The
Biblical, Historical, Lutheran
Church
Continuing Education with Dr. Charles Gieshen
This summer, Calvary Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, welcomed clergy, church leaders, and laity from across the region for a special Continuing Education event hosted through Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Among those in attendance were Rev. Christopher Seifferlein, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Lititz, PA, and Michael Usner, who serves as an elder in the same congregation. The course, taught by renowned New Testament scholar Rev. Dr. Charles A. Gieschen, focused on deepening biblical understanding and strengthening those who serve the church in a variety of roles. The event served as a refreshing and formative experience for all who attended.
Rev. Dr. Charles Gieschen is a professor of Exegetical Theology and currently serves as the Provost of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is well known within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) for his academic contributions, particularly in New Testament studies. With decades of teaching experience and a pastoral background, Dr. Gieschen brings an uncommon depth of theological insight combined with a passion for equipping the church’s servants for faithful ministry. His scholarly work includes Angelomorphic Christology: Antecedents and Early Evidence and contributions to the Concordia Commentary series. He is also the editor of Concordia Theological Quarterly, which reflects his commitment to rigorous academic work in service of the church.
Held at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, the two-day seminar brought together pastors, elders, and lay leaders for intensive study. For Rev. Seifferlein and Elder Michael Usner, the experience was both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching.
The course content focused on the Christology of the Gospels and the pastoral applications of Scripture in congregational life. Dr. Gieschen emphasized how the Gospels are not only historical records but also instruments through which Christ continues to shape and guide His church today. Attendees were invited to engage deeply with the text, exploring themes of divine identity, apostolic mission, and the ongoing presence of Christ among His people. Dr. Gieschen’s approach balanced academic depth with pastoral practicality, ensuring that theological insight could be directly applied in the local church context.
Rev. Seifferlein, who serves as Pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Lititz, is no stranger to theological study. His commitment to Word and Sacrament ministry is matched by a desire to continue learning and growing in his vocation. He found the seminar to be a powerful opportunity to step back from the daily demands of pastoral care and reflect deeply on the nature of Christ’s work through His Word. For Michael Usner, attending as a lay elder, the seminar provided an opportunity to engage with Scripture in a new way and to better support his pastor and congregation. As part of the leadership team at Mount Calvary, Michael is involved in many aspects of church life, from planning and administration to spiritual encouragement. Participating in this educational event helped reinforce his theological foundation and deepen his appreciation for the role of Christ in the life of the Church.
Events like this Continuing Education course are vital to the life of the church. They offer pastors and lay leaders a chance to step away from routine duties, renew their minds through deep study, and enjoy the fellowship of others committed to Christ’s mission. For Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, it also reinforces the strong relationship between pastor and elder, a partnership grounded in shared faith and mutual growth. By investing in ongoing theological education, churches like Mount Calvary and Calvary Lutheran in Mechanicsburg are helping ensure faithful teaching, informed leadership, and a vibrant congregational life rooted in the truth of God’s Word.
Both Rev. Christopher Seifferlein and Elder Michael Usner returned to Lititz grateful for the experience and eager to bring what they learned back to their congregation. The event served as a reminder that Christ continues to work through His Word and His people, equipping the saints for ministry and building up the body of Christ. As the LCMS continues to provide these opportunities through Concordia Theological Seminary and local host congregations, the church is blessed with a growing network of pastors, elders, and leaders committed to biblical fidelity and confessional integrity. Mount Calvary Lutheran Church looks forward to future opportunities to grow together in the faith, united in Christ, grounded in Scripture, and continually formed by the teaching of His Word.
