Vern Gundermann Reformation Heritage Lecture Series: Peter H. Nafzger

When God calls individuals to faith in Jesus, he also gathers them for life together. This makes the Christian life communal. Luther understood this. In his teaching and preaching he emphasized the relationships Christians have with one another, and in his life in Wittenberg he put it into practice. In today’s polarized and individualistic culture it is increasingly necessary to proclaim not only the Reformation Gospel, but also the communal shape of the life it creates.

Peter H. Nafzger is Associate of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He previously served for nine years as sole pastor of New Life Church—Lutheran in Hugo, Minn. During his time in Minnesota he taught courses on the Lutheran Confessions at Concordia University, St. Paul as an adjunct professor. He has been deeply involved in the LCMS Youth Gathering as Bible Study Director (2007–19) and Theological Advisor (since 2019).

His areas of interest include the theology of the Word of God, preaching and communal formation, the theology of Scripture, and the purpose and practice of confirmation and youth ministry. Nafzger holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Concordia Seminary (2004, 2009). He studied at the Lutherische Theologische Hochschule in Oberursel, Germany (2001–02). He holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Behavioral Science from Concordia University, Nebraska (1999).

In addition to teaching, Nafzger serves as the Director of Student Life at Concordia Seminary and the head coach for the Preacher basketball team. With his family, he enjoys hiking, rock climbing, camping, road trips, playing German board games, and watching the World Cup and March Madness. He is married to Katie, who serves as the Women’s Coordinator for Families in Transition at Concordia Seminary. They have four teenage children, Olivia, Johann, August and Louisa.