FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: CTSFW Communications, communications@ctsfw.edu
CTSFW Faculty Promoted
FORT WAYNE, March 14, 2024—Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), is pleased to announce the promotion of two of its faculty members, Dr. James G. Bushur and Dr. Gifford A. Grobien, from associate professor to professor. The CTSFW Board of Regents voted to advance the two professors in rank at their meeting February 16–17, 2024.
“Dr. Bushur and Dr. Grobien are both gifted and faithful professors who have a great impact on our students each day in their classrooms,” said CTSFW Provost Dr. Charles Gieschen. “The action of the Board of Regents in advancing them both in academic rank is a well-deserved affirmation of their exemplary service to our Lord at CTSFW. All their colleagues rejoice with them in this board action and look forward to their continued service at this seminary,” said Gieschen.
Bushur, who joined the CTSFW faculty in the fall of 2006, serves as the Carl and Erna Weinrich Professor of New Testament and Early Church Studies and Director of Deaconess Formation Programs at CTSFW. He teaches courses in patristic theology and deaconess studies and publishes and presents regularly in both areas. He earned a BA in biblical literature from Taylor University (1989), an MDiv (1993) and STM (1998) from CTSFW, and a PhD from the University of Durham, UK, in 2010. Prior to joining the CTSFW faculty, Bushur served as pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Decatur, Indiana (1999–2006), and Trinity Lutheran Church, Goodland, Indiana (1994–1999).
Dr. James Bushur (left), Deaconess Amy Rast (center right), and CTSFW President Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. (right) with 2023 Deaconess Studies graduates.
In his letter of support for Bushur, Dr. Benjamin Mayes, chair of the Historical Theology department, noted Bushur’s many years of teaching and pastoral ministry experience while also calling attention to Bushur’s strong teaching evaluations and service to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) through publications and service on the Commission for Theology and Church Relations (CTCR).
Grobien serves as Professor of Systematic Theology, Assistant Provost, and Director of the DMin Program at CTSFW. He has been on the faculty since 2012, teaching courses in the areas of theological ethics, the Lutheran Confessions, and dogmatics. An active speaker and writer, Grobien’s research interests include sanctification, spirituality, natural law, virtue, and topics in sacramental and liturgical studies. He earned his BS in foreign service from Georgetown University in 1995, after which he served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy (1995–2000). He then earned an MDiv from CTSFW in 2005 and a PhD in moral theology at the University Notre Dame in 2011. While studying at Notre Dame, Grobien served as assistant pastor of Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Bend, Indiana, from 2006–2012.
Dr. Gifford Grobien talks to students about advanced theological studies at CTSFW.
Dr. Roland Ziegler, chair of the Systematic Theology department, praised Grobien for excellence in teaching, leadership, and scholarship in his letter of support. “He is a valued colleague who is willing to serve beyond the call of duty,” said Ziegler. “His advancement in rank to full professor is well deserved.”
Founded in 1846, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, forms servants of Jesus Christ in a vibrant, Christ-centered theological community that engages and resources the church and the world, domestically and internationally, with distinctively Lutheran teaching, practice, and worship. To learn more, visit ctsfw.edu.
