CSPTheology

Welcome back to a new academic year at , ! We had a great first day of classes, and offer this prayer as you continue through your first week:

Gracious and merciful father, give both teachers and students patience to receive Your special gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as they live out their life’s journey. Strengthen our faith to trust in Your mercy and Your promise of life and salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

On June 26, 1959, a resolution was adopted at the convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to "establish the office of ‘Director of Christian Education’ in order to provide additional leadership for the educational program of the congregation.”

Today, we celebrate DCE ministry within the LCMS and give thanks to God for Concordia University, St. Paul’s legacy of training men and women for this role in the Church.

Thank you to all who serve in this ministry!

On Friday, May 2, we hosted the 2025 Concordia University, St. Paul Service of Sending.

At this service, the university recognized students continuing their studies at the seminaries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), those who will be certified as commissioned ministers in the LCMS, and those beginning Christian Ministry internships this summer. We also recognized our 2024-2025 Departmental Honorees in Theology & Ministry at this service.

We give thanks to God for his work in the lives of these students, and in our Concordia community this academic year!

Christ is Risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

Easter Sunday 2025

During this Holy Week, Concordia University, St. Paul is sharing a series of devotional videos to help guide your reflection. Today's video focuses on the Easter Vigil, with insights from Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann, CSP's Vice President of Faith & Ministry and Chief Missions Officer.

Tomorrow, we conclude our reflections with the joy of Easter Sunday. Watch the third video now to hear Rev. Dr. Koschmann's throughts on the significance of the Easter Vigil.

Easter Vigil 2025

During this Holy Week, Concordia University, St. Paul is sharing a series of devotional videos to help guide your reflection. Today's video focuses on Good Friday, with insights from CSP's University Pastor, Rev. Tom Gundermann.

Tomorrow, we will reflect on the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, before concluding with the joy of Easter Sunday. Watch the second video now to hear Pastor Tom’s throughts on the significance of Good Friday.

Good Friday 2025

During this Holy Week, Concordia University, St. Paul is sharing a series of devotional videos to help guide your reflection. Today's video focuses on Maundy Thursday, with insights from CSP's Ministry Associate, Anna Gruen.

Tomorrow, we will reflect on Good Friday, followed by the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, before concluding with the joy of Easter Sunday. Watch the first video now to hear Anna's throughts on the significance of Maundy Thursday.

Maundy Thursday 2025

It’s CSPday, Concordia University, St. Paul’s annual day of giving!

Join CSP in our mission of affordability for all church work students and help equip the next generation of church workers through your donation today. Please visit cspday.com and click the “Church Work Scholarships” link to learn more!

On Friday, March 14, the Department of Theology and Ministry of Concordia University, St. Paul, held its annual DCE/DCO Internship Placement Service. We celebrated with students from these LCMS Church Work programs as they learned where they will serve throughout the coming year as interns in congregations and camps of the LCMS.

Students receiving internship placements included:

• Elliott Arvey: Our Savior Lutheran Church (Eagle River, WI) and Camp Luther (Three Lakes, WI)

• Liz Rossow: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Palatine, IL)

• Sarah Hitchler: Living Savior Lutheran Church (Tualatin, OR)

The internship is the final step in a student’s journey to joining the LCMS roster and serving as a called worker in the church. Please join us in celebrating this milestone with our students and praying for them as they enter a new phase of their ministry preparation!

On this Ash Wednesday, we begin our Lenten journey. During the 40 days of Lent, God’s baptized people cleanse their hearts through the discipline of Lent: repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent is a time in which God’s people prepare with joy for the Paschal Feast (Easter). It is a time in which God renews His people’s zeal in faith and life. It is a time in which we pray that we may be given the fullness of grace that belongs to the children of God.

Prayer of the Day:
Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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