# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S884
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

SEMINARIES AND COLLEGES 187

it would or would not be satisfactory in Synod’s system of
ministerial training. Under these circumstances a wholesale
conversion to such units might eventually prove to be seri-
ous disservice to the cause of synodical higher education.

2. The adoption of such a plan would create another unique
arrangement in place of the unique system which we now
have and is therefore out of harmony with the major ob-
jective of attempting to create an arrangement which fits
more readily into the American pattern of higher education
than our present arrangements,

Plan C

A Study of the Feasibility of Achieving the Desired Objectives

Through an Experimental Approach
4 Synod’s many existing colleges and seminaries and the suc-
;. cessful introduction of the Lutheran high schools in the Middle
. West create a situation which makes it possible to take advantage
. Of the priceless opportunity for experimentation prior to making
: final commitments or changes in Synod’s entire system of higher
=: education.
. The great blessings which have come from synodical training
_ at the high school level will be apparent to all. Where no parallel
services exist, it would seem desirable to continue synodical train-
ing at this level. It should be recognized also that some type of 2
synodical participation should continue even where Lutheran high ;
schools are available; but it would be difficult to justify duplication
of available facilities, Accordingly, the experimental programs pro-
posed in this report reflect the Board’s desire to determine whether
Synod should direct its attention, as far as possible, toward an
eventual program of ministerial training which would provide four
years of preparatory college training, three years of professional
; seminary training, one year of practical experience under guidance,
and an opportunity for graduate study in theology under the direct
auspices of Synod.

The plan proposed in this section attempts to give recognition
to the possible eventual goals and calls for immediate action be-
. cause of the fact that almost an entire decade must elapse before
' adjustment, once made, can noticeably affect the outcomes of our
Church’s educational program. The recommendations should not
be understood to involve an immediate or a complete abandon-
ment of existing programs. No such action is recommended at this
time; but it appears necessary to initiate a trend and to accept
the basic principles indicated.

The reorganization section of Plan C is designed to achieve fy
the following objectives: a
1. An increased production of both ministerial and teacher l