Pre-Seminary Curriculum Re-Evaluation: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Non-Biblical Language Requirement

Abstract

In a changing world, the WELS must constantly reassess the system by which it trains men for the public ministry. Over the course of more than 150 years, the pre-seminary curriculum has adapted to changing times, circumstances, and needs, all while holding onto the core values it has had since its founding. This thesis identifies lessons from the past to develop principles for pre-seminary curriculum change. It then compares the input of current pastors and pre-seminary students to the historical principles to determine whether an adjustment to the non-biblical language component of the pre-seminary curriculum would be beneficial for the system and the synod.