Multiethnic Symposium
United in Praise
Celebrating God’s Love and Faithfulness Across All Nations
May 5-6, 2026
In the context of a multiethnic church, praise becomes a powerful witness to the rich tapestry of peoples who together glorify Him. Through expressions of praise in music, dance and art, the 2026 Multiethnic Symposium will explore how the church is equipped to bear witness to God’s love and faithfulness across all nations. “Praise the Lord, all nations!” (Ps. 117:1 ESV).
Symposium Highlights
Plenaries:
- “‘Mistress and Governess of the Feelings of the Human Heart,’ Luther’s Appreciation of Music as an Essential Culture” presented by Dr. Robert Kolb, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
- “Forming Praise and Informed Praise that Forms Praise – United in and by Christ” presented by Dr. Rev. Dien Taylor, District President, Atlantic District, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bronx, N.Y.
- “Candy-Coated Catechism – Musical Formation and Discipling of a Generation” presented by FLAME, aka Marcus Gray, Grammy-nominated Christian Hip-hop artist, theologian, author and founder of Clear Sight Music, St. Louis, Mo.
The 20th Annual Lecture in Hispanic/Latino Theology and Mission
“Himnario Luterano and the Birth of New Lutheran Hymns”
Lecture:
Rev. Roberto Weber, LCMS Missionary, Dominican Republic
Response:
Rev. Stephen Heimer, Executive Staff, LCMS Office of National Mission, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, St. Louis
Registration
Registration fee: $90 per person
Includes Festival of Nations dinner. Tuesday and Wednesday lunches are available for an additional charge of $20 each.
Free for Concordia Seminary students and faculty
Includes Festival of Nations dinner.
Multi Asian Gathering fee: $25 per person (See the schedule.)
Registration deadline: April 20, 2026
Refund Policy: An 85% refund will be granted when the cancellation request is received 10 business days before the scheduled event. A 50% refund will be granted if the request is received between nine and two business days before the scheduled event. No refunds will be granted if the request is received the day before or on the day of the event. If the event is cancelled by the organization, registrants may be extended a full refund (100%).
Sponsors
Platinum
Gold
Bronze
Partner
Friend
Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts
Lutheran Church Extension Fund
Lutheran Heritage Foundation
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Lutheran Latino Ministries
Mission of Christ Network
Wicking Vicar
Schedule
Tuesday, May 5
| TIME | EVENT | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| 7:45-8:30 a.m. | Registration Open | Sieck Hall Foyer |
| 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. | Refreshments with Coffee | Sieck Hall 201/202 |
| 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sponsor Fair | Coffee All Day Sieck Hall 201/202 |
| 8:30-9 a.m. | Chapel | Service of the Word Rev. David Jung, Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Visalia, Calif. Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus |
| 9-9:45 a.m. | Registration Reopens | Sieck Hall Foyer |
| 9:45-10 a.m. | Welcome and Introduction | Dr. Thomas J. Egger, President, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Dr. Ely Prieto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Associate Dean for Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Werner Auditorium |
| 10-11 a.m. | Plenary | ‘Mistress and Governess of the Feelings of the Human Heart,’ Luther’s Appreciation of Music as an Essential Culture Dr. Robert Kolb, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Werner Auditorium |
| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lunch | Wartburg and Koburg Halls |
| 1:15-3 p.m. | Annual Lecture | The 20th Annual Lecture in Hispanic and Latino Theology and Mission Himnario Luterano and the Birth of New Lutheran Hymns Response Rev. Stephen Heimer, Executive Staff, LCMS Office of National Mission, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, St. Louis, Mo. Werner Auditorium |
| 3:15-4 p.m. | Breakout Sessions | Various locations |
| 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Dinner | Festival of Nations Dinner Concordia Seminary, St. Louis International students Main Quadrangle |
| 7-8:00 p.m. | Hymn Festival | Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus |
Wednesday, May 6
| TIME | EVENT | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| 8-8:30 a.m. | Morning Refreshments | Coffee available all day Sieck Hall 201/202 |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Chapel | Divine Service with Holy Communion Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling, Senior Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Mo. Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus |
| 10-11 a.m. | Plenary | Forming Praise and Informed Praise that Forms Praise – United in and by Christ Dr. Rev. Dien Taylor, District President, Atlantic District, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bronx, N.Y. Werner Auditorium |
| 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lunch | Grab ‘n Go boxed lunches Wartburg Hall |
| 1-2 p.m. | Plenary | Candy-Coated Catechism – Musical Formation and Discipling of a Generation FLAME, aka Marcus Gray, Grammy-nominated Christian Hip-hop artist, theologian, author and founder of Clear Sight Music, St. Louis, Mo. Werner Auditorium |
| 2:15-2:30 p.m. | Closing | Closing Remarks, Prayer and Departure Dr. Ely Prieto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Associate Dean for Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Erika Petsch, Director of Continuing Education, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Werner Auditorium |
If you have questions or need help, please contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu.
Additional Continuing Education Opportunities
Faith and Writing Workshop
Concordia Seminary’s “Faith and Writing” workshop explores various forms of creative writing — starting a blog, creating a sermon or devotion, “traditional” forms of creative writing (story, nonfiction, drama, poetry) — and everything in between.
Lay Bible Institute
Calling lay people, students involved in homiletical education, pastors and others interested in the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world: the Lay Bible Institute is for you!
Pre-Lenten Workshop
The Pre-Lenten Workshop includes sermon manuscripts, textual notes, orders of service for midweek services and also suggestions for the Sundays of Lent to help pastors in developing their own worship resources.
Theological Symposium
Parish pastors, LCMS district and Synod officials, Seminary and Concordia University students and faculty, and interested laypersons attend each year to delve into some of the most pressing issues of our time. One CEU is available for attending the Symposium.
Workshop Series
Hosted by congregations across the country May through August, and led by Seminary faculty, these workshops offer an opportunity to delve deeply into topics ranging from the teachings of Martin Luther to pastoral tools, such as preaching, responding to conflict and teaching confirmation.