James Gimbel
Associate Professor of Religion
Chair of the Department of Christian Ministries
Dr. Jim Gimbel has been on the faculty at Concordia since 2002. With graduate degrees in both social psychology (Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership) and theology (M.Div), Gimbel thrives on exploring the variety of experiences where faith and life intersect for leaders, especially for business and ministry students. Gimbel is known as a passionate, creative, and stimulating facilitator of learning. Gimbel thoughtfully engages graduate and undergraduate students in both online and face-to-face settings with wit, humor, content knowledge, and wisdom. He is frequently asked to consult on group dynamics, organizational behavior, strategic planning, and intentionality about mission. Gimbel’s ministry is rooted in a passionate love for God, for people of all ages, and for the rhythms of life in God’s care. Gimbel remains active in parish ministry, applying over 30 years of active ministry and organizational leadership experience (ND, IL, MN) into classroom insights and parish connections, particularly when he serves as Interim Pastor for congregations facing unique challenges and circumstances. Gimbel came to CSP from Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, where he served as Senior Editor of Youth, Family, & Sunday School Materials. His parish ministry includes rural & urban, campus, youth, and senior pastoral leadership.
Gimbel currently serves as Chair of the Christian Ministries Department, and is coordinator of religion courses for cohort students. He facilitates the faculty and staff Lutheran Identity Seminar, and chaired the Faith and Learning Task Force. He is a popular and effective communicator, consultant, and thought leader. He has co-authored seven books, including a series of three children’s books co-written with each of his three children. As a member of the graduate faculty, most of his teaching is with MA in Leadership and Management students.
ACADEMIC / PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
- Ph.D., Organizational Leadership, Regent University Center for Leadership Studies, Virginia Beach, VA (2002)
- M.Div., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (1985)
- B.A., Educational Psychology, Concordia College, St. Paul, MN (1981)
ACADEMIC FOCUS
Leadership, Management, Research, Organizational Behavior, Social Psychology, Theology, Innovation, Ministry, Faith and Life, Applied Ethics.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
“God made humans with the capacity to be, learn, and do. There is nothing better in life than seeing the ‘light’ go on when people grasp a new and difficult concept, and learn to apply it."