# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S146
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

146 SEMINARIES AND COLLEGES

Third Recommendation

Synod has gone to great effort and expense to establish,
tain, and operate ten six-year preparatory schools because she:
ognized the fact that Lutheran pastors must have unique spirit#
and professional foundations on which to build their academic ¢
theological education. Experience has shown that the achiever
of this objective requires lengthy association with Christian schd|
and outstanding Lutheran teachers under circumstances desig;
to foster spiritual maturity and the strengthening of the pro
sional intent of prospective candidates for the Lutheran mini

In 1950 Synod approved a special curriculum at one sq
and authorized the introduction of an abbreviated program
another for the purpose of experimental evaluation of its pré
policy in this area. Because the extent of the student’s religi
training is, of course, such a major focus of concern in mini
training, special provisions were made to encourage prospec
students in the experimental program to take their secon
education in Lutheran high schools.

The currently strong trend toward advanced standing adi
sions at the preparatory schools which are not participating ing
experimental, adjusted program is a matter of concern to 5
Board, since in so many cases it offers such meager oppo:
for training under conditions in which the student is in daily a
ciation with other students preparing for the same profess
absorbing our traditions of worship; and developing the pers
habits, skills, and attitudes of a Lutheran minister, an appr
of the ministerial functions, and an understanding of the heritg
and developed means of his Church. While it has always}
recognized that unusual circumstances might offer entirely
reasons for later entry into the system, such a procedure has
been regarded as exceptional. It seems hardly possible thats
aspect of religious and ministerial training could be adequi
absorbed in less than three years, and your Board, therefore

Recommends that Synod establish a policy which re
a minimum of three years (six semesters) in residence at a’ pi
aratory school, except in the case of Fort Wayne, as a prerequ
for admission to the St. Louis Seminary; and the Board’ 4

Recommends, further, that this prerequisite be waived °
case of Lutheran high school graduates who are qualified to
fer directly without academic deficiencies to the college fresht i
class of a preparatory school; and the Board

Recommends, finally, that this residence requirement be
viewed for possible revision when the Senior College bec
available.

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