CTS Mission Statement

Concordia Theological Seminary is an institution of theological higher education of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod dedicated primarily to the preparation of students for the pastoral ministry and missions of the LCMS. Its programs and services offer an understanding of the Christian faith which is Biblically centered, confessionally Lutheran, and evangelically active.

Concordia Theological Seminary provides graduate level theological education and continuing education for qualified students and pastors which address meaningfully our non-Christian, pluralistic and culturally diverse society and world.

Deaconess Program Mission Statement

The Deaconess Program at Concordia Theological Seminary exists to prepare qualified women at the graduate level for professional service as deaconesses in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Philosophy of the CTS Deaconess Program

"The diaconate is a service at the doors of the sanctuary. Within, the ministry of the Word has its place. The diaconate however prepares the way for its ministrations, or accompanies it, guarding and assisting it; watches over the souls who have experienced its benefits, that the blessing may not be lost to them. It gathers in the souls who are to benefit by the service of the sanctuary, or watches over the souls who have experienced its benefits, that the blessing may not be lost to them. It is always at the threshold of the sanctuary, that this service awaits those who come and go. The diaconate is an auxiliary office, co- and subordinate to the one pre-eminent office of the minìstry." (Taken from The Deaconess and Her Calling by Emil Wacker, The Mary Drexel House,1893)

The deaconess training program at Concordia Theological Seminary thoroughly grounds the deaconess student in the study of Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions while teaching the application of these in service to the church and her souls. Practical training will include such areas of service as visitation to the sick and shut-in, teaching the faith, counseling, evangelism skills, altar guild, and the care of the needy, women and children.