Freshman Keith Siek looks forward to seminary, serving in ministry

Freshman Keith Siek of Saint Joseph, Michigan, is majoring in journalism at Concordia University, Nebraska and is in the pre-seminary program. He runs cross country and track for the Bulldogs and is involved with the university’s swing dancing club, intramural flag football, pre-sem club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Men’s Chorus and German club. He enjoys attending evening prayer and several student-led Bible studies each week. 

He chose to study at Concordia Nebraska because of the university’s outstanding pre-seminary program.  

“Our Concordia Nebraska student body dramatically prioritizes worship and spiritual development more than other universities,” he explained. “Proceeding from the president through the staff and into the student body, is the central purpose of pointing others to Christ. The journalism department features an experienced lineup of professors uniquely focused on your personal development. These professors set Concordia Nebraska apart from other universities.” 

He discovered Concordia Nebraska through his experience at Christ Academy at Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne.   

“Concordia University came to the Christ Academy college fair the past four years. My interest with the school increased when I got accepted and began getting recruited by Coach Beisel,” he said. “With the knowledge of the wonderful community on campus as well as learning the opportunity I was offered to run for this school, I easily chose to attend here just three months after I received my letter of acceptance.”  

He said the fellowship he has enjoyed with other students is simply priceless. 

“My experience at Concordia is surrounding me with students and professors from whom I can learn. Coming to college and studying in the pre-sem program offers plenty of opportunity for conversation on the issues facing the church and world today.” 

“Meeting other pre-seminary students and sharing meals together with them is a gift,” he said. “There are many things that I could say are my favorite part of my time here, but there is nothing I like more than discussing the pastoral ministry with other mission-minded students. Building community with these young men is what is most important with me while I continue my studies.” 

He said his professors have been supportive and encouraging. 

“My professors encourage me to good works and faithful service to the world around me. Whether it is contemplation on my purpose in college from one professor, to the proclamation of the Gospel from my New Testament professor to my class, I find that the professors believe that each student is in the classroom for a higher purpose,” he said. “They teach with the conviction and belief that their students can change the world by what they are learning. My experience at Concordia is surrounding me with students and professors from whom I can learn. Coming to college and studying in the pre-sem program offers plenty of opportunity for conversation on the issues facing the church and world today.”  

He said he and his homeschooled siblings love to sing hymns together and treasure their Christian faith. You’ll often find Siek rooting for Detroit sports teams or exercising when he’s not focused on classes or fellowship. 

Following his time at Concordia Nebraska, Siek plans to attend Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne to prepare for the holy ministry. He said that he greatly appreciates the Christ-focus of the university and his peers. 

“Worshiping in chapel everyday develops my faith by virtue of the power of the Holy Spirit in the proclaimed Word of God,” he said. “Apart from worship, the students here aid in the development of my faith by constantly bringing the questions this generation is asking about God to mind. In so doing, they motivate me to give reason for the hope that is within me.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s pre-seminary program prepares students for admission to a theological seminary to become a member of the ordained pastoral ministry. Designed to coordinate specifically with the Master of Divinity program of both seminaries of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia’s pre-seminary program is rooted in the liberal arts tradition and includes an emphasis in the biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew, along with a background in philosophy and the humanities.