Pre-Seminary Studies

"We must always keep in mind that we first live under the Cross, and all that follows is our humble response to such great love! Next, the pre-Sem program is to nurture future pastors, and there are two sides to this particular coin.

"First, is the academic growth. This is mainly our course work, but it includes many out-of-classroom opportunities to grow, not just in knowledge, but wisdom and understanding. For some students, I also am their academic advisor. For the seniors, I will be the procter and reporter of exams for entrance requirements.

"The second is life formation--growth in faith, grace, works of love, witness and more. It's that Christian walk, which cannot be measured with a grade, or recall of content. This is the "pastor's heart" that you frequently hear some of us talk about. This is where my role as pre-Sem coordinator is -- and is meant to be -- very active." -- Rev. Harry Therwanger

Approximately 500 pastoral vacancies have created an urgent need for pastors within The Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod (LCMS). Concordia’s pre-seminary studies program is helping to fill the gap. Pastors have a wide range of responsibility. They not only lead their congregations in worship, they also assist with education, evangelism, counseling, social ministry, and the day-to-day administration of the church facility.

Concordia University's community of pre-seminary students will work closely with the program director to create servant hearts in the future pastors of our church. The pre-seminary program specifically seeks to broaden students' faith lives by cultivating prayer life, acts of service and worship.

As students prepare for their seminary graduate work, they will select a major either in teacher education or the liberal arts. Recommended majors within the liberal arts are theological languages, history, psychology, philosophy, sociology or English. These programs meet all academic requirements for the Synodical seminaries.

For more information about Concordia University's pre-seminary program, please click here, or contact program coordinator Rev. Harry Therwanger.