How does the Church raise up multiethnic leaders for the kingdom through catechesis? The Rev. Dr. Ely Prieto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Concordia Seminary Multiethnic Symposium happening May 6-7. They discuss how catechesis is part of the Lord’s command in Matthew 28:19, what is meant by "all nations" in this command, what a multiethnic church is and where we see examples of the beauty of multiethnic churches, how catechesis is a powerful tool in the context of a multiethnic church, and the exciting topics to be covered at this year's Multiethnic Symposium.

Learn more and register at csl.edu/multiethnic, and read on for the official press release with more details.

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ST. LOUIS, Feb. 12, 2025— Registration is open for the 2025 Multiethnic Symposium, “Learning From Each Other: Catechesis That Raises Up Multiethnic Leaders for the Kingdom,” set for May 6-7 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The symposium brings together individuals from varied cultural backgrounds to share their unique perspectives and experiences to help equip future leaders with knowledge, stills and spiritual maturity to serve God’s kingdom faithfully.

“Raising up the next generation of multiethnic leaders within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) presents a significant challenge, but it also represents a tremendous responsibility and a unique opportunity that the Lord has graciously bestowed upon us,” said Dr. Ely Prieto, the Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry. “In a multiethnic church context, catechesis serves as a vital and powerful tool for cultivating leaders who are equipped to effectively minister among diverse communities. This symposium will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn from esteemed scholars, experienced pastors and dedicated missionaries who have studied this crucial area and have played a pivotal role in raising up the next generation of immigrant leaders.”

Plenary speakers include:

Dr. Kent Burreson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Dr. Rhoda Schuler, Professor Emeritus, Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn.

Rev. Jeff Cloeter, Senior Pastor, Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis

Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director, Christian Friends of New Americans, St. Louis

Jessica Bordeleau, Coordinator, Digital Publishing, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

The 19th Annual Lecture in Hispanic/Latino Theology and Mission also will be held during the symposium. Dr. Hosffman Ospino, professor of Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education and chair of the Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry at Boston College, in Boston, Mass., will present, “How the Roman Catholic Church is Cultivating and Mentoring a New Generation of Hispanic-Ecclesial Leaders.” The response will be given by Rev. Stephen Heimer, manager of All Nations Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM) in St. Louis, Mo.

The lecture, sponsored by the Seminary’s Center for Hispanic Studies, is free and open to the public.

Participants are encouraged to extend their stay and attend the 2025 Multi Asian Gathering, set for May 7-8 on the Seminary campus. The admission fee for the Multi Asian Gathering is $25.

Registration closes April 21. The admission fee for the Multiethnic Symposium is $85, but free for Concordia Seminary students and faculty. For more information, visit csl.edu/multiethnic or contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or [email protected].

As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].