Multiethnic Symposium
Learning From Each Other
Catechesis That Raises Up Multiethnic Leaders for the Kingdom
May 6-7, 2025
In Matt. 28:19, our Lord gives His apostles and His church the tools to make disciples: baptizing and teaching. This mandate is not merely a command to spread the Gospel to all nations, it also involves ongoing catechesis through which the church nurtures disciples who can, in turn, make more disciples. Through the proclamation of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit continues to call and gather people from all corners of the world.
In the context of a multiethnic church, catechesis becomes a powerful tool for raising up leaders who can effectively minister to diverse communities. By fostering a learning environment where individuals from various cultural backgrounds can share their unique perspectives and experiences, we can equip future leaders with the knowledge, skills and spiritual maturity to serve God’s kingdom faithfully.
Catechesis, of course, should be a life-long process. Jesus said it is necessary to teach disciples to observe all things, emphasizing that the whole counsel of God should be taught. This will be a transformative process that fosters spiritual growth and discipleship. By engaging in meaningful dialogue based on the Scriptures, sharing stories and praying together, we can learn from one another, deepening our understanding of God’s Word and its application to our lives, as we raise up multiethnic leaders to serve in the kingdom.
Symposium Highlights
Plenaries:
- “A House of Catechesis and Prayer for All Nations: Formation Through a Contextualized Catechumenate” presented by Dr. Kent Burreson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Dr. Rhoda Schuler, Professor Emeritus, Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn.
- “Who’s Next? Necessary Skills in Raising Next Generation Ethnic Leaders” presented by Rev. Jeff Cloeter, Senior Pastor, Christ Memorial Church, St. Louis
- “Preparing Congregations to Serve and Empower Immigrants” presented by Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director, CFNA and Jessica Bordeleau, Coordinator, Digital Publishing, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Roundtable Discussion
The 19th Annual Lecture in Hispanic/Latino Theology and Mission
“How the Roman Catholic Church is Cultivating and Mentoring a New Generation of Hispanic-Ecclesial Leaders”
Lecture:
Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Professor of Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education, Chair, Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, Boston College, Boston, Mass.
Response:
Rev. Stephen Heimer, Executive Staff, LCMS Office of National Mission, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, St. Louis
Registration
Registration fee: $85 per person
(Includes Festival of Nations dinner. Tuesday and Wednesday lunches are available for an additional charge of $15 each.)
Free for Concordia Seminary students and faculty
(Includes Festival of Nations dinner.)
Multi Asian Gathering fee: $25 per person (See the schedule.)
Registration deadline: April 21, 2025
Refund Policy: An 85% refund will be granted when the cancellation request is received 10 business days before the scheduled event. A 50% refund will be granted if the request is received between nine and two business days before the scheduled event. No refunds will be granted if the request is received the day before or on the day of the event. If the event is cancelled by the organization, registrants may be extended a full refund (100%).
Sponsors
Platinum
Bronze
Partner
Friend
Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts
Christian Friends of New Americans
International Student Ministry, Inc.
Lutheran Heritage Foundation
Lutheran Latino Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Mission of Christ Network
Wicking Vicar
Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care
Schedule
Tuesday, May 6
| TIME | EVENT | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| 7:45-8:30 a.m. | Registration Open | Sieck Hall Foyer |
| 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. | Refreshments with Coffee | Sieck Hall 201/202 |
| 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sponsor Fair | Coffee All Day Sieck Hall 201/202 |
| 8:30-9 a.m. | Chapel | Service of the Word Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus |
| 9-9:45 a.m. | Registration Reopens | Sieck Hall Foyer |
| 9:45-10 a.m. | Welcome and Introduction | Dr. Thomas J. Egger, President, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Dr. Ely Prieto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Associate Dean for Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Werner Auditorium |
| 10-11 a.m. | Plenary | A House of Catechesis and Prayer for All Nations: Formation through a Contextualized Catechumenate Dr. Kent Burreson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Dr. Rhoda Schuler, Professor Emerita, Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn. Werner Auditorium |
| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lunch | Wartburg and Koburg Halls |
| 1:15-2:45 p.m. | Annual Lecture | The 19th Annual Lecture in Hispanic and Latino Theology and Mission “How the Roman Catholic Church is Cultivating and Mentoring a New Generation of Hispanic-Ecclesial Leaders” Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Professor of Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education, Chair, Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, Boston College, Boston, Mass. Response Rev. Stephen Heimer, Executive Staff, LCMS Office of National Mission, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, St. Louis Werner Auditorium |
| 3-3:15 p.m. | Coffee Break | Sieck Hall Foyer |
| 3:15-4:15 p.m. | Plenary | Preparing Congregations to Serve and Empower Immigrants Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director, Christian Friends of New Americans, St. Louis Jessica Bordeleau, Coordinator, Digital Publishing, Department of Theological Research and Publication, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Werner Auditorium |
| 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Dinner | Festival of Nations Dinner Concordia Seminary, St. Louis International students Main Quadrangle/Koburg Hall |
| 7-8:00 p.m. | Hymn Festival | “And They Sang a New Song” A Hymn Festival for the Multiethnic Symposium, featuring Laudamus, the St. Louis Lutheran Chorale and a variety of instrumentalists and musicians Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus |
Wednesday, May 7
| TIME | EVENT | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| 8-8:30 a.m. | Morning Refreshments | Coffee available all day Sieck Hall 201/202 |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Chapel | Divine Service with Holy Communion Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus |
| 10-11 a.m. | Plenary | Who’s Next? Necessary Skills in Raising Next Generation Ethnic Leaders Rev. Jeff Cloeter, Senior Pastor, Christ Memorial Church, St. Louis Werner Auditorium |
| 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lunch | Grab ‘n Go boxed lunches Sieck Hall |
| 11 a.m.-noon | Roundtable Discussion | Werner Auditorium |
| Noon-12:15 p.m. | Closing | Closing Remarks, Prayer and Departure Dr. Ely Prieto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Associate Dean for Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Erika Petsch, Director of Continuing Education, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Werner Auditorium |
If you have questions or need help, please contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or [email protected].
Additional Continuing Education Opportunities
Faith and Writing Workshop
Concordia Seminary’s “Faith and Writing” workshop explores various forms of creative writing — starting a blog, creating a sermon or devotion, “traditional” forms of creative writing (story, nonfiction, drama, poetry) — and everything in between.
Lay Bible Institute
Calling lay people, students involved in homiletical education, pastors and others interested in the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world: the Lay Bible Institute is for you!
Pre-Lenten Workshop
The Pre-Lenten Workshop includes sermon manuscripts, textual notes, orders of service for midweek services and also suggestions for the Sundays of Lent to help pastors in developing their own worship resources.
Theological Symposium
Parish pastors, LCMS district and Synod officials, Seminary and Concordia University students and faculty, and interested laypersons attend each year to delve into some of the most pressing issues of our time. One CEU is available for attending the Symposium.
Workshop Series
Hosted by congregations across the country May through August, and led by Seminary faculty, these workshops offer an opportunity to delve deeply into topics ranging from the teachings of Martin Luther to pastoral tools, such as preaching, responding to conflict and teaching confirmation.