# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S69 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS 69 counsel of God in Sacred Scripture. Historically, the LCMS gave birth to CTX; presently, CTX is called to be faithful to her mother, to the church’s confession, and to the church’s practice. • In 2020, CUC celebrated the 40th anniversary of the deaconess program, the only undergraduate deaconess studies program in the Synod. The preceding analyses should demonstrate that any suggestion of separation from the LCMS is without fiduciary clarity and theological merit. We sincerely hope and pray that the CTX Board of Regents will even now willingly reverse its stated course and remain an important member of the CUS. • In 2022, CUC was blessed with a strong class of new preseminary students—one of the highest enrollments in years. • CUC is proud to regularly host synodical, district, Recognized Service Organization, and other affiliated conferences such as: Theology Professor’s Conference, Northern Illinois District (NID) Convention, NID Joint Pastors Conference, NID Educators Conference, NID Educational Administrators Conference, NID Circuit Gatherings, Issues Etc. Making the Case Conference, Higher Things, and Lutheran Sports Association. • In February 2023, the university hosted the Board for the International Lutheran Council, a worldwide association of established confessional Lutheran church bodies which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to the Holy Scriptures as the inspired and infallible Word of God, and to the Lutheran Confessions contained in the Book of Concord as the true and faithful exposition of the Word of God. • Rev. Dr. Chad Kendall was named Associate Provost for Mission & Identity in late 2022. He will play a key role in ensuring that the university continues to live out its mission faithfully. His responsibilities include recruiting qualified, mission-minded faculty and administrators, as well as leading employee development in regard to the intersection of faith and the academic enterprise. • In 2022, Concordia Chicago launched its Mission & Identity Program for faculty development in Lutheran distinctives and their importance in higher education. • Campus Ministry continues to provide opportunities for students to receive God’s gifts and be a part of a rich community of faith, including: Dean O. Wenthe, President R14.1 Concordia University Chicago Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago (CUC) promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world. • In 2019, in addition to the mission statement above, the university adopted a new vision statement: “Concordia University Chicago is a Christ-centered Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good.” • Dr. Russell P. Dawn was inaugurated as Concordia University Chicago’s 12th president in October 2019. • Concordia Chicago responded to and weathered the storm brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the grace of God and the resilience of our community. The university remained faithful to its mission and to delivering a high-quality education for all students. • • A comprehensive academic reorganization culminated during the summer of 2021, establishing two new colleges at the university: the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities and the College of Health, Science & Technology. Along with the existing Colleges of Business and Education, the two new colleges replaced and absorbed programs from the former Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Studies, and Innovation and Professional Programs. CUC’s strategic plan, Focusing Our Future 2025, is being lived out every day at the university. The plan’s four themes are: Formative Student Experience, Fiscal Agility and Strength, Partnerships for Mission and Excellence, and Vibrant Unified Community. This plan is an exciting and important step in CUC’s pursuit of its vision and positions the university for a thriving future. • Lutheran teacher education, director of Christian education, director of parish music, the pre-seminary program, and the deaconess program form the foundation for the university’s long-standing church professional programs. • The university president, directors of the church professional programs, and other members of the CUC community have been actively involved in supporting the Synod’s Set Apart to Serve church worker recruitment initiative. o Every new CUC student attends the “Faith Matters” orientation session with the university pastor, who presents the Gospel and offers an opportunity for Christian growth for all students. o Every CUC freshman is required to read portions of Callings for Life (CPH, 2020) which outlines Luther’s theology of vocation while also presenting the Gospel. o Daily chapel continues to embrace the long, rich history of Lutheran preaching and liturgy, maintaining excellence in sacred music with our numerous musicians and ensembles. o CUC’s Spiritual Life student organization remains the most active group on campus, living the Word of God, loving all people in Christ’s name, and serving their neighbors on campus, in Chicago, and to the ends of the earth. o CUC 4 Life, the university’s life ministry organization within Spiritual Life, promotes life ministry from conception to natural death, continually engaging the university community with opportunities for service and education. • The Division of Theology hosted its first workshop for local preachers in June 2022. • The Division of Theology hosted a Confessionalism Seminar in June 2023. 2023 Convention Workbook