The following Press Release was published on June 27 by Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. A total of 23 students were recognized from around the Synod. In this blog, we are only highlighting names from the Michigan District.
ST. LOUIS, June 27, 2025—Students from the Online Deaconess Studies (ODS) Program and the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program were recognized in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus during the chapel service Thursday, June 26, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
“Today we celebrated a double blessing: SMP students who were placed by the LCMS Council of Presidents last April to serve as pastors, and ODS students who just received their calls to serve as deaconesses received their theological diplomas. These diplomas attest that these men and women have been certified by the faculty of Concordia Seminary, meeting all theological, personal and professional requirements for entry into the pastoral or diaconal office,” said Dr. Glenn Nielsen, director of Placement, Certification and professor of Practical Theology. “We also recognized the diligent work of those SMP students who have completed the program. They showed dedication to their studies and have served faithfully as pastors for the past two years in addition to their studies and other God-given responsibilities. Three ODS students were also recognized for their dedication in completing the classes and internships required by ODS program. We thank our gracious Lord for His gifts given this day.”
The SMP Program is a four-year theological education program designed for men who serve in ministry contexts while completing their studies. Upon certification, call and ordination, they continue serving as pastors in congregations or other ministries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Each student is paired with a local pastor-mentor who provides daily support through guidance, encouragement and prayer.
The SMP students recognized for pastoral calls in the Michigan District are:
- Martin Banks, St. Michael Lutheran Church, Wayne, Mich., LCMS Michigan District
- Christopher Harding, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Trenton, Mich., LCMS Michigan District
The Michigan District SMP students recognized for program completion include:
- Joshua Britton, Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica, Mich., LCMS Michigan District
- Richard Lewis, St. John Lutheran Church—Marion Springs, Brant, Mich., LCMS Michigan District
Additionally, three ODS students were recognized. ODS Program is a four-year course of study that prepares women for diaconal service through seminary education, all while they remain in the ministry settings where they will continue to serve. Upon certification, call and commissioning, graduates serve as called deaconesses in congregations or other ministries of the LCMS. Each student is supported by a local pastor-mentor who offers ongoing guidance, encouragement and prayer.
“We are thrilled to congratulate this second group of women to complete our Online Deaconess Studies Program,” said Dr. Jennie Asher, director of Deaconess Studies. “We praise God that He has brought them to faith and instilled in them such a strong a desire to serve their neighbor. He has guided and blessed them in their four years of study and formation as deaconesses for the LCMS. We also are grateful for those who have partnered with us in their training — the congregations that have provided internships and the mentors and supervisors who have faithfully guided them.”
The Michigan District ODS student recognized for program completion and call is
- Laura Bauer, Good Friend Ministries, Traverse City, Mich., LCMS Michigan District
The Seminary recognizes and celebrates calls throughout the year although the campus’ primary Call Day celebration typically is held in April. During call celebrations, students receive their first calls to ministry as well as assignments for vicarages and deaconess internships. The Seminary’s next primary Call Day is set for April 28, 2026.
About Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit csl.edu
Pictured at the top, L-R: Martin Banks, Christopher Harding, Joshua Britton, Richard Lewis, and Laura Bauer
