Concordia Seminary Newsroom
New Season of Sending
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 stained-glass 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.
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:
- That the Lord would raise up new pastors for His church,
- That the Lord would bless and strengthen current pastors, missionaries, deaconesses and other church workers, and
- 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.