CEC 0391 | Who Am I? A Christian Response to LGBTQ+
Apr 14, 2026 - May 19, 2026
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Full course description
This Continuing Education series brings together three respected scholars and practitioners who have taught and researched extensively in the area of gender and human identity. Through clear, accessible presentations, they will explore gender identity, gender dysphoria, transgender experiences, homosexuality, and related challenges facing the Church today. Grounded in a biblical and confessional understanding of creation, identity, and vocation, the series equips attendees with practical insight and compassionate approaches for engaging and caring for individuals who are questioning their gender identity or who have already transitioned.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Option:
You may choose to receive a transcript with CEUs for this offering for an additional $10: Once registered, you have the option to purchase the CEU transcript before the course is scheduled to end.
Weekly Units:
“Laying the Foundation: How Did We Get Here?” — Dr. Voss will explain the sometimes confusing terminology currently associated with human sexuality. What do expressions like LBTQIA2S+ mean? Then he will discuss why issues are approached so differently as compared to only 20 years ago.
“What Do We Mean by Gender Identity?” — Ms. Dinger will trace the historical, psychological, and cultural development of gender identity. Why is “identity” such an important concept for Christians to understand—and how can a proper grasp of it help us engage questions about gender in light of the Gospel?
"Mental Health Approaches to Transgenderism" — Dr. Rockenbach will discuss the latest trends in the mental health world when diagnosing and treating gender dysphoria. Some of the topics that will be addressed: affirming care, co-occurring disorders, social media’s impact, suicide, and intersex.
“Sexual Purity and the Bible” — Dr. Voss will explore and apply biblical teaching on same-sex relationships, gender uncertainty, and the importance of marriage and/or chastity. Three models of gender dysphoria will be discussed.
“Human Sexuality and Vocation, the Redeemed Body, and Works Righteousness” — Ms. Dinger will help participants explore how Lutheran theology equips us to speak faithfully about gender today. Drawing on creation, law and gospel, vocation, and justification by grace, this session offers practical tools for faithful ministry and teaching.
"Practical Approaches to LGBTQ+ Ideologies" — Dr. Rockenbach will discuss faithful ways to respond to those who affirm a LGBTQ+ ideology. Participants will learn about the sin spiral and how to care for gender affirming people with the Gospel. Some of the topics that will be addressed: parents with LGBTQ+ children, pastoral care approaches, and detransitioners.
Schedule & Location:
- Start Date: Apr 14, 2026
- End Date: May 19, 2026
- Tuesdays; 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., CST via Zoom
- Online Synchronous: Participants are required to log in and participate in live online sessions at specified meeting days/times. Offering has fixed Start and End dates and regular assignment due dates.
Caitlin Dinger
Originally from San Francisco, CA, director of Christian education Caitlin May Dinger holds a Bachelor of Arts in education and theology from Concordia University, Portland, OR (1996) and a Master of Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA (2003). She is a commissioned and rostered worker of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, having served congregations and ministries in Washington, California, New Jersey, and Missouri.
With an eye towards helping the church develop a faithful response to gender identity ideology, particularly as it impacts young women, Caitlin is a PhD student at Concordia Seminary, actively engaging in coursework and foundational research. She and her husband, Andrew, a pastor, live in St. Louis with their three sons. Caitlin enjoys all things Jane Austen, gardening, canning & home preserving, and watching documentaries about cults. The latter hobby has borne fruit in surprising and meaningful ways, especially in helping to unravel the knot of gender identity ideology.
MDiv, Theology, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA
BA, Education, Theology, Concordia University Portland, OR
Dr. Mark Rockenbach
Dr. Rockenbach served as a parish pastor before accepting a call to The Nebraska District Office where he served as the Executive for Church Worker Health and Reconciliation. He practiced as a mental health counselor and taught as an adjunct professor at Concordia University in Seward, NE and Concordia University in Mequon, WI. He currently serves in the following roles at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO: Professor of Practical Theology, Director of Personal Growth and Leadership Development, Institutional Review Board (IRB), Director, and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. Dr. Rockenbach is co-author of the book “Unforgivable? How God’s Forgiveness Transforms our Lives.”
PhD, Psychology, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN
MA, Counseling, Doane College, Lincoln, NE
MDiv, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO
BA, Concordia College, Seward, NE
Rev. Dr. Kevin E. Voss, DVM, PhD, FCA
Dr. Voss was Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Concordia Center for Bioethics for 21 years until his retirement on June 30, 2024. He had been at CUW since 2003 and taught philosophy, bioethics, theology, and ethics courses. Prior to pursuing pastoral ministry, Dr. Voss was in private practice in northeast Wisconsin as a dairy veterinarian for 14 years.
Dr. Voss has given numerous presentations about bioethics issues at national and international conferences. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, and the Evangelical Philosophical Society, and a Fellow with the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism, and Human Rights. He is past Chair of the CUW Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Committee for Scholarship Integrity. Dr. Voss is currently working on a book tentatively entitled Biblical Bioethics.
PhD, Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University
MDiv, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis