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The Benefits of Pre-seminary Education
By the Rev. Brian M. Mosemann
The mission of the Pre-Seminary Program at the Concordia Universities and Colleges is to prepare students for theological studies and pastoral formation at a seminary of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Preparation at these schools will meet, and often exceed, all academic entrance requirements for both seminaries of the LCMS. This preparation ordinarily encompasses the following:
- competency in biblical
knowledge, the biblical languages, and
Lutheran doctrine;
- competency in advanced communication skills
in reading, writing, and speaking;
- skills in critical thinking and
philosophical inquiry;
- the understanding of, and appreciation for,
the Lutheran ethos, identity, and ethic;
- the ability to perceive, proclaim, and live out
the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for
the whole of life.
The purpose of this program of studies is not simply to enable someone to be admitted to one of the Synod's seminaries. Rather, it is to provide an optimal preparation for the Pastoral Ministry on the undergraduate level, equipping for maximum success in the seminaries' Master of Divinity programs.
The Pre-Seminary student not only receives
a solid foundation in academics, but participates in various activities that develop character and formation such as the following:
- Bible study, daily chapel,
prayer services
- Seminars led by seminary
professors or pastors
- Retreats--including
servant events
- Annual symposia and other activities at
both seminaries
Mentoring also plays a vital role in the development of the students. There is constant interaction between the students and the campus pastor, the ordained theological faculty, and local pastors, which serves to further instruct them in distinguishing Law and Gospel as they learn to apply the Word of God to people's lives. It also serves as an example of living in the Word of God as one serves in the vocation of the Holy Ministry--the students learn that the preaching of the Gospel and administration of the Sacraments, which the office is there to give out, are the gifts the office holder treasures and seeks daily. Thereby, they are encouraged and drawn to hear the Word of God preached, to make confession of sins and receive absolution, and to go often to receive Christ's body and blood for the forgiveness of all their sins.
The Rev. Brian M. Mosemann is Pre-Seminary Director at Concordia University,
River Forest, Illinois.
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