Rev. Dr. Joel D. Biermann

Dr. Joel D. Biermann is the Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

A faculty member since 2002, Biermann teaches doctrinal theology with a special interest and emphasis centered on ethics and the correct role of the Law in the life of the believer. He also is the faculty marshal.

A pastor’s son, Biermann was raised in parishes in Nebraska and Michigan. Graduating with his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Concordia College in Ann Arbor, Mich. (1983), he enrolled at Concordia Seminary and finished his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in 1987.

At Trinity Lutheran Church in Bemidji, Minn., and then St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Holt, Mich., he served as a parish pastor for 11 years.

Biermann returned to Concordia Seminary in 1998 as a graduate student. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 2002 with a dissertation entitled, “Virtue Ethics and the Place of Character Formation in Lutheran Theology.”

Outside of his Seminary responsibilities, Biermann serves local congregations as invited and has helped produce material for congregational small group Bible studies (Help for the Hurried Life, Questions About). He also has worked on similar study material through Lutheran Hour Ministries (Who Am I, What Am I Doing Here?, Fatherhood, We the People, A Man Named Martin) and provided discussion questions and answers for a series of men’s Bible study books through Concordia Publishing House (Blessed is the Man).

He has authored four books: “Day 7: for Work, Rest, or Play” (CPH, 2024), “Wholly Citizens” (Fortress, 2017); “A Case for Character” (Fortress, 2014); and  “Courageous Fathers of the Bible” (Concordia Publishing House (CPH), 2011).

Biermann is a frequent speaker at LCMS District and congregational gatherings and conferences, where he covers a variety of topics, especially those relating to issues of discipleship, Christian formation, vocation, work and leisure (“rest”), as well as church and state issues.

Biermann and his wife, Jeannalee, have three adult children who are all graduates of Concordia Seminary. Jasmine and Justine are both Master of Arts (M.A.) graduates and Jess is a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) graduate and is currently working on his Ph.D. at the Seminary. They also have 11 grandchildren.
 

Interests:

Ethics
Law and the life of the believer
Interface of church and world
Aesthetics