New Business College Prepares Leaders for Success and Service

“The business of America is business.” So observed Alex de Tocqueville after his historic visit to America early in the 1800s. Indeed, the United States of America grew strong because business people in the colonies and then in the nation ventured with enthusiasm into the ways of commerce - developing daring entrepreneurial ways and means of inventing, creating and selling products.

I once took a post-graduate course on preaching at Claremont School of Theology and remember one lesson well. “Watch television advertisements! They demonstrate that business people, with exemplary skill, know how to get your attention, focus your attention and motivate your actions.”

Advertisements have a simple goal: to convince you to buy the product. Using the language of business, I too have a “product” to share as a pastor and educator. In sharing the Gospel, I have learned much from business people, both from their deep faith and their commitment to help people improve lives by using their product.

This edition of Concordia St. Paul magazine showcases and celebrates the university’s newly formed College of Business and Organizational Leadership. The motivation for the new college comes from our Mission Statement’s charge to “prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity and for enlightened care of God’s creation, all in the context of the Christian Gospel.”

The new college does not usurp the importance of Concordia’s historic mission to prepare deaconesses, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, parish music leaders, pastors and teachers. In fact, the goal is to enhance such programs with increased contact on campus with present and future Christian business leaders with whom professional church workers will serve God. I myself have learned much from business people, and I think that all of our students, directly or indirectly,will benefit from the new college.

The College of Business and Organizational Leadership affirms the realization that business people often stand on the front line of Gospel contact with the world. I learned that lesson well one summer when I visited my parents in Brownsdale, Minn. I came home with an out-of-state check for a month’s salary. When I took it to the local bank to cash it, the teller said, “We don’t cash out-of-state checks.” When I asked if they would cash it if I brought in one of my parents, Art or Lucinda Holst, to vouch for me, the response was immediate. “You’re Art and Lucinda’s son? Oh, then I’ll cash it.”

The integrity of my parents still motivates my own honesty in church and state, and sets standards for goals with students. Business people near Concordia often tell me why they like to hire CSP students and graduates. Three simple reasons: One, they show up on time. Two, they come willing to work. Three, they don’t steal.

The business community’s perception frames two reasons why I celebrate our new College of Business and Organizational Leadership. First,we will better educate skillful leaders for meaningful service in both business and church. Second, they can learn here how the compassion of Jesus can motivate and guide their vocation in work and in living.

Thank you for your continued interest and support of Concordia University, St. Paul. Special thanks to the many business graduates and friends who, from time to time, share their business expertise in helping CSP focus more clearly and function more efficiently in our business of Christian higher education.

In Christ,
President Bob Holst

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