Table of Faith Expressions

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The church-related mission and identity of Concordia College is expressed through the work of not just one program but multiple programs at the college, each of which contribute a unique aspect to the rootedness of the institution in Lutheran higher education and the church. 

The director of the Dovre Center for Faith and Learning serves as the administrative liaison to the college president and regularly convenes the program directors (and the religion department chair) for the purposes of collaboration and coordination. This “table” of faith expressions consists of the following:

Dovre Center for Faith and Learning

The Dovre Center seeks to encourage and sustain discussion on issues related to faith and learning. It serves primarily faculty.

  • Conducts yearlong faculty mentoring program for faculty and staff designed to deepen reflection on Lutheran higher education, the mission of Concordia, and personal vocation
  • Assists faculty in attending annual conferences (such as the ELCA Vocations Conference)
  • Provides resources for speakers, discussions, research, and course materials that promote conversations on faith and learning
  • Partners with the ELCA and corporate synods to promote special events

Office of Ministry

Rooted in the Lutheran theological tradition and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), campus ministry at Concordia College seeks to spread Christ’s message of grace by engaging students in exploring and practicing their faith.  We believe that saved by grace through faith, we are called to serve our neighbors with a faith that is active in love. 

  • Works with students of the Campus Ministry Commission (CMC) to plan and implement:
    • Worship: themed worship/chapels, Wednesday night communion, other campus worships
    • Faith Formation: small group Bible studies, book reads, and discussions with groups such as the Fellowship of Cobber Athletes, Tabernacle (camp-style group), Queer People of Faith, and others
    • Service: coordinate service with vocational reflection among campus, community, national, and international partners including Habitat for Humanity, Justice Journeys, and many others
  • Provides pastoral and ministerial care and counseling for the campus community
  • Conducts public worship

Forum on Faith and Life

The Forum creates opportunities for reflection on faith, life, meaning, ethics, vocation, service, hope mystery, spirituality, and peace-building among intrafaith and interfaith neighbors.

  • Provides leadership to Better Together, a nationally recognized program of excellence by the Interfaith Youth Core organization
  • Sponsors national and international speakers such as Nadia Bolz-Weber, Shane Claiborne, Eboo Patel, Leymah Gbowee, Barbara Brown Taylor and others
  • As a public theologian, Dr. Jacqueline Bussie is a frequent speaker at churches, synod conferences, and national organizations. Her book "Outlaw Christian" was an Illumination Award winner for new works written from a Christian worldview and her book "Love Without Limits" is receiving rave reviews.

Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work

The Lorentzsen Center seeks to preserve ethical values and practices in organizations and individuals and convenes conversations at the nexus of faith and work.

  • Holds student seminars in ethical decision-making
  • Lorentzsen Center luncheons are held monthly in Fargo-Moorhead during the academic year and have featured business and community leaders such as Steve Scheel, Ron and Kristi Offutt, Bill Marcil, Norm Jones, Howard Dahl, Michael Solberg, bishops Wohlrabe and Folda, former Gov. Ed Schafer and many others.
  • Hosts an annual two-day summer workshop on Values and Capitalism with faculty and business leaders
  • Conducts Jeffersonian dinners for conversation around topics of faith, work, and vocation