Professor of Systematic Theology, Systematic Theology
Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology, Systematic Theology
Dr. Kent J. Burreson is the Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
A Seminary faculty member since 2000, he is a professor of Systematic Theology. He served as dean of chapel from 2009-21. He teaches courses on the confessions, systematics, religious bodies, Byzantine theology and many different courses in worship.
His areas of interest and expertise include liturgical studies, sacramental theology and Reformation worship.
Before coming to the Seminary, he served as assistant pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mishawaka, Ind. (1999-2000). He holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) from Concordia Seminary (1992, 1994); a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. (1997, 2002); and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind. (1988).
He engages in research on the history of Reformation and post-Reformation worship, worship and culture, worship as ritual performance and the theology of worship. He has recently published two books, “Lay Me in God’s Good Earth: A Christian Approach to Death and Burial (IVP 2024),” co-authored with Dr. Beth Hoeltke, and “Journey to Jesus: Faith Formation into Christ and Community (Wipf and Stock 2025),” co-authored with Dr. Rhoda Schuler. He is currently at work on research toward a book project on Luther’s approach to worship. He presents his research results at conferences and workshops and in essays. He was a member of the liturgy subcommittee of the Lutheran Hymnal Project that prepared “Lutheran Service Book.”
He and his wife, Cindy, have two adult daughters, one son-in-law and one granddaughter. He is a homebrewer who enjoys following professional and college sports. He is an avid reader of many different genres, enjoys listening to music, including classical, jazz and country, and occasionally plays golf and tennis.
Liturgical studies
Sacramental theology
Reformation worship