Share the awesome message of Jesus

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Rom. 10:15) Pastors have the privilege of sharing with all the awesome message of Jesus the Savior. This program will help you grow in the knowledge of the Bible, communication skills, and practical experience you need to stay on the path to seminary and become a minister of the Gospel in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

On-campus

All courses offered face-to-face on main campus.

Financial Aid

The average undergraduate student award is $16,603.

Learn about financial aid
Guarantee

The Luther Scholar Guarantee scholarship is for men pursuing pastoral ministry in the LCMS.

Learn more here
Program Overview

The pre-seminary program provides academic preparation in the liberal arts for professional study for full-time pastoral ministry in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Following the earning of the baccalaureate degree, the pre-seminary student continues his program of study at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, or Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

Yes, there is immense joy in service as a pastor, but you most likely already recognize the weight of such a vocation. If you intend to pursue a Master of Divinity at seminary, this major provides you with a basic overview of the Scriptures, Lutheran doctrine, and the biblical languages Hebrew and Greek. While our curriculum teaches Lutheran doctrine and our school is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, all students who desire to prepare for the pastoral office (regardless of denominational affiliation) are welcome. Our theology faculty is made up of pastors dedicated to guiding, challenging, and encouraging you as you work toward God’s calling in your life.

Studies conclude with a senior seminar experience, which equips students for graduate studies and allows them to research and present on as specific topic of interest.

Scholarships

Depending on your individual situation, you may qualify for a variety of scholarships and grants. A key part of your overall financial aid package; it all adds up to help with the cost of college.

Concordia Promise Scholarship

For eligible high school students taking Concordia University Dual Credit courses. Learn more about Dual Credit and Concordia Promise!

Luther Scholar Guarantee

The Luther Scholar Guarantee is a prestigious scholarship for men pursuing pastoral ministry in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Click here to learn more.

Music Scholarships

Participation scholarships of $1,500 are available to students to participate in a Concordia musical ensemble. Learn more here.

Worship Arts Leadership Scholarship

The Worship Arts Leadership Scholarship is available to students desiring to be in the Worship Arts Ensemble. This is a $2,000 add-on scholarship for recipients of either the Cadenza or Concerto scholarships. Students receiving this scholarship commit to participating in a Worship Arts ensemble in addition to participation in the band, choir, or orchestra.

Arborsong Scholarship

The Arborsong Scholarship is available to students who have an affinity for choral singing at the advanced level. Students who receive this scholarship agree to sing in the Concordia Choir and attend all rehearsals and performances for Arborsong. Arborsong performs three to five times off campus each semester.

What to Expect

Pre-Seminary coursework includes classes in Lutheran Worship, Public Speaking, Civilization and Worldviews, Introduction to Writing, and Biblical Theology. An extensive range of electives are available in categories such as Theology/Family Life, Philosophy/Literature, Historical Theology, and Writing.

Pre-seminary students may choose any major, but must take at least the theological languages minor and the church work courses of Old Testament, New Testament, and Biblical Theology. Pre-seminary students are particularly encouraged to prepare for their future studies by opting for the Theology and Ministry Major or the Theological Languages Major. For those who find it hard to choose, a double major is also possible!

The CUAA advantage

The Pre-Seminary program from CUAA offers you:

  • Pre-seminary activities such as conferences and workshops, guest lecturers, seminary visits, mission trips and service projects
  • A flexible, high-quality program of study
  • A wide variety of optional worship and devotional opportunities
  • Extra-curricular activities and spiritual life on campus that blend education with real-world experience and personal growth in Christian faith and life
  • Participation in the STEPS program (Serving and Training Experiences for Pre-Seminary Students) for upper-level students with full standing
  • A Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world

Learning outcomes

As a CUAA Pre-Seminary graduate, you'll enter the seminary with the knowledge needed to:

  • Clearly communicate God’s message through the written and spoken word
  • Understand the elements of traditional and contemporary Lutheran worship
  • Develop and lead a worship service
  • Understand and appreciate the Lutheran ethos, identity, and ethic
  • Help others perceive, proclaim, teach, and live out the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
  • Apply critical-thinking skills and a global perspective to philosophical inquiry
  • Make professional presentations using research, strategy, audience analysis, and technology
  • Discern the Lord’s direction for their direction into ministry
Locations
  • Ann Arbor

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