Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Practical Theology
Director, Student Life, Practical Theology
Coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs, Ministerial Formation
Dr. Peter H. Nafzger is associate professor of Practical Theology, Coordinator of Seminary International Exchange Programs and Director of Student Life at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has been a faculty member since 2016.
Prior to coming to Concordia Seminary, he served as the sole pastor of New Life Church—Lutheran in Hugo, Minn (2007-16). During those years he served the LCMS Minnesota South District as chair of its continuing education committee. He taught courses on the Lutheran Confessions as an adjunct professor at Concordia University, Saint Paul, Minn. (2010–11). He was also a guest instructor for Concordia Seminary, teaching courses in systematic theology and the Lutheran Confessions (2012-15).
His areas of interest and research include the theology of Scripture, homiletics and the theology of preaching, the communal shape of the Christian life, and confirmation and Christian formation.
He is the author of “The Preacher as Worldmaker: Reflections on the Nature and Purpose of Christian Preaching” (Concordia Journal, 2019), the Lenten sermon series “The Gospel in Seven Words” (Concordia Seminary Press, 2018), and “These Are Written: Toward a Cruciform Theology of Scripture” (Wipf and Stock, 2013). He contributes weekly to the “Lectionary Kickstart” podcast for Concordia Seminary and writes regular homiletical reflections for 1517’s “Craft of Preaching.” He has served as Bible study director (2007-19) and theological advisor (2019-25) for the LCMS Youth Gathering. Forthcoming work includes a book project about preaching and communal formation for Concordia Seminary Press.
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, Seward, Neb. (1999).
In addition to teaching, Nafzger serves as the head coach for the Preachers basketball team at Concordia Seminary. With his family, he enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, rocking climbing, German board games, World Cup soccer and March Madness. He is married to Katie, who teaches high school biology. They have four children: Olivia, Johann, August and Louisa.
Theology of preaching
Theology of Scripture
Ecclesiology
The Lutheran Confessions
Confirmation and Christian formation