School of Arts and Sciences
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Department of Theology
Pre-Seminary Studies
The path to the ministry is an exhilarating and earnest one. Our goal is to offer you the skills, knowledge, and support you need along the way.
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.
Scholarships
- Luther Scholar Guarantee
- Diligent Timothy Book
- District Aid
On-campus
All courses offered face-to-face on main campus.
Financial Aid
The average undergraduate student award is $16,603.
Learn about financial aidProgram 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. This undertaking requires prayerful consideration and an awareness of your own weaknesses and abilities. 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.
What to Expect
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. Most choose the applied theology, biblical studies, theological languages, and/or christian thought majors.
All incoming Pre-Seminary students with any financial need at all receive the Diligent Timothy Book Award. Those who maintain a B average or greater in Pre-Seminary courses continue to receive this award in successive semesters. Those with an A average receive double the award amount.
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
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
Locations
- Ann Arbor
How to Apply
Undergraduate Application Steps
It’s time to help you become a Cardinal! Just follow these simple steps to complete your application.
For first-time freshman:
- Submit your online application
- Have your school send your official high school transcripts. Transcripts may be mailed or sent via a transcript processing service to:
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Admissions Office
4090 Geddes Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - Send your official ACT or SAT scores.
Scores on your high school transcript will be considered official. If your school does not put scores on transcripts, please contact ACT or College Board.
For transfer students:
- Submit your online application
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
*Transfer students with less than 60 college credits completed will also submit official high school transcripts. Students who have less than 30 college credits also need to submit official ACT or SAT scores. Scores on your high school transcript will be considered official.
Minimum Requirements
- A minimum GPA of a 2.5/4.0 (C average) or higher
- ACT composite of 18 or above
- SAT equivalent of 940 or higher for combined math and evidence-based reading and writing (for tests taken after March 2016).
*If your GPA or ACT score falls below the minimum for acceptance, your admissions counselor may ask you to retake the test or supply additional documents, such as an essay or letters of recommendation, to complete the application.
Required Academic Coursework in High School
A minimum of 16 units of high school (secondary school) work is required, of which at least 11 should be in basic liberal arts areas. Units should be distributed as follows:
- English: At least three units, but four are strongly recommended.
- Mathematics: Two units of college-prep math, preferably one each in Algebra and Geometry.
- Natural Science: Two units, preferably one each in Biology, Physics or Chemistry.
- Social Studies: Two units, preferably one each in world history and American history.
- Liberal Arts: Two units of the same foreign language or additional units in one or more of the other listed subjects or in fine arts.
- Other Electives: Five units from any area of academic study, but ideally from the areas listed above.
- German or Latin is recommended for pre-seminary students.
Theodore J. Hopkins
Ph.D., M.Div.
Director - Pre-seminary studies for CUAA, Associate Professor
Office: Krieger K-110
Phone: (734) 995-7480
Bio
I am a husband and father, Lutheran pastor and professor, who is particularly interested in Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I began teaching at Concordia University, Ann Arbor in 2015.
Education
- Ph D - Doctrinal Theology, Concordia Seminary (2016)
- M Div - Theology, Concordia Seminary (2011)
- BS - Physics, Valparaiso University (2007)
Contributions
- Hopkins, T. (2021). Christ, Church, and World: Bonhoeffer and Lutheran Ecclesiology after Christendom. (pp. ~200). Lanham, MA: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic Press.
- Hopkins, T. (2020). Luther and Bonhoeffer on the Sermon on the Mount: Similar Tasks, Different Tools. (1 ed.,vol. 7,pp. 34-59). Mequon, WI: Concordia Theological Journal.
- Hopkins, T. (2019). Review of Mark Chavez, American Religion: Contemporary Trends (2nd edition). (1 ed.,vol. 28,pp. 44-45). Logia.
- Hopkins, T. (2018). Review of DeJonge, Michael P. Bonhoeffer’s Reception of Luther. (1 ed.,vol. 6,pp. 91-93). Concordia Theological Journal.
- Hopkins, T. (2018). Theology Is for Confession. (1 ed.,vol. 6,pp. 7-9). Concordia Theological Journal.
Presentations
- Hopkins, T. (2023). Experience Makes the Theologian: Recovering Lutheran Patterns of Christian Experience. Keynote/Plenary Address. 2023 Circuit Visitor's Conference. Frankenmuth, MI.
- Hopkins, T. (2022). Strangers, Yet at Home: Going Beyond the Walls in Humility. Keynote/Plenary Address. Theological Conference 2022: Beyond the Walls with Jesus. Lansing, MI.
- Hopkins, T. (2019). Reading Scripture Against Ourselves: Bonhoeffer's Penitential Hermeneutic. Paper. Devoted: Reforming the Devotional Life (30th annual Theological Symposium). St. Louis, MO.
- Hopkins, T. (2018). The Servant Church: Mission After Christendom. Lecture. St. Luke Lutheran Church Sermon/Bible Study Two-Part Series on The Church's Mission After Christendom. Ann Arbor, MI.
- Hopkins, T. (2018). The Location of Congregational Vocation: The Importance of Place in the Mission of the Church. Oral Presentation. The Lutheran Foundation Grant Workshop. Fort Wayne, IN.
Research Interests
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Church and World
Teaching Interests
- Systematic Theology
- Lutheran Confessions
Ryan Peterson
- Chief Liaison at CUAA, Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7596
Bio
Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson serves as Campus Pastor/Assistant Professor of Theology. He oversees the worship life of the campus and teaches The Bible, Christian Faith, and other theology courses.
Education
- D Min - Leadership and Ministry Management, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (2017)
- M Div - Theology, Concordia Seminary (2007)
- BA - Pastoral Ministry/Theological Languages, Concordia University Wisconsin (2003)
Research Interests
- Leadership and Ministry Management
- Missions and Evangelism
Teaching Interests
- The Bible
- Christian Faith/Christian Doctrine
Charles R. Schulz
Ph.D, S.T.M., M.A., M.A., M.Div.
Associate Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7384
Bio
Professor Schulz, Pre-seminary Director, loves helping students realize God's calling. At Concordia since 2001, he also served as pastor of St. Thomas (2005-2014). His hobbies include running, travel, and German.
Education
- Ph D - Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary (2020)
- M Div - Concordia Seminary (1996)
- MA - Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity, University of Virginia (2004)
- MA - Classical Languages, Washington University (1998)
- BA - General Science, Concordia University (1990)
- Exegesis, Concordia Seminary (1998)
Contributions
- Schulz, C. Origen's Exegetical Legacy. In Joshua Hollmann, Scott Yakimow (Ed.), Ann Arbor, MI: Concordia Theological Journal . https://www.cuaa....
- Schulz, C. (2018). "Catechism Sermon on the First Article of the Creed." In Benjamin Mayes (Ed.), Luther's Works, Vol. 56, Sermons III. (1 ed.,vol. 56,pp. 307-11). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. https://www.cph.o...
- Schulz, C. (2018). "Sermon for Exaudi Sunday Afternoon, On Divorce ." In Chris Brown and Benjamin T. Mayes (Ed.), Luther's Works, Vol. 56, Sermons III, pp. 27-36. (1 ed.,vol. 56,pp. 9). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. https://www.cph.o...
- Schulz, C. (2018). "Sermon for the 10th Sunday after Trinity." In Chris Brown and Benjamin T. Mayes (Ed.), Luther's Works, vol 56, Sermons III. (1 ed.,vol. 56,pp. 62-8). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. https://www.cph.o...
- Schulz, C. (2018). "Sermon on the Legend of St. Christopher ." In Chris Brown, Benjain Mayes (Ed.), Luther's Works, Sermons III. (vol. 56,pp. 312-7). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.
Presentations
- Schulz, C. (2022). Origen's Exegetical Legacy. Paper. Theological Symposium: Search the Scriptures. St. Louis, MO.
- Schulz, C. (2022). Arguing Over the Gods: Apologetic Interpretations of Ps 82:6 in the Fourth Century. Paper. North American Patristics Society Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL.
Research Interests
- Patristics (Church Fathers)
- Theology of the Lord's Supper
Teaching Interests
- Classical Languages
- Church History
Scott E. Yakimow
Ph.D., M.Div., M.A.
Professor
Office: Krieger 114
Phone: (734) 995-7411
Bio
Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow arrived at Concordia University Ann Arbor after spending five years as a mechanical engineer working in hydraulics, another four as a missionary in both East Africa and Morocco, and five years as an Associate Professor at Concordia - Portland. His academic interests cover the areas of philosophical theology and comparative religion. Most specifically, he is interested in scriptural logics, particularly those exhibited by pre-modern Christian exegesis, contemporary Lutheran theology, and medieval Islamic tafsir, analyzing them through the thought of the American philosopher, Charles S. Peirce and the contemporary Jewish philosopher, Peter Ochs. This interest leads him to investigate such diverse areas such as Lutheran confessional theology, pragmatic philosophy, ethics, scriptural exegesis and Islam. <br><br>Scott is married to Miriam, and they have five children together. His interests include enjoying his family, mountain biking, hiking, reading, and traveling.
Education
- Ph D - Comparative Scripture, Interpretation, and Practice, University of Virginia (2014)
- M Div - Concordia Seminary (2004)
- MA - Comparative Scripture, Interpretation, and Practice, University of Virginia (2011)
- MA - Islamic Studies, Luther Seminary (1999)
- BS - Mechanical Engineering, Valparaiso University (1994)
- Christ College Scholar, Valparaiso University (1994)
- Modern Standard Arabic, Arabic Language Institute in Fez (2006)
Contributions
- Yakimow, S. (2021). Spreading Open the Letter and Peering Inside: Gregory Nazianzen, Scriptural Pragmatism, and Doctrinal Development. In Jacob Goodson (Ed.), (1 ed.,vol. 19,pp. 37). The Journal of Scriptural Reasoning. https://jsr.shant...
- Yakimow, S. (2019). Testing the Spirits: The Early Church on Judging Prophecy and Prophets. In Theodore Hopkins and Scott Yakimow (Ed.), (1 ed.,vol. 6,pp. 13-37). Ann Arbor, MI: Concordia Theological Journal.
- Yakimow, S. (2016). Signs of Transformation: Communicating the Gospel in an Age of Nones and Dones. In Victor Raj (Ed.), (2 ed.,vol. 24,pp. 281-297). Lutheran Mission Matters.
Presentations
- Yakimow, S. (2020). Signs of Transformation: A Semiotic Approach to a Lutheran Engagement with the World. Lecture. Tri-Circuit Gathering. LCMS Michigan District offices.
- Yakimow, S. (2016). Inquiring into Inquiry. Paper. Theological Educators Conference. Irvine, California.
- Yakimow, S. (2015). Proclamatory Pragmatism: An Investigation into the Lutheran Logic of Law and Gospel. Lecture. Puget Sound Pastor's Conference. Whidbey Island, WA.
- Yakimow, S. (2015). The Role of Doctrine in the Church’s Life. Lecture. Oregon Pastor's Conference. Bend, OR.
- Yakimow, S. (2014). Doctrine and Truth. Lecture. Bi-Circuit Gathering. Portland, OR.
Research Interests
- Biblical Interpretation / Hermeneutics
- Theology and Science
Teaching Interests
- Philosophical Theology
- Scriptural Pragmatism
What is the Guarantee?
The Luther Scholar Guarantee is the most prestigous scholarship for men pursuing pastoral ministry in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Eligibility
Selected Pre-Seminary students will receive $20,000 of total financial aid from CUAA.*
Candidates must be admitted to CUAA as new freshmen and have a major or minor in Theological Languages, and they must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Candidates will demonstrate that they are members in good standing of an LCMS congregation, have been active in their churches and communities, and have the support of their pastors. They will also affirm that they intend to become LCMS pastors.
Application deadlines
Each candidate will submit the online application and will have his pastor complete and submit the Pastoral Recommendation Form to the Pre-Seminary Director by mail, fax, or email.
Preferred deadline: 11:59 PM on February 1. Secondary deadline: 11:59 PM on April 1. The Pre-Seminary Director will then schedule an interview with qualified applicants. For more information contact the Pre-Seminary Director (Dr. Theodore Hopkins, Concordia University Ann Arbor 4090 Geddes Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105 - email: theodore.hopkins@cuaa.edu - phone: 734-995-7480).
Criteria
The Luther Scholar Guarantee is renewed annually for up to four years based on full-time undergraduate enrollment (12-18 credits per semester), and living on campus. CUAA aid is subject to change if the student’s cumulative CUAA grade point average is below a 2.5. Additionally the student will maintain good standing in the Pre-Seminary Program and will take part in at least four activities of the Pre-Seminary Student Association and at least one recruitment event per year. Lastly, the student will re-affirm his commitment annually to become an LCMS pastor.
Selection
The Pre-Seminary Director will review all submitted application materials and make recommendations to the selection committee which will make the final selection of recipients. Students will normally be told whether or not they have been chosen to receive the Luther Scholar Guarantee by April 1.
In order to be eligible for all funding listed above, the candidate must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.gov. Early filing is encouraged, and we ask that candidates have applications completed by February 1st.
*IMPORTANT: Due to the nature of this esteemed award, it encompasses all institutional awards (merit, church work, early filing grants, athletic awards, extra-curricular awards, etc.) and students are not eligible for most other institutional aid. However, students may still apply for outside scholarships without impacting the Luther Scholar Guarantee.