Concordia University, St. Paul Church Relations

06/11/2026

Our theology faculty are making an impact around the world! Recently Rev. Dr. Joshua Hollmann spent time with the Lutheran Heritage Foundation leading seminars and speaking on Lutheran theology throughout Indonesia, including visits to Sumatra, Java, and Papua.

Through teaching, theological formation, and encouragement of church leaders, Dr. Hollmann's work reflects our commitment to preparing faithful servants of Christ and supporting the global mission of the Church.

We give thanks for opportunities to share the riches of Lutheran theology with brothers and sisters across the world and for partnerships that strengthen Christ's Church among the nations.

06/08/2026

There is still time to register for the Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne-CTSFW Continuing Education "Confronting Confusion About the End Times: Paul’s Letters to the Thessalonian Church" with Rev. Dr. Chuck Gieschen

When: Monday, June 22, 2026–Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Where: On Campus at CSP
Register here: https://portal.ctsfw.edu/s/continuing-education-detail?recordId=a1yUh000006iwcjIAA

This class will study how Paul addresses confusion about the end times in his two letters to the church at Thessalonica. Topics such as the "intermediate state," antichrist, the return of Christ, the wrath of God, judgment, rapture, resurrection, and vocation will be addressed through a study of these two letters that exhibit Paul's pastoral care for a congregation confused about the end times. Material for this class comes from Dr. Gieschen's forthcoming Concordia Commentary on 1-2 Thessalonians.

06/06/2026

What does it mean to confess that the Church is “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic”?
In a new article for The Lutheran Witness, Rev. Dr. Joshua Hollmann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia University, St. Paul, explores how these timeless marks of the Church unite Christians across cultures, languages, and generations.

We give thanks for Dr. Hollmann’s faithful scholarship and service as he helps the Church reflect on the beauty of our shared confession in Christ.

The multicultural church here on earth offers a foretaste of the heavenly feast to come.

05/22/2026

Concordia University, St. Paul was pleased to welcome Trinity First Lutheran School, Minneapolis to campus for their production of “Rebel Without a Clue: The Story of the Prodigal,” written by Rev. Tom Gundermann.
For these K–8 students, this annual visit is more than a field trip and production it is a meaningful opportunity to step into a Lutheran college environment, be seen and celebrated, and experience a professional, state-of-the-art theater space.
Trinity First serves a vibrant inner-city community where many families face significant economic challenges. Rooted in the Gospel and the Lutheran confession, the school faithfully supports students and families from all walks of life.
We give thanks for the gift of partnership in Christ’s Church, where storytelling, the arts, and education come together to proclaim the grace of the Father who runs to meet His prodigal children.

05/21/2026

Today faculty and staff from across disciplines and departments gathered for a roundtable discussion on faith and learning. Exploring how Christian theology shapes teaching, scholarship, vocation, and service and how we can continue to strengthen and deepen this work together.

As a Lutheran university, these conversations are central to who we are. Together, faculty reflected on how every discipline can engage students “all within the context of the Christian Gospel,” faithfully integrating faith and learning in service to Christ and His Church.

We give thanks for the opportunity to learn from one another, to sharpen our shared mission, and to continue forming students for lives of wisdom, purpose, and faithful service.

05/19/2026

Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing of Concordia University, St. Paul is presenting this week at the Mid-South-LCMS West Pastors Conference, where he shared on the book of Jeremiah. Through faithful engagement with God’s Word, pastors were encouraged and equipped for their ongoing ministry and service to Christ’s Church.
It is always a joy to see church workers gathered for learning, fellowship, and renewal in their vocations. We are thankful for opportunities like these where CSP faculty can serve pastors and congregations across the LCMS. Please keep these pastors and their ministries in your prayers as they continue faithfully shepherding God’s people. ✝️

Pictured: Rev. Brandon Martin (Springdale, AR) and Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing

05/19/2026

We give thanks to God for the nearly 80 theology faculty gathered on campus from our two Seminaries and across the Concordia University System for the three day, bi-annual, LCMS Theology Faculty Conference.
United in the confession of Christ crucified and risen, these servants of the Church labor faithfully in teaching, forming, and equipping future pastors, church workers, and Christian leaders for service in Christ’s Kingdom.
Please join us in praying that the Holy Spirit would sustain them in the truth of God’s Word, grant them wisdom and humility in their vocation, and continue to strengthen His Church through their teaching and witness.

05/19/2026

Big congratulations to Rev. Dr. Samuel Deressa, associate professor of theology and the Global South at Concordia University, St. Paul, on the release of The Other Lutherans: Voices from the Global South!
Co-edited with Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. and Marcell Silva Steuernagel, this new volume highlights Lutheran voices, theology, worship, mission, and scholarship emerging from the Global South — including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The book explores how the center of global Christianity continues to shift and what the wider church can learn from these growing Lutheran communities.
Dr. Deressa serves as the Fiechtner Chair for Christian Outreach and director of the DCO Program at CSP, bringing a global perspective to the classroom and the Church. We are grateful for faculty who help students engage theology with both academic depth and worldwide vision.
Learn more here:

“The Lutheran church in Ethiopia is just under three times larger than all the Lutheran church bodies in America combined. How can we embrace this diversity and move towards a multicultural and multiethnic kind of church?” said Dr. Samuel Deressa, Associate Professor of Theology and the Global S...

05/19/2026

A few days ago at commencement, there was one of those neat moments where history was all gathered in one place.
Together were leaders who have shaped and continue to shape the DCE program across generations.

Left to right DCE Program Directors:
Kevin Hall (2006 - 2014)
Heath Lewis (2015-2023)
LeRoy Wilke (1976–1985)
Shelly Schwalm ( 2024-present)

Steve Arnold (1986-2001) was also at commencement, though we missed the opportunity to get him into the photo.

What a gift to celebrate the legacy, leadership, and faithful service of those who have invested in students and the Church through the years.

05/16/2026

If you would like to watch the funeral service at 11am CST for former President Bob Holst you can join remotely here.

https://csp-edu.zoom.us/j/81832261405

Meeting ID: 818 3226 1405