Salemink accepts call; Peperkorn appointed to new role

FORT WAYNE, May 29, 2025—Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), is pleased to announce that the Rev. Michael Salemink has accepted a call to serve as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions. Dr. Todd Peperkorn, also a member of the Department of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, has been granted tenure and has been appointed to serve as Vice President of Spiritual Formation, effective July 1, 2025.

Salemink, who earned his Master of Divinity from CTSFW in 2003, comes to the seminary from Lutherans For Life, where he has served as executive director since 2015. In that role, Salemink gave educational presentations at conferences and in congregations and schools, produced articles, devotions, Bible studies, sermons, podcasts, and vlogs for social media, worked with volunteers, donors, and organizations on life causes, and provided pastoral counsel to individuals and families experiencing life issues.

Prior to his work with Lutherans For Life, Salemink served as associate pastor of St. James Lutheran Church and School in Lafayette, Indiana, (2005–2015) and pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Webster, Minnesota (2003–2005). He is presently finishing a PhD at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

“Rev. Salemink will bring a wonderful blend of pastoral and academic experiences to his teaching and mentoring of our students,” said CTSFW Provost Dr. Charles Gieschen. “His bold and faithful leadership of Lutherans For Life has given him the opportunity to preach and teach in congregations across The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.”

Peperkorn, who joined the CTSFW faculty in 2021, currently serves as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Director of Vicarage and Internship and Director of Residential Formation Programs. He will continue to serve in these roles while assuming oversight of the spiritual formation of CTSFW students from admission through graduation. Peperkorn succeeds Dr. Paul Grime, who is stepping away from the position but will continue to be involved in spiritual formation through his role as Dean of the Chapel and his leadership of the mentoring program.

“Dr. Peperkorn brings to this position significant recent experience in the parish, in the placement of vicars, in mentoring, and in directorship of fieldwork,” said CTSFW President Dr. Jon Bruss. “In his years on the campus he has proven over and over again his great wisdom in working with students to shape them into faithful servants of Christ and His church. His tenure in this new position only strengthens and broadens his salutary impact. This will prove a great blessing for our seminary and for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.”

Rev. Michael Salemink
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions

Dr. Todd Peperkorn
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions
Vice President of Spiritual Formation (effective July 1)
Director of Vicarage and Internship
Director of Residential Pastoral Formation Programs