The Board for Pastoral Education is one of seven program and service boards of the Synod. It is comprised of nine members – three ordained pastors, one commissioned minister, four laypersons, and the president of the Synod or his representative. The board serves the members of the Synod by coordinating pre-seminary education programs, seminary education, and post-seminary continuing education, and by providing advocacy for seminary education throughout the church.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod owns and operates two seminaries, both of which have origins that pre-date the founding of the Synod. Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, form pastors and leaders who serve in the more than 6,100 congregations, educational institutions, service organizations and ministries of the Synod. Together, the two seminaries have provided more than 18,000 graduates for service in the church. Pastors serve throughout the world as parish pastors, church planters, missionaries, chaplains, professors and church leaders.

In addition, both seminaries have programs to prepare deconesses, women who are commissioned to assist in providing spiritual care and assistance to individuals as they serve in congregations and institutions of our Synod.

Both seminaries also offer advanced theological degrees for Lutherans and non-Lutherans, including a PhD in Theology.

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