Luther Seminary is pleased to announce that alumnus, professor emeritus, and former seminary president David Tiede has been selected to receive the Christus Lux Mundi award.
This award is the most distinguished award presented by Luther Seminary, reserved for limited use to honor the witness and service of those who have manifested the light of Christ during their career either in the pastoral office or as laypeople. The criteria of the award are:
- Recognized public evangelical leadership in the church and the world.
- Exceptional stewardship of abilities, talents, time, and/or other resources on behalf of the mission and ministry of the Gospel.
- Continuing motivation and encouragement of others to creative service on behalf of the church.
- A minimum of 20 years of faithful service either as a pastor or as a lay leader in the church.
Tiede, a prolific and respected New Testament scholar and author, has had a profound impact upon generations of Christian leaders and everyday disciples through his books, articles, and lectures. As president of Luther Seminary from 1987-2005 he more than tripled the seminary’s endowment, inaugurated a Ph.D. program, and instituted the seminary’s current mission statement. He continues to make an impact on Luther Seminary by volunteering as a member of the Campaign Fundraising Steering Committee and mentor for the seminary’s leaders, faculty, and staff.
“Dr. Tiede is a tireless servant of the Gospel and steward of the church and its leaders,” said Robin Steinke, Luther Seminary president. “Through his vocational calling, Dr. Tiede continues to remind us all of our focus on the continual repentance and renewal to which we are called. Since at least the time of Thaddeus Franke Gullixson, our watchword bears witness to that calling: Christus Lux Mundi.”
On May 1, 2019, there will be a special on-campus event where Dr. Tiede will preach at Luther Seminary’s regular Wednesday Eucharist service. He will be presented with the Christus Lux Mundi award during a Leadership Circle gathering on June 5, 2019. The last to receive the award were Luther Seminary Professors Emeriti Wendell Frerichs and William Smith in 2005.