Rev. Simeon Raddatz has accepted the call to serve as University Chaplain at Concordia University Chicago. In this role, Rev. Raddatz will oversee all campus worship; shepherd students, faculty and staff by pastoral care and counseling; facilitate all spiritual life activities; and serve as both Dean of the Chapel and director of the pre-seminary program.

“God is providing abundantly for this community by calling Pastor Raddatz to serve here,” says University president Dr. Russell Dawn. “Pastor Raddatz is warm and approachable, a sound and engaging teacher and preacher, a true pastor to those who struggle, and a committed confessional churchman. He will be a wonderful Chaplain for CUC.”

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Rev. Simeon Raddatz

Rev. Raddatz will start at Concordia-Chicago on Oct. 2 after having served Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin, IL as sole pastor for the past six years. Trinity, Pekin was his first call after earning his Master of Divinity degree at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 2017. He is also a 2013 alumnus of Concordia-Chicago’s pre-seminary program. Rev. Raddatz is husband to Lauren (a 2014 CUC alumna) and father of four young children: Elias, Violet, Micah and James.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Amid the confusion of our age and the changes and chances of life, the Word of Christ is our rock-solid foundation!” says Raddatz. “By the grace of God, I am honored and humbled to have been called to administer this Word of truth, peace and hope to the students, faculty and staff of Concordia-Chicago.”

Rev. Dr. James Lee, associate professor of theology, headed the search committee for the chaplain role. Lee says, “Our Lord is the Great Shepherd of His Church. In His goodness and mercy, He has provided Concordia-Chicago with a new under-shepherd. Rev. Raddatz is a faithful and kind pastor who will serve the University with fidelity and compassion. God be praised. He does all things well.”

“I am looking forward to Pastor Raddatz providing a base of love and care on our campus,” says undergraduate student Hope Muehler, who served on the search committee. “The spiritual care of our student body, faculty and staff is important, and knowing that Pastor Raddatz has accepted the call and will fulfill the spiritual needs of the community brings me joy! I am excited to begin working with the new dean of the Chapel of Our Lord.”