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 continues to accept students into the online CUAA Lutheran Education program. Other church work programs are not accepting new students as the future of the campus is charted. The goal is to accept new church work students into other programs beginning in Fall 2026.
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 awards
- Contact: Kyle Thoms | Kyle.Thoms@CUChicago.edu | 708-209-3044
Learn more at cuchicago.edu
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
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