Professor of History and Theology

Degrees Earned

• University of California, Irvine, CA, Ph.D. 2012
• Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, M.Div. 2001
• Washington University, St. Louis, MO, M.A. 2001
• University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, B.A. 1996

Research Interests

• Greek and Latin literature; epic; Augustan poetry, especially Ovid; history of literature; ancient history of Greece and Rome; mythology; New Testament

Teaching Interests

• Greek and Latin language and readings; ancient history; mythology; social history; Bible; New Testament readings

Courses Taught

Undergraduate Bible, Greek, and Latin courses

• TGRE 501, 502 Greek I, II
• THL 312 New Testament Book of the Bible
• TEXN 510 The Synoptic Gospels and Acts
• TEXN 540 Prison, Pastoral, and General Epistles
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II

Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew

Biography

Scott Ashmon is Associate Senior Vice President and Provost and oversees the University's academic development and direction in accordance with the University's mission. Scott is also Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew. He has been at Concordia University Irvine since 2007 teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. From 2003-2007, he was Assistant Professor of Religion and Chair of the Religion Department at Concordia College in Bronxville, NY. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Cincinnati, OH for four years. Scott earned his B.A. from Concordia College in Portland, OR in 1992 and his M.Div. and S.T.M. from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He earned his Ph.D. from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2010, where he specialized in the Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East. He has published articles and books on topics related to the Old Testament and Lutheran higher education. He is a member of the Society of Concordia Theological Faculties and a board member of the Association for Core Texts and Courses and its Liberal Arts Institute. Scott and his family. Scott and his family are members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, CA.

Education

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati, OH, M.Phil., 2007, Ph.D, 2010; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, S.T.M., 1998, M.Div., 1996; Concordia College, Portland, OR, B.A., 1992

Publications: Peer Reviewed

• The Idea and Practice of a Christian University: A Lutheran Approach. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2015.
• “Higher Education in Light of the Cross.” Dialog: A Journal of Theology 54, no. 1 (2015): 94-104.
• “Learning by Writing about and Discussing Big Questions.” Teaching Theology and Religion, forthcoming in 2015.
• “The Covenantal Function of Biblical Birth Annunciations.” Criswell Theological Review 10, no. 1 (2012): 41-52.
• Birth Annunciations in the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near East. Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen, 2012.
• Ashmon, Scott and Robert Weise. “‘Give Me Children, or I Will Die’: Procreation is God’s Work.” Concordia Journal 24, no. 4 (1998): 337-45.

Professional

• Co-authored with Scott Keith. To Be a Student: Vocation and Leisure in Service to Neighbor. Irvine, CA: New Reformation Publications, 2016.
• Co-authored with Daniel van Voorhis, “Liberty and Rights in Light of the Reformation and Enlightenment Traditions.” Issues in Christian Education 49, no. 3 (Summer 2016).
• “Revisiting the Law-Gospel Paradigm in Light of the Old Testament.” Concordia Pulpit Resources 26, no. 3 (2016): 3-8.
• “Preaching Law and Gospel in the Old Testament.” Lutheran Forum 47, no. 4 (2013): 12-15.
• “The Good Society and the Problem of Evil in Genesis 1-3 and Enuma Elish.” Lutheran Forum 45, no. 3 (2011): 12-14.
• “Samson and Christ, Type and Antitype.” Lutheran Forum 43, no. 3 (2008): 15-17.

Teaching

• History and Literature of the Old Testament (THL 201 and THL 201H)
• Old Testament Book of the Bible (THL 311)
• Old Testament Isagogics (TEXO 507)
• Old Testament Book Option (TEXO 510)
• Guided Readings (THL 590)
• Hebrew 1 (HEB 101)
• Hebrew 2 (HEB 102)
• Readings in the Hebrew Bible (HEB 201)
• Readings in the Torah (HEB 211)
• Readings from the Pericopes (HEB 225)
• Readings in the Prophets and Writings (HEB 321)
• Biblical Aramaic (ARA 301)
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II

Professor of Biblical Languages/Theology

Concordia University Irvine, 1983-84 and since 1986.

Education

• University of California at Irvine, M.A., 1993; Ph.D. 2005
• Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, M.Div., 1986
• Christ College Irvine, CA, B.A., 1981

Teaching

• Research: Josephus
• First Century Judea
• The Revelation of John
• Exegetical Method

Publications

Books

• A Short New Testament Syntax: Handbook with Exercises. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2018
• Revelation. Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2012.
• The Sicarii in Josephus's Judean War: Rhetorical Analysis and Historical Observations. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2009.

Chapters

• “Sicarii.” Page 735 in T&T Clark Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism, vol. 2. Edited by Daniel M. Gurtner and Loren T. Stuckenbruck. London: T&T Clark, 2020.
• “Roman Power and Divine Decree: Impression Management in the Masada Narrative, Bellem Judaicum 7.” Pages 177-192 in Ad Fontes Witenbergenses: Select Proceedings of Lutheranism and the Classics III: Lutherans Read History. Edited by James A. Kellerman, E. J. Hutchinson, and Joshua J. Hayes. Minneapolis: Lutheran Press2017.
• "Flavian Judea." Pages XX-XX in A Companion to the Flavian Age of Imperial Rome. Edited by Andrew Zissos. West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell, forthcoming.
• "The Means of Grace." Pages 69-78 in Learning at the Foot of the Cross: A Lutheran Vision for Education. Edited by Joel D. Heck and Angus J. L. Menuge. Austin: Concordia University Press, 2011.
• "A Comparison of the Literary Conventions in Judith with the Ancient Greek Novel." Pages 163-171 in Hear the Word of Yahweh. Edited by Dean O. Wenthe, Paul L. Schrieber and Lee A. Maxwell. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2002.

Journals

• "The Sicarii in Acts: A New Perspective." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 54 (2011): 547-558.
• "The Irony of Masada." The Bible and Interpretation, 2009.

Bible Studies

• End Times. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2001.
• An Introductory Course: Mark. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1998.
• Church Year Bible Studies: Series B – Lent-Easter-Ascension-Pentecost. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1996.

Courses Taught

Undergraduate Bible, theology, Greek, and Latin courses

• THL 429 Biblical Theology and Exegesis
• THL 529 Lutheran Hermeneutics and Theology of Scripture
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II
• TEXN 532 Johannine Corpus

Director of Lutheran Teaching Program; Associate Professor of Education

Dr. Cari Chittick is the Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs, and Placement and an Associate Professor of Education at Concordia University, Irvine. She has a passion for the ministry of Lutheran schools and for encouraging professional growth of future educators in their ministering to children with varying abilities; to enhance students’ academic potential, while nurturing their faith.

Prior to joining CUI, Dr. Chittick was the Director of Special Education at Concordia University Texas where she began the major and developed the program to equip future educators to support exceptional learners in all classroom settings. She has also developed elementary resource programs in two Lutheran schools.

In her spare time, Dr. Chittick enjoys exploring God’s creation and serving God through service and mission trips around the world.

Director of DCE program

Biography

Hi! I'm Rebecca Duport and I'm blessed to be called to serve my alma mater Concordia Irvine as an Assistant Professor and Director to the DCE Program of Christ College. Upon graduation from Concordia University Irvine in 1998, I've served Lutheran Churches as a Director of Christian Education (DCE) throughout the country (Idaho, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida) in life-span education roles working with Children, Youth, Family, Older Adults. I cherish the relationships that God has allowed me the privilege to be a part of as a full-time DCE in His church for 16 years before coming to Concordia as a Professor in 2014. My service to the body of Christ also includes speaking at youth gatherings, conferences and leading training events for Family Friendly Partner's Network (FFPN). My husband Kyle and I enjoy spending time with our four boys and their events in scouting, sports and school.

Education

Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska, M.S. 2010 Concordia University Irvine, California, B.A. 1998

Courses Taught

Undergraduate ministry courses

• CED 370 Children's and Family Ministry
• CED 470 Family Systems
• CED 490 Internship: DCE
• CED 550/CED 450 Counseling in Ministry
• CED 593 DCE Pre-Internship Seminar
• CED 594, 595, 596 Internship I, II, III: DCE
• DCE 493 Pre-Internship DCE Ministry Fieldwork

Assistant Professor of Theology

Dr. Elliott received his Ph.D. and M. Phil. from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and is the lead professor of Hebrew for Concordia University Irvine's Christ College. Dr. Elliott published “The Israel of God in the Sermon: Connecting Old Testament Texts to New Testament People” in Feasting in a Famine of the Word in 2016 and is preparing a commentary on the prophet Habakkuk.

Education

• Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, M.Phil., 2013; Ph.D., 2018
• Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, M.Div., 2009
• Concordia University – River Forest, B.A., 2003

Professional Experience

• Concordia University Irvine, Assistant Professor, 2016-present
• St. John Lutheran Church, Assistant Pastor, 2009-2016
• Hebrew Union College/Xavier University/University of Dayton, Adjunct Professor, 2010-2016

Publications Completed

• “The Israel of God in the Sermon: Connecting Old Testament Texts to New Testament People” in Feasting in a Famine of the Word: Lutheran Preaching in the Twenty-First Century, 2016.

Forthcoming

• “Community and Closure: The Church in the Individual Complaint Psalms” in The Church as Fullness in All Things: Recasting Lutheran Ecclesiology in an Ecumenical Context, expected 2018.
• Ambrose of Milan and His Use of Philo of Alexandria in His Letters on the Hexaemeron, Dissertation.
• Habakkuk, Concordia Commentary, expected 2022.

Teaching/Research Interests

• Old Testament/Prophetic Literature
• Early Jewish and Christian Exegesis
• Second Temple Judaism
• Northwest Semitic Languages

Courses Taught

Undergraduate Bible, theology, and Hebrew courses

• THL 311 Old Testament Book of the Bible
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II
• TEXO 507 Old Testament Isagogics
• TEXO 510 Old Testament Book

Adjunct Professor of Theology

Curriculum Vitae

Reverend Eschelbach was a parish pastor for 15 years before teaching at Concordia University Chicago (14 years) and now Concordia University Irvine. The care of souls and love of truth are evident in his eagerness to help others find the answers they seek, especially answers to the most difficult questions. Professor Eschelbach invests himself in his students as he shows them how to search for the truth among the various witnesses God has provided, especially in the Bible but also in nature, reason, and common human experience. You may find evidence of Dr. Eschelbach’s work in his publications, public speaking, and recognition for exemplary teaching. Besides teaching and studies, Michael Eschelbach enjoys sailing, biking along Newport beach, and visiting the redwoods.

Experience

Administrative

• Provide leadership and inspiration to various committees in the university setting, including faculty search committees, faculty seminar, faculty growth and development, student life policies, liberal arts culture, and student retention task force. Within each setting, provide exploration and development of responsive, innovative, and effective programming.

Writing (see also “publications” below)

• In the process of writing essays on; the philosophy of religion, the nature of human responsibility in society, and the problem of evil.
• Produced strategic curriculum and integrated, multi-media study guides including,
  • 1 year series for preschool & kindergarten age children.
  • 4 year series taking grades 1-4.
  • 3 year catechetical instruction (grades 5-7) which includes liturgical studies, Luther’s Small Catechism, and a Bible study guide that promotes age-appropriate, in depth discussion.
• Developed a 5 year study series for high school youth which fosters the sense of community among students, promotes informed interaction of students with their peers in school, and enhances the student's own cognitive abilities.

Classroom Instruction

• Professor of New Testament Studies, Greek, the Philosophy of Religion, World Religions, Gender, and related religious studies including ethics and social issues.
• On-line graduate courses for MAR students on the Parables of Jesus and General Epistles.
• Recruited by directors of Honors Program to provide honors level instruction in New Testament Studies and the History of Christian Biography.
• Provide instruction and mentoring for graduate (MAR), directed, and correspondence studies.
• Lecture and facilitate enthusiastic exploration of theological topics in Youth Encounter/Conference settings.
• Lecture and direct discussion on biblical books, theology, and related current events to adults each Sunday morning.
• Provide stimulating and highly interactive study sessions for juniors and seniors in High School.

Courses Taught

• THL 529 Lutheran Hermeneutics and Theology of Scripture
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II

Study Tours

• 2014 – London and Edinburgh. Preparing for this fourth study tour in June.
• 2012 – France. Assisted with Choir/study tour of France, providing general historical and theological background.
• 2010 – Egypt. Taught a course on Egyptology and the significance of Egypt in the Bible while touring Egypt and the lower Sinai peninsula over 12 days
• 2008 – Italy. Taught a course on the Council of Trent in comparison with orthodox biblical theology as presented by Martin Chemnitz in his examination of the same. This course on campus was followed by 14 days touring in Italy.
• 2006 – Turkey/Greece. Taught a course on the travels and places where the apostle Paul taught while touring those locations with students over 16 days.

Campus Activities

• 2000 – present. Provide several extra-curricular opportunities for students to interact with theological issues, current events and each other. “Cinema Sophia” offers a movie each week for viewing. The film is followed by analysis and discussion, focused on the relationship between the intent of the film and philosophical/theological principles. “Great Books Conversation” is a lunch time group that considers excerpts from the world’s greatest literature. “Concordians for Concord among Concordians” meets each week over lunch to allow students to pursue questions they have of any nature, but particularly those which generate tension between various church workers and between those who claim a Christian belief system. “Apologetics Exercise” is a once a semester meeting of two student teams who oppose each other on a high profile issue. Practice in research, public speaking, but most of all, evangelical apologetic method is provided. The whole campus is invited to participate and attend.
• 1985 - 1987 Offered highly interactive biblical studies and lead discussions of the same for college students at Eastern Montana University and Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana.
• 1983 - 1984 Generated commentary, illustrations, and lead an interactive workshop on the book of Revelation for faculty and students of Gallaudette University.

Professional Employment

• 2014 – present Professor of New Testament, Concordia University Irvine, California.
• 2000 – 2014. Professor of New Testaments Studies, Greek, Philosophy of Religion, and World Religions
  Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Illinois
• 1988 – 2000, Pastor, Peace Lutheran Church, Sandusky, MI
• 1985 - 1988, Pastor, Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Billings, Montana
• 1973 - 1981, Vice President of Production, Ann Arbor Craftsmen, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan

Education

• 1979 B.S. - Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan
• 1985 M.Div. - Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• 1999 Ph.D. - Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Awards

• Concordia University Arts and Sciences Effective Teaching/Learning Award, 2002.
• Concordia University Student Association Professor of the Year, 2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2004-2005
• American Bible Society Scholarly “Studies in Greek Achievement Award” conferred by Concordia Theological Seminary, 1985

Professional Activities – Public Speaking, Seminars, Lectures

• “Marriage Matters” Seminar at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Normal Illinois, September 20, 2014.
• Key note speaker for the 2013 Beautiful Feet Conference, “How to Fill Big Shoes With the Feet You Have,” November 13, 2013.
• “Gender Issues in Our Culture and Congregations,” Indiana District Pastor’s Conference, Merrillville, Indiana, October, 2013.
• “Islam and Apologetics,” Seminar at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Belvidere, Illinois, September, 2013.
• “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as paradigm of Christianity,” KFUO interview based on Cinema Sophia Study, September, 2013.
• “You Got to Move it Move it: the Significance of Acts for Contemporary Christians,” Seminar at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Belvedere, Illinois, May 18, 2013.
• “Apocalypse How? Understanding Revelation as the original readers would have” Seminar at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Virginia, April 6, 2013.
• “Lazarus and the Rich Man,” radio interview, “Studio A with Roland Lettner,” KFUO radio, June 10, 2011.
• “Accent on Apologetics: Paul’s Letter to the Galatians as Foundation and Springboard for Effectively Engaging Modern Society through Lutheran Schools.” LEA Convocation, Cincinnati, Ohio, April 2011.
• “The Twilight of Education: Does Lutheranism Have a Stake in the Heart?” Association of Lutheran College Faculties annual conference, Irvine, California, October 1-3, 2010.
• “Give Unto Caesar the Things that Are Caesar,” radio interview, “Studio A with Roland Lettner,” KFUO radio, September 1, 2010.
• “Adoption” radio interview, “Studio A with Roland Lettner” KFUO radio, June 12, 2010.
• “Baptism and the Holy Spirit” radio interview, “Studio A with Roland Lettner” KFUO radio, June 1, 2010.
• “’Virtue’ in 2 Peter 1:5” radio interview, “Studio A with Roland Lettner” KFUO radio, February 10, 2010.
• “Swimming Upstream: How to Advocate for the Adversarial” Apologetics Seminar. Bethel Lutheran Church, Clearwater Florida. March 2009.
• “Marriage Matters: Weddings, Wars, and Winning Ways.” Imperial Nebraska annual conference, October, 2008.
• “Mystery in the Water and Identity in the Body and Blood.” LCMS National Youth Gathering, Orlando Florida, August 2007.
• “Sexual Brokenness: ‘Ships Passing in the Night? Biblical Means of Navigating Divorce and Re-marriage’” The Cranach Institute, Fort Wayne, Indiana, September 2006.
• “Marriage Matters: From Bride of Christ to Bride of Frankenstein?” Central Illinois District Pastor’s Conference, Springfield, Illinois, October 2005.
• “Media as Motivation” Lutheran Education Association Convocation, Indianapolis, Indiana, April 5, 2005.
• “The Gospel as ‘Counter Intelligence’” Concordia University System Theologians Conference, Dallas, Texas, March 5, 2005.
• “The Matrix: How to use media and art to make theology live in the hearts and minds of young people” Northern Illinois District, LCMS Youth Conference, Lyle, Illinois, November 7-9, 2004.
• “Wine, Women and Song” a radical explanation for the conflict and a simple way forward in issues of fellowship, gender issues, and worship, to be presented at Lutheran Student Fellowship Seminar, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, October 25, 2003.
• “The Matrix: Media as the Pulse of Religious Thinking and Invitation to Dialog” In His Face national youth gathering, Dallas, Texas, July 29-31, 2003.
• “An Inspired Approach to Catechism and Confirmation,” presented at the SELC District pastor’s conference, Alsip, Illinois, February 4, 2003.
• “Wine, Women, Song; a Study of 1 Corinthians 10,11,” presented at the Concordia Deaconess Conference, April 16, 2002.
• “Not On My Watch! An Inspired Approach to Catechism/Confirmation Instruction,” Lutheran Education Association national convocation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 18-20, 2002.
• “Predestination, Who does the Choosing?” presented at three sections of the National Youth Congress gathering, St. Charles Illinois, March 16, 2002.
• “Marriage Matters; Biblical Perspectives that Make All the Difference in Marriage Relationships,” presented at Northern Illinois District Pastor’s Conference, October 2001.
• “I Can’t Hear Myself Preach for the Snoring,” a study of hermeneutics which yields captivating engagement through public speaking, including preaching, presented at the Institute for Church Studies, Northern Illinois District, LCMS, September 2001.
• “Has David Foiled Joab? A Literary Study of the Importance of Joab’s Character in Relation to David,” presented in the Arts & Sciences Research and Faculty Development Series, Concordia University, River Forest, March 15, 2001.
• “Linguistic Approaches to Understanding the Controlling Ideas in 1 Peter,” presented at the Concordia Theological Seminary Symposium, January 2000.
• “Biblical Catechesis: How to Convey God’s Word in a Meaningful and Reasonable Way,” presented at several workshops to clergy and educators in Taiwan and provided as a one week intensive course for credit at China Lutheran Seminary, Hsinchu, Taiwan, 1993.
• “An Interpreter’s Approach to Research and Meaningful Translation of Biblical Words & Concepts,” presented during five days at the Interpreter’s Training Institute, Concordia Theological Seminary, 1985.

Publications

• Forth coming (May 2015) New Testament Questions and Answers (CPH).
• April 2015, “Is the Bible True?” Lutheran Hour Ministries Apologetics Web-resource.
• Fall 2013, Proof Edition, Apocalypse – How? Understanding the Revelation to St. John by comparison of the Greek text, extreme literal translation, dynamic equivalent translation, and notes. Amazon; CreateSpace (April 2015).
• Fall 2012, And the Storms Came. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2012.
• Summer 2010, notes on Malachi and Philippians, The Lutheran Study Bible, St. Louis: Concordia, 2009.
• Summer 2009, LEA eMonograph Series, “Why Apologize? Engaging challenges to the faith for educators in Lutheran ministries.”
• Spring 2009, Testamentum Imperium (2009): Eternal Security/Perseverance of the Saints, Vol. 2. “Election in Ephesians 1: Individual or Corporate?” and “Hagios in Pauline Letters: The Extrinsic Source of Christian Holiness.”
• Fall 2008 Concordia Pulpit Resources. Mark 10:32-45 “A Case of Mistaken Identity” and Philippians 2:5-11 “How Could You Stoop So Low?” St. Louis: Concordia.
• Study Notes for New Testament Introduction. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2007.
• Marriage and the Counsel of God. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2007.
• Called to be God’s People: An Introduction to the Old Testament. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2006.
• January 2006, Concordia Theological Quarterly, “Walk This Way: a Theme from Proverbs Reflected and Extended in Paul’s Letters.” Vol. 70:1, 43-62.
• Has Joab Foiled David? A Literary Study of the Importance of Joab’s Character in Relation to David. Peter Lang publishers, 2005.
• Fall 2004, Andrews University Seminary Studies, “Song of Songs: Increasing Appreciation of and Restraint in Matters of Love” Vol. 42, No.2, 305-324.
• Fall 2004, Teachers Interaction, “Classroom Environment – A Winnable War” (Concordia Publishing House).
• Fall 2003, LifeLight, “James & Jude,” Enrichment Magazine/Study Guide, (Concordia Publishing House).
• Summer 2001, Lutheran Education, “The Proper Care and Feeding of Catechumens, p261-269.
• 1996, The Everyday Study Bible, one page essays,
  • “Alcohol, ”
  • “Capital Punishment,”
  • “Celibacy,”
  • “Sabbath”

Book Reviews

• Song of Songs by Cheryl Exum in JETS vol. 50, No. 2, June 2007.
• Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament by Peter Enns in JETS vol. 48, No. 4, December 2005.

Reports

• Provided a critical analysis of the New Testaments meaning and use of “nomos” and offered comprehensive recommendations for its translation in the God’s Word to the Nations Bible translation.

Professor of Theology

Director, Cross-cultural Ministry Center

Curriculum Vitae

Education

• PhD Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa, 2015
• MS Education, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN, 2008
• MDiv, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, 2000
• BA, Concordia College, Seward, NE, 1995

Professional Experience

• Seminary Program Coordinator & Missionary, Lutheran Bible Translators, 2024-present 
• Professor of Theology, Concordia University Irvine, 2020-present
• Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University Irvine, 2016-2020
• Assistant Professor of Theology, Concordia University Irvine, 2012-2016
• Director of the Cross-cultural Ministry Center, Concordia University Irvine, 2012-present
• Lecturer, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Pretoria, South Africa, 2009-2012
• Theological Educator, LCMS, Francophone Africa, 2009-2012
• Director, Centre Luthérien d’Etudes Théologiques, Dapaong, Togo, West Africa, 2001-2007
• Academic Dean, Centre Luthérien d’Etudes Théologiques, Dapaong, Togo, West Africa, 2007-2009
• President, Mission Luthérienne, Dapaong, Togo, West Africa, 2001-2009
• Missionary, LCMS, Togo (1998-2009) & South Africa (2009-2012)

Select Peer Reviewed Publications

• “How is Theology a Habitus? Voices from the Past and Why It Matters Today.” Concordia Theological Quarterly 89, no. 1 (2025): 3-31.
• “Integrating Theology & Mission in the Cross-cultural Ministry Center (CMC).” Lutheran Mission Matters 31, no. 1 (2023): 107-117.
• “Pastoral Care During the ‘Age of Orthodoxy’: The Case of Johann Gerhard’s Homiletic Advice,” In Fides, Confessio, & Pietas: Studien zur Wirkungsgeschichte der Reformation, edited by Christoph Barnbock & Christian Neddens, 63-77. Leipzig: Evangelische Verlagsanstalt, 2021.
• “How Online Learning May Disadvantage Students from Some Cultures and What to Do About It in the Theology Classroom.” The Wabash Center Journal On Teaching 2, no. 1 (2021): 187-202.
• “Johann Gerhard’s Transitional Concept of Theologia.” Archiv für Reformationsgeschichte/ Archive for Reformation History 109 (2018): 231-259.
• Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) and the Conceptualization of Theologia at the Threshold of the “Age of Orthodoxy”: The Making of the Theologian. Göttingen: Edition Ruprecht, 2018.
• “The Doctrine of Justification as the ‘Unifying Center’ of Theology and Missions.” In “Die einigende Mitte”. Theologie in konfessioneller und ökumenischer Verantwortung, edited by Christoph Barnbrock & Gilberto da Silva, 554-568. Göttingen: Edition Ruprecht, 2018.
• “The Giant That Couldn’t Sleep: An Active Theology of Missions as Derived from the Lutheran Confessions.” Lutheran Mission Matters 25, no. 2 (2017): 229-242.
• “The Dubious History of ‘Contextualization’ and the Cautious Case for its Continued Use.” Lutheran Mission Matters 25, no. 1 (2017): 49-69.
• “The Dual Nature of Evangelism in the Early Church.” Concordia Journal 42, no. 4 (2016): 305-321.
• “Why Lutheran Education in Africa?” Missio Apostolica 23, no. 2 (2015): 206-210.
• “A Historical and Sociocultural Analysis of Distance Education in the United States with Implications for Distance Theological Education in Africa.” Journal of Adult Theological Education 7, no. 1 (2010): 26-43.
• “Reflections of a New Missionary.” Missio Apostolica (Nov. 2000): 80-87.

Select Professional Publications

• “COVID-19 as Gospel Metaphor: God’s ‘Outside-In’ Cure for Our ‘Inside-Out’ Disease.” Lutheran Witness (June/July 2020): 28.
• “Mission (Un)expected. Mission (Im)possible.” Sermon study on Is. 66:18-23 (Pentecost 11). Concordia Pulpit Resources 29, part 3, series C (2019): 39-42.
• “Why Lutheran Education in Africa?” Lutherans Engage the World 1, no. 1 (2012): 2-4.
• “Commentary: Remembering Pastor Wilbert Kreiss.” Reporter Online (Nov 3, 2011).
• “African Seminary Celebrates Four Graduates, 13 Vicars.” Online Reporter (August 5, 2011).
• “La Préparation du Sermon.” Course Manual, Centre Luthérien d’Etudes Théologiques, Dapaong, Togo, 2007
• “La Parole Vivante: Un Survol des Livres Bibliques du Daniel à l’Apocalypse.” Course Manual, Centre Luthérien d’Etudes Théologiques, Dapaong, Togo, 2006.

Book Reviews

• A Widower’s Lament: The Pious Meditations of Johann Christoph Oelhafen, by Ronald K. Rittgers, in Lutheran Quarterly 36, no. 4 (2022): 438-440.
• Konfession, Politik, und Gelehrsamkeit. Der Jenaer Theologe Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) im Kontext seiner Zeit, edited by Markus Friedrich, Sascha Salatowsky, & Luise Schorn-Schütte, in Lutheran Quarterly 32, no. 1 (2018): 110-112.

Public Speaking, Seminars, Lectures

• “Mission Bridge Metaphors,” Lutheran Society for Missiology Banquet Address, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, May 1, 2023.
• “Mission Bridge Metaphors: Towards a More Joyful and Hopeful Approach to Missions,” Trembath Lecture, Concordia University Irvine, CA, Feb 1, 2023.
• “Grounding our mission in God’s Mission: A Theology of Mission for Unsettling Times,” Winter Retreat for three congregations in Los Angeles, CA, via Zoom Feb 13, 2021.
• “A Biblical Theology of Mission for Today,” Presentation, Pastors’ Circuit Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, Aug 14 & Sept 9, 2020.
• “Why We Need a Multicultural Reformation in the Lutheran Church and How To Bring it About,” Presentation, Best Practices in Ministry Conference, Phoenix, CA, Feb 20, 2020.
• “Travel Junkies & Philanthropic Endeavors: ‘Service Adventures’ as the New Monasticism,” CUI Bono Presentation, Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, CA, Feb 12, 2020.
• “Ethnic Specific or Multi-Ethnic?” presented at the Multicultural Gathering, Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, CA, Nov 27, 2018.
• “Exploring the Intersect Between Culture and Online Education: Observations and Questions,” paper presented at the annual conference of the Association of Lutheran College Faculties, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, Sept. 21-22, 2018.
• “How the Doctrine of Justification Can Bring Theology and Missions Back Together Again,” paper presented at the Theological Symposium, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, Sept. 2017.
• “Seven Theses: A Call for a Multi-Cultural ‘Reformation’ in the Lutheran Church,” presented at the annual retreat of the Oromo Evangelical Lutheran Mission Society, Las Vegas, CA, June 30, 2017 and at Concordia University Irvine, CA, Nov. 28, 2017.
• “The ‘Age of Orthodoxy’ as a Time of Personal Spirituality and Pastoral Care: The Case of Johann Gerhard,” Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Dana Point, April 23, 2017.
• “Distance Education, Culture, and Theological Formation: Observations and Questions,” paper presented at the LCMS Theologians’ Conference, Irvine, CA, May 25, 2016.
• “God’s Word as a Gift of Hope,” presented at the LCMS Pastors’ Conference of the Pacific Southwest District, Palm Springs, CA, Sept. 27, 2012.
• “Pastoral Theology of Marriage” two-day seminar at the international gathering of pastors of the Union of Lutheran Churches in Africa, Centre Luthérien d’Etudes Théologiques, Dapaong, Togo, March 2007.
• “Sermon Preparation” seminar at the pastoral conference of the Eglise Luthérienne du Togo, Sadori, Togo, March 2006.
• “Christ-centered Hermeneutic” two-day seminar at the pastoral conference of the Eglise Luthérienne du Togo, Sadori, Togo, March 2005.
• “The Pastor’s Response to Suffering” seminar given to students of the Centre Luthérien d’Etudes Théologiques, Dapaong, Togo, March 2004.
• “Created and Equipped to Serve God: The Practice of Christian Giving” two-day seminar at the pastoral conference of the Eglise Luthérienne du Togo, Sadori, Togo, Nov 2003.

Teaching & Research Interests

• Church History
• Seventeenth Century Lutheran theology & theologians (emphasis: Johann Gerhard)
• Intersect between culture, theology, and theological education
• Missionary pastoral education
• Missiology, Missional theology & practice
• Church Planting

Courses Taught

Undergraduate and graduate courses taught

• CTHL 101 Foundations of Christian Theology
• CTHL 200 Introduction to Theological Thought
• THL 481 Mission of Christ's Church
• THL 504 Survey of Historical Theology
• THL 510 Lutheran Confessions
• THL 530 The Reformation
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II
• TPRC 521 Theology and Practice of Mission
• TVIC 501-508 Vicarage I-IV

Dean, Christ College
Director of FaithWorks Center at Concordia University Irvine
Professor of Philosophy, Theology and Ethics

Curriculum Vitae

Education

• Ph.D. St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO
• M.Div. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO
• B.A. Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

Professional Experience

• Concordia University Irvine: Professor, 2011 - Present
• Zion Lutheran Church, Bolivar, MO: Pastor, 2003 - 2011

Research Interests

• Doctrine of Vocation
• Church, state, and public life
• Political thought

Selected Publications

Books

• Editor, Faith at Work: Christian Vocation in the Professions (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2024)

Translations

• Editor, Pastoral Theology, by C. F. W. Walther. Translated by Christian Tiews (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2017)
• “C. F. W. Walther’s Concept of Missions,” by Volker Stolle. In Missio Apostolica 10, no. 1 (May 2002): 38-40.
• “Kant’s Idea of Peace and the Philosophic Concept of a World Republic,” by Matthias Lutz-Bachmann. In Perpetual Peace: Essays on Kant’s Cosmopolitan Ideal, ed. James Bohman and Matthias Lutz-Bachmann, 59-77. Cambridge: MIT Press, 1997.

Miscellaneous

• “Called By Whom and How? Reflections on the Structure of Vocation.” Concordia Journal 49, no. 1 (Winter 2023): 35–46.
•  “Luther, Vocation, and the Search for Significance.” Lutheran Quarterly 35 (2021): 50–72. Responses by Robert Benne, Suzanne Hequet, and Kiara Jorgenson.
• “Confession of a Lutheran University.” Concordia Theological Journal 7, no. 1 (Winter 2020): 60–76.
• “Hegel’s Critique of Greek Immediacy.” Hegel Bulletin 42, no. 2 (2021): 157–79. (Originally published by Cambridge University Press online, Dec. 26, 2018.)
• Contributor, Devotions on the Small Catechism. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2019
• “To Be Known as I Know Myself: Identity, Politics and the Gospel.” Issues in Christian Education 48, no. 3 (Summer 2015). http://issues.cune.edu/the-lgbt-disputes-teaching-and-practice-in-the-church-2/the-lgbt-disputes-teaching-and-practice-in-the-church/
• “What Is the Theology of the Cross.” Sidebar. LEA Shaping the Future (Summer 2014). http://stf.lea.org/summer2014/feat1schumacher.html.
• “What the Gospel Does: Three Ways of Applying the Gospel Concretely.” Concordia Journal 36, no. 1 (Winter 2010): 21-31.

Bible Studies

• The Parables Leaders Guide. Edited by Brian Chisamore. LifeLight Bible Study series. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2013.
• 1 and 2 Kings Leaders Guide (lectures only). Edited by Brian Chisamore. LifeLight Bible Study series. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2013.
• Heaven and Hell. Edited by Brian Chisamore. LifeLight Bible Study series. Concordia Publishing House, 2012.
• 1, 2, 3 John Leaders Guide. Edited by Brian Chisamore. LifeLight Bible Study series. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2012.

Courses Taught

Undergraduate theology, philosophy, and political thought courses

• NPHI 467 Bioethics and Healthcare Professions
• THL 390  Practicum: Theology
• THL 465 Christians and Ethics
• THL 401 & 501 Introduction to Theological Research
• THL 505 Polity, Leadership, and Team Ministry
• THL 565 Christianity, Ethics, and Contemporary culture
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II
• MHA 573 Vocation and Ethics in Healthcare Management

Dr. Michael P. Middendorf

Professor of Theology

Curriculum Vitae

Hi! My name is Mike Middendorf, a Professor of Theology. I am privileged to teach a wide of variety of courses related to the Bible (e.g. Old and New Testament, Greek and Hebrew, and many more!). It is a great opportunity to lead classes on three levels at one University! My favorite group to work with is our undergraduate students, but I also get to teach courses in the Master of Arts program and to seminarians studying here for many types of ethnic ministry. My home state is Minnesota and my college is a sister school of Concordia - Irvine, located in St. Paul, MN. After completing my pastor’s degree and a doctorate at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, I was a parish pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND. Then I served as professor for 9 years at another sister Concordia, in Austin, TX, before coming to Irvine. Is that enough Concordia’s for you? Well, yet another Concordia, Concordia Publishing House, asked me to write a two-volume commentary on the book of Romans for their Concordia Commentary series. Volume one was published in 2013; volume two in 2016. I also co-authored the New Testament textbook used here and at other Concordias titled, Called by the Gospel. In addition to digging into the Bible, I have worked on an archaeology dig three summers at Hippos on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. After all those Concordias, I should point out that “Concordia” is from two Latin words which literally mean “with heart.” That is one phrase which I strive to have as a characteristic of my teaching ministry. “Concordia” is also often translated as “harmony.” Since coming to Concordia in 2001, I have really found that to be an outstanding description of the Christian community here.

Education

• Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, M.Div., 1987; S.T.M., 1989; Ph.D., 1990
• Concordia College, St. Paul, MN, B.A., 1981

Professional Experience

• Concordia University Irvine, CA since 2001
• Concordia University Austin, TX, 1992-2000

Recent Achievements

• Author of the 2-volume commentary on Romans in the Concordia Commentary series (2013, 2016)
• Co-author of Called by the Gospel, a university-level New Testament introduction (2007)
• Dissertation on Romans 7, The "I" in the Storm, published by Concordia Publishing House (1997)

Courses Taught

Undergraduate Bible, theology, Greek, and Ministry courses

• THL 312 New Testament Book of the Bible
• TGRE 501, 502 Greek I, II
• THL 528 Seminar in Biblical Theology and Exegesis
• THL 529 Lutheran Hermeneutics and Theology of Scripture
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II
• TEXN 510 The Synoptic Gospels and Acts
• TEXN 520 Romans/Pauline Literature

Vice President, Chief Mission Officer, & Professor of Theology

Rev. Dr. Steven P. Mueller earned his doctorate from Durham University in England, completing his dissertation on The Christology of C. S. Lewis: A Lutheran's Evaluation. A graduate of Christ College, Irvine, Dr. Mueller completed his Master's of Divinity and Master’s of Sacred Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft Wayne, IN. Following his ordination, he accepted a call to Concordia University Irvine in 1995. A published author and hymn writer, Dr. Mueller also serves as an Assistant Pastor for Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine.

Curriculum Vitae

Education

• Ph.D. Durham University (England)
• S.T.M. Concordia Theological Seminary
• M.Div. Concordia Theological Seminary
• B.A. Christ College Irvine

Professional Experience

• Concordia University since 1995
• Asst. Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sioux City, Iowa 1991-1995
• Teaching Assistant, Concordia Theological Seminary & Director of Choral and Handbell Music, Bethany Lutheran Church, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, 1990-1991

Teaching & Research Interests

• Systematic Theology: Christian Doctrine, Lutheran Confessions
• World Religions
• Worship
• C.S. Lewis

Selected Publications

• The Lutheran Study Bible. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2010. (Contributor and Associate Editor).
• Called to Believe, Teach, and Confess: An Introduction to Doctrinal Theology. Wipf and Stock, 2005. (author/editor).
• Not a Tame God: Christ in the Writings of C. S. Lewis. Concordia Publishing House, 2002.
• Theologia et Apologia: Essays in Reformation Theology and its Defense, Wipf and Stock, 2007. (contributor and co-editor)
• Called to Believe: A Brief Introduction to Christian Doctrine. Wipf and Stock, 2006 (author/editor)
• “Christ the Word of God Incarnate.” Hymn Text. Lutheran Service Book, 2006.
• “The Lion, the Witch, and the Savior.” The Lutheran Witness, December 2005.
• “Beyond Mere Christianity: An Assessment of C.S. Lewis.” Christian Research Journal, Sept/Oct 2004.
• “Born Again. . . and Again and Again.” The Lutheran Witness 117:10 (October 1998).
• Worship. Lutheran Difference Bible Study Series, Concordia Publishing House, 2004.
• Miracles of Jesus, Concordia Publishing House, 2001.
• Parables of Jesus, Concordia Publishing House, 2000.
• Journey Through God’s Word: An Introductory Course: Revelation. Concordia Publishing House, 1999.
• Journey Through God’s Word: An Introductory Course: Psalms. Concordia Publishing House, 1999.

Hymns

• “Your Word Brought Forth the Universe.” Forthcoming.
• “Unto Jerusalem.” (tune: Southwell). Concordia University, 2011.
• "Lord You Call Us as Your People.” (tune: Joyous Light). Commissioned for the Inauguration of Dr. Kurt Krueger, President of Concordia University Irvine, 2010.
• “Loving Father, You Have Made Us.” (tune: Suo Gan). 2010.
• “In Many Times and Various Ways.” (tune: Winchester Old). Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 2009.
• “Christ, the Word of God, Incarnate.” (tune: Holy Manna). Lutheran Service Book, 2006. Also included in Christian Worship Supplement. Northwestern, 2008.

Courses Taught

Undergraduate theology courses

• THL 371, 372 Christian Doctrine and Confessions I, II
• THL 501 Introduction to Theological Research
• THL 510 Lutheran Confessions
• THL 573 Systematic Doctrinal Theology
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II
• TSYS 511, 512, 513 Systematics I, II, III
• TPRC 542 Christian Worship in Cultural Context

Professor of Theology, Director of Graduate Program

Biography

Joel Oesch, MDiv, holds a PhD from Concordia Seminary and is a graduate of Yale University. He is Director of the Graduate Programs in Theology. Professor Oesch served as Director of Christian Education for 10 years. His research interests are embodied theology, the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and contemporary culture. He’s served Concordia since 2012.

Education

• Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, PhD 2015
• Yale University, New Haven, CT, M.Div. 2009
• Concordia University Irvine CA, B.A. 1997

Professional Experience

• Director of Christian Education, St. Mark Lutheran, Kaneohe, HI (1997-2001)
• Minister of Youth and Education, Bethany Lutheran, Austin, TX (2001-2006)
• Executive Director, Crosswise Institute (2014-)
• Professor of Theology, Concordia University Irvine (2012-)
• Director of Graduate Studies, Concordia University Irvine (2012-)

Courses Taught

Undergraduate Bible and theology courses

• REL 375 The American Religious Landscape
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 591  Colloquium
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II

Publications

• "Working the Harvest in Digital Fields." Missio Apostolica 21 (May 2013): 31-40.
• More than a Pretty Face: Using Embodied Lutheran Theology to Evaluate Community Building in Online Social Networks. Wipf & Stock, 2017.
• "Embodied Living in the Age of Excarnation." Concordia Theological Journal 6, no.1 (Fall 2018): 55-74.
• Crossing Wires: Making Sense of Technology, Transhumanism, and Christian Identity. Wipf & Stock, 2020.

Assistant Professor of Theology, Christ College

Biography

Rev. Jonathan Ruehs has an MA in Christian Apologetics, an MA in Theology and Culture, and a PhD in Intercultural Studies/Missiology . He serves as an Associate Professor of Theology, Director of the Center for Church Leadership, and the Director of the Lutheran Colloquy program in Christ College. His research interests include apologetics, spiritual warfare, and contextualization in missions. In addition, he serves as an ordained pastor in the LCMS working as a part-time assistant pastor at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Irvine.  He worked previously at Concordia University Irvine in 2007-2008, and then returned in 2011.

Education

• Columbia International University, Columbia, SC, Ph.D. 2022
• Concordia University Irvine, CA. M.A. (Cross-Cultural Ministry Center/Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) 2015
• Biola University, La Mirada, CA. M.A. 2001
• Concordia University Irvine, CA. B.A. 1995
• Professional Experience
• Director of Youth and Parish Education, First Lutheran Church, Burbank, CA (1997-2007)
• Director of Church Vocations Recruitment/Assistant Professor of Christian Education, Concordia University Irvine, CA (2007-2008)
• Adjunct Professor of Theology, Concordia University Irvine, CA (2005-2006)
• Associate Director of the Director of Christian Education Program/Assistant Professor of Christian Education, Concordia University, Austin, TX (2008-2011)
• Residential Coordinator of Spiritual Life, Concordia University Irvine, CA (2011-2015).
• Associate Pastor of Outreach, Concordia University Irvine, CA (2015-2018)
• Director of the Center for Church Leadership, Concordia University Irvine, CA (2018-)
• Assistant Professor of Theology, Concordia University Irvine, CA (2018-2023)
• Assistant Pastor, Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Irvine, CA (2022-)
• Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University Irvine, CA (2023-)
• Director of the Lutheran Colloquy Program, Concordia University Irvine, CA (2023-)

Courses Taught

Undergraduate Bible, theology, and ministry courses

• THL 390  Practicum: Theology
• THL 222 Christian Witness and Evangelism
• THL 430 Christian Apologetics
• THL 502 Ministry in Cultural Context
• THL 521 World Religions
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II
• MACL 502  Spiritual Care
• MACL 595 Christian Ministry Capstone
• MACL 596 Teaching and Interpretation Capstone

Publications

• "'Working 9 to 5?' : The Doctrine of Vocation and Its Application to DCE Ministry." In Together: Preparing Christian Educators for the Future, edited by Dean R. Hansen and Brent Alan Mai, 27-36. Portland: Concordia University, 2011.
• “Millennials and Maslow: First Article Needs and Christian Apologetics,” Missio Apostolica: Journal of the Lutheran Society for Missiology, 41, no. 1 (Spring, 2013): 55-62.
• “From Church to Campus to World: Lutheran Theology and Campus Ministry.” In The Idea and Practice of a Christian University: A Lutheran Approach, edited by Scott A. Ashmon, 267-283. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2015.
• “The Skeptics: Atheists, Agnostics, and the Spiritual But Not Religious.” In The Christian Difference: An Explanation & Comparison of World Religions, edited by Wayne Palmer and Laura Lane, 297-366. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2019.
• “The Church: A Call to God’s Family.” In Who Am I? Exploring Your Identity Through Your Vocations, edited by Scott Ashmon, 143-156. Irvine: New Reformation Publications, 2020.

Associate Professor of Theology and Bioethics

After serving congregations near Pittsburgh, PA and Chicago, IL, bioethicist and theologian Scott Stiegemeyer joined the Faculty at Concordia University Irvine in 2015. A 1991 graduate of Concordia University in Ann Arbor, MI, he attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN from which he earned his mater of divinity.  During his time in the Chicago area, he earned a Master of Arts in bioethics from Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL and later completed a doctorate in bioethics from Loyola University, Chicago. Dr. Stiegemeyer writes and teaches in the areas of church history, bioethics, theology of the body, and Christian ministry in contemporary American contexts.

Biography

Grew up in Kansas City, MO, served as a Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod pastor in the Pittsburgh, PA and Chicago, IL areas. Former Circuit Visitor in the Eastern District of the LCMS. Member of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations

Education

• B.A., Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI
• M.Div., Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN
• M.A., Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL
• D. Bioethics, Loyola University, Chicago, IL

Advisor Foci

• Research: Human Dignity
• Theological Anthropology
• The Church's engagement with contemporary challenges

Publications and Articles

• Concordia Theological Quarterly - "Robert George’s Natural Law Argument against Same-Sex Marriage" and "How Do You Know Whether You Are a Man or a Woman?"
• Lutheran Witness - "Male and Female He Created Them"
• Concordia Pulpit Resource - "The Body of Your Sermon: Preaching Incarnational Theology"
• Dignitas - "Theological Anthropology for Bioethics"

Books

• Lutheranism 101 for Kids
• Your Marriage by God's Design
• United in Christ: Preparation for Christian Marriage

Chapter

"Let Us Make Man" in One of the Holy Trinity Suffered for Us: Essays in Honor of William C. Weinrich

Courses Taught

• ATHL 382 Corporate Worship
• ATHL 404 Survey of Historical Theology
• CCI 103 Introduction to Ministry
• CTHL 101 Foundations of Christian Theology
• CTHL 200 Introduction to Theological Thought
• MACL 442 Christian Worship in Cultural Context
• NPHI 467 Bioethics and Healthcare Professions
• THL 304 History of the Christian Church
• THL 371, 372 Christian Doctrine and Confessions I, II
• THL 382 Corporate Worship
• THL 504 Survey of Historical Theology
• THL 511 Creeds and Confessions
• THL 465 Christians and Ethics
• THL 565 Christianity, Ethics and Contemporary Culture
• THL 590 Guided Readings
• THL 595 & 596 Thesis I & II
• MPH 545 Vocation and Ethics in Public Health
• TPRC 542 Christian Worship in Cultural Context