Dr. Gerhard Bode [1] has been named the second Eugene E. and Nell S. Fincke Graduate Professor of Theology [2], a prestigious endowed faculty chair established at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis to support the advancement of confessional Lutheran scholarship. He was formally installed as the chair occupant during the Opening Service [3] for the Seminary’s 2025-26 academic year.
Bode joins Dr. Charles Arand [4] in holding this distinguished title, which honors the legacy of Eugene E. and Nell S. Fincke. Deeply committed to the faithful transmission of the Gospel, the Finckes laid the foundation for four endowed chairs in 1974 as a lasting investment in theological education. Their vision, guided by the words of Matt. 24:35 (ESV), “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away,” continues to shape the future of Lutheran teaching.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the Fincke family in establishing this endowed faculty chair out of their commitment to clear Lutheran teaching at Concordia Seminary,” said President Dr. Thomas J. Egger [5]. “Dr. Gerry Bode is a seasoned, exemplary and well-loved professor and historian of confessional Lutheranism. It is a joy to see him receive this honor and serve in this faculty chair.”
Bode also serves as chairman of the Department of Historical Theology, professor of Historical Theology, director of the Center for Reformation Research and archivist at Concordia Seminary. He has been a member of the Seminary faculty since 2005.
He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) and Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary, as well as a Master of Arts (M.A.) from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Before joining the Seminary, Bode served as assistant to the pastor (2005-08) and assistant pastor (2004-05) at Salem Lutheran Church in Affton, Mo.
His academic interests include the Reformation, the history of Lutheranism, and Latin and German paleography.
“It is an honor to be named to a Fincke endowed faculty chair,” said Bode. “Knowing that the generous legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Fincke continues to support the Seminary’s mission gives me much joy. God truly has blessed the Seminary through them.”
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) [6]. To learn more, visit csl.edu [7].