Choosing the best Lutheran seminary is a task that requires careful consideration of several key factors. When looking at any seminary associated with this particular type of Protestant belief and practice, it is important to look closely at the accreditation and reputation of the seminary, the types of degree programs involved, and the costs. In addition, consideration of the affiliation of the seminary with a specific Lutheran denomination is also important if the goal is to provide active pastoral ministry within one of those denominations.
The process of choosing the right Lutheran seminary begins with understanding that there is no single Lutheran denomination. While sharing a number of beliefs and practices that transcend those denominational lines, the various branches of Lutheranism also have some beliefs and practices that set them apart from each other. If your goal is becoming a Lutheran minister that functions within one of those branches, it is always a good idea to focus your attention on seminaries that are endorsed by the specific denomination. Doing so is not only fruitful from the perspective of engaging in studies that are relevant to Lutheranism in general and a specific expression in particular, but will also help ease the process of ordination in the denomination of your choice once you have that degree.
The accreditation of each Lutheran seminary you consider is also important. Find out which agency accredits each seminary you consider. Accreditation agencies and societies normally have specific criteria that must be met. Knowing that criteria will provide some insight into the quality of the courses provided and also help you understand if those courses are likely to be helpful in pursuing your vocation.
Consider the reputation enjoyed by each Lutheran seminary you consider, especially in terms of what members and leaders in the denomination you wish to serve think about the quality of the instruction and the relevance of the coursework to the aims and goals of the denomination. This will often help to narrow the scope of your search somewhat, which may be very helpful to your final decision.
As with most educational endeavors, cost is often a key consideration when selecting the right Lutheran seminary. Many people are surprised to learn that there are scholarships and financial aid programs available to help qualified candidates offset some of the expenses involved. Typically, this includes grants, scholarship funds established by individuals or the sponsoring denomination, and even matching programs that are operated by specific congregations or other jurisdictions within the denominational structure. Take the time to evaluate the opportunities for financial aid at each Lutheran seminary that meets the other qualifications, and you may find that it is easier to spend more time focusing on your studies and less time figuring out how to pay tuition and other costs.
