Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 126

2026 Convention Workbook
91
OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
New academic communities will continue to develop innovative 
approaches to formation, mentorship, and vocational preparation, 
ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge, faith, and skills 
to serve in schools, congregations, or wherever God leads them. 
A defining emphasis for the years ahead is the vision of a higher 
education community whose first loyalty is to the Scriptures—an 
increasingly rare but urgently needed orientation in modern higher 
education. This commitment will continue to shape every disci-
pline and professional field, guiding how CUNE forms students for 
thoughtful, faithful engagement in the church and world.
This scriptural foundation also informs CUNE’s long-term as-
piration to be a year-round, lifelong learning Lutheran university 
that supports Christians not only during their undergraduate years 
but throughout every stage of life and vocation. Through academic 
programs, continuing education, and emerging initiatives, CUNE 
seeks to extend learning, formation, and discipleship across the full 
span of a Christian’s service in home, congregation, and commu -
nity.
The university’s outreach through institutes and centers will 
likewise continue to grow, offering research, resources, and train -
ing that strengthen Lutheran identity, support congregational vital-
ity, and equip leaders for service in both local and global contexts.
Finally, CUNE remains committed to raising up the next gener-
ation of church workers, responding faithfully to the Synod’s call to 
support Lutheran ministries through robust recruitment, formation, 
and scholarship programs. Guided by the principle of Christ-cen -
tered education in service to the church, the university looks for -
ward to continuing to partner with the Synod in forming leaders 
who will impact congregations, schools, and communities for years 
to come.
Bernard D. Bull, President
R14.4
Concordia University, St. Paul
Greetings from Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), where we 
walk in the light of Jesus Christ as we live, learn, and serve together 
as a university of the Synod (1 John 1:7).
As I returned to my alma mater and began my tenure as presi-
dent of CSP in January 2020, I could not have envisioned the op-
portunities and challenges of the past six-plus years. However, I’ve 
experienced much joy in serving at this Christ-centered Lutheran 
university, working alongside talented faculty, staff, regents, and 
constituents to support our dynamic and diverse student population.  
A. Introduction
Established in 1893 as a high school to prepare young men for 
pastoral ministry, Concordia University, St. Paul, is now a univer -
sity that serves more than 7,000 students annually and confers as-
sociates through doctoral degrees. The university offers more than 
100 academic programs and students learn in face-to-face settings 
in St. Paul, Minn.; Portland, Ore.; and Denver, Colo., as well as 
online around the world. As we have over the past 130-plus years, 
CSP is committed to raising up workers for the Synod and offers 
the following church work tracks and certifications: pre-seminary, 
pre-deaconess, director of Christian education, director of Christian 
outreach, director of parish music, and Lutheran classroom teacher.
B. Continuing Education and Lifelong 
Learning
CUNE continues to expand professional learning opportunities 
for Christian educators, ministry leaders, and other professionals 
through a growing menu of new Studia Vitae continuing education 
units which include short-form online modules, workshops, and 
micro-credentials designed for immediate application in schools 
and congregations. Single course graduate offerings, certificates, 
and full degree programs are similarly tailored to Lutherans serv-
ing in ministry and Christians seeking faith-grounded professional 
preparation, to help prepare leaders who embody faith, learning, 
and service.
Guided by the conviction that God’s Word is the lamp and light 
that guides study across every discipline, these professional devel -
opment experiences apply the unchanging truth of God’s Word to 
shed light on the shifting sands of modern life, thought, and cul-
tural trends. Studia Vitae reflects CUNE’s commitment to lifelong 
vocational discipleship, equipping Christians to grow continually 
in wisdom and to serve with clarity and confidence anchored in 
God’s Word.
B.1. Preferred Partnerships
CUNE’s newly launched preferred partnership program ex-
tends the reach of our mission in Christ-centered education.  These 
collaborations, which include tuition discounts on Studia Vitae  
courses and graduate offerings, allow CUNE to make high-quality, 
Christ-centered education accessible to more students while en-
hancing the value these organizations provide to members, empow-
ering Christians to grow in knowledge, strengthen their vocations, 
and serve others with excellence.
 
C. Outreach and Institutes
CUNE’s institutes provide outreach, service, and educational ef-
forts that enhance the university’s mission and vision by engaging 
audiences beyond campus while serving as a resource to the church 
at large.
Active institutes include: 
•	 Center for Liturgical Art
•	 Initiative for Early Childhood Education
•	 Institute for Ethical Leadership
•	 Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
•	 Institute for Literacy
•	 Institute for Religious Education
•	 Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministries
•	 Trinity Academy
Through resources, workshops, and conferences, these institutes 
equip Christian leaders and provide resources that serve congrega-
tions, districts, and Lutheran organizations.
D. Looking Ahead
As CUNE looks to the future, the university remains steadfast in 
its commitment to equipping students for faithful service in Christ’s 
church and the world. Enrollment initiatives will continue to focus 
on recruiting mission-fit students and strengthening partnerships 
with Lutheran schools, districts, and congregations.