Ten students representing five programs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis were recognized Nov. 1 in the Chapel of St. Timothy and Titus for receiving pastoral and diaconal calls and completing their programs.

“We rejoice in the placement of the five pastoral candidates at a time when our church needs men to serve as pastors in the Lord’s harvest. I’m especially pleased to see five deaconesses being placed as well. They will serve Chinese, Hispanic and English populations, bringing spiritual care and theologically informed teaching to their congregations,” said Dr. Glenn Nielsen, senior professor of Practical Theology, director of Placement and director of Certification. “We thank our Lord for calling these dedicated men and women to serve in His church.”

Pastoral Formation

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Four students completed the M.Div. Program, a residential Ministerial Formation program that prepares men for the pastoral office.

• Matthew Gerzevske, Timothy Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Mo., LCMS Missouri District
• Nathan Harkins, Faith Lutheran Church, Abilene, Kan., LCMS Kansas District
• Erik Johnson,Concordia Lutheran Church, Maplewood, Mo., LCMS Missouri District
• Benjamin Vanderhyde, Calvary Lutheran Church, Wray, Col., LCMS Rocky Mountain District

Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS)

One student was recognized for completing his certification through CHS, the Seminary’s Spanish language pastoral formation program, and receiving his call.

• Jaime Gonzalez, Comunidad Cristiana Expansion, Rockwall, Texas, LCMS Texas  District

Deaconess Studies

Residential Deaconess Studies

One student was recognized for completing the Residential Deaconess Studies program for certification as a commissioned deaconess.

• Michele Doel, St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, LaPorte, Ind., LCMS Indiana District

Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) Deaconess Studies

Two students were recognized for completing the Deaconess Studies program through CHS and for receiving their calls to serve as deaconesses.

• Fabiana Dos Santos, Comunidad Cristiana Expansion, Rockwall, Texas, LCMS Texas District
• Maria Barron Valadez, Comunidad Cristiana Expansion, Rockwall, Texas, LCMS Texas District

Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) Deaconess Studies

Two students completed the EIIT Deaconess Studies program. The program leads to commissioning as a deaconess in the LCMS.

• Kan Hsu, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Olivette, Mo., LCMS Missouri District
• Helen Zhang, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Olivette, Mo., LCMS Missouri District

The Seminary recognizes and celebrates calls throughout the year although the campus’ primary Call Day celebration typically is held in April. During call celebrations, students receive their first calls to ministry as well as assignments for vicarages and deaconess internships. The Seminary’s next primary Call Day is set for April 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). To learn more, visit csl.edu.