Martin Luther was a complex figure — a professor, a theologian, a monk, a polemicist, a reformer. But he was also a pastor. In fact, for Luther being a pastor was his most important and comprehensive role. What if one looked at Luther and the entire Lutheran Reformation as a rediscovery and revitalization of pastoral care? In this course, we will look at Martin Luther’s life and theology afresh from the perspective of his work as pastor. We will read together some of his letters, sermons, and other catechetical and devotional writings that touch on such pastoral themes as prayer, consolation, dying, doubt, music, art, and humor.

To register for the Lay Bible Institute, please call 314-505-7286 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email ce@csl.edu. You may also register online at www.csl.edu. The cost is $20 per person and includes all handouts and refreshments. Registration deadline is Aug 1. Concordia Seminary is located at 801 Seminary Place, in Clayton, Mo.

Event Registration

• Download or print the Registration form HERE.
• Click HERE to Register Online.

Miguel Sanabria, M.A. (Spanish)

Rev. Miguel Sanabria came to the United States from Colombia. He has a previous degree in Scripture and Theology from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. He has served as a religious leader in several communities in his country of origin, Colombia. He also served as regional director for the country’s national educational program and as professor in a national graduate program for directors and teachers in areas of educational administration. After immigrating to the United States, he studied at the Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) at Concordia Seminary and became rostered as an LCMS pastor. Together with his wife, Flor Marina, and their three adult children, they are planting missions and ministries in the area of Tampa Bay, Fla., where he also coordinates a program site for CHS.

Ligia Morales, M.A. (Spanish)

Deaconess Ligia Morales is originally from Guatemala. She studied at the Seminario Teológico Centroamericano where she received a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology as well as a master’s degree. Ligia and her husband, Pastor Adolfo Borges, served in Costa Rica as well as Guatemala. Ligia studied at the Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) at Concordia Seminary and was certified as a deaconess in the LCMS. Ligia and her husband serve Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Iglesia Luterana Príncipe de Paz in Orlando, Fla. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the fourth National Hispanic Lutheran Convention and has written devotionals for “Portals of Prayer” in Spanish.

Gordon Alex, M.A.

Rev. Gordon Alex is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya. He began his studies at Concordia Seminary in the fall of 2011. Gordon’s master’s thesis is entitled “Church Conflict and Reconciliation.” His hope is to help Kenyans understand and practice biblical principles of reconciliation. His studies have enabled him to encourage conflict resolution and mutual understanding between ethnic tribes in Kenya, especially between family members. Gordon is married and has four children.

Jonathan Kraemer, S.T.M.

Rev. Jonathan Kraemer is currently assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He also serves as the dean of student life and the director of financial aid. Jonathan was encouraged to pursue an advanced degree by the president of Concordia Lutheran Seminary when he was serving as a parish pastor in Trail, British Columbia. Kraemer decided on Concordia Seminary because of its excellent exegetical faculty and because of its high regard for Holy Scripture.

Michael Lockwood, S.T.M.

Rev. Michael Lockwood is an ordained as a pastor of the Lutheran Church of Australia. He has served in parish ministry at Oakey in rural Queensland and at Box Hill in suburban Melbourne. He and his wife spent three years in St. Louis while he worked full time on his Ph.D. During this time they were blessed with the birth of two boys. They have since returned to Australia, where Michael serves as pastor to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kadina, a seaside town in rural South Australia. In addition to his parish responsibilities he serves on the Australian Anglican-Lutheran Dialogue Team, and has recently been appointed to the Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations for the Lutheran Church of Australia.

For more information on the Graduate School, please visit http://www.csl.edu/admissions/academics/graduate-school/.

Mrs. Marlyn E. Graudin (Christus Vivit award)

Mrs. Graudin married her husband, Arthur, professor emeritus at Concordia Seminary, when he was a seminarian in 1949. She worked at the Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL) when it was located at the current space of Concordia Publishing House (CPH). After living in several locations (Marion, Ind.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Swissvale, Penn.; Seward, Neb.; Claremont, Calif.;), Mrs. and Rev. Graudin moved to St. Louis in July 1974. She volunteered at the Re-Sell It Shop for 20 years, from 1978-1998. In her retirement, she enjoys going to daily chapel at the Seminary and attending Preachers’ basketball games.

Mr. Donald T. and Mrs. Carol J. Petering (Christus Vivit award)

Mr. and Mrs. Petering have been active and faithful members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Des Peres, Mo., since 1960, and have been teachers and volunteers there for just as long. Mr. Petering served as third and fourth grade teacher, music and art teacher, organist, choir director, artist and building committee member. Mrs. Petering has also served as a teacher, coach, accompanist, and Bible study leader. She is an active member of the Concordia Seminary Guild, the LWML, and the Concordia Historical Institute. Together they started the handbell choir in 1972 at St. Paul and perform as a duo for various music events around St. Louis, including their church.

Rev. David J. Schneider (Distinguished Alumnus Award)

Rev. Schneider graduated from Concordia Seminary in 1960, and received an S.T.M. in 1971.  He served among the Lutheran Church of Philippines (LCP) from 1960-78. He served as pastor of Holy Trinity, Gulfport, Miss., from 1978-85. He was missionary pastor of All Saints in Guadalajara, Mexico from 1985-91. He taught at the Lutheran Seminary Enhlanhleni (Zulu and Tswana students), Pomeroy, South Africa from 1992-2000. After retirement he served at the People of God Evangelical Lutheran Seminary in Almaty, Kazakhstan for one year (2004) and for nearly a year at the Uhuru Highway Lutheran Cathedral in Nairobi, Kenya (2005-06). Between 2003-12, he taught in the Rocky Mountain Theological Institute in Colorado Springs, Colo., teaching “Christian Doctrine I” and coordinated the program from 2008-12.

Dr. Abjar Bahkou  (honorary Doctor of Letters degree)

Dr. Bahkou is currently a resident research fellow with Baylor University’s program on Global Studies of Religion and a lecturer at Baylor in Arabic Literature, Culture and Language. He has two earned doctoral degrees, one from the Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies (2008) and one from the Salesian Pontifical University (1998), both institutions located in Rome, Italy. Dr. Bakhou was first ordained as a Deacon-Monk in the Syrian Orthodox Church in 1993, then as a priest at St. Ephraim Chapel Monastery in Damascus-Syrian in 1997. In 1999 he was called to be youth pastor at St. Ephraim Cathedral in Burbank, Calif. He left ministry work from 2003-05, and then was introduced to People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO) in Texas. In 2008 he was hired by POBLO to plant the Arabic Church of All Nations in Dallas at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Dr. Bahkou has been certified by the colloquy committee of the LCMS, and is awaiting a formal call (in process) with Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst, Texas.

The primary focus will be on what it means to create and communicate as a person of faith. What makes for effective communication? How do we cultivate creativity in our lives? What role does faith play in the creative process? Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring their own work, as well as favorite works by others.

The workshop will be led by Rev. Travis Scholl, managing editor of Concordia Journal, and Peter Mead, Christian editor, publisher, and writer. It begins on Tuesday, July 23 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on Thursday, July 25 at 3:00 p.m. The cost is $150 per person with a maximum of 15 participants. All meals are on your own. On campus housing is available ($25 per person shared room; $40 per married couple or non-shared room). The registration deadline is July 9.

To register, call continuing education at 314-505-7286, email ce@csl.edu, or go to http://www.csl.edu/resources/continuinged/faith-and-writing-workshop-2013/.

During the morning service, all graduates who have been certified by the Concordia Seminary faculty as eligible to receive calls to serve as pastors or deaconesses in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will receive theological diplomas. In the evening, academic degrees and honors will be conferred.

Dr. Andrew Bartelt, professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary and executive vice president for academic affairs, will deliver the sermon for the Theological Diploma Service. Dr. Abjar Bahkou, lecturer in Arabic literature, language, and culture at Baylor University, will deliver the Commencement address.

This year’s graduates join more than 12,500 previous Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, graduates who have served as pastors, missionaries, chaplains, and deaconesses during the Seminary’s 174-year history.

For more information, contact creative services, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7379; communications@csl.edu.

The cost for each summer workshop is $135 (Center for Hispanic Studies workshops are $75) which includes CEU credits. Payment is due 21 days prior to the beginning of each workshop, and workshops have a minimum required enrollment. Housing and meal information may be obtained from the host pastor.

To register or to receive further information, contact the office of continuing education and parish services, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7286; ce@csl.edu.

2013 Summer Workshops

June 24-26: Incense Rising and Screens Descending: How Do We Worship God in the 21st Century? – Dr. Kent Burreson. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E Military Ave, Fremont, NE  68025. Host: Rev. Tim Gierke, 402-721-8412; tgierke@goodshepherdlutheranchurch.org.

July 15-17: Isaiah 1-12, The Holy One of Israel in Our Midst – Dr. Andrew Bartelt. Faith Community Lutheran Church, 2700 S Town Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV  89135. Host: Rev. Craig Michaelson, 702-921-2700; pastorcraig@faithlasvegas.org.

July 15-17: In Christ and In the World: 1 Corinthians and the Christian Life in a (Sometimes) Hostile Culture – Dr. Jeffrey Kloha. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 154 S Shaffer St, Orange, CA 92866. Host: Rev. Michael Hayes, 714-288-4425; cmeadows@stjohnsorange.org.

July 15-17: Kingdom Consistency: Proclaiming Law and Gospel in the Kingdoms of Darkness and Light - Prof. Anthony Cook. Christ Church Lutheran, 3901 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ  85018. Host: 602-955-4830 x 1008; nbarton@cclphoenix.org.

July 29-30 (Mon.-Tues., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.): Biblical Marriages and Same-Sex Unions: From the Normal to the New Normal- Dr. Robert Weise. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 801 Seminary Pl, St. Louis, MO 63105. Host: Concordia Seminary, 314-505-7286; ce@csl.edu.

July 29-31: In Christ and In the World: 1 Corinthians and the Christian Life in a (Sometimes) Hostile Culture - Dr. Jeffrey Kloha. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 206 E 7th St, Oakley, KS 67748. Host: Rev. Tim Llewellyn, 785-672-3833; immoak@yahoo.com.

August 5-7: Sermon Structures - Dr. David Schmitt. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265. Host: Rev. David Dahlke, 515-225-1623; david@sotv-wdm.org.

August 5-7: Zion and the Nations: Isaiah and Today – Dr. Paul Raabe. St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 1005 1st Avenue St E, West Fargo, ND 58078. Host: Rev. Clark H. Jahnke, 701-282-4195; revchjahnke@ideaone.net.

August 5-7: Being Lutheran in a Post-denominational Situation – Dr. Joel Okamoto. St. James Lutheran Church, 4771 Broadview Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109. Host: Rev. Dr. Paul Hoffman, 216-351-6499; stjames4771@juno.com.

August 5-7: Things Spiritual: Warfare, Direction, Formation – Dr. Bruce Hartung. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3448 N Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI 49221. Host: Rev. Joel Sarrault, 517-265-6998; pastor@stjohnsadrian.org.

August 5-7: Out of Creation Comes Creativity — for Preaching – Dr. Glenn Nielsen. Bethany Lutheran Church, 9101 Lamar Ave, Overland, KS 66207. Host: Rev. Bryan Drebes, 913-648-2228 x119; bdrebe@bethanylutheran-op.org.

August 5-7: Making Christian Counseling More Christ-Centered - Dr. Richard Marrs. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 S Walnut, Seymour, IN 47274. Host: Rev. Ralph Blomenberg, 812-522-3118; rblomenberg@immanuelseymour.com.

August 12-14: The Art of Living by Faith: The Theology of Luther’s Catechisms – Dr. Charles Arand. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 809 Sixth Ave, West Bend, WI 53095. Host Rev. Guy Roberts, 262-707-9776; groberts@stjohnswestbend.org.

August 12-14: When Things Fall Apart – Dr. Henry Rowold. Trinity Lutheran Church, 4200 Old Warren Rd, Pine Bluff, AR 71603. Rev. Dean Clausing, 870-540-7749; dfclausing@gmail.com.

August 12-14: Influenced by a Cloud of Witnesses: Reading the Psalms for Spiritual Strength – Dr. Timothy Saleska. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 5200 SW 200, Ocala, FL 34474. Host: Rev. Joe Adams, 352-237-2233; pastor@ourredeemerocala.org.

August 19-21: Two Kinds of Righteousness: A Better Paradigm than Law and Gospel – Dr. Joel Biermann. Resurrection Lutheran Church, 100 W Lochmere Dr, Cary, NC 27518. Host: Rev. David Schleusener, 919-851-7248; dave.schleusener@rlcary.org.

August 19-21: Why Some and Not Others? The Canon of the New Testament in Historical and Theological Perspective – Dr. Jeffrey Kloha. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 209 E Barcelona Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Host: Rev. Doug Escue, 505-983-7568; dkescue@aol.com.

August 19-21: Do Lutherans Take Sanctification Seriously? Models of Sanctification for Everyday Living – Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez. Trinity Lutheran Church, 2194 SE Minter Bridge Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123. Host: Rev. Bruce Rumsch, 503-640-1693; padre@trinityhillsboro.com.

Center for Hispanic Studies Workshops:

August 9-10: ¿Enseñan los luteranos la santificación?: Modelos de santificación para el diario vivir (Do Lutherans Take Sanctification Seriously? Models of Sanctification for Everyday Living) – Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1025 W Lake St, Melrose Park, IL  60160. Host: Dr. Douglas Groll, 773-622-1879; douglasgroll@sbcglobal.net.

August 9-10: Ministrando a la familia hispana/latina (Ministering to the Hispanic/Latino Family)(Spanish only) – Prof. Mark Kempff. Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920 Hutchison Rd, Tampa, FL 33625. Host: Rev. Miguel Sanabria, 813-390-1627; migueldarios2000@yahoo.com.

August 16-17: Ministering to the Hispanic/Latino Family – Prof. Mark Kempff. Hope Lutheran Church, 211 Parr Rd., Woodburn, OR 97071. Host: Mrs. Pam Bridgehouse, 503-871-9795; bridgehousepam@aol.com.

The goal of the seminar is to equip lay leaders and pastors to minister to and with the elderly. Four experts in this field will conduct sessions on: “Scripture Reflection: Thinking about the Aged the Way God Does;” “The Realities of Aging in America;” “Models for Ministering To and With the Elderly;” and “Practical Nuts and Bolts.” Presenters will include Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald, associate professor of New Testament at Concordia Seminary; Rev. Jeffrey Scheer, administrator of Clinical Pastoral Education at Lutheran Senior Services; Rev. Jake Bennett, Chaplain at Friendship Village Retirement Center, Chesterfield, MO; and Rev. Vern Gundermann, veteran parish pastor and administrator of pastoral care for Lutheran Senior Services.

Pre-registration is appreciated but not required. To register, please email your name, phone number, and number of people attending to csltreg@yahoo.com. For more information, please call 314-505-7286.

Scott M. Hyslop received the D.M.A. in Organ/Church Music at The University of Michigan, where he was a student of Marilyn Mason. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Church Music from Concordia University, River Forest (Chicago), Ill., and a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. He presently serves as the Director of Parish Music at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Mich. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Lutheran Music Program, the organizational sponsor of Lutheran Summer Music, and the Board of Directors for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.

Featured at the April concert will be: J. S. Bach, Cantatas BWV 190a: Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied; BWV 69: Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele; BWV 120: Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille zu Zion; and BWV 143: Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele.

The American Kantorei, the performing group of Bach at the Sem, was founded in 1969 by its first musical director, the Rev. Robert Bergt, a member of the Concordia Seminary faculty. Following a hiatus of some 20 years, the Kantorei was resurrected in 1993 at the behest of its major sponsors, Robert and (the late) Lori Duesenberg and Richard and Phyllis Duesenberg, and has since presented to the communities of Concordia Seminary and St. Louis at large nearly 100 concerts of the music of premier Lutheran composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, as well as music of Schütz, Buxtehude, Mendelssohn and other Lutheran composers.

In this period of guest conductors, following the death of Maestro Bergt in 2011, the chorus is prepared for each concert by interim music director, Dr. Jeral Becker, director of choral and vocal activities at Saint Louis University.

For additional information, please call 314-505-7009, email brewerm@csl.edu, or visit http://bach.csl.edu.

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, cordially invites the public to share in the joy of Call Day on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Students who will serve as vicars or deaconess interns (a one-year internship) next year will receive their assignments during a 3:00 p.m. (CDT) worship service. Rev. Donald Fondow, president of the Minnesota North District, will serve as preacher.

During a 7:00 p.m. (CDT) worship service, candidates for the pastoral ministry will receive their first calls to serve as pastors, missionaries, and chaplains in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). One deaconess student will receive a call into the diaconal ministry. Rev. Daniel Gilbert, president of the Northern Illinois District, will serve as preacher. Both services will be held in the Seminary’s Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.

Those unable to attend may view a live stream of the services online via the Seminary’s website (www.csl.edu). For more information, visit the Seminary’s website beginning two weeks prior to the services.

For more information, contact creative services, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7379; communications@csl.edu.

Fr. Jared Wicks, S.J., a well-known scholar in Luther studies and ecumenical dialogues, will speak on “A Catholic Appreciation of Martin Luther for Theology and Life.”

Fr. Wicks served on the world-level Catholic-Lutheran dialogue on “Church and Justification” and “The Apostolicity of the Church.” He also joined the U.S. Catholic-Lutheran dialogue that produced the consensus document, “The Hope of Eternal Life,” completed in 2011. Ordained in 1962 as a member of the Chicago-Detroit Province of the Jesuit order, he has taught at the Jesuit School of Theology in Chicago (1967-1979), the Gregorian University in Rome (1979-2004), and has served as scholar in residence at John Carroll University in Cleveland (2004-2011) and at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio (2011 to present). His many publications include Cajetan und die Anfänge der Reformation (Aschendorff: 1983); Luther’s Reform: Studies on Conversion and the Church (Verlag Philip von Zabern: 1992); and Doing Theology (Paulist Press: 2009). 

  To download a brochure of this event, click here.

This lecture is free of charge and open to the public. Registration is not necessary. For more information, please contact continuing education at 314-505-7286 or email ce@csl.edu.