This study provides a history and case study of Concordia University Texas (CTX). There has been a gap in the scholarly research literature regarding how and to what extent Concordia Texas mirrors the path of other denominational colleges and universities in terms of relationship to their founding church bodies. Therefore, the purpose of this study is understand how this institution has, both historically and currently, defined its purpose, ethos and mission as a Lutheran institution. The research questions focused on the development of the institutions mission and purpose; the changing relationship between the institution and its founding church body, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS); the institution's understanding of its own Lutheran ethos; and possibilities for the future relationship of Concordia and the LCMS. A qualitative history and case study was used that allowed the researcher to utilize both the historical documents from both CTX and the LCMS and 17 interviews with current and former faculty and administrators at both institutions. Findings from the study reveal that Concordia mirrors the path of other institutions as they sought to continually redefine their relationship to their founding church body and that the relationship between the 2 entities is at a critical juncture as they seek to redefine the relationship in a way that is practical and relevant for the modern educational context. Results from this study could prove useful to Concordia University Texas and the other institutions of the Concordia University System as well as other institutions who seek to better understand the nature of church-college relations. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]