Mark Rockenbach

Dr. Mark Rockenbach serves as Professor in the Practical Department at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, while holding multiple leadership roles including Director of the Doctor of Ministry program, Director of Personal Growth and Leadership, and Director of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University Nebraska (1994), followed by a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Doane College, and a Doctorate in Psychology from Capella University.

Dr. Rockenbach's research bridges theological and psychological perspectives, focusing on pastoral ministry, conflict reconciliation, sexual identity, and forgiveness studies. His doctoral work on 'the lived experience of those who had forgiven a person who had wronged them' formed the basis for his co-authored book 'Unforgivable: How God's Forgiveness Transforms our Lives.' He actively contributes to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod through his membership on the task force providing LGBTQ+ resources to the church, where he has developed programming and led retreats for parents with LGBTQ+ children.

As an educator, Dr. Rockenbach emphasizes personalized development, administering assessments and meeting individually with students to create growth plans. His teaching integrates practical ministry experience with academic rigor, covering subjects from pastoral care to research methodology. His presentations at professional conferences address contemporary challenges in Lutheran education, particularly regarding gender identity and forgiveness.

• Member of LCMS task force to provide LGBTQ+ resources to the church
• Trained reconciler by Ambassadors of Reconciliation
• Former executive assistant to district president in church worker care
• Former pastor of a Nebraska congregation

Dr. Rockenbach's approach combines theological depth with psychological insight, equipping future church leaders to address complex modern issues while remaining grounded in Lutheran tradition. His mentorship philosophy reflects his own positive educational experiences at Concordia Nebraska, where faculty encouragement helped shape his vocational path.