Rev. Dr. Peter H. Nafzger

Dr. Peter H. Nafzger is associate professor of Practical Theology, Coordinator of Seminary International Exchange Programs and Director of Student Life at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has been a faculty member since 2016.

He previously served as a guest instructor for Concordia Seminary, teaching courses in systematic theology and the Lutheran Confessions. He also taught courses on the Lutheran Confessions as an adjunct professor at Concordia University, Saint Paul, Minn. (2010–11). From 2007 to 2016, he served as the sole pastor of New Life Church—Lutheran in Hugo, Minn. During his time in Minnesota, he served the LCMS Minnesota South District as chair of its continuing education committee. He has been deeply involved in the LCMS Youth Gathering as Bible study director (2007–19), executive team member (2010-19) and theological adviser (since 2019).

His areas of interest and expertise include the theology of Scripture, the theology of preaching, ecclesiology, the Lutheran Confessions, and confirmation and Christian formation.

He has authored numerous Bible studies for the LCMS Office of the President and LCMS Youth Ministry. He is a weekly contributor to the “Lectionary Kick-start” podcast for Concordia Seminary, writes regular homiletical reflections for “Craft of Preaching” and hosts occasional “Preacher’s Studio” video interviews on concordiatheology.org. Forthcoming work includes a book project about preaching and community formation for Concordia Seminary Press. He is the author of “The Preacher as Worldmaker: Reflections on the Nature and Purpose of Christian Preaching” in “Concordia Journal” (2019), the Lenten sermon series “The Gospel in Seven Words” (Concordia Seminary Press, 2018), and “These Are Written: Toward a Cruciform Theology of Scripture” (Wipf and Stock/Pickwick Publications, 2013).

Nafzger holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Concordia Seminary (2004, 2009). He studied at the Lutherische Theologische Hochschule in Oberursel, Germany (2001–02). He holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in behavioral science from Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward (1999).

In addition to teaching, Nafzger serves as the head coach for the Preachers basketball team at Concordia Seminary. With his family, he enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, rocking climbing, German board games, World Cup soccer and March Madness. He is married to Katie, who teaches high school biology. They have four children: Olivia, Johann, August and Louisa.

Interests:

Theology of preaching
Theology of Scripture
Ecclesiology
The Lutheran Confessions
Confirmation and Christian formation