Professor of Practical Theology, Practical Theology
Dean of Faculty, Dean of Faculty
Alumni Relations Adviser, Alumni Relations
Dr. David J. Peter is professor of Practical Theology and dean of faculty at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Peter has been a faculty member since 1998. He previously served as chairman of the Department of Practical Theology (2010-18) and director of the Doctor of Ministry Program (1998-2013).
His areas of interest include the dynamics of pastoral leadership in different sizes of congregations and in organizing leaders in congregational contexts. He also specializes in the art of expository preaching.
Peter teaches courses in homiletics, pastoral ministry, pastoral leadership and parish administration at the Master of Divinity, distance certification and doctoral levels.
Before joining the Seminary, he served as associate pastor at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peoria, Ill., from 1988-95 and then as senior pastor from 1995-98.
Peter received a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary (1987). He also has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1982) and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. (1999).
Peter has written three books: Maximizing the Midsize Church: Effective Leadership for Fruitful Mission and Ministry (Kregel Publishing, 2018); Opening the Scriptures: Expository Preaching in the Lutheran Tradition (Concordia Seminary Press, 2022); and Organizing for Ministry and Mission: Options for Church Structure (Concordia Publishing House, 2023).
He also has published Bible study resources for congregations through The Lutheran Church−Missouri Synod, and sermons and devotional resources through Concordia Publishing House, Creative Communications for the Parish and Concordia Seminary Press. He also has published articles in Concordia Journal, Concordia Pulpit Resources, The Servant and Issues in Christian Education, and led seminars on pastoral leadership, congregational dynamics and the book of Revelation.
Peter and his wife, Tonya, have two grown sons.
Dynamics of pastoral leadership in different sizes of congregations
Supporting pastors and lay leaders of mid-sized congregations
Organizational structures and administrative best practices for congregations
Expository preaching