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Concordia Nebraska launches Church Work Letter of Intent program

by Amy Crawford

Seward, NE (08/21/2024) — Seeking to continue to encourage students to consider pursuing church work studies at the university, Concordia Nebraska has launched a new Church Work Letter of Intent program to celebrate students who are interested in pursuing pre-seminary, pre-deaconess, director of parish music, director of Christian education, Lutheran teacher or classical Lutheran educator studies at the university.

"We were brainstorming ways to connect with students prior to their arrival on campus and also wanted to create a way for them to be recognized and celebrated in their desire to pursue a career in church work," explained Concordia Nebraska LCMS and Church Work Admissions Counselor Olivia Johnson. "It was born out of a retention effort to keep students in a church work program but also allows students to be recognized in front of their congregations and schools prior to coming here. It is our hope that congregations would be reminded and encouraged to pray for these youth who are pursuing church work."

Admitted students who indicate that they wish to pursue church work vocations at Concordia Nebraska receive a letter from the university which reiterates the university's commitment to the student and the student's commitment to the university.

"We have seen a 5.5 percent increase in incoming students in our church work programs from last year," said Johnson. "Last year we brought in 77 new church work students."

The student's home church also receives a letter confirming that the student will be pursuing a church work vocation. This letter asks the pastor and congregation to pray for the student and also encourages the student to consider a letter signing event with their pastor as a celebration of their commitment. While the letter signing is not required (some students prefer to sign the letter in the privacy of their own home) it is a way to celebrate the student's desire to serve.

Concordia Nebraska sent almost 100 letters to incoming freshman this summer.

"This year's numbers indicate that many students coming to the university are interested in church work programs," said Bill Schranz, director of education and synodical Careers and colloquy director for the university. "The largest group of students is interested in teaching; however, a very large number of students are also looking at the pre-seminary program. We are committed to walking alongside these students as they explore God's call to serve in a Lutheran school, church, or related ministry.

"Whether a student seeks to serve the Lord in a Lutheran church, school or related ministry, we want to partner with these students to build their character, competence, and confidence within our supportive, Christian community," added Dr. Lorinda Sankey, dean of the college of education and head of teacher education at the university. "Students will be challenged, stretched, equipped and knownknown not only by God, but by their peers and their professors. All of our students matter tremendously to our faculty and staff. We care deeply about our students and seek to prepare them to be part of something bigger."

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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