Concordia University, St. Paul Church Relations

Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson had the joy and privilege of spending time with the ministry staff at Christ Lincoln earlier this week. He spent time encouraging them as they discussed how moments matter in life and ministry, launching into the new school year. He also preached at Sunday Worship encouraging the Christ Lincoln community through the Word.
We are grateful for the time of fellowship, encouragement, and connection with this dedicated team. Here is a photo of the ministry staff who gathered on Monday!

The LCMS Northern Illinois District held their annual Back to School Worship Gathering which brought teachers, DCEs, principals, pastors, and other church workers together at St. John's Lutheran Church and School, Lombard, Illinois around the theme of the year, "Rooted in Christ." The day began with worship and a message from the President Buss, reminding everyone that their calling is firmly grounded in God's Word.
Following worship, CSP’s DCE program director, Shelly Schultz, served as this year's keynote speaker. Shelly encouraged attendees as they prepare to serve students, families, and congregations in the year ahead, offering practical insight and Christ-centered encouragement for the important work of ministry and education.
Join us in praying for these and all our Lutheran educators on the year ahead as they remain rooted in Christ.

We're grateful for the faithful leadership of Dr. Heath Lewis, DCE, Associate Department Chair of Concordia St. Paul's Department of Theology and Ministry and Associate Professor of Christian Education and Leadership and alumni Audrey Duensing Werner (‘92).
Over the past several days they have been serving at the board meetings of the National Association of Directors of Christian Education working alongside fellow leaders to support Directors of Christian Education and other commissioned ministers across the church.
Through prayerful collaboration, strategic planning, and a shared commitment to strengthening the ministry of commissioned servants, the NADCE continues to encourage and equip those who faithfully serve congregations, schools, and ministries throughout the country.
We are grateful for their dedication to supporting the next generation of church leaders and thankful for their servant-hearted leadership for the Church.

We're so thankful for the Board of Directors and their work these past three days! Over the past few days, the Board has done both regular meetings AND strategic planning. The National Association of Directors of Christian Education is blessed to have such an amazing team!

Pictured L-R:
Back: Bill Karpenko, Grant Carey, Jim Lohman
Middle: Hailey Jo Miller, Katie Morgan, Kayla McGowan, Michelle Pavasars, Steven Whitney, Heath Lewis, Tyler Tollefson
Front: Audrey Duensing-Werner, Jolene Siebarth, Maria Devenport

Check out the all new Advent Worship Series published by our very own Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing! How does Christ’s everlasting light shine into our darkest places?

This Advent, discover a new worship theme inspired by Isaiah 60 and the beloved hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Created by beloved pastor and author Dr. R. Reed Lessing, The Everlasting Light helps congregations celebrate the hope and promise of Christ’s coming through sermons, devotions, bulletins, worship planning resources, a new children’s Arch® Book, and ornaments. https://www.cph.org/advent-2026-the-everlasting-light

Meet our New DCE Intern, Grace! 🎉

St. Paul Ann Arbor is excited to announce Grace Wiebe as our Director of Christian Education (DCE) Intern from Concordia University St. Paul (MN). Grace will officially start at SPAA on August 11th. Please keep her in your prayers as she makes this big move to Ann Arbor and look forward to welcoming Grace to SPAA!

Training as a Lutheran Classroom Teacher (LCT) prepares you for professional Word and Service ministry integrating faith and learning in the lives of children, youth, and families in one of the more than 2,500 pre-school, elementary or secondary schools of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Lutheran Classroom Teachers have a passion for integrating faith into teaching. Their vocation helps students reach their potential while preparing for a life of service to the Church and the world. Learn how you can become a Lutheran Classroom Teacher through Concordia University St. Paul.

Investing in faculty is investing in the future of theological education.

From July 30–August 1, Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann and Rev. Dr. Samuel Deressa led a faculty development workshop for the Mekane Yesus Seminary faculty in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The training focused on Achieving Academic Excellence and the responsible and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academia.

The workshop equipped faculty members with practical strategies for strengthening teaching, scholarship, research, and academic leadership while exploring how AI can serve as a valuable tool for learning and theological education with integrity.

Did you know Concordia University, St. Paul is the only Concordia University System (CUS) school to offer the Director of Christian Outreach (DCO) program?

If you're called to serve through education, outreach, or other ministry settings, the DCO program at CSP equips you with the knowledge, experience, and Christ-centered foundation to make a lasting impact. Through hands-on learning, meaningful mentorship, and real-world ministry opportunities, students are prepared for exemplary service wherever God leads them.

🎓 Here's what recent graduate Dylan had to say about his experience:

"CSP prepared me to share the Gospel with confidence through a Christ-centered community and hands-on learning in an urban setting. That real-world experience, along with the encouragement of caring professors and the mentorship of Program Director Dr. Deressa, whose passion for global mission shapes his teaching and investment in students, has shaped both my faith and my calling."

Ready to answer your call? Learn more about the Director of Christian Outreach program at Concordia University, St. Paul.

Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Samuel Deressa on the publication of his latest article in The Lutheran Witness.

In this timely contribution, Dr. Deressa examines the challenge of transmitting the Gospel from one generation to the next within immigrant communities, offering theological and practical insights for churches seeking to nurture faith across generations in changing cultural contexts.

https://witness.lcms.org/2026/the-river-and-the-vessel-transmitting-faith-from-generation-to-generation/?fbclid=IwdGRjcATXP_JwZG9mAWZkaWQWULemx1ijNJnOGZYoKtuOuRFRlKFVb2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5RnH4UwtZh5NBVkbL0F1fpwnN7Uk46rPiS2SNqcF5j0GZuYvYto8uGr_V9WQ_aem_0z256d7lLT2klRbUmHMiLw

The River and the Vessel: Transmitting Faith from Generation to Generation – The Lutheran Witness The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a Western export, nor an African possession, nor an American commodity. It is a divine proclamation that transcends cultural barriers because it addresses the universal human condition and its cure — sin and grace, death and resurrection.