OHSCO Faculty and Staff
Founder: Dr. Oswald Hoffmann
The OHSCO faculty is comprised of the following positions:
- Director of OHSCO - primarily responsible for administration, promotion, and fund raising
- Coordinator of Director of Christian Outreach Program - responsible for coordinating all aspects of students preparing for the DCO ministry
- Fred and Selma Fiechtner Endowed Chair of Christian Outreach - responsible for the Master of Arts in Christian Outreach and available to the church at large for outreach workshops, seminars, and presentations
- Professor of Cross-cultural Outreach Studies - responsible for cross-cultural outreach components
- Professor of Parish Outreach Studies - responsible for congregational outreach components
- Professor of Bible Translation and Literacy Studies - responsible for preparing Bible Translator and Literacy Workers
- OHSCO Deployed - OHSCO has identified a number of individuals who serve its mission and ministry and are deployed on OHSCO's behalf involved in developing outreach leadership for the church
Current Faculty:
Dr. Mark Press
Mr. Phil Johnson
Dr. Eugene Bunkowske
The OHSCO staff is comprised of the following positions:
- Assistant to the Director for Outreach - supporting the OHSCO faculty and responsible for outreach programs and community development on the Concordia University campus
- Cohort Facilitator - supporting the Master of Arts in Christian Outreach
Current Staff:
Mrs. Melanie Vasterling
Mr. Norman Piatti, MACO Coordinator
All of the OHSCO Faculty members are also members of Concordia's Department of Religion and Theology and support the on-going outreach ministry on the campus of Concordia University and outreach vision and education in the church at-large. They focus students on the outreach opportunities they have on campus and in professional church ministries and vocations as well as lead congregational outreach workshops, seminars, Mission Sundays, consult with congregations interested in creating mission vision, teach outreach classes in congregations, and prepare congregational leadership for outreach through distance learning methodologies.
 Dr. Oswald Hoffmann
The Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach had its beginnings at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1984. Following a request by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod for colleges to address the outreach needs of congregations, Concordia University envisioned a school which focused on the preparation of church professionals for outreach ministries. The president of Concordia University along with members of the Division of Religion and Theology developed OHSCO as a donation-funded outreach unit of Concordia University to meet just those needs. Since Dr. Oswald Hoffmann's life and ministry so exemplified an evangelism and mission posture, Concordia University asked him if he would consent to having his name associated with such an undertaking. Dr. Hoffmann was pleased to do so.
Since OHSCO's inception in 1984, participation in outreach programs has continued to grow. OHSCO promotes and supports the Director of Christian Outreach (DCO) program, and the outreach major, offered by Concordia University-St. Paul (CSP) in its College of Vocation and Ministry. By His blessing, there are many DCO graduates in professional outreach ministry today. People who recognize the importance of OHSCO and its mission have also continued to financially support OHSCO through their gifts and donations making it possible for OHSCO to be a powerful influence in the preparation of outreach professionals and lay people in the church today.
Most recently, three significant programs have been added. In 2002, the first cohort for the new Master of Arts in Christian Outreach (MACO) degree gathered; this program was prepared by OHSCO and approved as an offering by Concordia University. In 2005, the first students in a D. Min in Outreach degree offered as a partnership between OHSCO and Concordia Seminary Fort Wayne came together. And 2001 saw the first annual 3-day Outreach Leadership Institute. (OLI).
Dr. Oswald C.J. Hoffmann was named honorary Lutheran Hour Speaker upon his retirement as Speaker of "The Lutheran Hour" radio program on December 31, 1988. Hoffmann had served as Lutheran Hour Speaker since 1955. Typifying the international scope of his ministry, Hoffmann's final Lutheran Hour broadcast was a special message, "Christmas in China," produced in Mainland China and broadcast worldwide on Christmas Day, 1988. His very active retirement found him serving as an ambassador for Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod across the world, thus continuing a lifelong mission of teaching and preaching extending beyond 60 years.
Hoffmann was born in Snyder, Nebraska, on December 6, 1913. He graduated from Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1932, and subsequently received the Master of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota in 1935; the Bachelor of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri; and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana. In 1982, he received the Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the Philippine Christian University in Manila. From 1936 to 1940, Hoffmann served as instructor and dean of Bethany College, Mankato, Minnesota. In 1939 he was ordained and installed as pastor of English Lutheran Church, Cottonwood, Minnesota, and in 1940-41 served as instructor in linguistics and classical languages at the University of Minnesota, where he inaugurated Lutheran campus services. From 1941 to 1948, he was professor of Greek and Latin at Concordia Collegiate Institute (now Concordia University), Bronxville, New York, and served as director of publicity and promotion.
In 1948, Hoffmann was named director of the newly established Department of Public Relations of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. He established offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., and St. Louis, Missouri, and supervised the activities of about 350 volunteer public relations representatives throughout the United States.
Hoffmann was appointed Lutheran Hour Speaker in 1955. He continued to serve as public relations director of the LCMS until 1963, when he resigned his post and moved his office from New York City to the International Lutheran Laymen's League headquarters in St. Louis Missouri, where he maintains an office. From 1948 to 1963, Hoffmann served as assistant pastor of America's oldest Lutheran Church, St. Matthew Church, New York City; and in 1948 was guest speaker on "The Lutheran Hour," during the latter days of Dr. Walter A. Maier's service as Speaker.
In 1977, Hoffmann, a life member of the American Bible Society Board of Managers and Chairman of its translations committee, was elected president of the United Bible Societies, the world association of national Bible Societies. He served in that position until his retirement in 1988, when he was named honorary president. He continues to serve as Chairman of the ABS Translations Subcommittee. In December 1994, he was honored for 30 years of service on the ABS Board of Trustees.
In 1980, Hoffmann received the Gutenberg Award from the Chicago Bible Society. In 1987, he was the recipient of the first annual American Bible Society Award, and he spoke on behalf of the United Bible Societies at the dedication of the Amity Printing Press in Nanjing, China.
Hoffmann, who is widely recognized as an outstanding Protestant church leader, is listed in Who's Who in America.. He was named "Clergyman of the Year" by Religious Heritage of America in 1973. In 1982, he received the Gold Angel Award from Religion in Media as "International Media Clergyman of the Year." In 1989, he received the William Ayers Distinguished Service Award from the National Religious Broadcasters association. In 1992, he received the Gold Medal Award from Religious Heritage of America. Hoffmann was president of the Lutheran Council in the United States, 1970-1973; president of the Religious Public Relations Council, 1953-1955; and was a member of the Board for Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL), 1962-1983.
In 1989, he was named a life member of the Religious Public Relations Council. In November of 1993, Dr. Hoffmann received the Wittenberg National Clergy Award from Luther Institute in Washington, D.C., for his contributions to church and society. In September of 1980, Hoffmann received the Secretary of Defense Award for Outstanding Service from the United States Department of Defense for his service to United States military personnel. His service to military personnel began with a visit to Alaska in 1958 and has included spending the Christmas season in South Vietnam, Korea, Thailand and Okinawa from 1969 to 1972; and in Korea again in 1978.
Hoffmann has appeared on numerous network television and radio programs and receives a continual flow of requests for preaching and public speaking. He served as host and narrator for the five-hour television mini-series, "Yeshua," released by the International Lutheran Laymen's League in 1984. Hoffmann is the author of many magazine articles and a number of books, including Hurry Home Where You Belong, God is No Island, Life Crucified, God's Joyful People--One in The Spirit, Lord, I Pray To You For a Sunny Day, The Lord's Prayer, There is Hope, and his autobiography, What More is There To Say But Amen...
Travels on behalf of "The Lutheran Hour" and the United Bible Societies have taken Hoffmann to Russia, China, Europe, the British Isles, Africa, India, Japan, Okinawa, South Korea, South Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Mexico, Guatemala, the Caribbean, and Thailand. In recent years, Dr. Hoffmann has led tours for Lutheran Hour Ministries to the Holy Land in Israel, the Luther Sites in Germany, and in the footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey.
In 1994, to commemorate Dr. Hoffmann's manifold contributions to the proclamation of the Gospel, Lutheran Hour Ministries formed the "Oswald C.J. Hoffmann Society." This group is comprised of people who have planned wills or bequests supporting the multi-media mission of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Dr. Hoffmann was married to Marcia nee Linnell who entered her eternal rest in 2000. They are the parents of three sons and one daughter.
Lutheran Hour Ministries is the service of the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL), a volunteer organization of 150,000 members, founded in 1917. "The Lutheran Hour," which is heard weekly on more than 1,200 radio stations across the world, is also available to Internet users in RealAudio. The Int'l LLL is an auxiliary of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church -Canada.
Dr. Hoffmann passed to his eternal home on September 8, 2005. He was remembered in large memorial services in St. Louis and at Concordia University in St. Paul. He is a continuing inspiration to those who were touched by his life and ministry.
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 Dr. Mark Press - OHSCO Director
The Director of OHSCO is responsible for directing the overall mission of OHSCO in preparing people for outreach, for administering OHSCO's programs, and for inviting others to be of support of OHSCO in prayer and with their gifts. In addition he will teach classes as he is gifted and available for that work. The Director is also active in recruiting students for outreach ministry and for keeping the ministry and mission of OHSCO in front of the eyes of the church at large. Dr. Press comes to this area with much experience in outreach and administration, as well as teaching, having served for nearly 30 years in parish ministry. In that capacity, he has been able to work with people in a wide variety of settings and ministries. For more information, see Dr. Press' website.
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 Phil Johnson - Director of Christian Outreach
The DCO Coordinator is responsible for admission to the Outreach Major, advising Outreach Major students, teaching outreach courses related to congregational evangelism, placements for internships, supervising interns, and the certification process for commissioning in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. He also assists with recruitment of students, networking with congregations and organizations considering adding a DCO to their staff, and in the placement of certified graduates.
Phil Johnson is a native of Brooklyn Center, a Northwest Suburb of Minneapolis. He graduated from Concordia, St. Paul in 1982 as the second graduate of the newly formed Director of Evangelism program. As a part of his course of studies he served a one year internship in Riverdale, GA, learning from the congregation?s growing ministry to Laotian refugees. Over the past 20 years Phil has served congregations in Lincoln, NE and Arvada, CO as a Director of Christian Outreach. He has guided congregational outreach, new member welcome, and stewardship efforts. Phil has also served the church as a member of the Nebraska District Evangelism Board, the Rocky Mountain District Evangelism Board, and the Rocky Mountain Board of Directors. He has also served in various capacities for the Synod, most notably as a trained Extended Staff of the Board for Congregational Services. While in Colorado he completed a Master's degree in Non-Profit Management from Regis University in Denver. Because of this training many congregations and other organizations have utilized Phil as a facilitator for their strategic planning process. Phil is married and has four children. You can contact Phil at 651-641-8246 or via email at PJohnson@CSP.edu.
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Mr. Steve Henderson - Professor of Outreach Steve was called to the OHSCO and MACO programs in August 2006 and teaches several courses that focus on personal witnessing, how to explain Jesus to people of varied religious backgrounds and other cross-cultural topics. Steve became involved in cross-cultural witness through a partnership between the LCMS and the English Language Institute ? China (ELIC) in 1991 and served in Heilongjiang Province, China and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Steve and his family lived on college campuses where Steve and his wife, Vicci, served as English Teachers. In Mongolia, Steve also served as a church planter and Assistant Mongolia Director. In 1994, LCMS ? World Missions called Steve to direct its TEAM (Teaching English as Ministry) China program. This program mobilizes LCMS volunteer teachers for short and long-term (up to two years) placements on college campuses throughout China. These volunteers teach English and form relationships that provide the opportunity to introduce college students to Jesus. During the eight years that Steve directed TEAM China, God blessed the program with over five hundred LCMS volunteers who touched the lives of countless Chinese students, many of whom are now Christian. Steve also served as country representative for the LCMS ? World Mission projects in North Vietnam in 2000 ? 2001. In 2002, Concordia International School ? Shanghai called Steve to teach Middle and High School Religion and he continued in this role until his call to Concordia ? St. Paul. Steve holds a BS in Art and an MA in Christian Outreach. Prior to serving with LCMS ? World Missions and Concordia International School ? Shanghai, Steve worked with private not-for-profit organizations and state and local government. Steve and his wife, Vicci (a founding teacher at Concordia International School ? Shanghai) have three grown children, Erin (married to son-in-law, Dan), Amy and Andrew. Steve Henderson's website
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 Dr. Eugene Bunkowske - Fiechtner Endowed Chair of Christian Outreach
The person who is appointed to the chair of outreach is responsible for coordinating and the further development of the Master of Arts in Christian Outreach at Concordia University. Begun in June 2002, it is the only degree of its kind in the LCMS. The chair is also responsible for intentional contact with the church at large in the area of outreach. Mission Sundays, outreach workshops, congregational, circuit, district, and synodical outreach speaking presentations fill the schedule.
Dr. Bunkowske served as the Graduate Professor of Missions and the Director Emeritus of the PhD Program in Missiology at Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS) in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He also served as a Vice President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod from 1989 to 1998. From 1982-2002 he taught mission theology and cross cultural ministry at CTS. Before 1982, Dr. Bunkowske and his family served as missionaries in Africa for 22 years. During the first years in Africa, Dr. Bunkowske worked in Nigeria. He served as an evangelistic missionary, school manager, built a hospital, worked with Yala coworkers in reducing the Yala language to writing and with expatriate and Yala coworkers in Yala literacy and Bible Translation. He assisted the Lutheran Bible Translators in establishing their work in Liberia and Sierra Leone and was loaned by the LCMS to the United Bible Societies (UBS) for the work of Bible Translation Consultancy in West Africa. During his final years in Africa, Dr. Bunkowske served as one of the four UBS world Translation Coordinators. His area of responsibility was the 60 plus countries in the African Continent that he served from Nairobi, Kenya. He has lectured and conducted workshops and seminars in over half of the countries in Africa, many parts of the USA and in many other parts of the world. His Topics in Yala Grammar, together with the ten books that he edited for the Mission and Communication Congress series and two books for the Lutheran Society for Missiology are recognized as making an outstanding contribution in the field of Linguistics, Missions and Communication. Dr. Bunkowske and his wife, Bernice, have four married children, nine grandchildren, and reside in Maplewood, Minnesota. You can contact Gene at 651-603-6252 or via email at Bunkowske@CSP.edu.
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Melanie Vasterling - Assistant the Director for Outreach
Melanie serves as Assistant to the Director for Outreach. She wears two hats. First, she provides logistical and administrative support for the OHSCO faculty. By keeping accounts and other records, preparing workshops and convocations, preparing the OHSCO newsletter, and fulfilling other administrative tasks, Melanie enables the faculty to apply their gifts more fully in their teaching and training responsibilities.
Melanie is also responsible for OHSCO's outreach ministries and community development on campus. She helps to prepare World Mission Week and Evangelism Emphasis Week, both efforts of OHSCO to promote an active outreach mindset on campus. Melanie helps develop a close-knit group of DCO students and others interested in outreach. She leads and prepares weekly luncheons for informal discussions about outreach and brings in outreach leaders in the field to share their ministry experiences. She also provides communication avenues and support for DCOs on campus and on their internships.
Melanie was a Pastoral Studies major at North Central University in Minneapolis in the early 80s and is close to completing a Communications degree at Concordia. Melanie has also developed a passion for studying photography and art the last few years. Melanie and her husband, Rick, live in Roseville, Minnesota with their four children: Victoria, Ricky, Annie and Phillip. You can contact Melanie at 651-641-8701 or via email at Vasterling@CSP.edu.
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Evigeniia Li(Jenya) - MACO Cohort Facilitator
Jenya works very closely with the Master of Arts in Christian Outreach students. Her responsibilities include the advising and guiding of all students in the cohorts regarding classes and completion of program. You can contact Jenya at 651-641-8224 or via email at Li@CSP.edu.
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