Rev. Dr. Charles Blanco

2004 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award Recipient

Rev. Dr. Charles Blanco served on the faculty of Concordia University, Nebraska for over two decades, teaching Greek and theology courses and directing the university’s pre-seminary program from 2002 to 2022. Dr. Blanco’s academic focus centered on Exegetical Theology, particularly the original biblical languages and their theological implications.

Before joining Concordia, Dr. Blanco served as pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Fort Lupton, Colorado from 1984 to 2002. He earned his B.A. in philosophy from Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University Chicago), an M.Div. and S.T.M. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and a Ph.D. from Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. His research includes studies on the Hebrew calendar’s theological significance and Greek verbal aspect in New Testament believing.

At Concordia, Dr. Blanco regularly taught courses in New Testament Greek, Pauline epistles, the Gospels, and foundational theology courses like Faith & Life and History and Literature of the New Testament. Throughout his ministry and academic career, he remained committed to helping students grow in the truth of God’s Word and preparing them to share His Law and Gospel with others.

 

Publications

“Learning Mercy and Sacrifice: Homework from Jesus for Lutheran Higher Education.” Issues in Christian Education 50, no. 3 (Summer 2017). 

“Christian Teaching: That They May Have Life Abundantly.”  Chapter in The Teacher of the Church, ed. Russ Moulds, 11-23.  Eugene, Ore.: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2007. 

“Visions of the Last Days” (four-part sermon series for Advent 1-4, Series A). Concordia Pulpit Resources 9, part 1 (1998): 15-26. 

“People of Promise” (four-part sermon series for Pentecost 12-15, Series A). Concordia Pulpit Resources 6, no. 3 (1996): 43-54. 

“A Better Case than ‘Just in Case’” (sermon study on Col. 1:13-20). Concordia Pulpit Resources 2, no. 4 (1992): 41-43. 

“Freedom from an Unsavory Slavery” (sermon on John 8:31-36 for Reformation Day). Concordia Pulpit Resources 2, no. 4 (1992): 46-47. 

 

Book Reviews for Issues in Christian Education

“Generous Justice,” by Timothy Keller.  49, no. 2 (Spring 2016). 

“The Bible on the Question of Homosexuality,” by Innocent Himbaza, Adrien Schenker, and Jean-Baptiste Edart.  Tr. Benedict M. Guevin.  49, no. 1 (Fall 2015). 

“Paul among the People,” by Sarah Ruden.  48, no. 3 (Summer 2015). 

“Bad Religion,” by Ross Douthat. 48, no. 2 (Spring 2015): 32-33. 

  

Presentations

“The Beatitudes and Leadership,” Concordia University, Nebraska, Leadership Retreat, June 25, 2024. 

“Humbly Bold Proclaimers of God’s Word: Giving Preference to the Patent over the Latent," Nebraska District Pastors’ Conference, March 14, 2023. 

“Wisdom,” Four Promises Symposium, Concordia University, Nebraska, President Bernard Bull Inauguration Week.  October 20-21, 2021. 

“Aspects of Believing: An Exegetical-Linguistic Exploration of “To Believe” in the New Testament,” Nebraska District Pastors’ Conference, October 17-18, 2016. 

“Cohabitation Outside of Marriage," Nebraska District Pastors’ Conference, April 17, 2007.