Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Is Excited to Announce

Newly Elected Seminary President: Dr. Jon Bruss

The Board of Regents of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), has called Dr. Jon S. Bruss, associate professor of systematic theology, to serve as the Seminary’s seventeenth president after his unanimous election by the designated electors.

Bruss will succeed Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., who announced last fall that he would retire from the presidency at the end of the 2023–2024 academic year and return full-time to his role as professor of historical theology at CTSFW. Bruss’s installation will take place during the opening service of the academic year on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Bruss will make the transition to his new role over the next few months.

Dr. Scott Murray, chairman of the CTSFW Board of Regents, announced the call shortly after the election today in a live streamed prayer service in Kramer Chapel.

“As the board chair, I can say that we have elected a faithful candidate who will lead the Seminary into the future that God has mapped out for it,” said Murray. “Dr. Bruss comes with superb gifts and experience for this leadership challenge. The electors found that the men on the slate of candidates were unparalleled in their quality, capacity and gifts, making the choice of the electors exciting and inspiring. The board pledges its full support to Dr. Bruss, and we ask for the prayers of the church that Concordia Theological Seminary would continue to be your Christ-centered seminary that teaches the faithful, reaches the lost, and cares for all.”

Per the bylaws of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), the president-elect has fifteen days to respond to the call. Bruss accepted immediately.

“I’m both humbled and deeply honored by the electors’ action today,” said Bruss. “After nearly six months of prayerful consideration as a nominee, and with the wise counsel of fellow Christians and brother pastors, I’m moved to accept this call and hereby do. God grant me a mouth and wisdom! I ask for your prayers for me, my family, and above all, our seminary, which has been and remains a singularly effective instrument for forming faithful servants of Christ and His church. Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word!”