Meyer accepts call to serve as sem president

Dr. Dale A. Meyer of Collinsville, Ill., has accepted the call to serve as the 10th president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  His installation is set for Sept. 4, during the opening service for the seminary’s 2005-06 academic year.

Meyer has served as the seminary’s interim president since November.  He succeeds Dr. John F . Johnson, who left the post to become president of Concordia University, River Forest, Ill.

Meyer, 58, announced his decision during the seminary’s commencement exercises May 20.

“Our service at Concordia Seminary reflects the mind of Christ.  We move forward with eyes fixed on the One who says ‘Follow Me,'” Meyer said.  “Mindful of my weaknesses, I accept your call to be the 10th president of Concordia Seminary.  ‘Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness'” (Ps. 115:1).

Meyer’s announcement was met with a standing ovation from the graduates and hundreds of guests who filled the seminary’s main quadrangle.

Meyer also announced his decision to accept the call in his May 22 “Meyer Minute,” an e-mail and audio “thought for the day” service he provides.

“Like any modern institution of higher learning, there are major issues to address (financial support, governance, distance learning, ethnic diversity, and many others),” he said.  “But two themes must dominate all others: love for God and love for people.  The pastors we train must be experts in the Bible, ready to apply the eternal Word of salvation to the daily lives of people.  Therefore, they must love people, not just calculating how to make them church members but caring for all people selflessly and with no ulterior motive.”

Meyer has hosted the television program “On Main Street” since 1994, and served as speaker of “The Lutheran Hour” radio program from 1989 to 2001.

He joined the Concordia Seminary faculty from 1981 to 1984 and again in 2001, serving most recently as professor of practical theology and occupant of the Gregg H. Benidt Memorial Chair of Homiletics and Literature.  He also has served the church-at-large in various administrative positions, including LCMS third vice president from 1995 to 1998.

Meyer is a 1969 graduate of Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Ind., and holds a master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (1973); a doctor of philosophy degree from Washington University, St. Louis (1986); and an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (1993).  He also has served as pastor of congregations in Illinois from 1974 to 1988.

Posted May 23, 2005