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Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM)

Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) is an ELCA leadership formation process designed for those who are currently serving in an emerging ministry site and who are identified as candidates for the program by a synod bishop. Students complete academic and practical ministry requirements at LSTC, including a solid grounding in Lutheran theology and the Lutheran Confessions. LSTC provides coursework, field education and mentorship in collaboration with synodical staff and TEEM procedures.

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LSTC MDiv Program Advantages

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Leading Lutheran urban seminary

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Residential and distance learning

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Generous financial support

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Dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusivity & justice

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Accredited by ATS and HLC

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Graduates serve a global community

Areas of Study Concentration

MDiv, MA and MAM students may seek expertise that goes beyond the core curriculum and allows students to gain confidence and discipline in a designated scholarly area. LSTC’s long-held strengths and commitments in the areas of biblical studies, urban ministry, interfaith studies, religion and science, culture-specific, and environmental ministry have led faculty members to create emphases in these areas. MDiv, MA and MAM candidates may develop an area of concentration in any discipline represented by the LSTC faculty.


From our students

Headshot of Sean Ramsey

“It’s a hard walk but it’s been a good walk. The benefit will far outweigh the sacrifice. I have a ton of fondness and admiration for the professors who gave up their time so we could go through this program and for the cohort because they, too, were making a similar sacrifice. We were in it together.”

– Sean Ramsey (Current student in Teem program)

From our faculty

Headshot of Peter Vethanayagamony

“I started theological education almost 40 years ago…When I see someone thriving in their ministry or thriving in their educational career, I think, ‘this is a worthwhile investment.’”

– Peter Vethanayagamony, professor of church history

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History of LSTC

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) was formed Sept. 4, 1962, when four seminaries consolidated: Augustana Theological Seminary, Grand View Seminary, Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary and Suomi Theological Seminary. Central Lutheran Theological Seminary joined the merger prior to LSTC dedicating its Hyde Park campus on Oct. 22, 1967. In 1983, 10 members of the faculty of Christ Seminary-Seminex, St. Louis, Mo. (1974), relocated to LSTC and the two schools merged in 1987 just prior to the 1988 formation of the ELCA. LSTC’s prior locations, mergers and history are a reminder that we have always been a seminary that moves and changes, leaning into a future with confidence in its possibilities and promise.

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