Meet Studia Vitae instructor Michael Fischer ‘75

Michael Fischer ‘75 serves as senior mission advocate for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In January, Fischer will also serve as an instructor for Concordia University, Nebraska’s new non-credit continuing education and lifelong learning program called Studia Vitae, teaching a course titled “Biblical Foundations of Fundraising and Philanthropy.” Studia Vitae offers Christ-centered continuing education opportunities in a variety of focused areas through an online scheduled and self-paced learning platform.   

Driven by a deep commitment to helping God’s people live out their calling as Christian stewards, Fischer has devoted his career to advancing Lutheran ministries through leadership, gift planning and mission development. Prior to serving as a mission advocate for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, his roles include executive director of Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Chandler, Arizona, vice president for ministry advancement at Lutheran Braille Workers, assistant vice president for gift planning services at the Lutheran Church Extension Fund and various roles at the LCMS Foundation.  

Beginning his vocation in Lutheran education as a teacher, coach and later principal and executive director of two high schools, he consistently guided ministries toward financial health and growth. A Certified Development Executive and Certified Fund Raising Executive, he holds an master of education in secondary school administration from the University of Houston and a bachelor of science in education from then-named Concordia Teachers College in Seward, bringing more than four decades of faith-driven leadership to the service of the church.  He has been married to his wife Karen ‘75 for 50 years.  They have three children and nine grandchildren, with another grandchild arriving in April 2026.   

Fischer will present Studia Vitae’s Biblical Foundation of Fundraising and Philanthropy course on Mondays from January 12 to February 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. CST.  

Designed to support leaders whose responsibilities includes fundraising, Fischer’s course offers a biblical foundation for thinking about and approaching fundraising and advancement work. We explore the topic through biblical themes of the generosity of God, stewardship, generosity, wealth, partnership in the Gospel and legacy. By the end of this course, participants are likely to discover that fundraising and advancement work is inspiring and mission-minded work that God uses to support His work in schools, churches and other Christ-centered organizations.  

Registration is now open for this course and addition offerings in Concordia University, Nebraska’s Studia Vitae program. Each CEU course is $150 and is delivered in six one-hour sessions. Discounts are available for program participants who are members of preferred partner organizations. The short, focused sessions are available as scheduled webinars that will also be recorded for future viewing. Enrollment is flexible and open to anyone with no prerequisites required, and no commitment is needed to take additional classes.   

Registration is available at ceu.cune.edu.   

For more information about Studia Vitae, please visit cune.edu/ceu.   

For more information about preferred partnerships, please visit cune.edu/partners.