Prof. Richard Warneck, associate professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, received a Ph.D. degree from Concordia Seminary during its May 19 commencement exercises marking the close of its 161st academic year. Prof. Warneck’s dissertation topic was, “Avery Dulles’s Advocacy of Reformulation of Dogma and Doctrinal Development.” His adviser for the Ph.D. dissertation was Dr. John F. Johnson, president of Concordia Seminary and a professor of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary.

“Throughout his entire ministry, Prof. Warneck has been the model of a pastor, theologian, churchman and scholar,” commented Dr. Andrew Bartelt, vice president for academic affairs at Concordia Seminary. “A true pastoral theologian, he has always combined the very best of our confessional Lutheran theological scholarship with sound and effective pastoral practice and leadership. Pastor Warneck brought to completion a rigorous academic degree program that is a tribute and testimony not only to his personal and professional life but also to the commitment of Concordia Seminary to serve both church and world with the very highest standards of theological scholarship in the service of the pastoral ministry.”

Prof. Warneck joins nearly 80 percent of the Concordia Seminary faculty who have received terminal degrees. An additional four professors are working toward a terminal degree in their areas of teaching responsibility. In addition, the Seminary faculty averages more than nine years each in service as pastors, missionaries or chaplains in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Concordia Seminary is the only institution in the LCMS to offer a Ph.D. degree in theological study. Available areas of special concentration include biblical studies, Reformation studies, confessional studies, doctrinal theology and the most recent addition, theology and culture.

Those interested in the Ph.D. or other advanced degrees available at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis should contact Dr. James W. Voelz, dean of the graduate school, at: Graduate School, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7103; gradschool@csl.edu. Individuals also may request to be added to the mailing list of its “Graduate Studies Bulletin” for information regarding Concordia Seminary’s graduate school.