Transfer student Alison Roehrig finds a home at Concordia Nebraska

Alison Roehrig of Archbold, Ohio, is a junior at Concordia University, Nebraska studying theology and preparing to serve as a Director of Christian Education. On campus, she’s involved in Concordia Youth Ministry, Mission Minded Students and Bulldogs4Life. She transferred to Concordia Nebraska from Concordia University Ann Arbor, where she was in the Director of Family Life Ministries program. 

“Due to unforeseen events taking place in 2024, my program, along with several others, had to be closed. I had to leave the place and community I loved dearly and choose another Concordia to transfer to,” she explained. “I chose Concordia Nebraska for its huge percentage of Lutherans and great DCE program. I have felt so greatly welcomed here and grateful God led me here to continue His ministry.” 

She said one thing that stands out to her about the university is its focus on developing mission-minded students. 

“Whatever your major is, you are a missionary called to share the Gospel message with His grace and mercy anywhere He places you in your future occupation,” she explained. “The support and love from students, faculty and staff is unlike any other compared to other universities.” 

She said the DCE program at Concordia Nebraska has offered her an incredible, supportive community and sense of belonging.  

“The DCE program here is huge, and I love how welcoming and inviting everyone is. We have popcorn Friday every Friday in the DCE office where we get to hang out and have fun. Small groups meet every week to do a Bible study and talk about life, and there are also retreats and theme parties.”  

She said the deep friendships she’s formed during her short time at Concordia Nebraska have been a tremendous blessing.  

“I’ve been blessed with an incredible community of friends who continually support, encourage and uplift me. Their kindness, faith and genuine care have made my time at Concordia so meaningful, reminding me daily of the importance of Christian fellowship and the joy that comes from walking alongside others in Christ.” 

“I feel a strong calling to support and strengthen families in their walk with Christ. I’m passionate about developing meaningful programs that help parents and children grow together in faith and about equipping households with practical, Christ-centered resources for nurturing spiritual life at home.”

Leaving one program at Concordia Ann Arbor and entering a new program at Concordia Nebraska made Roehrig a little nervous, but she said the university’s professors have made her transition as smooth as possible. 

“I left [Ann Arbor] knowing that ministry was what the Lord was calling and equipping me to do. My favorite professor was Josh Kittleman at CUAA. He was a true inspiration and someone I consider as my mentor. I’m also deeply grateful for my previous and current professors who have supported, encouraged and ministered to me throughout my studies. Their guidance has helped me not only strengthen my skills for ministry but also deepen my faith and understanding of what it means to serve God’s people with purpose and humility.” 

She said that her time at Concordia Nebraska has positively impacted her faith life.  

“I regularly attend chapel with my friends, as well as Evening Prayer and Praise!, which have become some of the most meaningful parts of my week. The Attic Bible studies led by Pastor Matthias and Rebekah Freed have been especially impactful, helping me grow not only in faith but also in fellowship with others,” she said. “Through their guidance, I’ve gained a deeper and more thoughtful understanding of the Old Testament, seeing how its stories connect to God’s larger plan and to my own life. In addition, my religion classes have strengthened my knowledge of Scripture and encouraged me to explore my faith.” 

She said her upbringing in a close-knit and supportive family has shaped who she is today and instilled in her deep values of love, service and gratitude. 

“I am blessed with two wonderful Lutheran parents, a brother and sister-in-law and their three beautiful children, two nieces and a nephew, as well as a sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law who still live in Ohio,” she said. “I’m truly thankful for the constant encouragement and strong foundation my family has given me in both faith and life.” 

When she’s not in class, you’ll find Roehrig painting or getting her hands dirty with fun art projects. She loves going on long bike rides and kayaking with her dad as well as playing pickleball and disc golf. She said her family is very “niche” in having three electric bikes, so going on e-bike rides for an ice cream treat with my family is a beloved tradition, too. 

Roehrig dreams of serving as a family life director at an LCMS church following graduation. 

“I feel a strong calling to support and strengthen families in their walk with Christ. I’m passionate about developing meaningful programs that help parents and children grow together in faith and about equipping households with practical, Christ-centered resources for nurturing spiritual life at home,” she said. “More than anything, I hope to create spaces within the church where families feel encouraged, connected and empowered to live out their faith daily.” 

The Christian education leadership major from Concordia University, Nebraska equips student to serve Christ’s church as an LCMS Director of Christian Education (DCE), faith formation director or education leader, trained and called to serve within a congregation or ministry setting.