Lutheran seminary forming pastoral and deaconess leaders for the Missouri Synod since 1846.
Concordia Theological Seminary is organized into four departments: Exegetical Theology, Historical Theology, Pastoral Ministry and Mission, and Systematic Theology. The seminary emphasizes study of the Bible and the Book of Concord within a theologically conservative framework. It maintains a liturgical community that prays the divine offices daily (Matins, Vespers, Compline) and celebrates the Lord's Supper weekly. The American Association of Theological Schools accepted the seminary as a member in 1968, and the Master of Divinity degree became fully accredited in 1973.
The seminary occupies a 191-acre campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana, designed by acclaimed architect Eero Saarinen. The campus features the Kroemer Library, Kramer Chapel, and various residential and academic facilities. Student life includes daily chapel services, housing for students and families, a food and clothing co-op, athletics, and health services. The seminary also operates Christ Academy, offering confirmation, high school, college, and family institute programs.
The seminary offers Master of Divinity degrees for pastoral ministry and Deaconess Studies programs. Graduate school programs and other specialized training are available. Pre-seminary courses and competency exams prepare students for advanced theological study. Field education, vicarage assignments, and deaconess internships provide practical ministry experience. The seminary also offers English language proficiency programs for international students.
Founded in 1846 by Wilhelm Loehe of Germany to train pastors for German Lutheran immigrants, the seminary was formally organized in Fort Wayne under Wilhelm Sihler's leadership. It relocated to St. Louis during the Civil War (1861), then to Springfield, Illinois (1874), before returning to Fort Wayne in 1976 when it inherited Concordia Senior College's Saarinen-designed campus. The seminary's mission is to form faithful servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all.