Rev. Aaron Dickerson '82 to speak on urban ministry at LEA
Seward, NE (09/23/2025) — Rev. Aaron Dickerson '82 found his way to Concordia University, Nebraska because of a football scholarship, and said he quickly felt at home at the university because of the love he felt from the faculty, staff and his fellow students.
Dickerson has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Concordia Nebraska, a master's degree in educational leadership from Concordia University Portland and was ordained through the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT), a distance education program offered by Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.
He said he always knew that he wanted to teach, and that Concordia's professors helped to guide him into service in Lutheran education.
"Concordia Nebraska prepared me to be the best principal and pastor that I could be, with the Lord leading me," he said. "I became a Lutheran during my years at Concordia while attending the Lutheran church across the street.
Dickerson has served for the last 43 years in urban Lutheran schools. He currently serves as principal of Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School in East St. Louis, Illinois. He also serves as pastor of Transfiguration Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri.
"It has given me great joy serving the Lord and ministering to the students and families He has entrusted in my care," he said. "I get to share the word of God to those who need to hear it the most.
This year, Dickerson is attending the Lutheran Education Association's (LEA) annual convocation event, an event he's enjoyed many times in the past. LEA Convocation will take place October 2-4 in St. Louis, Missouri. He is presenting a sectional with titled "The Blessings and Challenges of Urban Ministry".
"I am blessed to be one of the workshop presenters," he said. "LEA is a great organization, and they do a great job in equipping teachers and principals."
LEA exists to link, equip and affirm educators and workers in ministry for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. Professional development events include the triennial convocation and an annual conference for elementary and early childhood administrators.
Dickerson and his wife Charlene have two daughters, Aramie and Keyera. When he is not serving at his church or school, he enjoys reading, sports and fishing.
The Lutheran Education Association links, equips and affirms educators and workers in ministry for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. Numerous Concordia Nebraska faculty, staff and alumni are presenting at or attending this year's LEA Convocation.
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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