Pre-Seminary
As a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod pastor, you will teach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments. Through God’s Word and Sacraments, the Holy Spirit will work in your congregation to produce faith.
Concordia University, Nebraska’s pre-seminary program will prepare you for admission to a theological seminary, so you can become a member of the ordained pastoral ministry. Designed to coordinate specifically with the Master of Divinity program of both seminaries of the LCMS, Concordia’s pre-seminary program is rooted in the liberal arts tradition and includes an emphasis in the biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew, along with a background in philosophy and the humanities.
Lead your congregation and preach God’s word!
Program Highlights
WHY STUDY IN THE PRE-SEMINARY PROGRAM AT CONCORDIA?
Students from a wide variety of majors attend seminary; what is most important is that you develop the ability to read texts carefully and analytically, learn to think critically about concrete and abstract problems in relation to historical and social contexts and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Seminary entrance requirements vary, but normally a bachelor's degree and proficiency in the biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew are required of all who desire admission to a seminary. Seminaries generally also require personal references and recommendations.
At Concordia, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in a seminary program and in your church career after graduation.
At Concordia, we equip students to serve as the hands and feet of Christ and be His witnesses through our church work programs.
Learn more about church work preparation at Concordia
Meet Our Students
I’ve always seen myself as a leader who can also listen to others. It’s my desire to use these skills to impact the Lutheran church and beyond.
Accreditation
Concordia University, Nebraska is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Degree Goals
A pre-seminary program graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:
- Meet requirements for entrance to seminary and graduate program studies in Biblical and theological areas.
- Clearly communicate God’s message through the written and spoken word.
- Understand the elements of traditional and contemporary Lutheran worship.
- Apply the Bible to present-day ethical issues.
- Grasp the message of the Bible, interpret the Scriptures accurately, develop a Christian worldview and integrate faith into every aspect of their lives.
Career Outcomes
Pastor
- Serve the church by providing a balanced ministry of preaching, pastoral care and organizational leadership to your congregation
- Care for the spiritual growth of your congregation, whether that is in a church, hospital, university or in the armed service as a chaplain.
Missionary
- Work in underdeveloped areas or regions that don’t have strong Christian institutions in place
- Spread the Gospel of Jesus and encourage others to learn more about Christianity and to develop and deepen their faith
The first step in becoming a pastor is to earn an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, so that you are prepared for admission to one of the two LCMS seminaries: Concordia Seminary in St. Louis or Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. There, you will be prepared for service as a pastor in the Church.
Of course, becoming a pastor is more than just going to school. Martin Luther laid out a simple method for learning theology: prayer, meditation on the Word of God and enduring the trials and temptations of the devil. And this is ultimately how someone becomes a pastor.
Related Programs
Theology
With a degree in theology from Concordia Nebraska, you will learn to think and read critically, speak clearly and persuasively, and better understand how religious convictions shape us ethically as members of the human community. Studying Christian theology helps you consider both historical and contemporary questions related to theological and religious thought to enhance your awareness of religious beliefs and practices among different cultures.
Fulfill God's Call to Serve the Church
At Concordia, we equip students to serve as the hands and feet of Christ and be His witnesses through our church work programs. Whether you want to be a Lutheran educator or Director of Christian Education or a pastor, deaconess or parish musician, you’ll be prepared to share the love of Jesus around the world.
Christian Education Leadership
The Christian education leadership major from Concordia University, Nebraska can help you serve Christ’s church through education as a Director of Christian Education (DCE), youth or camp ministry leader, Christian teacher or as a national or international missionary by equipping you to bring Christian values and leadership to God’s people in a church or school.
1 Recent graduates attending graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.