Concordia Theological Seminary is an institution of theological higher education of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod dedicated primarily to the preparation of pastors for the congregations and missions of the LCMS (and, when appropriate, of her partner churches). Its programs and services offer an understanding of the Christian faith which is Christ centered and Biblically based, confessionally Lutheran, and evangelically active.

Concordia Theological Seminary provides graduate level theological education and continuing study for qualified students and pastors which address meaningfully our non-Christian, pluralistic and culturally diverse society and world. Students are expected to do the following:

1. Acquire an adequate knowledge of the whole Bible, with a thorough understanding of specific books of both the Old and New Testaments.
2. Learn how to interpret Scripture according to sound hermeneutical principles on the basis of the original languages.
3. Learn to draw doctrine from Scripture and to articulate the Christian faith and defend it on the basis of the Scriptural witness.
4. Obtain a thorough understanding of historic Christian theology.
5. Acquire an appreciation of, and commitment to, the symbolical books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church contained in the Book of Concord, as a faithful statement and explanation of Scripture.
6. Attain an understanding of the history of the Christian church and the unique character of the Lutheran heritage.
7. Attain an understanding of other Christian and non-Christian cultures and traditions, including methods for successful communication of the Gospel within these other cultures.
8. Grow in the ability to evaluate change within the history of the church and comprehend current issues from a historical perspective.
9. Acquire a clear understanding of the nature and duties of the pastoral office.
10. Develop the requisite skills and attitudes for preaching, teaching, counseling, supervision, administration and other facets of the pastoral office.
11. Become conversant with all the theological disciplines, so that as pastors or missionaries they will be able to integrate them into a comprehensive view of ministry and incorporate them in the exercise of their office.
12. Develop a humble recognition of the need to maintain professional competence by continued training and study.
13. Develop compassion and sensitivity in communicating the Gospel to all types and conditions of people, as well as in dealing with the various problems that confront the pastor, in a carefully integrated program of supervised pastoral education begun during the first year.
14. Improve their pastoral skills further in the vicarage year, during which they work full time under the supervision of an experienced pastor in a parish or mission field.