Rev. Dr. Timothy Saleska

Dr. Timothy E. Saleska is professor of Exegetical Theology, dean of Ministerial Formation and the Gustav and Sophie Butterbach Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

He has been a faculty member since 1997. He was named dean of Ministerial Formation in 2011. He previously served as acting placement counselor (2004–07), editor of Concordia Theology Online (2006–08) and director of the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and residential certificate programs (2008–11).

His areas of interest and expertise include Hebrew and the history of exegesis. He is particularly interested in the book of Psalms, namely how Christians read and meditate on the psalms and the history of the psalms’ interpretation in the church. He also has an interest in examining how Christians interpret the Bible in general and how pastors can form faithful readers of God’s Word and remain faithful themselves.

Before joining the Seminary, Saleska served as pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Cincinnati, Ohio (1982–95), and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon, Ohio (1995–97).

He received his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary (1982). He also holds an Associate of Arts (A.A.) from St. John’s College, Winfield, Kan. (1976); a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Mich. (now Concordia University, Ann Arbor) (1978); and a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, Ohio (1992, 1999).

Saleska is the author of the first volume of commentary on the Psalms, “Psalms 1–50” in the “Concordia Commentary Series” (Concordia Publishing House, 2020). He wrote “The Gospel-Centered Christian” (Concordia Seminary Press, 2018) and “Reading Psalm 1 in the Context of the Psalter: Voices in Conversation” in “Listening to the Word of God: Exegetical Approaches” (Edition Ruprecht, 2016). He contributed to the article “The Uses of Scripture in the Christian Community” in “Inviting Community” (Concordia Seminary Press, 2013) and to “The Lectionary Commentary” (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2005). He is also the author of the Bible study “God’s Abiding Word: Psalms” (Concordia Publishing House, 2002) and also offered commentary for “The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sunday’s Texts” (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2001). In addition, Saleska has contributed numerous articles and reviews to “Concordia Journal.”

Saleska and his wife, Diane, have three grown children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys participating in sports of all kinds, especially basketball, softball, tennis, biking, walking, hiking and swimming. Saleska loves to read, watch movies and listen to podcasts. After being the head basketball coach for the Concordia Preachers for 11 years, he is now the assistant coach.

Interests:

Hebrew
History of exegesis
Psalms