At LSTC, the concept of “Public Church” goes beyond traditional ecclesiology. It’s about engaging church leaders, clerics, and congregations in a collective journey to find their theological and ministerial relevance in today’s world.As LSTC student Christopher Rajkumar eloquently puts it:
“Public Church is not an alternate ecclesiology to swap with the prevalent ecclesiologies; rather, it enables church leaders, clerics, and pews to search together for their existence and relevance theologically and ministerially by being and becoming a church/congregation ‘of’ all – church ‘for’ all.”
Grounded in Reformation Convictions
Our approach to Public Church is deeply rooted in the Protestant Reformation, continuing Martin Luther’s legacy of challenging corruption, living out a theology of grace, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. We extend beyond the traditional public of the church, engaging with multiple, intersecting publics to address the complex needs of today’s world.
At LSTC, we aim to form ministerial leaders who are attentive and contextually engaged, using the skills of community building to serve the unique needs of the communities to which they are called.
LSTC’s Public Church Curriculum is recognized as one of the most innovative among North American seminaries by Convergence US. Our MDiv, MAM, and MA programs are designed to be more than just academic pursuits; they are a formative stage in a lifelong journey of learning and leadership development.
Features of LSTC’s MDiv, MA, and MAM Curricula:
Foundational Courses
Our foundational courses, ranging from five to nine depending on your degree, ensure that you are grounded in the core principles of theology and appropriately oriented for your academic journey. These courses provide a comprehensive framework that supports all subsequent learning, equipping you with the essential tools for theological study and ministry. By establishing this strong base, you’ll be well-prepared to delve deeper into specialized areas of interest as you progress.
Competency-Based
Our program is designed with flexibility in mind, offering multiple pathways to completion. Our focus is on building knowledge, skills, and ability while allowing you to focus on your strengths, experience, and interests. This competency-based approach ensures that you can make theological education work for you and allows you to focus on areas where you can excel while receiving support where needed. It empowers you to build on what you already know and develop new skills that align with your vocational goals.
Holistic Approach
We are committed to providing a theological education that is not only rigorous but also dialogical and experiential. Our holistic approach integrates intellectual, spiritual, and practical learning, ensuring that you develop as a well-rounded theologian and leader. Through this comprehensive curriculum, you’ll engage deeply with theological concepts while also cultivating the personal and professional skills necessary for effective ministry.
Action-Reflection Pedagogy
At the heart of our educational philosophy is the action-reflection pedagogy, which roots learning in real-world contexts. This method emphasizes the practical application of theological concepts, encouraging you to reflect on your experiences and integrate them into your academic work. By connecting theory with practice, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how theology informs and is informed by lived experiences.
Interdisciplinary Design
Our courses are crafted with an interdisciplinary design, promoting an integrative approach to theological education. By exploring the intersections between theology and other disciplines, you’ll develop a broader understanding of how theological insights can inform and be enriched by other fields of study. This approach encourages critical thinking and creativity, preparing you to engage with complex issues in a nuanced and informed manner.
ACTS Consortium
As a student, you’ll benefit from access to hundreds of additional courses through the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS), which has been serving students studying theology since 1984. This consortium, comprised of twelve partnering seminaries, expands your learning opportunities and allows you to take specialized courses across a diverse range of theological perspectives. It also connects you with a larger community of students and faculty, enriching your educational experience through broader academic and spiritual engagement.
Chicago as Your Classroom
The vibrant and diverse city of Chicago serves as an extension of our campus, offering a dynamic setting for real-world learning and ministry practice. From urban ministry to interfaith dialogue, the city provides countless opportunities to apply your theological education in meaningful ways. By engaging with the city’s rich cultural and religious landscape, you’ll gain practical experience that will enhance your academic studies and prepare you for effective ministry in a global context.
Why Choose Public Church at LSTC?
Join Us in Leading the Public Church
At LSTC, we invite you to be part of a transformative educational experience that prepares you to lead with faith in the public square. Discover how our innovative curriculum, dynamic urban setting, and commitment to holistic theological education can equip you to serve and lead in today’s diverse and ever-changing world.
Public Church Fellows Program
LSTC’s innovative Public Church Fellows program combines service at a community non-profit or social service organization with intentional small group reflection and faith formation. Combining service experience with academic course work creates Public Church Fellows who serve as leaders in the LSTC community and gain meaningful experience for ministry.
Public Church Fellows:
Serve seven hours a week during the academic year with a non-profit community partner
Develop learning objectives and goals with site coordinator
Establish relationships and mentorships with off-campus community partners
Participate in regular reflection and faith formation activities, including trainings and networking with seminarians from other institutions
Lead within the LSTC community by supporting a broader conversation about public church, service and justice
Receive a $500 monthly stipend during the academic year
Individuals are invited to apply to the program after receiving an offer of admission. All incoming master’s level students (MDiv, MAM, MA) are eligible, including part-time and commuter students. Ten incoming students are selected as Public Church Fellows every fall, which does not affect financial aid offers made at the time of admission. With the exception of internship, the fellowship is guaranteed for all years of study, assuming the fellow remains in good standing and chooses to continue in the program.
Public Church Fellows are engaged with a number of different organizations in the Chicago area that provide service in the fields of:
