Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach (OHSCO)

CONTACT: (651) 641-8701; OHSCO@CSP.edu; www.CSP.edu/OHSCO

The Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach (OHSCO) is the center for Evangelism and Mission studies creating mission vision and equipping outreach leaders centered at Concordia University. The purpose of OHSCO is to:

1. prepare students for professional outreach ministries,
2. encourage and develop an active outreach consciousness within the campus community, and
3. raise outreach vision, commitment, involvement and leadership throughout the church.

In partnership with Concordia University, OHSCO faculty serve as professors in the classroom and teach courses offered in the undergraduate outreach major and minor which lead toward certification as a Director of Christian Outreach (DCO). In addition, OHSCO developed and manages the Master of Arts in Christian Outreach which also offers DCO certification for satisfactory completion of all requirements. These degrees prepare students for outreach in:

1. congregational based cross-cultural and same culture ministries;
2. cross-cultural outreach ministries in the states and around the world; and
3. Bible translation and literacy ministries in foreign contexts.

Outreach education for mission-minded students pursuing other careers also enroll in these courses such as Directors of Christian Education, Directors of Parish Music, church-teachers, Pre-pastoral, and liberal arts students.

As a separately funded, donation-supported outreach organization of the university, OHSCO develops programs on- and off-campus to serve the church in outreach:

1. Convocations and Workshops: Each year, OHSCO brings to campus for presentations, visits in classrooms, and chapel numerous leaders in outreach and other persons particularly gifted in sharing the Christian faith.
2. World Mission/Evangelism Weeks: Each year OHSCO leads the campus community by highlighting the global and local outreach of the church and opportunities to serve in and support that mission.
3. Workshops, Courses, and Mission Fairs: As congregations, circuits, districts, synodical organizations, and other agencies request, OHSCO offers workshops, seminars, and presentations for Sunday morning, 1/2 day, day long, or weekend events. The workshops or courses offer mission, evangelism, and cross-cultural education utilizing the unique resources of OHSCO's faculty.
4. Student Projects: OHSCO supports and counsels outreach efforts by Concordia students including the Concordia Mission Society which participates in outreach events throughout the year, including a mission trip in the states and overseas during the semester break.
5. Intentional In-depth Outreach Training: OHSCO hosts the Outreach Leadership Institute, manages the Master of Arts in Christian Outreach, trains career and volunteer missionaries for LCMS World Mission, and teaches church leaders enrolled in outreach courses offered through district developed lay training programs.
6. Distance Education: OHSCO is developing outreach courses for distance learners using computer based and/or enhanced learning.
7. Participation in the Church: OHSCO faculty and staff hold positions on committees and boards throughout the synod and other organizations where OHSCO's voice supporting God's mission is heard.
8. Special Events: In cooperation with other agencies of the church, OHSCO develops outreach events which meet the needs of the church at large.