Dear Luther Seminary Students, Faculty, and Staff:
I am writing to share with you that effective June 1, 2022, Associate Professor of Old Testament Michael Chan will be joining Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, as its executive director for faith and learning.
Professor Chan, who holds degrees from Pacific Lutheran University (B.A.), Luther Seminary (M.A.), and Emory University (Ph.D.), joined Luther Seminary as assistant professor of Old Testament beginning in fall 2013. He left in 2017 to serve in the U.S. Navy and pursue pastoral work. Chan rejoined the seminary in 2019.
Luther Seminary cherishes the expertise Professor Chan brought to the seminary and will miss his contributions. He has authored numerous books and is a widely known adult educator and facilitator whose Gospel Beautiful podcast engages a diverse range of scholars, artists, and activists. In addition to his teaching and research, he is deeply involved in a variety of innovation initiatives at Luther.
We wish him well in his future endeavors.
As executive director for faith and learning at Concordia College, Professor Chan will direct the Lorentzsen and Dovre centers, guide Concordia’s interfaith relationships, and oversee the work of Campus Ministry. He will also serve as a member of the president’s cabinet. Starting in January 2022, Chan will travel to Concordia to lead several conversations about how the college can embrace both its longtime strengths and the opportunity for innovation in its faith expressions as a college rooted in the Lutheran church and open to the wisdom of other faiths.
It has been my privilege to work with Dr. Chan these past two years. This is an exciting opportunity for him, his family and Concordia. I would invite the community to keep the Chans in prayer during this season of transition as well as keeping the community of Luther Seminary in your prayers.
All transitions provide both opportunity and challenge. I am encouraged that as God is moving in Michael’s life to confirm his call and ministry, God is also at work here at Luther, positioning us to expand our faculty as we look forward to educate Christian leaders who respond to the Holy Spirit’s call to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to serve in God’s world.
We remain …
In Christ’s Service,
Joy J. Moore
Academic Dean