Rev. Dr. Charles T. Knippel, professor emeritus of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, entered rest in Christ Jesus July 24, 2018, at the age of 90. During thirty-nine years of ministry he served parishes in Illinois, Oklahoma, and Missouri. As a staff pastor with the Lutheran Ministries Association of Metropolitan St. Louis from 1968 to 1976, he developed at a ministry in the field of addictions.
From 1981 until the time of his retirement in 1992, Dr. Knippel was a member of the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he was an associate professor of practical theology.
“I first met Charles Knippel in 1971 when he was a visiting instructor at Concordia Seminary. To this day I remember with appreciation what he taught me in that class,” said Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary. “Our association continued when we both served as pastors in the LCMS Southern Illinois District and later as professors at our Seminary. He was one of the fairest and most caring men I have ever known. Many have been blessed by his life and ministry and I thank the Lord of the Church for His grace through Dr. Charles Knippel.”
Before joining the Seminary, Dr. Knippel served as pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Salem, Ill. (1953-54); Trinity Lutheran Church and the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. (1954-63); The Lutheran Church of the Risen Christ in Florissant, Mo. (1963-67); St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in St. Louis (1971-73); and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River, Ill. (1976-81).
Dr. Knippel’s legacy includes specialized service to those suffering from addiction. He served as chaplain at St. Louis Detoxification Center (1968-71); coordinator of ministry for chemical dependence at Lutheran Mission Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (1968-76); instructor at Missouri Alcoholism Education and Training Program (1968-71, 1974-76); outpatient counselor at St. Louis County Hospital Psychiatric Division (1969-70); research associate for Social Science Institute at Washington University in St. Louis (1969-71, 1975-76); coordinator and chief counselor at St. Michael’s Therapeutic Community in St. Louis (1973-75); and as a regional development specialist for the Missouri Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (1975-76).
Dr. Knippel also served as a visiting professor at Washington University School of Continuing Education (1971-75).
A prolific author, his works include Freedom from Hurtful Behaviors: What the Bible Teaches about Liberation and Renewal, from Concordia Publishing House (CPH); When Addictions Threaten (CPH); How to Minister Among Older Adults (CPH); Joy in the Parish: Hope for Pastor and People (CPH); The Twelve Steps: The Church’s Challenge and Opportunity (CPH); Self-Righteousness: Our Greatest Danger, from CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; and The Augsburg Confession and its Apology Leaders Guide, part of the Lutheran Confession Series (CPH).
Dr. Knippel received his Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Theology from Concordia Seminary (1952, 1969). He earned an associate’s degree from St. John’s College in Winfield, Kan. (1947), and a Ph.D. from St. Louis University (1987).
Confessional Lutheran Recovery 