# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1947_S180
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

180 SEMINARIES AND COLLEGES

3. While such conformity to the general pattern will inevitably
result in more ready exchange of facilities in the case of the
graduates (professors, chaplains, specialists) who will wish
to continue study on the post-graduate level, must we not
clearly keep in mind that such requirements constitute less
than 10 per cent of our total needs?

Any consideration given to the various proposals requires first
of all that Synod realistically keep in mind the fact that the great
majority of students must be trained for service in the active
Gospel ministry as it relates to the pastoral work of conservation
and expansion in urban and rural congregations. It would be a
serious mistake to make basic changes throughout the entire system
in order to meet the needs and requirements of a minority.

Illustrative figures might be chosen from any recent year, but
the following compilation of comparative statistics for 1941 will
support the principle indicated (all figures are close approxi-
mations) :

Ministers —In American congregations and No. %
MSSLONS onan 3,750 94%
Foreign missionaries, professors, regular Army
chaplains, ete. n-ne 250 6%
4,000 100%
Teachers — regular installed -—————-———---—----~ 1,350 90%
Professors, superintendents, ete, 50 3% %
High school teachers (future estimate) —-—---- 100 6% %
1,500 100%

The Board also undertook to set up a list of the most obvious
practical implications inherent in the adoption of any proposal to
expand the course requirements for admission to the St. Louis
Seminary. Among others — some advantages, others disadvan-
tages — the following are indicated:

1. The proposed extensions will inevitably mean significant
adjustments in the program of the Seminary at St. Louis.

2. An immediate study of the relationship of the Springfield
Seminary to the new plan would be made mandatory.

3. The elimination of the current “first year” at St. Louis
would be automatic.

4. The lengthened course of study will tend toward increased
losses of ministerial students.

5. There would be a progressive weakening and de-emphasis
of our present high school programs and a possible con-