Dean's Welcome
The College of Vocation and Ministry (CVM) is a new and creative innovation within Concordia University to demonstrate an integrated and intentional approach to Concordia's role in Church and community.
CVM is both an academic and a service unit in partnership with the other colleges of Concordia University and is committed to promoting academic excellence, development of professional and lay leaders, and providing for the support of each constituency in the identification and use of gifts for service in home, workplace, community and congregation. CVM exists to serve the Concordia community and the Church at large.
As an academic unit, CVM is committed to excellence in education. Every student at Concordia takes at least one course through CVM while exploring the Christian faith in the Lutheran context (Department of Religion & Theology).
In addition, CVM brings together six church work programs (Department of Christian Ministries) on the undergraduate level that are designed to prepare women and men for service to the Church. Lay practitioners who already have an undergraduate degree and are serving the Church may seek church certification through colloquy or through the Lay Leadership Institute.
The partnerships with The Youth & Family Institute and The Karpenko Institute for Nurturing and Developing Leadership Excellence (KINDLE) offers new and innovative ways for continuing education and support for lay and professional alike. In addition, graduate programs are available in the area of Parish Education and Administration and Christian Outreach.
As a service unit, CVM coordinates campus ministry and Concordia's relations with the church at large. The service unit component of CVM is on behalf of and with accountability to the entire Concordia community. Additionally, the service aspects and partnerships of CVM support the Junior High Youth Gathering, Church Careers Camps, and Peer Ministry Training, and Drama Ministry.
Strengthened relationships with congregations and districts are being sought along with new and innovative leadership training programs that will serve the needs of our various constituencies. CVM is committed to working in teams and in partnership with those around us. We invite you to join us in this exciting ministry.
Sincerely, In Christ,
Dr. Steven F. Arnold
Dean, College of Vocation and Ministry
