Ministers of the Gospel
Well done, good and faithful servants! We’re proud of the generations of CUAA church workers who have brought others into God’s family through the preaching and teaching of the Gospel.
The good work of preparing future leaders for the Church continues at CUAA today. We invite you to explore whether God is calling you to join the ranks of Concordia alumni who serve Christ as church workers throughout the world.
Refer A Student
Lutheran Teacher "The faculty and staff at Concordia show me every day the type of teacher I want to become." - Kyra Jammer
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Family Life Ministry "A strong family rooted in Christ is so important, and Concordia helped prepare me to make a difference for the relationships that matter most." - Celia Walkowicz
Explore family life ministryOur Commitment to the Church
Concordia University Ann Arbor knows the urgent need for more skilled workers for the Church. The university annually commits a variety of support to students who indicate their desire to pursue church work.
- $19,435 average aid awarded to church work candidates
- 4 church work-specific scholarships available
- 50 approximate number of church work-exclusive endowments awarded annually
- 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Why choose CUAA for Church Work?
STEPS church work internship
Since 2004, Concordia University Ann Arbor’s STEPS program has helped more church work candidates gain early, on-the-job training and access to mentors than any other school in the Concordia University System.
Students enrolled in pre-seminary, pre-deaconess, family life ministry, or parish music programs are eligible to participate in this paid part-time internship experience with any of CUAA’s 20-plus partner parishes or LCMS ministries.
Typically church work students don’t participate in the equivalent of an internship until their senior year at CUAA or seminary, but STEPS aims to get them into real-life ministry settings starting in their sophomore year.
Colloquy Routes
If you’ve already received a non-church work degree but would like to become a rostered worker of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, you have some options. Colloquy programs prepare individuals who are already serving in ministry roles to become a Minister of Religion-Commissioned within the LCMS.
Online
The most popular route to a colloquy is through the Concordia University Education Network (CUEnet). CUEnet is an online program that requires the completion of eight courses, after which an individual can select a Concordia within the Concordia University System where they would like their final, in-person interview to be conducted. Visit the LCMS’s Colloquy Training for Workers page to find more details and to apply or contact Jim Juergensen with questions.
Financial Assistance
Concordia aims to support lifelong Lutheran learning at all levels. So whether you’re looking at options for your children or yourself, Concordia has a multitude of programs that will prepare you with uncommon compassion, ethical conscience, and unparalleled skill.
Luther Promise
Up to $20,000 for undergraduates of any Lutheran congregation or high school, or dependent of CUS alumni or rostered church workers. Learn more about the Luther Promise scholarship here.
Luther Scholar Guarantee
Undergraduates who are new freshman, who are planning to be LCMS pastors, and who declare a pre-seminary track are eligible to receive $20,000. Learn more about the Luther Scholar Guarantee here.
Uncommon Scholarship
Employees of Lutheran schools and churches qualify for scholarships on eligible graduate courses or online undergraduate programs. Learn more about the Uncommon Scholarships here.
Church Work Scholarships
Financial aid is specifically reserved for students pursuing pre-seminary, Lutheran education, DCM, or parish music. Click here for more details.
Fine Arts Scholarships
Scholarships exist for students pursuing music, theatre, or art involvement at CUAA. Click here for more details.
Scholarship Endowments
Concordia has a number of scholarship endowments specifically designated for church work students. Based on a student’s financial need, he or she may qualify for assistance from one of these funds. Ask your financial aid advisor for details.
If you would like more information about leaving a legacy by establishing an endowment, click here or contact Dean Rennicke at Dean.Rennicke@cuw.edu.
Applicants may be eligible for other grants or tuition assistance. Each individual is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Visit the pages linked above to connect with the appropriate Admissions rep.
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