Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Practical Theology
Director of Specific Ministry Pastor Program, Specific Ministry Pastor Program
Dr. W. Mart Thompson is associate professor of Practical Theology and director of the Specific Ministry Program (SMP) at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
Thompson joined the faculty in 2016.
Beginning in 2012, Thompson served as a guest instructor for Concordia Seminary through the SMP and Doctor of Ministry programs. He also served in a similar capacity at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Previously, he served as the senior pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Pevely, Mo. (2001-16). He also served as the pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Monett, Mo. (1992-2000), and campus pastor and rural parish pastor at Campus Lutheran Chapel in Mankato, Minn., and St. John Lutheran Church in Rapidan, Minn. (1988-92).
As associate professor, Thompson’s areas of experience and expertise include pastoral theology, catechesis, new member incorporation, small group spiritual care, and youth and family discipleship. As director of the SMP Program, he oversees all aspects of this ministry formation program at Concordia Seminary and provides synod-wide support to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) leaders in the application of the program.
He also is the Family Discipleship Initiative (FDI) program director in partnership with the Concordia Center for the Family (CCF), which is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. Thompson’s duties also include research, writing and speaking, as well as revising the Seminary family discipleship formation curriculum.
Thompson holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Concordia Seminary (1988, 2008). He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. (1984).
Thompson and his wife, Cheryl, have three children and many grandchildren. He enjoys camping, hiking, biking, traveling and being with his family.
Family discipleship
Incorporation of members into congregational life
Gospel care in small groups
Christian education and catechesis
Parish planning and administration
Pastoral care and counseling
Stewardship education