# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2013_S434
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

2013 Convention Workbook
7
46
8

Neither Disagree Nor Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree

During the first two years of the program, as the SMP student serves as a vicar, he is also assessed the annual
vicarage fee ($579) which is charged all vicars. This vicarage fee is paid over two years and as is the case with
the resident programs, many congregations cover the cost for their vicar.

The seminaries do not offer institutional financial assistance to SMP students.

0
6
9
45
6

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neither Disagree Nor Agree

Agree

Strongly Agree

19

42

2

3

1

16

49

5

2

1

1. The process of demonstrating entry-level competence was easily understood.
Response
2009*
2010
2011

*Student and mentor responses are combined for 2009. No distinction was made between students and
mentors in the first year of the survey.

SMP Student Results:

66

The following data (both seminaries combined) have been collected over the past three years through this survey
instrument.

In the fall of each year since 2009, the LCMS office of pastoral education conducted a survey of SMP students,
their supervising pastors and LCMS district presidents who have SMP students in order to assess the reactions
they were having to the SMP program. While some minor changes were made by necessity in the survey
instrument over the course of the past three years, the content of the instrument has remained substantially
consistent. As such, it provides results that express the perceptions of those who are most intimately involved
with the program. The survey data are collected online and the identities of those providing the survey
responses are protected.

Perceptions of the Program:

While SMP students do not pay room and board fees and do not bear the costs of relocation to the seminary
campus, they do travel to their seminary campus once/year. Students are responsible for these transportation
costs.

19

37

4

7

0

13

53

3

3

1

7
9
28
21

Disagree
Neither Disagree Nor Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree

23

29

7

7

1

34

26

7

5

1

48
6

Agree
Strongly Agree

16

44

5

2

0

5. The process of registering for courses was burdensome.
Response
2009*
2010

6

6

Disagree
Neither Disagree Nor Agree

0

Strongly Disagree

2011

20

67

9

3

1

4. The schedule for course offerings throughout the year is reasonable.
Response
2009*
2010
2011

1

Strongly Disagree

3. My district president seemed to be sufficiently informed on SMP.
Response
2009*
2010
2011

5

Disagree

•

0

St. Louis - $1,845/course (the same tuition rate ($615/quarter hour) assessed for residential M.Div.
courses).
Fort Wayne - $1,560/course (the same tuition rate ($520/quarter hour) assessed for residential M.Div.
courses).

2. The printed information clearly explained the admission process.
Response
2009*
2010
2011
Strongly Disagree

•

The 2011-2012 Academic Catalogs of both seminaries contain the following information concerning tuition
costs associated with SMP Courses:

434
Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Task Force
67