LSTC is defined by its “marks” or commitments on which the seminary was founded and which have evolved during the last five decades.

LSTC is in the right place to meet the church’s needs

Wherever they serve, leaders in the church need to be able to bring the Gospel to people facing challenges of every kind. LSTC graduates are well-equipped to do this because of the first-hand experiences Chicago provides: a wealth of cultures, ethnic diversity, and its social and political dynamics.

LSTC’s ecumenical relationships add depth, strength, and wisdom

Only Rome, Italy, has more seminaries than Chicago, and LSTC offers its students the opportunity to explore many different theological traditions as they receive a solid foundation in Lutheran theology. As part of the 12-seminary consortium, the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, LSTC gives its students access to over 400 distinguished faculty, 800 courses and a vibrant ecumenical community of disciples who learn together.

LSTC benefits from close ties to a
great university

In addition to the rich intellectual resources its close neighbor, the University of Chicago, has to offer, LSTC shares a dual degree program in theology and social work with the university’s prestigious School of Social Services Administration. Students are able to simultaneously earn two masters degrees by sharing course work and internship assignments.

LSTC trains ministers from around the world in service to the world

Half of LSTC’s Th.M. and Ph.D. students are natives of other countries. LSTC has prepared a host of international leaders who have become influential teachers, theologians, professors, and bishops in their home countries. This richly diverse international community makes LSTC a microcosm of the worldwide Lutheran communion allowing students to learn from each others’ cultural traditions.

LSTC provides the means for respectful dialogue with other faith traditions

Chicago’s rich and diverse religious community gives LSTC students the opportunity to engage in interfaith dialogue and to visit mosques, synagogues, and temples. This increases their ability to witness to the precious gift of the Gospel as well as deepening their understanding of other faiths. A Center of Christian-Muslim
Engagement for Peace and Justice and annual Jewish-Christian events on campus provide the foundation for developing relationships with people of other faiths. Students may also choose to do more intensive study of interfaith relations to graduate with a concentration or emphasis in that area.

LSTC develops multicultural leaders for the church and the world

Almost 30 years ago, LSTC began its internationally recognized Hispanic ministries
program. Since 1988, LSTC has been a partner with Wartburg Seminary in the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest to prepare leaders for congregations in the multicultural southwest. Today, LSTC’s Multicultural Center, a joint program with the ELCA, strengthens the seminary’s commitment to multicultural ministry and leadership.

LSTC is a partner with Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the Bridges Scholars Program. Through full-tuition scholarships and mentoring the two schools work together to identify and support persons of color planning to become ELCA pastors.

This webpage was last modified on June 5, 2007