Family Week 7

Faith With Personality

Church is tough these days. Feeling connected and valued is easier for some. Still others just don’t feel like they measure up or fit the mold. God created each of us uniquely to contribute to the body of His Son, Jesus Christ, which is the Church. You need not leave your personality at the door in order to fit with those already inside. We will reconcile “the faith” entrusted to the saints with “the saints” who individually bear that faith through word and deed.

Scott Seidler, Kirkwood, MO , Dean

Scott Seidler serves as senior pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, MO. Scott received his doctoral degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, the major project for which focused on how preachers balance their unique personality with the faith they proclaim to their congregation. Scott and Renee, his wife of 16 years, along with their three children, are a family rich in personality and faith—evidence of which is found in their anxiety-ridden cat.

The Life and Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Executed by the Nazis just days before the liberation of the concentration camp in which he was imprisoned, Dietrich Bonhoeffer has been described as one of the greatest Lutheran martyrs of the modern era. We will explore together the moving life story of this Lutheran pastor, whose understanding of the theology of the cross has on-going implications for the life of the church.

Jeffrey Leininger, Maywood, IL, Lecturer

Jeffrey Leininger has served as Concordia University Chicago’s campus pastor since 2002. In addition to conducting daily chapel services, he guides the pastoral care and counseling for all students, faculty and staff. He also directs the university’s pre-seminary program, supervises all the spiritual life activities, and supports Concordia’s church relations office. Pastor Leininger has a Ph.D. in Church History from the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England. He still enjoys a nice cup of English tea. He and his wife, Rachel, have two young children.

Kenneth T. Kosche, Brown Deer, WI, Kantor – Church Music Leader

Kenneth T. Kosche is Emeritus Professor of Music from Concordia University Wisconsin, where he taught courses in church music, composition, music education, and choral music for 31 years. His Kammerchor toured throughout the US, Asia, Brazil, and Europe. Nearly 400 of his compositions are published by seventeen publishers. In retirement, he continues as a parish musician, teacher, composer, gardener, and grandfather.