Advocating for Bible Translation

A Visit to Fort Wayne and St. Louis Seminaries

At both Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis the next generation of church leaders is being formed—future pastors, theologians, and missionaries who will carry the Gospel into their congregations and communities. Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) had the privilege of visiting both Fort Wayne and St. Louis Seminaries in the past couple of weeks to engage students and faculty in the ongoing movement to make God’s Word accessible to all people in their heart languages. 

A Call to Advocate and Serve 

The purpose of the visit was twofold: 

1. Raise awareness of the global Bible translation movement and the 2033 All Access Goals (AAGs). 

2. Invite students to take an active role, whether as advocates now or as future missionaries in Bible translation ministry. 

Rev. Rich Rudowske, Executive Director | CEO of LBT, spent time sharing the vision of Bible translation with the student body. He encouraged them to consider how they, as future church leaders, could integrate this work into their ministry—whether by praying for the movement, supporting it through their congregations, or even stepping into roles as missionaries themselves. 

A Fireside Chat, a Chapel Sermon, and a Convocation 

The visit included several key moments: 

• Fireside Chat – Students and faculty gathered for an informal conversation on Monday evening to discuss the vision and specific needs in Bible translation ministry. 

• Chapel Sermon on 1 John 4:7-12 – On Tuesday morning, Rev. Rudowske preached on the foundation of all ministry: God’s love. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us” (1 John 4:10). He reminded students that ministry must always flow from this reality. Before they are called to love and serve, they are first called to be loved by God. 
   

• Convocation Presentation: A Lutheran Theology of Bible Translation – Rev. Rudowske presented a draft of his paper, A Lutheran Theology of Bible Translation. This theological framework examines how Lutheran theology shapes the practice of Bible translation—grounded in the centrality of Scripture, the Lutheran confessions, and Martin Luther’s own approach to translation. Students and faculty engaged in thoughtful discussion, providing valuable insights that will help refine the paper for future publication. 

The Role of Future Leaders 

This visit was more than an academic discussion—it was an invitation. Bible translation is not just for linguists and theologians; it is the work of the Church. Future pastors and leaders have the opportunity to bring Bible translation into the heart of their ministries, ensuring that people around the world can hear and know Jesus in their own languages. 

These visits planted seeds. Some may go on to actively support translation work in their future congregations. Others may sense a call to serve in this mission directly. But all are invited to take part in God’s work of bringing His Word to the nations. 

Would you like to learn more about how you or your congregation can partner in Bible translation?
You can PRAY, GIVE, and ADVOCATE or consider inviting your church to host a Bible Translation Sunday.