Dr. Peter Nafzger will join the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis as assistant professor of practical theology (homiletics) beginning in the 2016-17 academic year. Nafzger is an experienced preacher, author and instructor for churches, universities and events affiliated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Nafzger has served for the past nine years as the sole pastor at New Life Church—Lutheran in Hugo, Minn.

“Dr. Nafzger tells us he wrestled with this call to the Seminary because of his profound love for parish ministry,” said Concordia Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer. “He is a scholar with a heart for the church in community. That’s why Dr. Nafzger promises to be a blessing in the formation of future pastors and deaconesses.”

Nafzger has served as a guest instructor for Concordia Seminary through the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program, teaching Creedal Themes, Lutheran Confessions, Lutheran Distinctions and the Master Narrative through the Seminary’s state-of-the-art interactive learning community online. He also worked as an adjunct professor at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn., from 2010-11.

He also has been heavily involved in the LCMS National Youth Gathering as executive team member (2010, 2013, 2016) and Bible study director (2007, 2010, 2013). He again will serve as the Gathering’s Bible study director at the July 16-20 event in New Orleans.

Nafzger has filled several administrative roles in the LCMS Minnesota South District, namely at district conventions and in its continuing education committee.

“Serving as a pastor for the last nine years has been both humbling and deeply rewarding,” Nafzger said. “I've learned much from my congregation about the privilege of being a ‘servant of the Word’ among the people of God, and I look forward to sharing these insights with future pastors and leaders in the church. My family and I are excited to be joining the Seminary community and the important work it does for the sake of the Gospel!”

Nafzger holds a Master of Divinity and Ph.D. from Concordia Seminary (2004, 2009). He also participated in an international study program at Lutherische Theologische Hochschule in Oberusel, Germany (2001-02).

He is the author of These Are Written: Toward a Cruciform Theology of Scripture (Wipf and Stock/Pickwick Publications, 2013) and The Bright Star of Bethlehem Advent Bible Study (Creative Communications, 2013). He has also authored Bible studies for the LCMS Office of the President and LCMS Youth Ministry.

Nafzger enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, photography, fly-fishing and following the St. Louis Cardinals. He and his wife, Katie, have four children.

About Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit www.csl.edu.