Director of LCMS Placement and Church Relations
Kristi Bauer started at Concordia University, St. Paul in 2021, and in 2023 was called to the university as Director of Placement and Church Relations. In her role, Kristi works with students in the DCE, DCO, DPM, and Lutheran Classroom Teacher programs. Bauer coordinates the placement of church professionals into the LCMS and oversees certification by colloquy. Additionally, Kristi is responsible for overseeing the church relations efforts between Concordia St. Paul and external entities. This involves engaging with clergy, congregations, and other entities to enhance the college’s outreach. Kristi’s primary focus is on building partnerships and collaborating to strengthen the college’s connections with the Church, including conferences, workshops, and community service initiatives.
Kristi is a 2013 DCE graduate of CSP and obtained her Family and Parent Coaching Certificate in May of 2023. She completed her Master’s in Family Science at Concordia St. Paul in August, 2023. Before her service at CSP, Bauer served as the Director of Christian Education at Hope Lutheran Church in Hastings, MN, where she oversaw parish education and youth and children’s ministry and served as the 2019 English District coordinator for the LCMS Gathering. Bauer has served as a site supervisor for several CSP DCE students while in parish ministry and has a special interest in music as she plays piano and directs hand chimes for her congregation’s worship services.
Professional Experience:
- Concordia St. Paul – Director of LCMS Placement and Church Relations (July 2021-present, previously LCMS Placement and Colloquy Coordinator)
- Hope Lutheran Church, Hastings, MN – DCE (Sept. 2016-December 2021)
- Holy Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Bloomington, MN – DCE (June 2013-Sept. 2016)
Academic Credentials:
- M.A., Family Science, Concordia University, St. Paul (2023)
- B.A., Christian Ministry, Concordia University, St. Paul (2013)
- DCE Certification, Concordia University, St. Paul