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CTSFW

 Concordia Theological Seminary – Fort Wayne, IN

CTSFW

 Concordia Theological Seminary – Fort Wayne, IN

Pre-Seminary Courses

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Pre-seminary Course Work

The main purpose of Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), Fort Wayne, is to prepare men for the pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). Since our Synod is strongly supportive of a system of undergraduate colleges to prepare men for the study of theology at its seminaries, we believe men who are preparing for admission should seriously consider entering this system of education as early as possible.

The Seminary does not restrict admission to graduates of LCMS colleges and universities and encourages men who have earned a bachelor’s degree from other accredited schools to study for the ministry. Because courses in Greek are not always available in American colleges and universities, some college graduates will enter Seminary without the necessary pre-seminary Greek requirement. To such students, the Seminary offers Greek.

While CTSFW welcomes students who have received degrees in various fields of study, preparation for the Seminary ordinarily encompasses the following: biblical knowledge, biblical language competency and understanding of Lutheran doctrine; competency in communication skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening; skills in critical thinking and philosophical inquiry; acquisition of a global perspective; the understanding of and appreciation for Lutheran ethos, identity and ethic; and helping students to perceive, proclaim, teach and live out the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the whole of life.

College students who have a particular interest in biblical studies involving the work of exegesis are advised to take a major or at least a minor in the classics or theological languages as part of their bachelor’s degree program. College majors in history in addition to Latin and German are most helpful for students who hope to concentrate in historical theology at the Seminary. Those whose inclinations lie particularly in the area of the pastoral ministry might major in education, psychology or in the social and behavioral sciences.

Greek

This 10-week course will prepare students who have had no instruction in Greek to fulfill their pre-seminary requirement. The format helps students understand how to translate and interpret the language of the New Testament.

Old Testament

This 10-week online pre-seminary class emphasizes all of the major events and figures of the 39 books of the Old Testament. Students will become literate in the background and details of the Old Testament, will be able to articulate in their own words the salvation history revealed in the Old Testament and will grow in their conviction that the Bible is God’s inerrant Word. It’s a great class for all theologians.

New Testament

This 10-week online class emphasizes the facts and teachings of each of book in the New Testament. The class will provide students with a greater knowledge of the content of the New Testament; background information and themes of each book, its author and major themes; and the differences between the Gospels and their authors.

Online Greek

For those who wish to learn Greek online at a more relaxed pace than our 10 week intensive course.