Academics

Trinity Lutheran Seminary forms leaders for Christ's Church at work in the world.

With a Vision for Mission

Disciples of Jesus are called, gathered, and sent. Trinity’s mission statement clearly has that missional thrust. The faculty is now determined to make our long standing commitment to educate leaders for the church’s mission even more explicit by shaping a curriculum that is missional in focus.

With Concentrations

Newly developed concentrations available to students in the M.Div. program are designed to prepare future leaders for Christ’s mission in the world. Students now have the option to choose one of the following concentrations:  The Bible in Mission and Ministry, Leadership for a Missional Church, The Church in a Diverse World, Youth and Family Ministry, or Christian Spirituality. Each of these in their own way prepares for and supports mission development and redevelopment in today’s world for today’s church.

With Serious Theology

A healthy and vigorous vision for mission requires a solid theological grounding. A diverse, talented, and charismatic faculty leads students through a rigorous academic curriculum. Courses explore sound principles of biblical interpretation, the history of the church's witness to the gospel, and the task of theology for the missional church in today's world. Courses in pastoral care, stewardship, mission, Christian education, and the music, tradition and culture of our liturgy provide further formation for leadership. The faculty has committed itself to infusing their own teaching with a missional consciousness.

Through Deep Spirituality

Students plan and participate in daily worship; initiate and share in an intentional prayer life; explore the importance of the manifold forms of ritual and music; and continually seek ways to remember their baptismal covenant and its meaning for a life in faith.  A deep spirituality is essential to strong leadership in mission and mission redevelopment.

Through Contextual Learning

Students gain valuable practical experience in churches, nursing homes, and hospitals; in urban, rural, and suburban neighborhoods; and in travel to the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. First- and second-year students explore and participate in ministry through their "Ministry in Context" assignments in churches throughout Columbus, and third-year students grow and mature in their development as pastors with mentors in internship placements across the state and across the country. The presence of Healthy Congregations Inc. on Trinity's campus also allows students to gain valuable information and experience with Family Systems and its use in understanding the dynamics of congregational life.

All of this begins on a campus located in Columbus, Ohio, the 15th largest city in the country; a city both culturally and religiously diverse, and uniquely situated in an area bounded by expansive suburbs and rich farmland. The Ohio State University, Capital University, Columbus State Community College, and Franklin University, among others, offer students access to a plethora of academic resources, the arts, and athletics. In addition, students live in close proximity to public libraries, metro parks, and public transportation.

James M. Childs Jr.
Interim Academic Dean