“I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer. 3:15 ESV).
“The preaching office is not an optional office but one whose establishment has been commanded to the Church and to which the Church is properly bound till the end of time” (C.F.W. Walther).
God established the Office of the Holy Ministry precisely to distribute Christ’s good gifts of Word and Sacrament. He sends shepherds, whom the Holy Spirit appoints as overseers, to care for His flock.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is fully committed to the spiritual, character, confessional, physical, emotional and intellectual development of our pastors.
This commitment begins at Baptism and continues in the Christian family, the local congregation, at university and in seminary. It is followed by a whole life of continuing education.
Since seminary study is graduate-level, an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is ordinarily required for admission to either LCMS seminary.
Pre-Seminary Education
The Preach the Word program helps pastors improve their preaching through video modules and by interacting with seminary professors and fellow preachers.
Preach the Word
God has blessed the LCMS with two excellent seminaries — Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Seminary Education
PALS — Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support — regularly brings together groups of recent LCMS seminary graduates and wives during the first three years of their ministries.
PALS
The two LCMS seminaries also provide continuing education and formation for theological scholars who serve in the LCMS and in the church worldwide.
Continuing Education
Pastoral Formation and Care offers opportunities to support the Church with the resources needed to send well-equipped workers and ensure their care needs are met.
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Rev. Dr. James Baneck, executive director
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Leader Blog: James Baneck
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LCMS Pastoral EducationThe Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod1333 S. Kirkwood RoadSt. Louis, MO 63122-7295