Pastors

Pastors

Learn more about this professional church work vocation


Pastors serve in the Office of the Holy Ministry, the one sacred office given by God for the sake of the church. They proclaim forgiveness, preach and teach God’s Word, administer God’s life-giving Sacraments and provide faithful pastoral care to His people.

Pre-Seminary Education Seminary Education

Rev. Kyle Mietzner, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Anchorage, Alaska — View additional videos

 


Pre-Seminary Education

Since seminary study is graduate-level in nature, an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission to the residential programs of study.

Discover the pre-seminary options in undergraduate education available to those considering enrollment in one of the two LCMS seminaries.

Note: The following undergraduate information has been provided by each of the universities. Total costs will vary based on a variety of factors. Admissions staff at each Concordia will work to help you find grant and scholarship opportunities to assist you in pursuing church work education. Contact the Concordia admissions staff listed below.

 

Concordia University Ann Arbor

Overview — 2023-24 academic year

  • Tuition: $11,750 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
  • Room and Board: $12,310 (for basic, complete plan—variations are available)
  • Fees: $400
  • Contact: Kyle Thoms | Admission@cuaa.edu | 734-995-7319

Learn more at cuaa.edu

 

Concordia University Chicago

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

  • Tuition: $10,430 (after Church Professional/Leadership Scholarships are applied—actual tuition cost may differ based on entering high school grade point average)
  • Room and Board: $11,510 (for basic, complete plan—variations are available)
  • Fees: $1,058
  • Students may be eligible for additional rewards
  • Contact: Rachel Gates | Rachel.Gates@CUChicago.edu | 708-209-3536

Learn more at cuchicago.edu

 

Concordia University Irvine

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

  • Tuition: $8,500 (after the Church Vocations Scholarship is applied—actual tuition cost may be higher if one does not qualify for the Church Vocations Scholarship)
  • Room and Board: $13,482 (max for Freshman—other variables may apply)
  • Fees: $980 + $250 New Student Fee + $300 Parking Fee
  • Contact: Carrie Donohoe | carrie.donohoe@cui.edu | 949-214-3389
    Concordia Irvine Director of LCMS Recruitment

Learn more at cui.edu

 

Concordia University Nebraska

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

Learn more at cune.edu

 

Concordia University St. Paul

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

Learn more at csp.edu

 

Concordia University Wisconsin

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

  • Tuition: $10,270 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
  • Room and Board: $13,200 (for basic, complete plan—variations are available)
  • Fees: $400
  • Contact: Jeff Frosch | Admission@cuw.edu | 512-420-3343

Learn more at cuw.edu

 


Seminary Education

God has blessed the LCMS with two excellent seminaries — Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.

In all programs, certification by seminary faculty is required before a candidate may receive a call to serve as a pastor in the LCMS.

Learn more

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Overview — 2023-24 academic year

  • Tuition: $0 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
  • Room and Board: $9,590 (for basic, complete plan—variations are available); married student housing available starting at $865 per month
  • Fees: Fees: $150 (after institutional financial aid discounts, includes technology fee and lab fee)
  • Contact: Rev. Jesse Kueker | kuekerj@csl.edu | 314-505-7225

Learn more at csl.edu

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne

Overview — 2023-24 academic year

  • Tuition: $0 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
  • Room and Board: $9,555 (for single student dorm plan--off-campus married relocation program costs vary)
  • Fees: $564
  • Contact: Rev. Matt Wietfeldt | Admission@ctsfw.edu | 1-800-481-2155

Learn more at ctsfw.edu

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