The primary purpose of Concordia Theological Foundation (CTF) is to assist in preparing men for the Office of Holy Ministry.  To that end, on Monday, May 11, 2026, Concordia Theological Foundation distributed checks to 35 graduating 2025–2026 Master of Divinity Students at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW). Each individual received a check in the amount of $5,000 for a total distribution from the Foundation of $175,000.

These $5,000 stipends were presented to each newly trained pastor who was prepared through their studies at CTSFW to serve a congregation of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. For those departing for their first call it was a small stipend to assist in making that move and transition. For several who will continue their pastoral studies in the fall as a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) student it was a small stipend to assist them as they continue to prepare for their first call.

In addition to this, earlier in the year, the Foundation presented Concordia Theological Seminary with a Student Book Fund check in the amount of $10,260. These funds assist fourth year students in building the library of confessional resources.  The Foundation distributed a total of $185,260 during the 2025-2026 fiscal for the support and training of confessional pastors for the office of the Holy Ministry.

Concordia Theological Foundation is committed to using its resources to assist in the training of confessional Lutheran pastor to serve in the Church today and for generations to come.  To that end CTF continues to explore other opportunities to support residential students entering CTSFW. 

Since the Foundation’s inception in 1999, gifts and bequests from faithful Lutherans continue to “assist in the training of confessional Lutheran pastors to serve the church today and for generations to come.”  The Trustees of the Foundation believe that with God’s continued blessings and the continued faithful support of many individuals, additional opportunities to support the training of faithful pastors will be attainable so that individuals continue to receive the blessings of the Word and Sacrament.