Registration ^[1] is open for the 2026 Multiethnic Symposium ^[2], “United in Praise: Celebrating God’s Love and Faithfulness Across All Nations,” set for May 5-6 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

The praise of the multiethnic church 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. The symposium brings together individuals from varied cultural backgrounds to share their unique perspectives and experiences to help equip future leaders with knowledge, skills and spiritual maturity to serve God’s kingdom faithfully.

“People from every corner of the world bring unique music, rhythms and cultural expressions. United in a biblical confession of faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit gathers His church by the power of the Gospel and elevates its praises through music, hymns and songs of praise,” said Dr. Ely Prieto ^[3], dean of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry. “This is a beautiful way for God’s people to celebrate His love and faithfulness. Various cultures guided by God’s Word may express that praise in their own distinctive way, but the purpose remains the same: to worship and glorify the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

Plenary speakers include:

• Dr. Robert Kolb ^[4], professor emeritus of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
• Dr. Dien Taylor ^[5], bishop/district president of the LCMS Atlantic District and senior pastor, Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Bronx, New York
• Marcus Gray (Flame) ^[6], Grammy-nominated Christian hip-hop artist, theologian, author and founder of Extra Nos Academy, Inc., St. Louis
• Dr. Roberto Weber ^[7], LCMS missionary, Dominican Republic

The 20^th Annual Lecture in Hispanic/Latino Theology and Mission also will be held during the symposium. Weber will present “Himnario Luterano and the Birth of New Lutheran Hymns.” Rev. Stephen Heimer ^[8], manager, All Nations Ministry, Office of National Mission, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, will deliver the response.

Participants are encouraged to extend their stay and attend the 2026 Multi Asian Gathering ^[9], set for May 6-7 on the Seminary campus. The registration fee for this additional event is $25.

Registration closes April 20. The registration fee for the Multiethnic Symposium is $90, but free for Concordia Seminary students and faculty. For more information, visit csl.edu/multiethnic  ^[2]or contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu ^[10].

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[12].

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Laudamus ^[13], the select men’s choir at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will be returning home to close out their spring 2026 tour. After singing at locations across Southern California earlier this month, the choir is set to perform at the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the campus of Concordia Seminary at 7 p.m. March 26, 2026.

“We are looking forward to sharing our music with the greater St. Louis community after Southern California just the week before,” says Dr. Sam Eatherton ^[14], the campus kantor and director of the choir. “Our concert focuses on Christ, the Lamb of God, and a special feature of this year’s home performance is that one of our choir members, second-year student Joshua Fields, wrote a setting of the Agnus Dei that we will perform. The words of this prayer implore our Lord to have mercy on us and to grant us peace — themes we are particularly aware of during this Lenten season. Framed within the order of Evening Prayer, this concert will also include congregational singing. We hope you will come and join us for this special time of worship.”

The members of Laudamus are seminarians preparing for full-time service as pastors in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The choir, which delights in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music, performs on campus throughout the year and also goes on tour annually.

Laudamus performances are free and open to the public. Freewill offerings are collected to support music arts programs at the Seminary.

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[15].

The highly acclaimed American Kantorei ^[16] will return to perform the St. John Passion ^[17] Version II (1725) by Johann Sebastian Bach at 3 p.m. Palm Sunday, March 29, in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Concordia Seminary campus at 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. The public is invited to this Service of Sacred Music.

Under the direction of Dr. Maurice Boyer, the Kantorei’s chorus, soloists and orchestra, joined by the Concordia Seminary Children’s Choir, will sing and proclaim the account of Jesus’ crucifixion from the Gospel according to St. John, interspersed with hymn stanzas and sung commentary. This performance of Bach’s Version II (1725) commemorates the 300th anniversary of its premiere in Leipzig, Germany.

Bach’s St. John Passion Version II (1725) is distinctly different from the original St. John Passion 1724 score performed by the Kantorei at the Seminary in 2024. From its new opening chorus, replacement arias and a more elaborate closing choral arrangement, Bach’s Version II provides a different emotional arc and showcases Bach’s experimentation of the piece which led to subsequent versions.

“The music of Bach’s St. John Passion so beautifully tells the story of Holy Week and invites us again to consider our Lord’s suffering and death on our behalf,” said Dr. Jon Vieker ^[18], dean of Chapel. “Concordia Seminary is pleased to invite the St. Louis community to join us for this extraordinary musical presentation free of charge. Everyone is welcome!”

The St. John Passion is part of the annual Concordia Seminary Music Series ^[19].

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[12].

Three new members have been added to the Board of Regents ^[20] for Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A new Council of Presidents (COP) representative was appointed by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the additional two new members were appointed by the Seminary’s Board of Regents.

The new representative from the COP will serve an initital three-year term with the option to be reappointed by the LCMS. He is:

• Rev. Ryan Wendt, LCMS Montana District president and associate pastor at Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church in Billings, Mont.

The two new members appointed by the Board of Regents each will serve six-year terms. They are:

• Dr. Peter Elliott, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, Wash.
• Troy Prehar, med-tech industry leader in Dripping Springs, Texas

Dr. Thomas J. Egger ^[21], president of Concordia Seminary, welcomed these new members and thanked the Board of Regents for their service to the Seminary.

“Our Regents serve Concordia Seminary with dedication, supervising our work on behalf of the LCMS. The appointment of Dr. Elliott, a pastor from Washington; Mr. Prehar, a businessman from Texas; and Rev. Wendt, a district president from Montana, brings further breadth of expertise and perspective to our Board. I know Dr. Elliott as a gifted former student, I have heard great things about Mr. Prehar, and I really enjoyed getting to know President Wendt at a church relations conference in Wittenberg last fall,” Egger said. “May God bless their service to the glory of Christ and for the good of His church.”

According to the LCMS Bylaws, the Seminary’s Board of Regents may have up to 13 members, which includes three ordained members, one commissioned member and three lay members, all elected by the LCMS in convention; one LCMS vice president appointed by the LCMS president; one district president selected by the LCMS Council of Presidents; and up to four members who have been appointed by the board itself. The president of the LCMS Missouri District also serves as an advisory member.

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[12].

Dr. John N. Genter will join the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis as associate professor of Exegetical Theology beginning in July 2026. He will be formally installed Aug. 21 during the Opening Service of the 2026–27 academic year in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.

“Dr. Genter is a gifted and engaging teacher, with expertise in Greek and the New Testament Gospels. Great guy, great family. A great model for our students in his personal demeanor and character,” said Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger ^[21]. “I am delighted that he is coming to serve at Concordia Seminary, and I pray that through his work and that of our devoted faculty, our church body will remain joyfully grounded in and committed to the Holy Scriptures, as we listen to the voice of our Savior and have eternal life in Him.”

At present, Genter is serving as assistant professor of theology at Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb., where he teaches courses in Greek, theology and the Bible. In recognition of his work in the classroom, he received the 2025 Concordia Nebraska Outstanding Teaching Award ^[22].

Prior to joining Concordia Nebraska in 2021, Genter served as a visiting professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (2021); teacher of record at Baylor University (2019–21); and pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Downey, Calif. (2010–15). His scholarly work focuses on the New Testament, Second Temple Judaism and ancient Greek novels.

Genter earned a Ph.D. from Baylor University, Waco, Texas (’22); a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (’10); and a Bachelor of Arts in theology from Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. (’06).

“My years as a student at Concordia Seminary were some of the richest and most formative of my life,” said Genter. “It is an incredible blessing to be called back to life together around the Word on this same campus and to join a world-class faculty completely invested in the formation of future pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and leaders. I can’t wait to get started.” Genter’s wife, Teddie, is a NICU lactation consultant and occupational therapist who currently serves as director of the Micah Scholars Pre-Health Program at Concordia Nebraska. The couple met in St. Louis at the coffee shop where Genter worked while completing his Seminary studies. The couple and their four children will relocate to St. Louis this summer.

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[12].

Anticipation is building for Call Day 2026 ^[23], set for April 28, when concluding Concordia Seminary, St. Louis students will receive their first pastoral or diaconal ministry placements, and second-year students will receive their vicarage or internship assignments in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. All calls and assignments for service are to churches or ministries within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Students who will serve a year as vicars or deaconess interns will receive their assignments at a worship service starting at 3 p.m. (CDT). Rev. Joel Shaltanis, father of second-year student Ambrose Shaltanis and pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, Texas, will preach.

“Congregations play a vital role in forming future pastors and deaconesses,” said Rev. Joel P. Fritsche ^[24], director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships. “By welcoming vicars and interns into their ministries, they help shape the next generation of servants of the Gospel of Christ.”

At 7 p.m. (CDT), candidates for the pastoral and diaconal ministry will receive their first calls to serve as pastors, deaconesses, chaplains or missionaries in the LCMS. Rev. Brady Finnern, president of the LCMS Minnesota North District, will preach.

“Call Day represents a service of transition for these men and women. They are entering church work as they receive their individual calls to various parts of the Lord’s kingdom. It is a day of celebration and rejoicing as the Lord sends out laborers into His harvest field,” said Rev. Timothy Scharr ^[25], director of Placement. “Excitement and anticipation, along with many questions, overflow in their hearts and minds. What will their ministry, community and new home be like? How will their family grow in this new place? The Lord who has brought them to this point will continue to love, mold, shape and guide them as they serve His people.”

A livestream of the Call Day services will be available on Facebook ^[26] and YouTube ^[27] and at csl.edu/live ^[28]. Calls and assignments will be shared on X ^[29], formerly known as Twitter, in real time during both services. Everyone is encouraged to share their celebratory comments and photos on social media with the hashtag #CallDay2026.

For more information, visit csl.edu/call-day ^[30].

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[12].

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Concordia University, Nebraska ^[31] are collaborating to present a variety of courses in Concordia Nebraska’s non-credit continuing education and lifelong learning program called Studia Vitae ^[32]. The program offers Christ-centered continuing education opportunities in a variety of focused areas through an online scheduled and self-paced learning platform.

Concordia Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger ^[21] and Concordia Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull ^[33] kicked off the online series on March 10, 2026 with “Biblical Wisdom, Decision-Making, Phronesis, and Leadership,” an online course ^[34] that meets at 7 p.m. (CT) every Tuesday through April 17, 2026.

The course is designed for Lutheran church and school leaders, current and aspiring Christian nonprofit leaders and lay professionals in leadership but is open to anyone. In this first online course, participants will learn about applying biblical wisdom and classical discernment to faithful decision-making.

The registration fee is $150; however, participants affiliated with Concordia Nebraska’s Preferred Partnership program ^[35] may receive exclusive pricing. Each CEU course is delivered in six one-hour sessions. The short, focused sessions are available as webinars that also will be recorded for future viewing. Enrollment is flexible and open to all with no prerequisites and no commitment to take additional classes.

Registration ^[34] is now open for this course and additional offerings ^[36] in Concordia Nebraska’s Studia Vitae program.

In the future, Concordia Seminary and Concordia Nebraska will partner to present a number of additional courses, including:

• “Forming the Christian Imagination Through Literature” with Dr. David Schmitt ^[37] (Concordia Seminary) and Dr. Hannah Kroonblawd ^[38] (Concordia Nebraska), 7 p.m. (CT) Tues., May 11–June 19, 2026
• “Faith Formation and Play” with Dr. Kent Burreson ^[39] (Concordia Seminary) and Dr. Bernard Bull ^[33] (Concordia Nebraska), 7 p.m. (CT) Tues., July 6–Aug. 14, 2026
• “Parish Ministry in Rural and Small-Towns” with Dr. David Peter ^[40] (Concordia Seminary) and Rev. Russ Sommerfeld ^[41] (Concordia Nebraska), 7 p.m. (CT) Tues., Sept. 7–Oct. 16, 2026
• “Biblical Foundations of Adult Parish Education” with Dr. Peter Nafzger ^[42] (Concordia Seminary) and Dr. Pete Jurchen ^[43] (Concordia Nebraska), 7 p.m. (CT) Tues., Nov. 2-Dec. 11, 2026

For more information, contact Concordia Seminary’s Continuing Education department at ce@csl.edu ^[10] or 314-505-7286.

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[15].

Dr. Paul L. Schrieber, emeritus professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, fell asleep in Jesus Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Visitation is Friday, March 13, from 10-11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 508 Bloom St., Red Bud, Ill. 62278. The funeral service will follow at the church at 11 a.m. and interment will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Schrieber was a member of St. John’s.

Concordia Seminary Emeritus Professor Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs ^[44] will preach at the service. Members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) ^[45] clergy are invited to vest in purple stoles and be a part of the procession.

“Dr. Paul Schrieber was a faithful servant of the church, a stimulating teacher, and a blessing to many,” said President Dr. Thomas J. Egger ^[21]. “In my Seminary studies, I was privileged to have several Old Testament classes with Dr. Schrieber, who instilled in his students a love of learning, a devotion to Scripture and a prayerful dependence upon God the Holy Spirit in the task of reading and reflecting upon these sacred texts. In retirement, even as he struggled with limitations due to health, he was gracious, kind and inquisitive. I look forward to seeing him again at the resurrection of the dead.”

Schrieber retired in 2003 after 22 years of distinguished service as a professor of exegetical theology. In 2008, Schrieber was conferred the rank of professor emeritus during the 169th Commencement at the Seminary.

A 1975 Master of Divinity graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill., he received his Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) from Concordia Seminary (’83) and his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Ind. (’71). 

Schrieber joined the Seminary faculty in 1981. Before joining the Seminary, he served as a visiting instructor (1976) and was a faculty member at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Ill., for five years. In addition to his professorial duties, he was active in preaching and teaching in many settings, including minority ministries. He also served on the former LCMS Board for Communication Services and was a member of the KFUO Radio board.

Schrieber also was a musician who shared his gifts by playing timpani for special services at the Seminary and he served as a church organist and accompanist for numerous choirs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[12].

I have been meditating on Psalm 29 lately, and I invite you to do so as well:

The voice of God is powerful and peace-giving. He is enthroned over all things, and He rules the heavens and the earth with His voice. Nothing can escape the power of His voice. Nothing can rival the power of His Word.

Through the power of His Word, God blesses His people. Through the power of His Word, God makes people from all nations to be His own.

This Lent, as you receive His Word, God is giving you strength and blessing you with peace. As you proclaim His Word to others, God Himself is working powerfully, which causes even the heavenly beings to praise Him: “Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength” (Ps. 29:1). And we on earth join them, crying, “Glory!”

What a comfort it is to know our mighty Lord and Savior, His wilderness-shaking voice, and His tender mercies. What a comfort to know that He who set aside His glory and strength to endure the cross for us has now been enthroned as king forever!

In Christ’s love,

Thomas J. Egger
President

Vocatio: High School ^[46], an annual weeklong visit event for high school students held on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is set for June 20–26, 2026. The visit provides an introduction to Seminary life and the ministerial formation process.

Specifically, the retreat offers young people the opportunity to explore the vocations of pastor and deaconess and consider future service in the church. Participants will engage in theological conversation, hear from Seminary professors and attend a Concordia University System college fair. Group sessions will focus on thoughtful conversation about the Lutheran faith, aspects of vocation and the call to pastoral or diaconal ministry. Participants also will walk through the admissions process, learn about the St. Louis area, and engage in some fun and recreation! 

“As I went through high school, I thought about pursuing several different vocations, including helping with my dad’s business, going into youth ministry or studying to become a Lutheran teacher. While the idea of becoming a pastor was on my mind as well, it wasn’t until I visited the Seminary campus that the idea became a real possibility,” said Rev. Craig Reiter ^[47], admissions officer. “It’s a joy now to lead Vocatio: High School and I pray our youth are blessed by their time on campus and are encouraged toward considering church work like I was.”

The registration fee is $300, which includes lodging and meals. The deadline to register ^[48] is May 15, 2026.

Vocatio: High School is one of two visitation events ^[49] for prospective students held throughout the year that provide a preview of the Seminary’s ministerial formation experience. Individual visits also can be scheduled and are encouraged for those considering attending the Seminary. For more information, contact the Seminary’s Enrollment team at 800-822-9545 or admit@csl.edu ^[50], or visit csl.edu/admissions ^[51].

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[15].

Laudamus, the premier choir of seminarians from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will perform at several locations throughout Southern California during its 2026 tour scheduled for March 14–19. The tour theme, “Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World,” is drawn from the Gospel of John and reflects the Lenten season. Each performance will include a variety of musical selections centered on Christ’s sacrificial love and the promise of salvation.

“Our program this year focuses on Christ as the Lamb of God. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to be the perfect sacrifice in our place,” said Dr. Samuel Eatherton, assistant professor of Practical Theology, kantor, the Kreft Professor for Music Arts and director of Laudamus. “John the Baptist saw Jesus one day and exclaimed to those around him, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!’ We pray God will help us reflect that same enthusiasm as we sing of all that Christ has done in winning salvation for us, so that we might live as His children.”

Laudamus 2026 tour dates:

Saturday, March 14 [52]	7 p.m.	Christ Lutheran Church [53], Brea, CA
Sunday, March 15 [54]	8:30 a.m.	St. John’s Lutheran Church of Orange [55], Orange County, CA
Sunday, March 15 [56]	12:30 p.m	Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum [57], Yorba Linda, CA
Monday, March 16 [58]	7 p.m.	Abiding Savior Lutheran Church [59], Lake Forest, CA
Tuesday, March 17 [60]	7 p.m.	Bethany Lutheran Church, Long Beach [61], CA
Wednesday, March 18 [62]	7 p.m.	Light of Christ Lutheran Church [63], Irvine, CA
Thursday, March 19 [64]	10:30 a.m.	Concordia University Irvine [65], Irvine, CA

Laudamus performances are free and open to the public. Freewill offerings will be collected to support music arts programs at the Seminary.

To learn more about Laudamus and its upcoming tour, visit csl.edu/laudamus ^[13].

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[12].

Vocatio: Retreat ^[66], an annual visit event held on campus at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is set for April 12–15, 2026. The three-day retreat offers college students and second-career adults an introduction to life as a seminarian.

The retreat provides opportunities for participants to explore preparation for service as a pastor, deaconess, missionary or chaplain through time spent at worship services, in conversation and at sessions focused on ministerial formation, with an optional fourth day to extend the visit. Participants will worship in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, spend time in God’s Word, engage in conversations with Seminary faculty and students, and explore the Seminary campus. The retreat also provides opportunities to connect with others who are discerning a similar call.

“The Lord of the harvest invites us to pray earnestly for more laborers to be sent into His harvest fields,” said Rev. Jesse Kueker ^[67], director of Enrollment. “The fields are ripe, and for those discerning the possibility of serving the church as a pastor, deaconess, chaplain or missionary, Vocatio: Retreat offers the perfect opportunity to come, pray and get your questions answered. Please come! We cannot wait to welcome you, receive the Lord’s gifts alongside you, and pray for you throughout all the steps ahead.”

Registration is free ^[66] and low-cost lodging options are available, but space is limited. The registration deadline is Sunday, March 22.

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) ^[11]. To learn more, visit csl.edu ^[15].