Dear Friends in Jesus,
About three weeks ago we first heard reports of financial challenges at Concordia University Ann Arbor and the effects on its sister school, Concordia University Wisconsin. As a district that has gone through the challenge of losing our own Concordia University – Portland, we hold our sisters and brothers in prayer as they determine their response.
There are lots of statements being issued, interviews taking place, and opinions being expressed about this situation. It won’t take you long to find them on the internet. I would encourage you to listen to Michigan District President Dave Davis share about the situation at michigandistrict.org.
The Michigan District has initiated an effort to slow down conversation about drastic measures by collecting funds to offset the operating deficit for the upcoming school year. I would encourage you to participate as you are led to do so. In the meantime, let us keep all our leaders in prayer and invite them to responsible stewardship in the context of faith in a God who is seeking to bring His children to saving faith in Jesus, our Savior.
Lord of All, we commit the ministry of Concordia University Ann Arbor to Your loving care. Bless the leaders with wisdom, prudence, and a strong sense of Your mission of bringing people to the knowledge of Your great love for them. We pray that this ministry would continue, and that those charged with leadership would find appropriate ways to allow this university to continue to be a blessing to so many. Use us, as You will, to make a difference in this time of challenge. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Serving the Lord and His Church,
Rev. Dr. Paul Linnemann
President of the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
