Concordia Seminary, St. Louis began its 188th academic year Friday, Aug. 21, with its annual Opening Service, bringing together new and returning students and their families, faculty and staff for worship and the beginning of another year of theological education and formation.

The service, held in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, centered on the 2026-27 academic year theme, “Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly,” from Col. 3:16. Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger delivered the sermon, during which he encouraged the Seminary community to remain focused on knowing Christ through the study of God’s Word and to seize the opportunity to grow together through study, worship and service to one another.

“Through these days of Seminary, brothers and sisters, take every opportunity to let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly,” Egger said. “As you serve one another toward that end; as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; as you gather together regularly in worship, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts toward God.”

The service also included the installation of Dr. John Genter as an associate professor of Exegetical Theology. Genter previously served as a professor at Concordia University Nebraska, Seward, Neb. His teaching and scholarly work focuses on the New Testament, Second Temple Judaism and ancient Greek novels.

Three faculty members also were installed in new leadership roles: Dr. James Fickenscher as director of Certification, Dr. Kevin Golden as dean of Ministerial Formation and Dr. Stephen Pietsch as dean of Theological Research and Publication.

In all, one new faculty and 12 new staff were recognized, and seven faculty and staff were recognized for new positions.

The Opening Service concluded a week of Orientation for new residential and distance students in the Seminary’s Ministerial Formation and Advanced Studies departments. The 2026-27 fall semester began Monday, Aug. 24, for students in programs other than distance programs. The Seminary anticipates enrolling 132 new students this fall across its Ministerial Formation and Advanced Studies programs.

The Opening Service was livestreamed and is available for viewing at csl.edu/live.

About Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit csl.edu.