Course Catalog 2008-2009 - Concordia University

9.02 Pre-Professional ProgramPre-Seminary ProgramThe work of a pastor or theologian may be described simply as communicating the Word of God to humans. Such adescription reveals four areas of education necessary to prepare a man to serve the Church well:1. The knowledge of GOD.2. The knowledge of GOD'S WORD.3. The knowledge of HUMANITY.4. The knowledge of the skills involved in COMMUNICATION.The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod divides this educational preparation between the university and the seminary.The study of God (theology) is begun at the university level, and continues much more extensively at the seminary.The study of God's Word is also begun at the university level or sooner through the study of literature, languages, andthe Bible. The seminary continues the study of the Scriptures in much greater depth. On the other hand, the study ofthe liberal arts (culture, history, psychology, etc.) and the study of the skills needed for good communication arecarried out mainly at the university level through courses in writing, speech, drama, etc. The seminary providesspecialized training in tasks appropriate for church work, such as sermon preparation, pastoral visitation, andcounseling.Academic preparation alone is no substitute for the student's personal devotional life or for his Christian, social, andemotional maturity. The student who chooses to offer himself for a call into the Holy Ministry is encouraged todevelop a daily ritual of Scripture reading and prayer. Additionally, he is encouraged to make full use of theuniversity's opportunities for chapel devotions, residence hall devotions, Bible study, community service, socialactivities, academic clubs, athletic and music activities, and the like.Mission StatementThe mission of pre-seminary education at Concordia University Texas is to prepare students for theological studiesand pastoral formation at a seminary of The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod. This preparation includes:Competency in Biblical knowledge, the Biblical languages and Lutheran doctrineCompetency in advanced communication skills in reading, writing and speakingSkills in critical thinking and philosophical inquiryAcquisition of a global perspectiveThe understanding of and appreciation for the Lutheran ethos, identity and ethicHelping the student to perceive, proclaim and live out the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for thewhole of lifeAdmission ProcessStudents apply for admission into the Pre-Seminary Program after they enroll in studies on campus. They must submitto the Program Director a completed application form and a letter from the pastor of their home congregation statingthat the student is a member in good standing of the congregation. They are then assigned to participate in an EntranceInterview with a member of the Pre-Seminary Education Committee, who will assess whether to recommend thestudent for acceptance into the program.Admission into the program is restricted to men who are members in good standing of a LCMS congregation. Otherstudents may participate in all features and courses of the program, but will not be counted in the university's statisticsas "LCMS Pre-Seminary Students."Monitoring ProcessThe Pre-Seminary Program has specific expectations regarding the development of the student and has writtenguidelines and policies pertaining to continuation in the program and to withdrawal, removal and reinstatement in theprogram. This information is available from the Director of the Pre-Seminary Program and is supplied to allapplicants.All students in the Program (and those applying during their first term of enrollment) are expected to take MIN 1101Ministry Preparation every term. This course is designed to provide the students with experiences that enhance theirdevelopment in spirituality, leadership, peer relationships and knowledge of the varied aspects and venues oftheological service.2008-2009 Catalog Page 52