Concordia Seminary’s Generations Campaign went on the road in January 2016 with special events for longtime supporters and new friends in Houston and St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Generations Campaign is the largest in the Seminary’s 177-year history and aims to ensure that future generations will be served by faithful pastors who share the Gospel message in ways that advance the Great Commission.

To date, the campaign has raised more than $136 million in gifts and pledges toward a $180 million goal. The campaign seeks to build endowment, increase annual support and scholarships, renovate the library and enhance learning technology.

During a special event in Houston, Seminary representatives shared the mission and ministry of the Seminary and explained more about the campaign during a special dinner with about 85 attendees.

Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer shared how the Generations Campaign is “about more than raising a lot of money.”

“It’s about ensuring that our families have access to the Gospel — regularly communicated and lived out by faithful, loving pastors,” he said. “This is a momentous time in the history of Concordia Seminary. In the face of a culture that is turning its back on and scorning Christianity; at a time when our church is looking to Concordia Seminary for pastors who are able to reach a new generation; at a time when the mission field — right here in our own backyard — is calling. I truly believe that God has brought the resources and called our generation to endow the critical ministries of the Church with their most generous gifts.”

Seminarian Craig Reiter shares his journey to the Seminary during a Generations Campaign event in January 2016 in Houston. Photo: Kim Braddy

Among the presenters was third-year seminarian Craig Reiter of Grafton, Wis. “As an active student I get to meet most of my classmates,” he said. “Although we come from many different backgrounds, cultures and countries, we all share a sincere sense of calling, a desire to share the Gospel and a commitment to shepherd the people God puts in our lives as we prepare for service as a pastor. There is no other vocation more suited for allowing us to do what we love in the name of Him who first loved us.”

Also in January, about 40 Seminary friends and supporters gathered in St. Petersburg, Fla., to hear about the campaign and learn how they can get involved. Speakers included Meyer, National Campaign Council (NCC) Chairman Craig Olson and NCC members Bob and Marcy Shuck.

National Campaign Council Chairman Craig Olson explains why he is involved in the Generations Campaign during an event in January 2016 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Photo: Tom Rehkop.

“At a time when our society is increasingly hostile to the Church — Christians are being murdered around the world for their beliefs and young people in our communities are falling away from the Church — the role of Concordia Seminary and the formation of effective and faithful pastors is more important than ever,” Olson said. “We [he and his wife, Jane] have given our hearts and much of our philanthropic support to Concordia Seminary because we feel it has the greatest potential to change the trajectory of our beloved Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and is another way we are being called to help carry out the Great Commission.”

Olson encouraged the dinner guests to “leave viewing Concordia Seminary and the students as worthy beneficiaries of your generosity.”

To learn more about the Generations Campaign or to make a gift, visit www.csl.edu/generations.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2016 Concordia Seminary magazine.
Design by Michelle Meier, a graphic designer at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.