Seminaries offer campus visits to prospective students

Visitors to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, take a campus tour as part of the three-day “Contemplate” event earlier this year. Ten visitation events are planned for Concordia Seminary and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., to give high-school and college students as well as interested adults a taste of seminary life. (Concordia Seminary)

High school and college students — as well as adults considering a second career — are invited to attend on-campus visitation events at the Synod’s two seminaries to get information about preparing for church work while sampling seminary life.

Most of the 10 events — which are offered beginning this fall through next summer — are free, but registration is required for all.

Scheduled at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, are:

• “Contemplate,” Oct. 13-15, 2016, and March 9-11, 2017, a three-day visit for college students and second-career men and women that offers an in-depth view of the preparation that leads to service as a pastor or deaconess. Included are a campus tour and an opportunity to meet faculty and students.

“Participants consistently tell us that visiting campus is important so they can learn firsthand what the seminary is about,” said the Rev. Bill Wrede, the seminary’s director of ministerial recruitment and admissions. “The panel of students and spouses is always a highlight because nothing can replace the insight our current students can share.”

Free, with meals and lodging included. Register at csl.edu/contemplate.

• “Green & Gold Days,” Nov. 4, 2016; Jan. 6, April 7 and Nov. 3, 2017, an opportunity for college students and second-career men and women to spend the day on campus, meeting with current students and professors, attending classes and chapel, and ending the day with dinner and discussion. Free. Register at csl.edu/greengold.

• “Shepherds of God’s Flock,” Jan. 5, 2017, for college students and second-career men, which focuses on the decision-making process of “service as a shepherd.” At this one-day event, participants explore ministry through Bible study, hear panel presentations from pastors and students, and talk with others who are asking the same questions. Free. Register at csl.edu/shepherds.

• “Taste of the Sem,” Jan. 14-16, 2017, which gives high-school men an opportunity to spend the weekend on campus diving into Lutheran theology, prayer and worship. Participants can talk with current students and professors, and engage in some seminary recreation. Free, including meals and lodging. Register at csl.edu/taste.

• “Vocatio,” June 24-29, 2017, a weeklong retreat to explore God’s calling and direction for high-school men and women. This event includes Bible study, worship, vocation discussion, a servant event, “some St. Louis fun” and a Concordia University System college fair. Registration is $150 and includes meals and lodging; travel assistance is available upon request. Register at csl.edu/vocatio.

• “Next Steps,” July 7-8, 2017, an opportunity for families to spend two days on campus connecting with current students and their families to learn about transitioning to life at the seminary from those who have already taken that step. Free, including meals and lodging. Register at csl.edu/nextsteps.

To learn more about visitation events at Concordia Seminary, call 800-822-9545, email admissions@csl.edu or visit csl.edu/admissions.

Scheduled at Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), Fort Wayne, Ind., are:

• “Prayerfully Consider Visit,” Oct. 13-15, 2016, and March 30-April 1, 2017, a three-day event for prospective students and their families to experience daily life at the seminary while worshiping with the CTSFW community, attending classes, meeting with faculty, learning about financial-aid options and getting to know the Fort Wayne area. Free, including meals and lodging. Register at ctsfw.edu/PCV.

The Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., right, president of Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), Fort Wayne, Ind., and CTSFW admission counselors talk to prospective students about life at the seminary. (Concordia Theological Seminary)

• “Christ Academy/Phoebe Academy College,” Oct. 20-23, 2016, which gives college students contemplating church service an opportunity to immerse themselves in day-to-day campus life, including attending classes, worshiping in Kramer Chapel, asking questions of Admissions staff and taking part in social activities. Free, including meals and lodging. Register at ctsfw.edu/CAC.

• “Christ Academy High School,” June 18-July 1, 2017, which gives male high-school students an opportunity to explore the pastoral ministry, take part in theological studies and form lasting friendships. The $600 tuition covers meals, lodging and all activities for two weeks. Register at ctsfw.edu/ChristAcademy.

• “Phoebe Academy High School,” June 18-25, 2017, which gives female high-school students an opportunity to explore God’s Word on mercy, participate in a service project as well as theological studies, meet deaconesses and form lasting friendships. The $400 tuition covers meals, lodging and all activities for one week. Register at ctsfw.edu/PAHS.

“Studying at CTSFW is not merely about academics, but it is a place where theology is learned within a Christ-centered community — centered in the gifts of God through Word and Sacrament. When a student is formed in such a way, it is done within the very fabric of what it means to be Church. We invite you to share in this experience by visiting our campus,” said the Rev. John M. Dreyer, the seminary’s director of Admission.

Those who are unable to attend a scheduled visitation event are welcome to schedule a visit at a more convenient time at ctsfw.edu/Plan-Your-Own-Visit.

Prospective students also may send an email to Concordia Theological Seminary at Admission@ctsfw.edu or call its Admission staff at 800-481-2155.

Posted September 15, 2016