More than 200 students at university church work student luncheon

More than 200 students attended Concordia University, Nebraska church work student luncheon on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. The event – which was themed “Who are your influencers? Who influenced you to enter a church work program?” - featured special guests, networking opportunities and a lunch buffet. The lunch was planned and hosted by university Lutheran Teacher Diploma and pre-seminary students who are currently in Concordia Nebraska’s “Teaching the Christian Faith” class. 

Students from various church work programs were intentionally grouped at each table along with various university faculty and staff. Students were also seated with special guests from the Concordia University System (CUS) Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcome Standards (LIMOS) visitation team were guests on campus the week of the luncheon. 

Student Kyra Becker welcomed students, faculty, staff and the CUS LIMOS visitors. Student Josh Duitsman led the opening prayer and introduced university DCE Associate Director Amy Hubach. Hubach spoke on the topic of influencers, allegorically comparing her running partners to those who influence students to enter church work and those who are influenced by church workers to enter the vocations.  

Becker asked all in attendance to talk at their tables about their church work influencers, answering the questions including  

• Beside Jesus, who in the Bible is an influence on you? 

• Who influenced you to study your profession? 

• Who has influenced you in your time at Concordia?  

• How can you influence others to go into church work? 

Student Brynn Holtmeier introduced university president Dr. Bernard Bull. Bull shared the story of how his pastor, Rev. Willard Meyer, taught him of God’s love for him, which led Bull to become a Lutheran teacher so he could teach others of Jesus love also. Bull then introduced Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel, who is vice president of Concordia University System. Spittel shared the story of how his home congregation welcomed him to serve in the congregation and join in the fellowship. Spittel also closed the lunch with a final prayer.  

There are currently 264 students in church work programs at Concordia Nebraska. Concordia Nebraska’s church work programs include Lutheran teacher diploma, director of Christian education, director of parish music, pre-seminary, pre-deaconess and classical Lutheran teacher certification. 

Are you interested in learning more about church work education opportunities at Concordia Nebraska? Learn more here.