Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 102

2026 Convention Workbook
67
OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
CTSFW is deeply thankful for the generous and steadfast sup-
port of the church that makes our work possible. Our pastors, dea-
conesses, and missionaries must be determined to know in church 
and the world nothing but Christ in all His fullness (1
 Cor. 
2:2; John 
1:15) so that in all His fullness, He may be grasped by you in faith 
(John 20:31).
 
For more information, visit our website: ctsfw.edu.
Jon S. Bruss, Pr
esident
•	 Annual student mission trips to sites including the Domini-
can Republic and Romania
•	 Advanced graduate programs that support the development 
of Lutheran leaders
•	 The Chemnitz Library Initiative, which provides support for 
seminary libraries throughout the world
•	 Leadership in established international programs including 
the STM-Gothenburg program, Lutheran Leadership De-
velopment program, and Concordia Pastoral and Diaconal 
Training Program
•	 A robust Continuing Education program, with over 40 theo-
logical short courses offered throughout the U.S. annually
In 2023 and 2024, CTSFW conducted campus-wide scenario 
planning exercises about the future of pastoral and diaconal forma-
tion, gathered feedback from constituents, and engaged in institu -
tional assessments. Identified strengths include clarity of mission, 
unity around our confession, top-notch faculty, demand from inter-
national partners for our theological education, and significant sup-
port from the church. The 2024–29 strategic plan was developed to 
maximize our strengths and take advantage of key opportunities to 
minimize our weaknesses and mitigate threats to successfully fulfill 
our mission.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Plan 2024–29
The Board of Regents of CTSFW has adopted an ambitious stra-
tegic plan to build on past strengths and to provide for future gen-
erations by forming exemplary pastors and deaconesses for faithful 
service in the LCMS and its mission fields. The plan has five main 
objectives:
1.
 Recruit capable students 
for robust education and forma-
tion—men of faith in Christ, of character and integrity, of 
intelligence and commitment to the people of God (1
 Tim. 
3:1–7; 
Titus 1:6–9). Our students will graduate with utter 
confidence in God’s Word and our Lutheran Confessions 
as they apply all they have learned in sacrificial service for 
Christ and His church.
2.
 Cultivate 
a talented faculty. We will strengthen the teaching 
and mentoring provided to our students through ongoing fac-
ulty development focused on teaching the primary texts and 
critical thinking. Our faculty will ignite a passion for God’s 
Word and our Lutheran Confessions so CTSFW graduates 
may be courageous in mission and ministry.
3.
 Shape a 
rigorous curriculum that forms Lutheran pastors 
and deaconesses prepared for service in today’s church. We 
will instill in our students an even deeper grounding in God’s 
Word and our Confessions so they leave prepared to lead 
their congregations in evangelistic outreach and to plant 
churches where they are needed.
4.
 Create an 
inspiring campus and vibrant community. We 
will enhance our facilities to meet the needs of the 21st cen-
tury, build new spaces, including new housing for students 
and a new food and clothing co-op, and update classroom 
buildings.
5.
 Support this 
work with an efficient, well-funded operation. 
CTSFW faithfully stewards the resources entrusted to us to 
maximize their impact both here and abroad. Thank you for 
your continued trust in us and the value you place on the 
faithful formation of your future pastors!