Two Concordia Nebraska alumni and one former professor installed into roles at LCMS International Center

Photo courtesy of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod/Frank Kohn. Used by permission.

Three men with ties to Concordia University, Nebraska were recently installed into roles at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center (IC) in St. Louis — one in the Office of International Mission (OIM) and two in the Office of National Mission (ONM).   

The Rev. Dr. Brian A. Gauthier serves as OIM managing director of global mission operations. Prior to joining the IC, Gauthier served as a professor of theology and director of the pre-seminary and pre-deaconess programs at Concordia University, Nebraska. Gauthier was installed in January 2025 but began serving in his current role in July 2024. In his daily work, he enjoys the opportunity to connect with missionaries, seeing how they seek to spread the Gospel, plant Lutheran churches and show mercy around the world.  

“Here in the Office of International Mission (OIM), we give thanks to God for Dr. Brian Gauthier’s presence and expertise in Lutheran missiology. His experience both as a theological educator and missionary in Panama and as a professor at Concordia Nebraska made him a prime candidate for his current role as the Managing Director of Global Mission Operations,” said LCMS Office of International Mission Executive Director Rev. Dr. Cory Rajek. “In this role, Brian oversees the work of Synod’s four international regions: Africa, Asia, Eurasia and Latin America and the Caribbean. As part of this work, he serves as the point of contact between the OIM team in St. Louis and the regional directors, ensuring that the Synod’s mission strategy and ministry priorities are implemented. Additionally, Brian provides theological counsel on matters of missiology to both me and the regional directors.” 

These are ministry areas that have gained attention and prominence in the Church today and are vital to the work and mission of the church.

The Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe ‘05 serves as director of discipleship ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM). Trampe, who was installed at the IC in February, said discipleship is something that touches on the entire Christian life, from the baptismal font to the grave. Trampe previously also served as a circuit visitor, as the standing chair for Witness for the LCMS North Dakota District and as the pastoral advisor to the Nebraska District Lutheran Laymen’s League. Trampe has a bachelor of arts in interpersonal communication from Concordia University, Nebraska, as well as a master of divinity and doctor of ministry from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.  

“Rev. Trampe was well trained at [Concordia Nebraska] and the seminary. He furthered his studies through the doctor of ministry program at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, studying member involvement and engagement. He was able to apply this learning at multiple congregations over the past 10 plus years,” said LCMS National Mission Executive Director Rev. Dan Galchutt. “Discipleship, or as some like to refer to it: catechesis, is especially important in the American context given what surveys show us about church involvement, membership and denominational affiliation. Even more significant is this, God teaches us in His Word that this goes part and parcel with the mission Christ has given the church and deserves significant attention in our work and teaching.” 

Rev. Andrew (Andy) Becker ‘09 serves as manager of family discipleship for the ONM. In this role, he works with the districts and entities of the LCMS to promote Christ-centered homes where faith is nurtured and lived out so that all would be prepared to stand confidently in that faith, even as worldly attacks on the home and family are ever increasing. Becker was installed at the IC in February. Becker has bachelor of arts in theology from Concordia University Chicago, a master’s degree in family life from Concordia University, Nebraska and a master of divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. After graduating from Concordia Chicago, he served as a DCE before going to seminary.  

“Rev. Becker, who studied family ministry at [Concordia Nebraska], brings a wealth of congregational experience, first as a DCE and then as a pastor of family ministry,” said Galchutt. “This training and experience will be a great blessing as Rev. Becker serves LCMS congregations and schools across North America, lifting up family discipleship and Christ-centered homes as foundationally important priorities for the church in America today, just as God makes clear in His Word in places like Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Psalm 78:4.” 

“The LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM) gives thanks to God for our new staff members Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe and Rev. Andy Becker,” added Galchutt. “These new members to the ONM team will help us to serve LCMS congregations and schools in the areas of Discipleship and Family ministries. These are ministry areas that have gained attention and prominence in the church today and are vital to the work and mission of the church.” 

The theology program at Concordia University, Nebraska can helps students understand the Christian faith in a profound manner so that, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, they might translate it into a way of life that richly expresses God’s gracious love in Christ Jesus for all His creation.