What I Would Look for in a Concordia

Choosing your college is a big decision. Even when choosing from among the Concordias, there are lots of things to consider. Several of the decisions you will have to make are not unique to deciding on a Lutheran University, such as whether you want to be close to home or farther away, whether you want a rural setting or want to be in the midst of a city, whether your major is offered, whether you like the campus, the students, and the kind of teaching that is offered. Thankfully there are ten Concordias from which to choose, one of which ought to fit the bill.

But for students thinking of becoming pastors one day, there are other factors that ought to be considered, too. Not only should you be concerned about the quality of the education you will receive, but also about the quality of spiritual life on the campus and the theology you will be taught there. Of course, the best way to answer questions of this sort is to visit the Concordias you are considering.

When you visit, be sure to attend chapel and speak with the campus pastor about worship practices and spiritual life on campus. Ask the pre-seminary students you encounter whether they like the program and find it to be worthwhile theologically. Finally, make sure you speak with the professors who teach theology and religious language courses and ask them any questions you might have about the program and the theology being taught.

Finding out as much as you can ahead of time about the Concordia you decide to attend will help make your four years of college good. Choosing a college is a big decision. By visiting and asking the appropriate questions, you can make sure you choose the right one.