In an increasingly pluralistic society, Concordia Theological Seminary recognizes the need for Christians to be able to defend the truthfulness of the Gospel in the public square. To that end, the seminary is pleased to offer a new retreat entitled “Contending for the Faith in the Twenty-First Century.”

Held on May 1–2, 2009, the seminar will offer several presentations on differing topics, such as atheism, Islam, and the historical and practical implications of a Christian witness. Featured speakers include:

Dr. Steve Mueller (Dean of Christ College, CUI)
Dr. Angus Menuge (Prof. of Philosophy, CUW)
Dr. Jeffrey Mallinson (Academic Dean, Trinity Lutheran College)
Rev. Dr. Robert Newton (President, California-Nevada-Hawaii District)
Rev. Dr. Steven Mueller (Concordia University Irvine)
Mr. Craig Parton (United States Director of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights)
Mr. Sam Shamoun (Apologist and Islamic scholar, www.answeringislam.org)
Dr. Adam Francisco (Concordia Theological Seminary)

Their combined expertise on apologetics will give attendees a greater confidence and insight into Christian witness in the public arena and will give them the tools to "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks for the reason for the hope among us" (1 Peter 3:15).

...The library expansion will add 45,000 square feet of space to the current building, bringing the seminary's entire 175,000 volume collection under one roof.

The project also features individual and group study rooms, where seminarians can come into contact with the church's historical writings. A Pastoral Workshop Room will create space for them to delve into further study of God's Word while simultaneously cultivating ideas on how to expand their own personal libraries. A Rare Book and Archive Room will house the seminary's unique collection of ancient texts. Community members will be able to utilize age-appropriate materials found in the Children and Family Life Room. Finally, an electronic classroom will serve as instructional and retreat space...

Read more about the expansion on the Seminary blog, including a tour : Four Times the Library Goodness

When I was a little girl, I imagined various ways to serve my God. Perhaps I would be a saintly nun or a stalwart martyr. People would be blessed simply by my brilliant smile or the touch of my hand. My humble acts of mercy would bring great glory to the Church, and I would be remembered throughout the ages. I had a vivid imagination.

As my life was lived out in reality, I was taught some valuable lessons about vocation and mercy in suffering before I was called to serve as a deaconess. We are all called to many and various vocations, some within the structure of the Church and some without. All are opportunities to serve our neighbors. God works in all vocations, and He calls them good. People are most certainly blessed through them; not by us, but by God Himself. Our loving God blesses them through the touch of our hands, and He does this wherever we work.

Christians are called to merciful service, but the Church places some in a designated office to ensure that this work is done. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod trains women for the office of deaconess, the servants of mercy. Deaconesses stand in the midst of the hurting, the weak, and the oppressed. They are present with the suffering and in the places where honor has been replaced with shame. This is no easy task, but through this avenue, Christ displays His eternal compassion. Compassion is incarnate in the deaconess, as she suffers alongside Christ's beloved flock and declares to them, You are not alone

I was urged by my family, friends, and pastors to pursue deaconess studies at Concordia Theological Seminary. By this time I had learned that I was neither saintly nor stalwart. I learned that suffering was messy, and not an opportunity for personal glory. But even so, I moved to Indiana and began my life as a deaconess.

Concordia Theological Seminary trains women theologically and practically to serve in the office of deaconess. If you have considered this program, I encourage you to speak to your pastor, and then express your interest to the department of admissions or the deaconess studies office at the seminary. We always look forward to hearing your questions and concerns. We are here to serve.

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