Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary stands as a foundational institution within the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), dedicated to shaping the next generation of church leaders. Established in 1839, this esteemed seminary has a rich history, beginning its journey in Perry County, Missouri, before relocating to St. Louis in 1849, and finally settling into its current campus in Clayton, Missouri, in 1926. It serves as the primary educational body for individuals called to serve as pastors, deaconesses, missionaries, chaplains, and other vital church roles within the LCMS.

The seminary is renowned for its robust academic programs, offering a comprehensive suite of degrees designed to equip students for diverse ministries. These include the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, which leads to ordination, alongside Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.), Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Concordia Seminary upholds a theologically conservative perspective, emphasizing a historical-grammatical interpretation of the Bible, ensuring its graduates are firmly grounded in Lutheran doctrine and tradition.

Committed to academic excellence and spiritual formation, Concordia Seminary is accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the Higher Learning Commission. While it does not train women for pastoral ordination, it provides a recognized program for women to be rostered as deaconesses, serving in vital capacities within the church. With a vibrant student body and a dedicated faculty, Concordia Seminary continues its enduring mission of preparing faithful and effective servants for Christ's church.