With 70% of the world’s population projected to live in cities across the globe by 2050, now is an exciting time for the church to “rise and go to the city.” That’s the thematic catalyst behind Concordia Seminary, St. Louis’ 2022 Multiethnic Symposium, “Rise and Enter the City: The Hopeful Church in the Multiethnic City,” presented in partnership with Concordia University, Saint Paul, Minn.

Set for May 3-4 on the Seminary campus, participants will explore the biblical, artistic and missional perspectives that emanate from diverse ethnic churches and communities, particularly in the United States.

The annual symposium brings together missional leaders including pastors, congregational lay leaders and others from across The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). The symposium explores what it means and what it will take to become a truly multiethnic church.

“The city is not only becoming the church’s most obvious mission field, but also the most visible expression of the church catholic proper and the launching pad for mission to the world in its own right,” said Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., co-chairman of the symposium planning committee and the Seminary’s Werner R.H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries, professor of Systematic Theology and director of the Center for Hispanic Studies. “The 2022 Multiethnic Symposium at Concordia Seminary welcomes your participation and contributions toward a theology and practice of urban ministry today. Join us! All are welcome!”

Plenary speakers include:

• Dr. Mark Koschmann, Associate Vice President of Faith and Ministry and Chair of the Department of Theology and Ministry, Concordia University, Saint Paul, Minn.
• Dr. Benjamin Looker, Associate Professor of American Studies, Saint Louis University

In addition, sectional speakers will share their perspectives and the multiethnic impact of their respective fields of ministry.

The symposium also includes the 16th Annual Lecture in Hispanic/Latino Theology and Missions, “A New Testament Theology of the City Through Hispanic Eyes,” presented by Dr. Alvin Padilla at 1:30 p.m. May 3 in Werner Auditorium. Padilla is dean of Latino and global ministries and professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass. The lecture, sponsored by the Seminary’s Center for Hispanic Studies, is free and open to the public.

Two registration options for the symposium are available: on-campus is $50 and includes meals; online is $35. Registration closes April 8.For more information, visit csl.edu/multiethnic or contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu.

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 csl.edu.