# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S10
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

10 ; SEMINARIES AND COLLEGES

sure that it could not happen to us. Hence it would seem that it
has become a matter of considerable importance that our instructors
from time to time concentrate on an intensified study. of theology
so that their influence in all classes and branches of learning
remains theologically sound and the philosophy of life which they
convey to their students remains in complete harmony with the
Biblical interpretation of our Church. Our Summer School provides
_a splendid opportunity for further theological study.

c. A growing number of our larger colleges now require
several full-time men for the instruction of religion. But just as
we now demand in most of our schools that the instructors hold
at least an M.A. degree or the equivalent to be qualified to teach
in secular subjects, and many of them are aspiring to the doctorate,
so we ought to require that the teachers in our religion departments
hold at least equivalent degrees. Many of them, particularly the
younger men, ought to be encouraged to acquire the doctorate in
theology.

d. The enrollment in our two seminaries has grown at a
phenomenal rate during the past few years. This growth will
continue, at least at St. Louis. As a result, our theological faculties
have also grown. The number of theological professors required
to staff our seminary faculties will increase in the years that lie
ahead. Seminary professors do not just happen. They should be
trained, and we ought to be concerned about their training. It is
but natural that the seminaries should look to the colleges for
suitable men for our seminary faculties. Instructors from our
colleges ought, therefore, be encouraged to continue their studies
in the field of theology, so that there will always be a well-
prepared group from which selection can be made.

The Mission Department

The Mission Department was established in September, 1941,
and became an integral part of the Graduate School. Its purpose
is to provide specialized training for candidates entering foreign
mission service or other branches of specialized church work.
It also offers an opportunity for further study and refresher courses
for missionaries home on furlough.

The most significant event in our education program for mis-
sionary training was the purchase of an apartment house within
one block of the campus of Concordia Seminary to house mission-
aries and their families home on furlough and young missionaries
preparing for service in a foreign field. The housing facilities thus
provided have made it possible for missionaries and their wives
to attend classes in our Mission Department and other Seminary
classes for further preparation for work in their respective fields.