Prepare to Become a Pastor
The Pre-Seminary Studies Program equips future pastors with the training essential for successful entrance into a seminary education and ministry. Pastors bring God’s gifts of Word and Sacrament to His people all over the world. With our outstanding faculty and the diverse context of Southern California, Concordia University Irvine is a great place to begin your preparation. The program is structured to encourage measured personal and spiritual growth in pastoral attitudes, habits, and skills and offers a cross-cultural experience.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to enter a seminary to continue their study that normally includes three additional years of academic work and one year of vicarage. Entrance requirements will vary from seminary to seminary, but normally a bachelor's degree and proficiency in the biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew are required of all who desire admission to a seminary. Seminaries generally also require personal references and recommendations.
Program Distinctives
- Excellent Christ College faculty
- Location – Southern California hosts many diverse ministry experiences and cultural contexts
- Local and international mission opportunities and study abroad options
- Apologetics strength