Concordia University System
The Concordia University System (CUS) is comprised of ten colleges and universities affiliated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Located across the United States, the colleges and universities offer over 160 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs. While each institution is unique, all ten campuses approach learning from a Lutheran context. The common goal is to develop Christian leaders for the church, community and world.
Recently a supporter of Lutheran higher education commented, "The Concordia University System is one of the most powerful and far-reaching tools the Lord of the Church has given The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to take the Good News of life in Jesus Christ to a world desperately in need of hearing and believing in Him, through professional church workers and those trained for other service in our communities."
Purpose and Mission
Higher Education: Statement of Purpose (1986 Convention)
The colleges, universities and seminaries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod exist to supply the higher education services needed to accomplish the mission of the church.
Strongly committed to the Lutheran concept of vocation, synodical colleges and universities are liberal arts institutions which provide a Christ-centered spiritual and value-oriented environment for men and women who will be Christians in the church and in secular occupations.
The objectives of the Synod include the recruitment and education of professional church workers. Therefore, central to the system of synodical higher education is the preparation of those who are called to serve through preaching, teaching and related vocations. Professional preparation for the pastoral ministry is the special assignment of the Synod's seminaries.
Concordia University System: Mission and Purpose (1992)
Concordia University System builds national identity, enables cooperative endeavors and enhances the strength of the colleges and universities of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as they engage students of diverse ages and cultures in quality, Christ-centered, value-oriented, Lutheran higher education for lives of service to church and community.
Goals:
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To transmit Lutheran values more effectively.
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To provide enhanced quality education to college students.
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To attain efficiencies in operation of the campuses.
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To capitalize the schools and System.
We must have and maintain Christian Schools
—Martin Luther