Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary in Clayton, Missouri, stands as a venerable institution dedicated to preparing dedicated leaders for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). Its core mission is to train pastors, deaconesses, missionaries, chaplains, and other church leaders who will serve with a theologically conservative perspective, upholding the historical-grammatical interpretation of the Bible.

Established in 1839 in Perry County, Missouri, the seminary boasts a rich and dynamic history. It quickly outgrew its initial home, relocating to St. Louis in 1849, and eventually settling on its beautiful current campus in Clayton in 1926. Historically, it was once considered the "theoretical" seminary of the LCMS, a testament to its deep academic tradition, though such distinctions have since evolved.

Academically, Concordia Seminary offers a comprehensive suite of graduate programs designed for various ministry callings. Prospective students can pursue a Master of Divinity (leading to ordination), Master of Arts, Master of Sacred Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The institution is rigorously accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring a high standard of education and professional preparation. While the seminary does not ordain women as pastors, it provides a vital program for women to be rostered as deaconesses within the LCMS, contributing to its diverse range of leadership formation.