related to teaching and academics in a way that’s helpful for the professor as well,” explains Mudge.
Nurturing gifts
Not only does the faculty assistant program plant the seed for the possibility of one day being a professor, it also naturally nurtures the gifts an institution may look for in their future faculty. Students gain experience, develop skills and get a feel for what classroom management is like. “Faculty have a tendency to seek out students who may eventually serve well as faculty someday,” observes Mudge. “The possibility grows in their minds a little bit, just because they’re closer to the activity — they’re imagining class more from the professor’s point of view than the student’s.”
Through mentoring and applying a student’s abilities, faculty may very well foster a teaching mindset in their students that leads them to pursue an advanced degree. “Mentoring can play a lot of different roles as part of the student assistant program,” says Mudge. “Mentoring that includes both content and presentation — pedagogy, how you present ideas to a class — which is very much mentoring toward teaching, if the Lord should lead them down that path.”
“I know the students have benefitted from the work,” observes Penhallegon. “The tasks sharpen the skills they already possess and open their eyes to the kinds of work that goes into preparing materials for their instruction and other academic endeavors.”
Cultivating for the future
Serving as a faculty assistant doesn’t automatically make a student a future professor, but the encouragement to contemplate the potential can be exciting. As faculty consider who would be a good fit as an assistant, they look for wise, competent students, naturally selecting those who could be budding faculty material — whether for Concordia Seminary or other higher education institutions.
“There is an interpersonal aspect,” comments Penhallegon. “I enjoy getting to know these students more closely, and I see them growing through our work and conversations — personally, academically and professionally.”
Encouraging students in this way not only fills needs for faculty today who appreciate the extra help, but it cultivates a mindset that keeps future needs in mind as well, seeking to steward well the resources that God provides.
“Having pastors, deaconesses, teachers and lay leaders with advanced degrees is a great gift to the world,” says Mudge. “When we have these scholars serving in this way, focusing on salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, the truth of God’s Word, the Sacraments, biblical preaching — these are things we want people talking about all over the world. What a gift to have these scholars giving substantial time and energy to teaching in other institutions beyond our own.”
But what of the vacancies the church’s congregations currently face? Does a professor serving at the Seminary mean another vacancy in the field? “It’s true when a professor serves at Concordia Seminary full time, he is not serving full time in the parish, even though we’re in the middle of a pastoral shortage,” explains Mudge. “Yet, Lord willing, we’re sending dozens more pastors per year from our M.Div. Program. And then we add those from the Specific Ministry Pastor, Ethnic Institute of Theology, Center for Hispanic Studies and other programs. So we’re multiplying the leadership!”
One professor serving at the Seminary for 10 years could potentially help form 700 or more future
church workers. Using the professor strategically as a resource to form more pastors, the Seminary can continue to meet the needs of congregations into the future. “And we’ve got room for more!” adds Mudge. “We’d love to have more students.”
“I ask everyone to be praying every day that the Lord supplies workers for the harvest,” encourages Mudge. “Pray that He also supplies those who do the teaching: faculty, vicarage supervisors and pastors who are bringing people up as well. Pray for our faculty assistant program! Pray for the whole process, and as the Lord leads, consider giving financially to help with these important endeavors. Any financial gift helps us aid those students who decide to pursue advanced degrees and be able to serve faithfully as scholars and professors wherever the Lord leads them.”
Deaconess Rebekah Lukas is a freelance writer and a student in the Doctor of Philosophy Program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
THE CA LLI NG IMPACT OF DEACONESS MINISTRY &
DR. JENNIE ASHER’S JOURNEY OF FAITH AND SERVICE
The path to deaconess ministry for Dr. Jennie Asher, the Seminary’s new director of Deaconess Studies, was anything but ordinary. Growing up in the heart of northwest Iowa, she was immersed in a community rich in Lutheran tradition. Her maternal grandparents were devout Lutherans, and she had two uncles who were pastors, one of whom served as a missionary.
“I was very familiar with the church, and from the time I was confirmed, I was actively involved in teaching Sunday school and vacation Bible school,” she says. Her early involvement in the church laid the foundation for a fulfilling career in public education, during which she continued to engage with her faith in several ways, including teaching Sunday school, serving on the board of education and interpreting for people who are deaf.
Despite her rewarding career, Asher was experiencing a growing frustration within the public school system. “I had special education students with high needs and I wanted to share my faith more openly,” she reflected. “I longed to bring the Gospel to people on a more regular basis.”
Her pastor, Rev. John Fehrmann at Lutheran Church of the Triune God in Brooklyn Center, Minn., encouraged her to explore the path to becoming
BY SARAH MANEY
a deaconess. “I had always been interested in studying theology, so everything naturally led me in that direction,” Asher explained.
Finding her calling through the deaconess program
After further prayer and discussion with her pastor, Asher made the decision to attend Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. “This was before the establishment of deaconess programs at the seminaries,” she said. She loved studying God’s Word and initially thought that the study of theology would make her a better Sunday school teacher. But by the end of her first year, Asher realized she wanted to take a more active
role in ministry. “I resigned from my teaching position and decided to pursue the deaconess internship and the full program,” she said.
A heart for theology and Deaf ministry
For Asher, studying theology was not just an intellectual pursuit; it was a personal desire to grow in her faith and deepen her understanding of God’s Word. Her first call as a deaconess took her into Deaf ministry in the LCMS New England District, where she traveled to Portland, Maine, once a month. During her visits, she had the privilege of staying with Helen Kraus, the widow of Rev. George Kraus, a pioneer in Deaf ministry.
Dr. Jennie Asher smiles with deaconess students at her installation. Photo: Davin Alberson
“Helen was an incredible saint of the Lord,” Asher remembered. “She said, ‘One of the worst things about getting old is realizing there’s so much more to learn about God’s Word and running out of time.’” Helen’s words resonated deeply with Asher, reinforcing her commitment to continually seek a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
In her Deaf ministry work, Asher traveled door-to-door, reaching out to the Deaf community in New England. She connected with people through the TTY (text telephone) system, building lasting relationships and sharing the Gospel with people who might not have encountered it otherwise.
The significance of deaconess ministry
Asher sees deaconess ministry as an essential and unique component of the church’s work, providing a nurturing and compassionate presence. “Women have so much to offer the church, and we bring a sensitive, nurturing side,” she explains. “Deaconess ministry is a powerful way to show God’s mercy and love while also sharing His Word.”
She experienced this firsthand during her missionary work in Turkey, where she and her husband formed a friendship with a local chef of a fivestar restaurant. He would come to their home to teach her how to cook Turkish foods. One time, as they were
sitting down to enjoy the fruit of their labors, the chef said, “You guys are different than other Americans,” Asher recalled. “I had the opportunity to share with him that we believe in Christ, and that it’s a way of love. We were able to share the message of the Gospel with him.”
Supporting the pastor and pointing to Christ
The role of a deaconess is to complement the pastor and support the ministry. “Deaconesses often take on aspects of ministry that the pastor might not have time to focus on,” Asher explained. “Our primary role is always to point people to Christ and His gifts of Word and Sacrament.
Through their work, deaconesses help foster deeper relationships within the congregation, offering individuals a space to share personal concerns. This unique role helps support the broader mission of the church.
Mentoring future deaconesses
Asher is enthusiastic about mentoring future deaconesses. “There are so many gifted women in our church, with a wide range of talents,” she said. “It’s exciting to watch them grow in their knowledge and skills, equipping them to serve God in new
and impactful ways.” Her role at the Seminary involves helping these women develop their unique abilities, whether in their current roles or in future ministry opportunities.
For women considering a call to deaconess ministry, Asher offers words of encouragement: “Talk to other deaconesses, pray about it and discern where the Lord might be leading you.”
She emphasizes that there are many avenues to explore, and the Seminary is always ready to provide guidance. “We want to help women explore this calling and provide support as they navigate their next steps.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Asher is deeply grateful for the opportunities she has had to serve God through deaconess ministry. From her early days teaching Sunday school to her current role mentoring future deaconesses, her passion for sharing God’s Word and serving others is clear. “It’s all about growing in our faith and serving others,” she said. “I believe that women have a unique ability to bring God’s love and mercy to people in ways that truly make a difference in their lives.”
Sarah Maney is the manager of communications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Dr. Jennie Asher is installed Jan. 29, 2025, as the Seminary’s director of Deaconess Studies. Photo: Davin Alberson
Dr. Jennie Asher and her husband, Rev. Joseph Asher. Photo: Davin Alberson
NEW MINISTRY, SAME GOAL: Serving God’s people
BY DAVIN ALBERSON
Dan Hampton, a trained Director of Christian Education, is a current seminarian at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He, his wife, Christie, and their two children, William and Abigail, moved to St. Louis in 2023 from Colorado Springs, Colo., so that Dan could attend the Seminary. Christie now serves as a communication specialist for the LCMS Missouri District.
You’re a Director of Christian Education (DCE). What’s the difference between a DCE and a pastor?
AA pastor is one who is responsible for the whole congregation. Paul speaks to this in Eph. 4:11 (ESV): “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelist, the shepherds and teachers.” The ESV uses “shepherds” instead of “pastors,” but the meaning remains the same. “Shepherds” is a more literal translation of the Greek word poimenas (ποιμένας), emphasizing the role of guiding and protecting God’s people.
A DCE (Director of Christian Education), on the other hand, is a teacher trained to focus on Christian educational ministry across all ages. While pastors and DCEs serve in different capacities, both are called to nurture and equip God’s people in faith within the congregation.
AHow are their roles in ministry different, and how are they the same?
A pastor and a DCE share the same goal, which is to proclaim the message of life and salvation through Jesus Christ. However, they focus their efforts in different ways. As a pastor, I will have the privilege of administering the Sacraments, speaking God’s Word and walking alongside people in life’s most significant moments — such as officiating weddings and presiding over funerals — and shepherding those entrusted to my care. As a DCE, my role centered on supporting the pastor by leading the church’s education ministries and encouraging God’s people to grow in faith, spirit and truth. While the responsibilities differ, both callings are deeply connected in their mission to guide and nurture God’s people.
AWhy did you become a DCE? Did you feel called into the ministry then?
My journey to becoming a DCE began in high school when I discovered the joy and gift of wrestling through God’s Word with others. This passion deepened when my home congregation, The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Evansvillle, Ind., called a DCE. I was intrigued to learn that someone could serve the church by leading Bible studies and events that bring Scripture to life in the hearts and minds of people. This led me to attend Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., to receive my Bachelor of Arts in youth and family ministry.
Throughout my life, many people encouraged me to consider working in a church or becoming a DCE. I was drawn to the opportunity to work with
Dan Hampton. Photo: Tyler Simmons
people of all ages and the excitement of knowing that no two days would be the same. Now, after almost 15 years in parish ministry, I can confidently say this is true — you never know what each day will bring. But above all, my greatest hope and desire is that God will use me to help others hear and experience the love of Jesus.
Q
How did you feel about the Lord doing new things with your life?
AAHow did your calling change over time?
The calling hasn’t changed, but the context certainly has. In 2008, I was placed as an intern at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church and School in Indianapolis, Ind., which became my first call. In 2016, I was called to serve as the Director of Growth Ministries at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. That same year, I completed a Master of Science in Family Ministry at CUNE.
Over the years, my passion for sharing the Good News in creative and engaging ways has only grown. Moving from a DCE to becoming a seminarian has been a continuous journey of growth. Through it all, Jesus has been shaping and preparing me to share His Good News with His people.
Q Q
How has God made a way for you and your family to come to Concordia Seminary?
AGod has truly opened the door for us to attend the Seminary, and we are incredibly grateful for the many people who have sponsored and supported us on this journey. Specifically, their generous financial support has made it possible for me to enroll in the M.Div. Program. We can’t imagine how we could afford this transformative experience without their kindness and generosity.
It’s always exciting to see the new things the Lord will do in our lives. Yet, I was hesitant to follow His call to the Seminary. Why, Lord, would You call me to something new? Stepping into the unknown is scary, and I knew it would be challenging — not just for me, but for my family as well. Yet, throughout this journey, I can clearly see the Lord’s hand at work. He has been with us, guiding our steps each day.
Q
How has your focus changed from DCE to seminarian/ future pastor?
AMy calling to be an educator remains the same, even as I step into the role of a pastor. The focus of my ministry has simply shifted. While I once dedicated my efforts to education, I now center them on proclaiming Jesus to His
people. Yet, the lessons I’ve learned as a DCE will always stay with me, shaping how I continue to serve God and His people in this new capacity.
Q
When did you realize that the Holy Spirit was doing a new thing by calling you out of one ministry and into another?
AThrough the prayer and the encouragement of many others, my wife and I felt that God was leading us to pursue pastoral ministry. One of my big “aha!” moments was discovering how much I would enjoy many of the jobs of a pastor. I am excited to preach and teach, as well as marry and bury people. I look forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit will continue to use me in new ways for His glory.
Davin Alberson is a fourth-year seminarian and a student worker in the Communications department at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
The Hampton family. Photo courtesy Dan Hampton.
CELEBRATING OF MEMORIES AT THE PEDERSON FIELD HOUSE 75 years
BY SARAH MANEY
The Pederson Field House marked its 75th anniversary Feb. 20-22, 2025, bringing together alumni, faculty, students and fans for a memorable celebration that went beyond the basketball courts. The bonds formed under its curved roof, whether through athletic activities or through the shared experience of Seminary life, are an integral part of its lasting legacy. The field house is a symbol of lasting connections, shared history and the impact of Coach Pete Pederson, a pioneer in the Seminary’s athletic programs.
Coach Pete Pederson: a visionary leader
The Pederson Field House honors Coach Eldon E. “Pete” Pederson, whose contributions to Concordia Seminary’s
athletic programs helped shape the institution’s athletic culture. Pederson was born in Centerville, S.D., in 1914. After graduating from Morningside College in Iowa in 1936, Pederson served in the Army during World War II. He earned a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Minnesota, and in 1949, he became the first layman to join Concordia Seminary’s faculty as the director of Health and Physical Education.
Throughout the years, Pederson’s vision for athletic programs at the Seminary was transformative. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he organized sports camps for local children, offering instruction in basketball, baseball, tennis and swimming. He brought in notable figures such as Marty Marion
of the St. Louis Cardinals and former professional baseball player Paul “Hurky” Henrichs to coach teams and enhance the experience for young athletes.
Pederson’s commitment to community service extended beyond sports. In 1981, the Seminary honored him by naming the field house in his memory. His legacy continues to inspire those who have passed through its doors, not just as athletes, but as individuals who learned leadership, teamwork and faith through the example he set.
Reflections from alumni
A highlight of the 75th anniversary event was the alumni games, where former students returned to take to the court for a match against the current Preachers players. The annual alumni basketball games have long been a tradition, and for many, they represent much more than just a friendly game of hoops — they offer the opportunity to relive their memories and reconnect with one another. For Rev. James Schnackenberg (’71), pastor of Saint John Lutheran Church in Purdy, Mo., the event was an opportunity to visit with old friends and honor the values that Coach Pederson instilled in them. “What I am enjoying most about this is just coming back to the field house and remembering all the things that Pete was and what he meant to us,” Schnackenberg said.
Dr. Mark Hoehner (’00), who serves at Christ Community Lutheran School in Webster Groves, Mo., echoed similar sentiments. “Basketball's a vehicle, but it’s really about great friendships,” Hoehner remarked.
Dr. James W. Voelz, graduate professor of Exegetical Theology and alumni coach (left), and Rev. Ken Hennings, alumni player, greet one another. Photo: Sid Hastings
Dr. Matt Prince (’02), an active-duty Navy chaplain, remembers being in the field house on 9/11 and watching the tragedy unfold. He says that experience is one of the many reasons why he is a chaplain. “I’m very thankful for this facility and for the fellowship I had with all the men — some of them are here tonight. It's good to see them and to hear how their ministries have developed over the years and learn more about what they're doing now. God has blessed our ministries, and He remains faithful,” he said.
The importance of community was a central theme throughout the event.
Rev. Adam Tanney (’24), associate pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, Ill., spoke to the power of gathering in such a special place. “Fellowship. It’s all about the fellowship,” Tanney reflected. “I haven’t seen a lot of my classmates since we graduated, so just to come together and spend time and pray with one another — that’s important.”
The legacy of leadership and teamwork
For Rev. Ken Hennings (’73), the field house represents lessons learned that have guided him throughout his life. Hennings recalled the 1970-71 season, where the team achieved a remarkable 21 wins and only 3 losses under the leadership of Coach Pederson. “I learned more about leadership from him than almost anybody else at the Seminary,” Hennings shared.
“It was just a wonderful three years for me here at the Seminary and a joy to be able to play basketball. Just wonderful.”
The lessons learned in the field house went far beyond sports. Hennings emphasized the importance of teamwork and the partnerships formed during those formative years. The field house was not
just a basketball court; it was a space where life skills were developed, where students grew as leaders and where they learned the true value of cooperation.
A lasting legacy of faith and fellowship
As the 75th anniversary celebration came to a close, it was clear that the Pederson Field House’s significance is not measured only by the games played or the records set, but by the deep and lasting relationships that have been formed within its walls. Rev. Dante Pronsati (’24), associate pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Macomb, Mich., reflected on the importance of shared faith and fellowship. “I love getting to come back for the alumni game now for the first time as an alumnus,” said Pronsati. “I love the
camaraderie — seeing the generations of pastors who have come before and getting to share this communal experience together. It’s a great time of playing basketball and remembering what God has done for us.”
The milestone anniversary is a reminder of the enduring legacy of Coach Pete Pederson and the powerful sense of community that the field house has fostered over the years. The connections made there will continue to resonate for generations to come, as alumni return, not only to play basketball, but also to reflect on the lessons, friendships and faith that have shaped their lives.
Sarah Maney is the manager of communications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Current and alumni Preachers gather for a group photo between games. Photo: Sid Hastings
Alumni player Rev. Dante Pronsati snags the basketball. Photo: Sid Hastings
Rev. David Oesch shows his team spirit. Photo: Sid Hastings
NEW SEASON OF SENDING
The Chapel of the Holy Apostles rededication
BY CHRISTIE HAMPTON
PREPARING FUTURE GENERATIONS FOR SERVICE
Located at the base of Luther Tower on the Concordia Seminary campus, the Chapel of the Holy Apostles is more than just a place of quiet reflection and prayer — it is a spiritual cornerstone in the mission of preparing church workers for service in the world, preaching the Gospel and nurturing faith.
After a thorough renovation in 2024, which included the restoration of the stainedglass windows, improved lighting, a modernized HVAC system and improvements to enhance both the functionality and atmosphere, the chapel welcomes all to this sacred space for prayer, devotions and meditation.
On Feb. 6, 2025, the Seminary community celebrated the rededication of the chapel and heard a series of reflections on the renewed mission of the space: to offer prayers for more church workers; for current pastors, missionaries, deaconesses and other church workers; and for the lost. The chapel has already become a place where current seminarians gather for a monthly Divine Service in Spanish and to engage in individual reflection and prayer.
RICH HISTORY OF PURPOSE
Originally dedicated in 1966, the chapel was designed as a simple president’s reception room. It featured minimal
furnishings — just a small table and chair — providing a place to welcome visitors. However, as Luther Tower rose in the mid-1960s, so did a vision of something greater. Seminary leaders envisioned a more meaningful purpose for the room. It became a chapel — a sanctuary for prayer, a place to connect with God and a symbol of the calling placed upon all who serve in ministry.
The chapel’s design speaks to this sacred purpose. In the center of its ceiling, the words “Go Ye into All the World” (Matthew 28 KJV) surround a mariner’s compass, symbolizing the church’s mission to spread the Gospel across the globe. Beneath it stands the altar — a constant reminder of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
Dr. Gerhard Bode, the Seminary’s archivist and chairman of the Department of Historical Theology, reflects, “The Chapel of the Holy Apostles is an enduring reminder of God’s faithfulness in the past and an encouragement to those whom the Lord calls into His service to proclaim His salvation to the world.”
JOY IN GIVING
The 2024 restoration was not only about renewing the physical space — it also was about restoring the chapel’s spiritual mission.
Concordia Seminary recognizes with deep gratitude those who made the restoration of the Chapel of the Holy Apostles possible: the Concordia Seminary Guild, Paula Hertwig Hopkins, Linda Koch and those who wish to remain anonymous. Their contributions reflect a steadfast commitment to prayer and the proclamation of the Gospel for the sake of Christ’s mission.
The view from the west entrance.
Photo: Jad Ryherd
A wooden medallion featuring the Great Commission on the ceiling. Photo: Jad Ryherd
The sanctuary light features Is. 11:2 in Hebrew. Photo: Jad Ryherd
Carol Schmidt, president of the Concordia Seminary Guild, notes, “The Guild is most pleased to contribute financially to the renovation of the chapel. It is a special place for prayer.” For decades, the Guild has played a pivotal role in supporting the Seminary’s mission, and its involvement in restoring the chapel is a continuation of that rich legacy. Since its founding in the 1930s, when a group of devoted women first united to support students, the Guild has been a steadfast force in enriching the Seminary's community through numerous initiatives.
Paula Hertwig Hopkins, whose great-grandfather Friedrich Pfotenhauer graduated from Concordia Seminary in 1880, reflected on the ongoing connection between past, present and future generations, “It has been an honor to see this renovation and to share in the celebration with members of my family.” Pfotenhauer went on to serve as a pastor, missionary and eventually president of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. His contributions to the church are commemorated in the stained-glass windows of the chapel.
Linda Koch reflects on the chapel’s importance, “We are called to be the church, and when we have the opportunity to serve those who will serve others, we should do so. When I think about the pastors who will find peace, reconnect with God and refocus on their purpose in this chapel, I am grateful to help provide that space.”
THREE PETITIONS
Visitors to the chapel today will be able to make use of a new prayer guide and other resources, including listings of recently placed Seminary graduates and those currently serving the church as missionaries — all designed to aid in meditation and reflection on three petitions:
1. That the Lord would raise up new pastors for His church,
2. That the Lord would bless and strengthen current pastors, missionaries, deaconesses and other church workers, and
3. That the Lord would bring those who are still lost in darkness into His marvelous light.
SACRED SPACE OF SENDING
During the rededication, Interim Director of Recruitment Rev. Jesse Kueker reminded those gathered, “How are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” His words serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for pastors to be sent out to proclaim the salvation found in Jesus Christ.
Lutheran Foundation
Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry Dr. Ely Prieto added, “It is comforting to know that people gathering at the Chapel of the Holy Apostles on Concordia Seminary’s campus are praying for you!” The chapel is and will continue to serve as a place for prayer, where the Seminary community lifts up those who are answering the call to serve the church.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Ronald Mudge concluded the chapel rededication reflections saying, “It is a place where we go to get some of the quietest quiet you will ever get. The Lord stills our souls there. The Lord focuses our minds there. The Lord leads us in prayer there.”
The Chapel of the Holy Apostles is more than just a beautiful building —
it is a living testament to the Seminary’s mission. Mudge’s words highlight the essential role of the chapel as a place where the Seminary’s community asks the Lord “to send His Holy Spirit to open the hearts of those who do not yet believe so that He may use His Word to lead them to faith in Him.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the chapel has been restored and will continue to be a sacred space for future generations — a constant reminder of the work to which God calls His people and the essential role of praying for God’s help and direction while proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Christie Hampton is a former communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
The view from the north entrance. Photo: Jad Ryherd
MONTHLY DIVINE SERVICES IN Spanish
BY SARAH MANEY
FOSTERING COMMUNITY, PROMOTING LANGUAGE SKILLS AND BUILDING BRIDGES
The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus stands at the heart and center of the Concordia Seminary campus and serves to bring the Seminary community together for worship. It also is where seminarians learn how to lead services and are further shaped for their future ministry.
Few, however, may know of the smaller chapel located within — the Chapel of St. Eunice and St. Lois — where a new initiative is connecting cultures and sharing the Gospel through monthly Divine Services in Spanish.
Launched in February 2025, these services are held on the last Monday evening of each month, offering Spanishspeaking Lutherans, students and other community members a unique opportunity to gather in worship.
“First, these services allow local Spanishspeaking Lutherans to worship together. Second, they give us the opportunity to
introduce new Hispanic men and women — through the efforts of our local church planter, Rev. Miguel Torneire — to the Seminary community and campus. Third, they help urge our Master of Divinity (M.Div.) students on torward Spanish fluency,” said Rev. Paul Flo, assistant to the director of the Center for Hispanic Studies and preacher for the second service.
Having been recently called by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) SELC District to serve as Hispanic church planter in St. Louis, Mo., Torneire plays a vital role in these services, which support his broader mission of planting churches and forming meaningful ties between the Hispanic community and the Seminary. Through these efforts, new individuals are being introduced to the LCMS and experiencing worship in their native language.
Speaking about the March 24, 2025, service, Torneire said, “Some 53 people attended, including students, professors and visitors — Lutherans and nonLutherans. Among the visitors, there were eight people who attended a Lutheran Divine Service in Spanish for the first time, which means that the pure Gospel was preached to them in the language that speaks to their hearts. I thank and praise the Lord for that.”
For English-speaking M.Div. students, these services provide a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in a bilingual worship environment. The Seminary aims to include at least
one student in each service, provided their Spanish skills are sufficient. This gives students the chance to practice their language abilities in a meaningful setting while contributing to the worship service.
“The services have been a great blessing for our Seminary community and for many Spanish-speaking Lutheran members in the St. Louis area,” said Dr. Ely Prieto, director of the Center for Hispanic Studies and Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry. “The services not only bring people together to worship the Lord and receive His gifts but also provide an opportunity for fellowship and community building. It has been wonderful to see Spanishspeaking Lutherans and many visitors in attendance, effectively making these services an outreach mission event. Some students are already fluent in Spanish and others are learning the language. This is a valuable opportunity for pastoral formation, preparing future LCMS pastors to serve Hispanic communities throughout the United States.”
These monthly Divine Services in Spanish reflect the Seminary’s commitment to cultural engagement, language development and Gospel outreach. By building connections between communities and preparing future pastors to serve in multilingual settings, the Seminary is shaping a church that mirrors the many peoples and cultures within God’s kingdom.
Sarah Maney is the manager of communications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Rev. Paul Flo. Photo courtesy Rev. Miguel Torneire
Worshippers sing during the March 24 service in the Chapel of St. Eunice and St. Lois. Photo courtesy Rev. Miguel Torneire
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Prevallet Hymn Writing Workshop
The fourth annual Prevallet Hymn Writing Workshop was held on the Seminary’s campus Saturday, Feb. 8, for aspiring and published hymn writers and translators. Dr. David Rogner, distinguished professor of English at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., served as the keynote presenter. “The Lord has more gifts to give His church through the songs and hymns yet to be born,” said Dean of Chapel Dr. Jon Vieker, who organized the event. “This workshop is an excellent opportunity for hymn writers and hymn lovers in general to learn about the art of hymn writing.” Coaching with the presenters and other local hymn writers also was available to the participants.
Dr. David Rogner delivers the keynote address.
Laudamus 2025 tour
Laudamus, Concordia Seminary’s premier choir of seminarians, performed at 10 locations across Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri during its tour March 14-19. The theme, “My Song is Love Unknown,” was drawn from the powerful hymn by Samuel Crossman. Additional selections included other music for Lent, all designed to deepen the worship experience during that penitential season.
“Our program helped us to see the incredible love of God the Father in sending His own Son to redeem us from sin, death and the power of the devil. Set within the Service of Evening Prayer, this Lenten program also expressed the love we have in thankfulness to our Savior for the salvation He brings,” said Dr. Samuel Eatherton, the Kreft Professor for Music Arts, kantor and director of Laudamus
Laudamus performs March 19 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Graddings, Texas. Photo: Lois Eatherton
Photo: Davin Alberson
Vocatio: Retreat
The Seminary welcomed 48 college students and second-career adults to Vocatio: Retreat April 6-8 for the opportunity to learn more about serving as a pastor or deaconess. Activities included attending chapel, sitting in on classes, meeting with faculty and students, and learning about the variety of on-campus services and resources. “Figuring out the next steps to becoming a pastor or deaconess can be daunting for individuals and families,” said Rev. Jesse Kueker, interim director of recruitment. “Coming to campus is a great way to discern those steps prayerfully and to see with one’s own eyes how the Lord provides and that with Him, all things are possible.”
Lay Bible Institute: Jesus as the Word
Dr. Bruce Schuchard, professor of Exegetical Theology, led “Solum Verbum: What Word Alone Can Do in the Gospel According to John,” a workshop as part of the Seminary’s Lay Bible Institute (LBI). Participants who attended the Feb. 8 event delved into the significance of Jesus as “the Word” in the Book of John. “The Gospel of John begins with an intriguing assertion,” Schuchard said. “John states, ‘In the beginning was the Word’ (John 1:1 ESV). What is John meaning to suggest about Jesus? We spent the day exploring this question, examining what the Gospel of John has especially to say about the Word of the Word made flesh.” The Lay Bible Institute, offered three times a year by Concordia Seminary faculty members, is an ongoing study of the Bible and how it relates to today’s life and events.
Dr. Bruce Schuchard leads the Feb. 8 Lay Bible Institute workshop. Photo: Davin Alberson
Vocatio: Retreat participants gather for a group photo. Photo: Marissa Nania
Barz to serve as Seminary campus chaplain
Rev. Mark Barz (’82) has been called to Concordia Seminary as campus chaplain. He will be formally installed Aug. 22 during the Opening Service of the 2025-26 academic year. Barz succeeds Rev. Paul Sieveking, who retired May 31, 2024, and Rev. Dan Gilbert, who is currently serving as interim campus chaplain. “We are grateful that the Lord is providing Rev. Barz as the campus chaplain for our Seminary community. He has many years of pastoral wisdom and experience; he is a biblical, Christ-centered preacher; and he has particular gifts and expertise in pastoral care,” said Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger. Since 1987, Barz has served as the senior pastor at Crown of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas. From 1978-87, he was the assistant pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Saginaw, Mich.
Rev. Mark Barz. Photo courtesy Mark Barz
Candlemas Choral Vespers
The Seminary community and area friends enjoyed “With Peace and Joy I Now Depart,” a special service Feb. 2 on the campus in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. The service featured the music of J.S. Bach with the American Kantorei, under the direction of Dr. Maurice Boyer, and additional choral music by James MacMillan and Kile Smith. The event was part of the annual Concordia Seminary Music Series, which includes hymn festivals, services of sacred music, after-chapel concerts and the summer carillon concerts.
Dr. Maurice Boyer directs the American Kantorei. Photo: Jill Gray
Students celebrate calls, program completions, vicarage, internship assignments
The first-ever cohort of students from the Online Deaconess Studies (ODS) Program, along with a cohort of Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program students, were recognized Jan. 17 during the service in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus at Concordia Seminary. Their recognition celebrated the completion of intensive courses for these students and their calls to ministry and program completion. Then, during the Feb. 6 service held in the chapel, 23 students were recognized for their vicarage and internship assignments as part of their preparation for ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). These students represent the following programs: 12 students in the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program, one pastoral student and eight deaconess students in the Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) Program, and two students in the Cross-cultural Ministry Center (CMC) Program. This milestone marks an important step for these students as they move closer to becoming pastors and deaconesses in the LCMS.
Seminary attends
LCMS district conventions
Concordia Seminary is partnering with Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., to sponsor co-branded exhibits at each of the 35 LCMS district conventions being held across the country this spring. With a message of “We Are Your Seminaries,” the goal is jointly to engage conventioneers in the ongoing efforts to identify and encourage prospective seminarians.
(L to R) Randy Fauser, former Concordia Seminary senior gift officer; Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald, professor of Exegetical Theology; and Rev. Paul Hopkins, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. (CTSFW) admissions officer, at the LCMS South Dakota District convention Feb. 16-18.
Photo courtesy CTSFW
Members of the faculty (back row) and Dr. Gillian Bond, previous director of Deaconess Studies (first row, left), join with concluding ODS students for a photo after chapel Feb. 6. Photo: Christie Hampton
UPCOMING EVENTS
Prof Insights
Faculty-Led Workshop Series
Befriending Neighbors: Preparing Congregations to Serve and Empower Immigrants
Equip your congregation to serve immigrants. This 4-session video curriculum features discussion questions, prayers and group activities that pave the way for outreach. Available now at concordiatheology.org.
Register by: 14 days prior to the beginning of each workshop Fee: $150 for each three-day workshop unless otherwise noted, which includes Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits for pastors map-marker-alt laptop
Theological Symposium
laptop Concordia Seminary, St. Louis csl.edu/symposium
Registration opens soon! MAYOCT. Various locations nationwide csl.edu/workshop-series
SEPT. 16-17
Similar to your perfect coffee blend, your philanthropy can be blended too. Gifts of cash, securities or real estate can be combined with a planned gift such as a bequest, charitable trust or gift annuity. Contact us to learn more about how to blend your today and tomorrow gifts for the greatest impact for your Seminary’s mission.
Nicaea 1700
