2023 August — August News Update From CTSFW | Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne

August News Update from CTSFW

CTSFW Receives In Trust Center Resource Grant

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), has received a $15,000 Resource Grant from the In Trust Center for Theological Schools. The grant, supported by funding from Lilly Endowment, Inc., will be used to secure consulting assistance with two of the Seminary’s strategic priorities: campus master planning and development of a cycle of training and growth opportunities for key leadership.

CTSFW has been engaged over the past year in a scenario planning process designed to help the Seminary think about the future in a proactive manner. “We’ve imagined several plausible futures and considered what those scenarios would mean for the ways the Seminary will utilize our people, programs, and resources in the years to come,” said CTSFW President Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. “Investing time and resources up front by engaging experts in the field promises to save the institution significant time and resources in the long run.”

Highlights from the LCMS Convention

On August 1, President Rast, along with Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, addressed delegates and guests at the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Rast gave the first part of the presentation, “Serving the Synod’s Mission: The History and Blessings of Our Two Seminaries,” focusing on the history of forming “informed, skilled, and faithful confessors of Christ” for service to LCMS congregations. Click here to watch. Dr. Lawrence Rast Jr. (right) and Dr. Thomas Egger, presidents of the two LCMS seminaries, discuss their paths to ministry on camera in the joint seminary booth at the recent LCMS National Convention. You can listen to their conversation, along with eight others, on each seminary’s Facebook page.

Also on August 1, the Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Gard, guest professor of Exegetical and Pastoral Theology at CTSFW and president emeritus of Concordia University Chicago, received a Silver St. Martin of Tours Award from LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF) at the convention. The award is given for exceptional and longstanding service in support of MAF. Gard attained the rank of rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and served almost 30 years as a military chaplain. For the full story, visit the LCMS Reporter by clicking here.

CTSFW Associate Kantor Matthew Machemer served as the convention organist, playing for multiple worship services daily during the five-day event. Machemer has served as associate kantor at the Seminary since 2014. For the status of resolutions on Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries,click here and choose Floor Committee 6 from the drop-down menu.

On the Calendar

Funeral of Walter Dissen at Kramer Chapel August 26

The funeral service for former CTSFW board member Dr. Walter Dissen will be held in Kramer Chapel at CTSFW at 11 a.m. (EDT) Saturday, August 26, 2023, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. until the service begins. A luncheon will follow; please RSVP for the luncheon at carrie.odonnell@ctsfw.edu or 260-452-2284. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to CTSFW. To read Dr. Dissen’s obituary, click here. You can watch online by visiting ctsfw.edu/daily-chapel.

Opening of the 178th Academic Year

On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, CTSFW will open its 178th academic year with a service in Kramer Chapel at 10 a.m. (EDT). The event will be livestreamed. CTSFW’s newest faculty member, Dr. Carl Beckwith, Professor of Historical Theology, will be installed at the service. To watch via our livestream, visit ctsfw.edu/daily-chapel.

Christ Academy Confirmation Retreat

It’s time for the annual fall Christ Academy Confirmation Retreat, a weekend event for confirmation-aged youth focused on confessional catechesis, liturgical worship, and life together in Christ. The retreat, which will focus on the Lord’s Supper, will be held September 22–24, 2023. To learn more or to register your group, visit ctsfw.edu/cacr.

Lutheranism and the Classics: Humor

CTSFW is pleased to be hosting the 7th biennial Lutheranism and the Classics Conference September 28–29, 2023, which will feature plenary presentations and sectional papers that explore the intersection of Lutheran theology and the classical tradition under the theme “Humor.” Full details for this year’s conference can be found at ctsfw.edu/LTC.

Save the Dates

We have some exciting events coming this fall at CTSFW. To learn more, visit our events page at ctsfw.edu/events.

Seminary Guild Donation Day: October 10
Prayerfully Consider Visit: October 12–14
Christ Academy College: October 27–29
Luther Hostel: November 1–3
Good Shepherd Institute Conference: November 5–7

VISIT OUR EVENTS PAGE