CLS Professor Stephen Chambers to return to parish ministry

Rev. Dr. Stephen Chambers

EDMONTON – Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) has announced that Rev. Dr. Stephen Chambers, Professor of Exegetical Theology, will be stepping down at the end of the Fall Semester in order to return to parish ministry. Dr. Chambers has accepted a call to serve Grace Lutheran Church in Edmonton as Associate Pastor after 17 years at the seminary. He will take up his new role in January 2020.

“It’s been a difficult decision, particularly because of the important, meaningful, and fulfilling ministry that I’ve had at the seminary for the last 17 years,” said Dr. Chambers. “It’s been a wonderful privilege participating in Christ’s mission in this way, and I’m glad to have been able to serve at CLS.”

“For a number of reasons, though, I feel at this time that my ministry there has been ‘fulfilled’ (Colossians 4:17, 2 Timothy 4:5),” he continued. “Even more, I’m excited about the prospect of returning to my first love, parish ministry. Brenda and I have a deep sense that Grace’s call is an open door, a compelling call of God.”

During his time with Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Dr. Chambers held several roles in addition to that of professor, including Academic Dean and Director of Library. He previously served as Dean of Students, Field Education and Vicarage Supervisor, and Chaplain. “We are thankful for Dr. Chambers’ 17 years of faithful service,” the seminary noted in a release. “Any good faculty member should have a deep love for the parish which motivates them to share their gifts, for a time, in service of preparing fellow labourers in God’s vineyard.”

“We also rejoice with our faithful sister/partner in ministry, Grace Lutheran in Edmonton, as they prepare to receive a very gifted additional pastor to come serve in their midst.”

The announcement of Dr. Chambers’ transition back to parish ministry came just before the 30^th anniversary of his ordination, which took place on August 14, 1989 at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Valleyview, Alberta. “We give God thanks for his 30 years of service as pastor and professor of theology in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church–Canada,” said the seminary on the occasion of the anniversary. “We celebrate with Dr. Chambers and Brenda and his family today, and pray that the Lord of the Church would continue to use him in faithful service, for the good of the Church and the glory of His name, even as he transitions from his role at CLS to his new ministry at Grace Lutheran, Edmonton. God’s blessings for more years of service, Dr. Chambers!”

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