From San Diego to St. Louis: Forming Leaders for the Mission

in the month of March our Missionary Director is serving the Church in a different capacity — as a guest professor with the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.

During this week-long immersion, he is teaching a course for students preparing for pastoral and diaconal ministry, gathering leaders from across the church to reflect on mission, theology, and service.

We were especially encouraged to see one familiar face among the students: our own missionary, Gustavo Valderrama, participating in the program and continuing to grow in his formation for ministry.

And in a moment that made the week even more special, the students surprised Pastor Tardelli by celebrating his birthday together — a joyful reminder that the work of the Church is not only about teaching and learning, but also about the fellowship we share in Christ.

Moments like these remind us how the mission of the Church connects places and people — from San Diego to St. Louis — as we prepare leaders to proclaim the Gospel and serve God’s people.