Concordia Nebraska reaffirms commitment to Christ-centered, Lutheran education following synod convention

The past, present and future of the Concordia University System was one of many topics of discussion at the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) – themed “We Preach Christ Crucified” – which took place July 29 to August 3, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Concordia Nebraska’s president, theology and education faculty, and university relations staff attended the convention.   

“Overall, this was an overwhelmingly positive convention for Concordia and the Concordia University System as a whole,” said Concordia University, Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull. “We received many words of encouragement and affirmation with dozens of delegates indicating their hope and prayer that their children will one day attend our beloved university. We met with many alumni, and I was granted the opportunity to share the good things happening at Concordia Nebraska. Throughout the convention, people stopped me to express their gratitude for our commitment to being a faithful and flourishing Lutheran Christian university.”  

Three resolutions at the convention were particularly relevant to Concordia Nebraska and the Concordia University System. Resolution 7-04 proposed a Lutheran visitation process and several governance related matters.  

“This resolution will serve in our shared effort to have faithful, flourishing, and collaborating LCMS colleges and universities,” said Bull. “The visitation process included in the resolution is a wonderful means of providing encouragement, accountability, cultivating fidelity, and offering opportunities for improvement to each of your Concordia universities. This will also help build trust with pastors and parishioners within our Synod.”    

Resolution 7-05 related to board members. An amendment to the resolution did not pass, but the resolution itself passed with a sizable majority. This resolution will not change the make up of the Concordia Nebraska board. Resolution 7-06 was a celebration and commendation resolution, as well as a resolve to support the Concordias in various ways.   

“One important part of this resolution is that it acknowledges the possibility of future conflicts between civil authorities and the expectations of the church. When and if that happens, this resolution indicates a commitment to work with the Concordias in order to support their rights, interests and responsibilities,” explained Bull. “We are schools that proclaim Christ crucified. That is a fundamental Concordia distinction, and while our mission in Lutheran education is not about a more perfect union, I contend that what we do in our schools has a powerful and preserving effect in the communities and nations where our graduates live, work, and worship. While our purpose as a Synod is about something much more significant than preserving a nation, what we do in our churches and schools can nonetheless be a blessing to this nation. There may be no greater gift we can offer to the country but to provide people with an education grounded in the Holy Scriptures.”  

Concordia University, Nebraska is part of the Concordia University System (CUS). The CUS is made up of seven universities of the LCMS. Located across the United States, these universities offer more than 160 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs.  

“There has never been a greater need for Christ-focused, academically-outstanding Lutheran institutions that are dedicated to equipping men and women to serve the church and the world,” said Bull. “At Concordia Nebraska, we are proud to be part of the church’s schools, and we celebrate being part of the church’s synod. We strive to align our ever-expanding programming with the church’s commitment to the truth of God’s word and the Lutheran Confessions. We are emboldened to reaffirm our university’s Lutheran identity and connection with our Synod.”  

The colleges, universities and seminaries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod are unique in today’s education landscape and exist to supply the higher education services needed to accomplish the mission of the church. Synodical colleges and universities provide a Christ-centered spiritual and value-focused environment for men and women who will serve in the church and in secular occupations. These institutions offer a myriad of online and in-person undergraduate and masters, doctoral, and professional degrees and programs in a wide variety of disciplines including various church work vocations, health care, engineering, education, criminal justice and much more.  

The Concordia University System has produced thousands of church workers and theologically-equipped laymen for a variety of vocations. At the convention, Concordia Nebraska representatives participated in a unified CUS exhibit to promote the six system universities.  

“We look to the future with great hope,” added Bull. “While there is much work to be done, it is a joy to be a part of this synod and this system. We seek to boldly proclaim who we are, expressing our Christian mission in all areas of university life. We seek to strengthen our connection to the synod, while working within the realms of their guidance and governance. And we look forward to useful collaboration and fruitful partnerships with others within the system.”   

About Concordia University, Nebraska: Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 2,500 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.