“I have to say, after reading more last night, that I am very impressed with the candor of each essay, and that the book does not come across as a giant commercial for the Admissions Department.  There is a heavy dose of reality, accompanied by a heavy dose of humor in each essay.  Everyone has written as if they are writing to a friend or family member.  I really appreciate the enormous effort to put the book together.” - J.H., CTS Class of 2013

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At the center of Saarinen’s architectural masterpiece (Concordia Theological Seminary’s campus) is Kramer Chapel. It sits in the middle of 192 acres. Our man-made lake gave its dirt so that Kramer could also be the highest point. I’m glad its there. Whether or not Saarinen had any theological reasoning for the position of the chapel, the chapel is today the foundation to the classical theological formation that takes place at Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS). Classical theological training, forming servants by the blood of Christ, finds its identity when God delivers his gifts into the eyes, ears, and mouths of his people. Formation is what CTS is all about. Jesus Christ changes students into servants that bear Christ’s cross to the ends of the world. Christ does that by the power of his Word. And that Word is powerful. Powerful to bring life to death and light to darkness. It seems like it all starts in Kramer Chapel, but it really begins as God calls weak and sinful hearts to repentance and preaches his love in the blood of his Son. It begins in baptism and continues as God still gathers his people around pulpits and altars…even Kramer’s pulpit. At CTS, everyday students, faculty, and staff gather around Christ’s Word and sacraments. That Word preached to the seminary community is the identity and the foundation for what happens in the classroom. And when these students receive their calls, it is this Word that continues to be the center of everything they do. It is the highest and most brilliant delight for every pastor. And so it doesn’t end in Kramer Chapel. Our students and staff move throughout the world. They bring Christ and his forgiveness to God’s people, to shake the world’s foundation, an earthquake for the fallen world. And these men shout from the roof tops. They shout because God has opened their lips and filled their mouths with the living Word. They shout and through that declaration of the God-Man Jesus, the Holy Spirit works faith. Thanks be to God for his good gifts.