Concordia Theological Seminary: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 41°8′21.6″N 85°6′32.8″W / 41.139333°N 85.109111°W / 41.139333; -85.109111
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
no definite article
 
(48 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Lutheran seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.}}
{{distinguish|Concordia Seminary|Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary}}
{{distinguish|Concordia Seminary|Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary}}
{{Infobox university
{{Infobox university
|name = Concordia Theological Seminary
| name = Concordia Theological Seminary
|native_name =
| native_name =
|latin_name =
| latin_name =
|image =
| image = File:Concordia Theological Seminary - Chapel and Waterfall.jpg
|image_size =
| image_size =
|motto =
| motto =
|established = 1846
| established = {{start date and age|1846}}
|type = [[Seminary]]
| type = [[Seminary]]
|affiliation = [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]]
| religious_affiliation = [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]]
|endowment =
| endowment =
|staff =
| staff =
| faculty = 26<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ctsfw.edu/about/faculty/|title=CTSFW Faculty|access-date=20 April 2023}}</ref>
|faculty = 24
|president = Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast, Jr.<ref name="CTS950">{{cite web|title=Dr. Lawrence Rast to be Installed as Concordia Theological Seminary President|url=http://www.ctsfw.edu/page.aspx?pid=950|publisher=Concordia Theological Seminary|accessdate=April 20, 2016}}</ref>
| president = Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast, Jr.<ref name="CTS950">{{cite web|title=Dr. Lawrence Rast to be Installed as Concordia Theological Seminary President|url=http://www.ctsfw.edu/page.aspx?pid=950|publisher=Concordia Theological Seminary|access-date=April 20, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531070349/http://www.ctsfw.edu/page.aspx?pid=950|archive-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref>
|principal =
| principal =
|rector =
| rector =
|chancellor =
| chancellor =
|vice_chancellor =
| vice_chancellor =
|dean =
| dean =
|head_label =
| head_label =
|head =
| head =
| students = 294<ref name="ATS profile">{{cite web|url=https://www.ats.edu/member-schools/concordia-theological-seminary|title=Concordia Theological Seminary profile|publisher=[[Association of Theological Schools]]|access-date=20 April 2023}}</ref>
|students = 298
|undergrad =
| undergrad =
|postgrad =
| postgrad =
|doctoral =
| doctoral =
|city = [[Fort Wayne, Indiana|Fort Wayne]]
| city = [[Fort Wayne, Indiana|Fort Wayne]]
|state = [[Indiana]]
| state = [[Indiana]]
|country = United States
| country = United States
|coor = {{coord|41|8|21.6|N|85|6|32.8|W|region:US|display=title}}
| coor = {{coord|41|8|21.6|N|85|6|32.8|W|region:US|display=title}}
|campus =
| campus = Major city
| campus_size = {{Convert|191|acre}}
|free_label =
|free =
| free_label =
|colors =
| free =
|colours =
| colors =
|mascot =
| colours =
|nickname =
| mascot =
|affiliations =
| nickname =
|website = {{URL|www.ctsfw.edu}}
| affiliations =
|logo =
| website = {{URL|www.ctsfw.edu}}
| logo =
}}
}}


The '''Concordia Theological Seminary''' is an institution of theological higher education of the [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]] (LCMS), located in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]], and dedicated primarily to the preparation of [[pastors]] for the congregations and missions of the LCMS and its partner churches.
'''Concordia Theological Seminary''' is a [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod|Lutheran]] [[seminary]] in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]]. It offers professional, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees affiliated with training [[clergy]] and [[deaconess]]es for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS).

It offers professional, master's and doctoral degrees affiliated with training [[clergy]] and [[deaconess]]es for the LCMS.


==History==
==History==
In 1844, [[F. C. D. Wyneken|Frederick C. D. Wyneken]], pastor of [[Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Fort Wayne, Indiana)|the Lutheran church]] in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]], began pastoral training of two young men. Wyneken took a call in 1845 to a congregation in [[Baltimore, Maryland]], and was replaced by [[Wilhelm Sihler]], who continued the training. Wyneken had earlier written to [[Wilhelm Loehe]] in Germany, requesting help in providing pastors for German Lutheran immigrants to the United States, and in August 1846 eleven theological students and their instructor arrived in Fort Wayne, having been sent by Loehe. The seminary was formally organized at that time, with Sihler becoming the first president. Classes were held in the parsonage, and a four-room house was rented for use as a dormitory.<ref name=Roberts>{{cite journal|last1=Roberts|first1=Robert R.|title=Our "Practical" Seminary|journal=The Springfielder|date=December 1971|volume=35|issue=3|pages=168–171|url=http://www.ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/robertspracticalseminary.pdf|accessdate=August 19, 2015}}</ref>


=== Formation in Fort Wayne ===
The [[Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod]] was organized in 1847, and in response to the new synod's request, Loehe transferred ownership of the seminary to the synod. He continued to support the seminary by sending money, books, and students from Germany. Two years later the seminary purchased {{convert|14|acre}} about {{convert|1|mi}} east of Fort Wayne and erected the first building on its new campus.<ref name=Roberts />
In 1844, [[F. C. D. Wyneken|Frederick C. D. Wyneken]], pastor of [[Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Fort Wayne, Indiana)|the Lutheran church]] in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]], began pastoral training of two young men. Wyneken took a call in 1845 to a congregation in [[Baltimore, Maryland]], and was replaced by [[Wilhelm Sihler]], who continued the training. Wyneken had earlier written to [[Wilhelm Loehe]] in Germany, requesting help in providing pastors for German Lutheran immigrants to the United States, and in August 1846 eleven theological students and their instructor arrived in Fort Wayne, having been sent by Loehe. The seminary was formally organized at that time, with Sihler becoming the first president. Classes were held in the parsonage, and a four-room house was rented for use as a dormitory.<ref name=Roberts>{{cite journal|last1=Roberts|first1=Robert R.|title=Our "Practical" Seminary|journal=The Springfielder|date=December 1971|volume=35|issue=3|pages=168–171|url=http://www.ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/robertspracticalseminary.pdf|access-date=August 19, 2015}}</ref>
[[File:ConcordiaTheologicalSeminaryFtWaynein1860.jpg|thumb|Concordia Theological Seminary in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]], in 1860]]
The [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]] was organized in 1847, and in response to the new synod's request, Loehe transferred ownership of the seminary to the synod. He continued to support the seminary by sending money, books, and students from Germany. Two years later the seminary purchased {{convert|14|acre}} about {{convert|1|mi}} east of Fort Wayne and erected the first building on its new campus.<ref name=Roberts />


Within the synod the seminary was referred to as the "practical seminary" because its purpose was to quickly provide pastors for congregations. It provided both pre-seminary and seminary instruction. The pre-seminary course of work was similar to that of a high school, and the seminary classes provided enough theological training to enable the graduates to serve the congregations. However, the seminary did not require knowledge of the Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew).
Within the synod the seminary was referred to as the "practical seminary" because its purpose was to quickly provide pastors for congregations. It provided both pre-seminary and seminary instruction. The pre-seminary course of work was similar to that of a high school, and the seminary classes provided enough theological training to enable the graduates to serve the congregations. However, the seminary did not require knowledge of the Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew).


=== Relocation to St. Louis ===
To protect its students from the [[conscription|draft]] during the [[American Civil War]], the seminary moved, in 1861, to the campus of the synod's academic seminary, [[Concordia Seminary]], in [[St. Louis, Missouri]]. [[C. F. W. Walther]], who was already the president of the St. Louis seminary, became president of the practical seminary as well. However, there was friction between the two institutions, both faculty and students, in part due to the differences in academic rigor and purposes. In addition, the growth in enrollment in both seminaries led to overcrowding of the campus.<ref name=Roberts />
[[File:Concordia Seminary in St Louis, Missouri on June 11, 1875.jpg|thumb|Concordia Seminary building in [[St Louis, Missouri]] on June 11, 1875, decorated for the departure of the last contingent of students of the practical seminary for [[Springfield, Illinois]]]]
To protect its students from the [[conscription|draft]] during the [[American Civil War]], the seminary moved, in 1861, to the campus of the synod's academic seminary, [[Concordia Seminary]], in [[St. Louis, Missouri]]. Missouri exempted theological students from the draft, while Indiana did not.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|editor-last=Repp|editor-first=Arthur C.|last=Wolbrecht|first=Walter F.|year=1947|title=100 Years of Christian Education|chapter=The Period of Expansion 1864-1894|publisher=Lutheran Education Association|publication-place=River Forest, Illinois|pages=110–111}}</ref> [[C. F. W. Walther]], who was already the president of the St. Louis seminary, became president of the practical seminary as well. However, there was friction between the two institutions among both faculty and students, in part due to the differences in academic rigor and purposes. In addition, the growth in enrollment in both seminaries led to overcrowding of the campus.<ref name=Roberts />


=== Relocation to Springfield ===
In 1874 the 29 pre-seminary students of the practical seminary, along with one instructor, were moved to the campus of the former [[Illinois State University (Springfield, Illinois)|Illinois State University]] in [[Springfield, Illinois]]. The next year, 1875, the practical seminary itself moved to the Springfield campus, with president [[F. A. Craemer]] and the pre-seminary instructor serving as the faculty. A third faculty member joined the staff in 1876.<ref name=Roberts />
In 1874, the 29 pre-seminary students of the practical seminary, along with one instructor, were moved to the campus of the former [[Illinois State University (Springfield, Illinois)|Illinois State University]] in [[Springfield, Illinois]].<ref name="Roberts" /> That campus had been purchased by Trinity Lutheran Church in that city in 1873 to start the Evangelical Lutheran Female College and Normal School, but inability to obtain suitable faculty had stopped those plans.<ref name=":0" /> In 1875, the practical seminary itself moved to the Springfield campus, with president [[F. A. Craemer]] and the pre-seminary instructor serving as the faculty. A third faculty member joined the staff in 1876.<ref name=Roberts />


[[File:Concordia College in Springfield, Illinois c1900.jpg|thumb|Classroom and dormitory building in [[Springfield, Illinois]], that was dedicated on May 31, 1891]]
At that time there were no particular entrance requirements. It was not until 1918 that completion of eighth grade was required of prospective students, the same year that an additional year of instruction was added to the pre-seminary course of study. The additional courses made it possible for pastors to obtain teaching certificates in states where pastors were not automatically eligible to teach in parochial schools. However, even in the 1920s the pastors graduating from the seminary generally had, except for the pastoral training, only the equivalent of a high school education.<ref name=Roberts />
At that time there were no particular entrance requirements. It was not until 1918 that completion of eighth grade was required of prospective students, the same year that an additional year of instruction was added to the pre-seminary course of study. The additional courses made it possible for pastors to obtain teaching certificates in states where pastors were not automatically eligible to teach in parochial schools. However, even in the 1920s the pastors graduating from the seminary generally had, except for the pastoral training, only the equivalent of a high school education.<ref name=Roberts />


In view of the relatively low level of academic training provided by the seminary, resolutions to close the seminary were introduced in the 1932 and 1935 synodical conventions; the one in 1935 initially passed by a 266 to 265 vote, but was then reconsidered and defeated, 283 to 256. Nevertheless, the seminary began making changes: Greek was made a required course; new students had to have had at least two years of high school, and accreditation by the state of Illinois was sought.<ref name=Roberts />
In view of the relatively low level of academic training provided by the seminary, resolutions to close the seminary were introduced in the 1932 and 1935 synodical conventions; the one in 1935 initially passed by a 266 to 265 vote, but was then reconsidered and defeated, 283 to 256. Nevertheless, the seminary began making changes: Greek was made a required course; new students had to have had at least two years of high school, and accreditation by the state of Illinois was sought.<ref name=Roberts />


Starting in 1941, all entering students had to be high school graduates, allowing the seminary to discontinue all high school classes. Academic requirements were further strengthened in subsequent years. Entrance requirements were again raised, first to completion of two years of college, and again to prefer college graduates. Expectations for the faculty were also increased with the aim that all professors would have doctoral degrees. The [[American Association of Theological Schools]] accepted the seminary as a member in the fall of 1968. The Bachelor of Divinity degree which the seminary had awarded its graduates become fully accredited, and was replaced by the Master of Divinity degree in 1973.<ref name=Roberts />
Starting in 1941, all entering students had to be high school graduates, allowing the seminary to discontinue all high school classes. Academic requirements were further strengthened in subsequent years. Entrance requirements were again raised, first to completion of two years of college, and again to prefer college graduates. Expectations for the faculty were also increased with the aim that all professors would have doctoral degrees. The [[American Association of Theological Schools]] accepted the seminary as a member in the fall of 1968. The Bachelor of Divinity degree which the seminary had awarded its graduates became fully accredited, and was replaced by the Master of Divinity degree in 1973.<ref name=Roberts />

=== Return to Fort Wayne ===
The seminary remained in Springfield until the synod reorganized its system of pastoral training and merged the program of [[Concordia Senior College]] of Fort Wayne with [[Concordia University, Ann Arbor|Concordia College]] in [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]]. In 1976, the seminary returned to Fort Wayne, where it inherited the Senior College's award-winning campus, designed by [[Eero Saarinen]].
The seminary remained in Springfield until the synod reorganized its system of pastoral training and merged the program of [[Concordia Senior College]] of Fort Wayne with [[Concordia University, Ann Arbor|Concordia College]] in [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]]. In 1976, the seminary returned to Fort Wayne, where it inherited the Senior College's award-winning campus, designed by [[Eero Saarinen]].


The campus suffered some damage, mostly to trees, from an [[Fujita scale|F2 tornado]] that struck Fort Wayne in May 2001.<ref>National Weather Service</ref>
The campus suffered some damage, mostly to trees, from an [[Fujita scale|F2 tornado]] that struck Fort Wayne in May 2001.<ref>National Weather Service</ref>


===Presidents===
Concordia Theological Seminary is theologically conservative, emphasizing study of the [[Bible]] and the [[Book of Concord]]. The seminary is a liturgical community following the practice of praying the divine offices each day, including [[Matins]], [[Vespers]] and [[Compline]], as well as celebrating the [[Eucharist|Lord's Supper]] each week.
Concordia has had 16 presidents.<ref>Concordia does not count interim Presidents and counts Dr. Robert Preus' two terms as one.{{cite journal |last1=Dorr |first1=Adriane A. |title=Dr. Lawrence Rast Installed as Concordia Theological Seminary’s 16th President |journal=For the Life of the World |date=2011 |volume=15 |issue=3 |pages=20-21 |url=https://issuu.com/ctsfwedu/docs/15-3_nov-2011?e=1577875/6079851 |access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref><ref>
{{cite encyclopedia| editor1-first=Erwin L. |editor1-last=Lueker |editor2-first=Luther |editor2-last=Poellot |editor3-first=Paul |editor3-last=Jackson |title=Education, Ministry of |encyclopedia=Christian Cyclopedia |access-date=April 20, 2016 |edition=Online |year=2000 |publisher=[[Concordia Publishing House]] |location=St. Louis |url=http://cyclopedia.lcms.org/display.asp?t1=m&word=MINISTRY.EDUCATIONOF }}</ref>


* [[Wilhelm Sihler]], 1846–1861
==Current faculty==
* [[C. F. W. Walther]], 1861–1875
The seminary is divided into four faculties with the following academics.<ref>{{cite web|title=Faculty - Concordia Theological Seminary|url=http://www.ctsfw.edu/page.aspx?pid=985|accessdate=April 20, 2016}}</ref>
* [[F. A. Crämer]], 1875–1891
===Exegetical Theology===
* [[Charles A. Gieschen]]
* [[R. Pieper]], 1891–1914
* [[Arthur A. Just]]
* [[R. D. Biedermann]], 1914–1921
* [[Walter A. Maier III]]
* [[H. A. Klein]], 1922–1935
* [[John G. Nordling]]
* [[H. B. Hemmeter]], 1936–1945
* [[Jeffrey H. Pulse]]
* [[G. C. Barth]], 1945–1952
* [[Peter J. Scaer]]
* [[W. A. Baepler]], 1952–1958
* [[George J. Beto|George Beto]], 1959–1962
* [[Ryan M. Tietz]]
* [[Dean O. Wenthe]]
* [[J. A. O. Preus II]], 1962–1969
* [[Richard J. Schultz]], 1970–1974
* [[Robert Preus|Robert D. Preus]], 1974–1989 (retired by the Board of Regents)
* [[Norbert H. Mueller]], interim president 1989–1992
* Robert D. Preus, 1992–1993 (reinstated by Synodical Convention resolution, with Michael Stelmachowicz as C.E.O.)
* [[David G. Schmiel]], 1993–1995
* [[Dean O. Wenthe]], 1996–2011
* [[Lawrence R. Rast Jr.|Lawrence R. Rast Jr]], 2011–present


==Academics==
===Historical Theology===
Concordia Theological Seminary is divided into four departments: Exegetical Theology, Historical Theology, Pastoral Ministry and Mission, and Systematic Theology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Faculty - Concordia Theological Seminary|url=http://www.ctsfw.edu/page.aspx?pid=985|access-date=April 20, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417060327/http://www.ctsfw.edu/page.aspx?pid=985|archive-date=April 17, 2016}}</ref>
* [[James G. Bushur]]
* [[Cameron A. MacKenzie]]
* [[Benjamin Mayes]]
* [[Lawrence R. Rast Jr.]]
* [[William C. Weinrich]]


The seminary is theologically conservative, emphasizing study of the [[Bible]] and the [[Book of Concord]]. It is a liturgical community following the practice of praying the divine offices each day, including [[Matins]], [[Vespers]] and [[Compline]], as well as celebrating the [[Eucharist|Lord's Supper]] each week.
===Pastoral Ministry and Mission===
* Carl C. Fickenscher II
* Paul J. Grime
* [[John T. Pless]]
* Timothy C. J. Quill
* Richard C. Resch
* John D. Reynolds
* Robert V. Roethemeyer
* Klaus Detlev Schulz


==Notable alumni==
===Systematic Theology===
* Gifford A. Grobien
* Naomichi Masaki
* [[David P. Scaer]]
* [[Roland F. Ziegler]]


* [[Dan Cloeter]], Lutheran pastor and marathon runner
==Musical Groups==
* [[Patrick Ferry]], president of [[Concordia University Wisconsin]] from 1997 to 2021
Throughout its history, the seminary has had a variety of musical groups to participate in special services on the campus and to serve as an outreach to surrounding areas.
* [[Daniel L. Gard]], Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve Matters of the [[United States Navy Chaplain Corps]] (2013–2019), president of [[Concordia University Chicago]] (2014–2019)

* [[Matthew Harrison (minister)|Matthew Harrison]], president of the LCMS (2010–present)
The primary musical organizations in recent years have been the Schola Cantorum and the Seminary Kantorei.<ref>Eyewitness account by Robert E. Nylund, CTS student, 1989-92</ref>
* [[Joel D. Heck]], professor of theology at [[Concordia University Texas]]

* [[Scot Kerns]], member of the [[Montana state legislature|Montana State Legislature]]
The Schola Cantorum is a mixed voice choir drawn from students, faculty members, spouses of students and faculty, and members of the community. The choir has frequently performed major choral works with an orchestra of professional musicians, as well as professional solosits, and participated in special choral services several times each year in Kramer Chapel, the seminary's on-campus worship facility. The chapel is a large, concrete, A-frame structure with a renowned pipe organ.
* [[Gerald B. Kieschnick]], president of the LCMS (2001–2010)

* [[Donald K. Muchow]], [[Chief of Chaplains of the United States Navy]] (1994–1997)
The Seminary Kantorei is a 16-voice select choir of seminary students, founded by [[Cantor (church)|Kantor]] Richard C. Resch in 1978. The all-male choir performs shorter choral works, sometimes accompanied by organ, harpsichord, or other instruments. It also leads special choral services in Kramer Chapel, as well as going on a major tour each January to various parts of the U.S. and shorter tours in the Midwest at other times. Resch has made special arrangements of traditional hymns and commissioned composers to write original works or arrangements for the group. The Kantorei has made numerous compact discs, which are available through the seminary's bookstore. With Kantor Richard Resch's retirement, the group is now led by Kantor Kevin J. Hildebrand who had served as Associate Kantor since 2002.
* [[Andrew Schulze]], Lutheran pastor and civil rights activist<ref>{{cite web |last1=Galchutt |first1=Kathryn |title=Andrew Schulze: Human Dignity, Equality and Unity under God |url=https://files.lcms.org/dl/f/F0F1B7B3-684B-4A0B-9DBC-DCD97CEE52FD |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref>

* [[Andrew Steinmann]], professor of theology and Hebrew at [[Concordia University Chicago]]
==Presidents==
* [[Gordon Winrod]], Lutheran pastor, and later, a [[Christian Identity]] minister
Concordia has had 17 different presidents.<ref>
{{cite encyclopedia| editor1-first=Erwin L. |editor1-last=Lueker |editor2-first=Luther |editor2-last=Poellot |editor3-first=Paul |editor3-last=Jackson |title=Education, Ministry of |encyclopedia=Christian Cyclopedia |accessdate=April 20, 2016 |edition=Online |year=2000 |publisher=[[Concordia Publishing House]] |location=St. Louis |url=http://cyclopedia.lcms.org/display.asp?t1=m&word=MINISTRY.EDUCATIONOF }}</ref>

* [[Wilhelm Sihler]] 1846–1861
* [[C. F. W. Walther]] 1861–1875
* F. A. Crämer 1875–1891
* R. Pieper 1891–1914
* R. D. Biedermann 1914–1921
* H. A. Klein 1922–1935
* H. B. Hemmeter 1936–1945
* G. C. Barth 1945–1952
* W. A. Baepler 1952–1958
* George J. Beto 1959–1962
* [[J. A. O. Preus II]] 1962–1969
* Richard J. Schultz 1970–1974
* [[Robert Preus|Robert D. Preus]] 1974–1989 (suspended by Board of Regents)
* Norbert H. Mueller, interim president 1989–1992
* Robert D. Preus 1992–1993 (reinstated by Synodical Convention resolution, with Michael Stelmachowicz as C.E.O.)
* David G. Schmiel 1993–1995
* Dean O. Wenthe 1996–2011
* Lawrence R. Rast 2011–present

==Seminary alumni==
{{For|a list of notable alumni|Category:Concordia Theological Seminary alumni}}


== Publications ==
== Publications ==
Line 143: Line 120:
*''For the Life of the World'' is the official magazine of Concordia Theological Seminary.
*''For the Life of the World'' is the official magazine of Concordia Theological Seminary.
*Concordia Theological Seminary Press has published numerous books, including works by [[Martin Luther]], [[Johann Gerhard]], [[F. C. D. Wyneken]], [[C. F. W. Walther]], [[Walter A. Maier]], and [[Robert Preus]].
*Concordia Theological Seminary Press has published numerous books, including works by [[Martin Luther]], [[Johann Gerhard]], [[F. C. D. Wyneken]], [[C. F. W. Walther]], [[Walter A. Maier]], and [[Robert Preus]].

==Further reading==

* Baepler, Walter A. ''A Century of Blessing: 1846–1946''. Springfield, IL: Concordia Theological Seminary, 1946.
* Heintzen, Erich H. ''Prairie School of the Prophets: The Anatomy of a Seminary, 1846-1976''. St. Louis: Concordia, 1989.
* Lücke, M. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=NeeSmtPf_JUC Zum 50 jährigen Jubiläum des praktischen evang.-lutherischen Concordia-Seminars zu Springfield, Ill. 1846–1896]''. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1896.
* Smith, Robert Ernest. ''Shepherds for Christ's Sheep: Concordia Theological Seminary Meets a Need''. Fort Wayne: Concordia Theological Seminary, 2001.


==References==
==References==
Line 148: Line 132:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.ctsfw.edu Official site]
*[http://www.ctsfw.edu Official site]
*[http://replica.palni.edu/cdm4/browse.php?CISOROOT=%2Fcopcampus Saarinen's Village: The Concordia Campus Through Time]
*[http://replica.palni.edu/cdm4/browse.php?CISOROOT=%2Fcopcampus Saarinen's Village: The Concordia Campus Through Time]
*[http://www.ats.edu/member-schools/concordia-theological-seminary ATS profile for Concordia Theological Seminary]


{{Concordia Theological Seminary}}
{{LCMSColleges}}
{{Indiana Colleges and Universities}}
{{Indiana Colleges and Universities}}
{{Fort Wayne, Indiana}}
{{Fort Wayne, Indiana}}

{{Concordia Theological Seminary}}
{{authority control}}


[[Category:Education in Fort Wayne, Indiana]]
[[Category:Education in Fort Wayne, Indiana]]
Line 162: Line 149:
[[Category:Eero Saarinen structures]]
[[Category:Eero Saarinen structures]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Fort Wayne, Indiana]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Fort Wayne, Indiana]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod]]
[[Category:Lutheranism in Indiana]]
[[Category:Lutheranism in Indiana]]
[[Category:1846 establishments in Indiana]]
[[Category:1846 establishments in Indiana]]
[[Category:Lutheran buildings and structures in North America]]

Latest revision as of 23:54, 27 January 2024

Not to be confused with Concordia Seminary or Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Concordia Theological Seminary
TypeSeminary
Established1846; 178 years ago (1846)
Religious affiliation
Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
PresidentRev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast, Jr.[1]
Academic staff
26[2]
Students294[3]
Location
Fort Wayne
,
Indiana
,
United States

41°8′21.6″N 85°6′32.8″W / 41.139333°N 85.109111°W / 41.139333; -85.109111
CampusMajor city, 191 acres (77 ha)
Websitewww.ctsfw.edu

Concordia Theological Seminary is a Lutheran seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It offers professional, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees affiliated with training clergy and deaconesses for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS).

History[edit]

Formation in Fort Wayne[edit]

In 1844, Frederick C. D. Wyneken, pastor of the Lutheran church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, began pastoral training of two young men. Wyneken took a call in 1845 to a congregation in Baltimore, Maryland, and was replaced by Wilhelm Sihler, who continued the training. Wyneken had earlier written to Wilhelm Loehe in Germany, requesting help in providing pastors for German Lutheran immigrants to the United States, and in August 1846 eleven theological students and their instructor arrived in Fort Wayne, having been sent by Loehe. The seminary was formally organized at that time, with Sihler becoming the first president. Classes were held in the parsonage, and a four-room house was rented for use as a dormitory.[4]

Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1860

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod was organized in 1847, and in response to the new synod's request, Loehe transferred ownership of the seminary to the synod. He continued to support the seminary by sending money, books, and students from Germany. Two years later the seminary purchased 14 acres (5.7 ha) about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Fort Wayne and erected the first building on its new campus.[4]

Within the synod the seminary was referred to as the "practical seminary" because its purpose was to quickly provide pastors for congregations. It provided both pre-seminary and seminary instruction. The pre-seminary course of work was similar to that of a high school, and the seminary classes provided enough theological training to enable the graduates to serve the congregations. However, the seminary did not require knowledge of the Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew).

Relocation to St. Louis[edit]

Concordia Seminary building in St Louis, Missouri on June 11, 1875, decorated for the departure of the last contingent of students of the practical seminary for Springfield, Illinois

To protect its students from the draft during the American Civil War, the seminary moved, in 1861, to the campus of the synod's academic seminary, Concordia Seminary, in St. Louis, Missouri. Missouri exempted theological students from the draft, while Indiana did not.[5] C. F. W. Walther, who was already the president of the St. Louis seminary, became president of the practical seminary as well. However, there was friction between the two institutions among both faculty and students, in part due to the differences in academic rigor and purposes. In addition, the growth in enrollment in both seminaries led to overcrowding of the campus.[4]

Relocation to Springfield[edit]

In 1874, the 29 pre-seminary students of the practical seminary, along with one instructor, were moved to the campus of the former Illinois State University in Springfield, Illinois.[4] That campus had been purchased by Trinity Lutheran Church in that city in 1873 to start the Evangelical Lutheran Female College and Normal School, but inability to obtain suitable faculty had stopped those plans.[5] In 1875, the practical seminary itself moved to the Springfield campus, with president F. A. Craemer and the pre-seminary instructor serving as the faculty. A third faculty member joined the staff in 1876.[4]

Classroom and dormitory building in Springfield, Illinois, that was dedicated on May 31, 1891

At that time there were no particular entrance requirements. It was not until 1918 that completion of eighth grade was required of prospective students, the same year that an additional year of instruction was added to the pre-seminary course of study. The additional courses made it possible for pastors to obtain teaching certificates in states where pastors were not automatically eligible to teach in parochial schools. However, even in the 1920s the pastors graduating from the seminary generally had, except for the pastoral training, only the equivalent of a high school education.[4]

In view of the relatively low level of academic training provided by the seminary, resolutions to close the seminary were introduced in the 1932 and 1935 synodical conventions; the one in 1935 initially passed by a 266 to 265 vote, but was then reconsidered and defeated, 283 to 256. Nevertheless, the seminary began making changes: Greek was made a required course; new students had to have had at least two years of high school, and accreditation by the state of Illinois was sought.[4]

Starting in 1941, all entering students had to be high school graduates, allowing the seminary to discontinue all high school classes. Academic requirements were further strengthened in subsequent years. Entrance requirements were again raised, first to completion of two years of college, and again to prefer college graduates. Expectations for the faculty were also increased with the aim that all professors would have doctoral degrees. The American Association of Theological Schools accepted the seminary as a member in the fall of 1968. The Bachelor of Divinity degree which the seminary had awarded its graduates became fully accredited, and was replaced by the Master of Divinity degree in 1973.[4]

Return to Fort Wayne[edit]

The seminary remained in Springfield until the synod reorganized its system of pastoral training and merged the program of Concordia Senior College of Fort Wayne with Concordia College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1976, the seminary returned to Fort Wayne, where it inherited the Senior College's award-winning campus, designed by Eero Saarinen.

The campus suffered some damage, mostly to trees, from an F2 tornado that struck Fort Wayne in May 2001.[6]

Presidents[edit]

Concordia has had 16 presidents.[7][8]

Academics[edit]

Concordia Theological Seminary is divided into four departments: Exegetical Theology, Historical Theology, Pastoral Ministry and Mission, and Systematic Theology.[9]

The seminary is theologically conservative, emphasizing study of the Bible and the Book of Concord. It is a liturgical community following the practice of praying the divine offices each day, including Matins, Vespers and Compline, as well as celebrating the Lord's Supper each week.

Notable alumni[edit]

Publications[edit]

The seminary publishes a journal for professional theologians, a magazine for laity and for the seminary community, and books.

Further reading[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Dr. Lawrence Rast to be Installed as Concordia Theological Seminary President". Concordia Theological Seminary. Archived from the original on May 31, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  2. ^ "CTSFW Faculty". Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  3. ^ "Concordia Theological Seminary profile". Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Roberts, Robert R. (December 1971). "Our "Practical" Seminary" (PDF). The Springfielder. 35 (3): 168–171. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  5. ^ a b Wolbrecht, Walter F. (1947). "The Period of Expansion 1864-1894". In Repp, Arthur C. (ed.). 100 Years of Christian Education. River Forest, Illinois: Lutheran Education Association. pp. 110–111.
  6. ^ National Weather Service
  7. ^ Concordia does not count interim Presidents and counts Dr. Robert Preus' two terms as one.Dorr, Adriane A. (2011). "Dr. Lawrence Rast Installed as Concordia Theological Seminary's 16th President". For the Life of the World. 15 (3): 20–21. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  8. ^ Lueker, Erwin L.; Poellot, Luther; Jackson, Paul, eds. (2000). "Education, Ministry of". Christian Cyclopedia (Online ed.). St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  9. ^ "Faculty - Concordia Theological Seminary". Archived from the original on April 17, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  10. ^ Galchutt, Kathryn. "Andrew Schulze: Human Dignity, Equality and Unity under God". Retrieved December 27, 2023.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Concordia Theological Seminary.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Concordia_Theological_Seminary&oldid=1199784538"