Called to Lead His Church
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. If you seek to serve the Lord through a career in church work, you have plenty of options at Concordia! Whether you’re new in your faith or have grown up in the Church, Concordia’s programs are specifically designed to help cultivate your God-given gifts so that you can have the greatest impact for His Kingdom.
Refer A Student
Pre-Seminary “I strive to honor God, proclaim His Word faithfully, and serve people with love.”
Solomona's Story
Lutheran Teacher “Having the Word and love of God flow through a school, its studies, and its activities is so powerful.”
Morgan's Story
Director of Church Ministries “I have gifts that I know are valuable to the church, and there is no greater place to use them than to further the church.”
Hannah's Story
Church Music “Music has a profound effect on each of us. When paired with the Gospel message, it’s an especially powerful tool.”
David's StoryLeading the Way for Church Leaders
Within the Concordia University System, CUW has...
- The largest pre-seminary program (nearly double that of any other Concordia)
- The second largest LTD (Lutheran Teacher Diploma) program
- The only Director of Church Ministries program
- The only parish nursing certificate offered
- The most LCMS graduate-level learners
- The largest Lutheran undergraduate population (with 82% of undergraduates identifying as Christian)
- 100% of geographically mobile church work graduates obtain positions
Why choose CUW for Church Work?
Pre-Seminary
Is God calling you to teach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments as an LCMS pastor?
Lutheran Teacher Diploma
God has called and equipped you to be an inspiration and impact teacher.
Director of Church Ministries/Pre-Deaconess
Your calling is to serve the Church in evangelism, mission, parish teaching, youth ministry, or even pre-deaconess/social ministry.
Director of Church Music
Parish musicians teach the faith through music. Discover the many ways you can serve through Church Music.
Colloquy paths
Are you interested in becoming rostered church worker of the LCMS?
Colloquy programs prepare individuals who are already serving in ministry roles to become a Minister of Religion-Commissioned within the LCMS. If you’ve already received a non-church work bachelor’s degree, but would like to become a called worker of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod , you have some options:
The most popular route to a teacher colloquy is through the Concordia University Education Network (CUEnet). CUEnet is an online program that requires the completion of eight courses within theological study. After which an individual can work with Concordia for their final, in-person interview. Visit the LCMS’s CUEnet Colloquy page to find more details. Contact Jim Juergensen (J.Juergensen@cuw.edu) to get started.
Only 36 credits, after the completion of the fully online undergraduate Director of Church Ministries Certificate, students may be eligible to receive a called position. Contact Rev. Dr. Taylor (Kurt.Taylor@cuw.edu) for details.
Choose this path for a customized curricular track that will result in eligibility for a call in Director of Parish Music. Contact Dr. Sproat (Joel.Sproat@cuw.edu) to get started.
Financial Assistance for Lutherans
Concordia aims to support lifelong Lutheran learning at all levels. So whether you’re looking at options for your children or yourself, Concordia has a multitude of programs that will prepare you with uncommon compassion, ethical conscience, and unparalleled skill.
Luther Promise
Up to $20,000 for undergraduates of any Lutheran congregation or high school, or dependent of CUS alumni or rostered church workers. Learn more about the Luther Promise scholarship here.
Luther Scholar Guarantee
Undergraduates who are new freshman, who are planning to be LCMS pastors, and who declare a pre-seminary track are eligible to receive $20,000. Learn more about the Luther Scholar Guarantee here.
Forward in Faith Lutheran Teacher Scholarship
For freshman undergraduate students who are pursuing their Lutheran Teacher Diploma (LTD) in-person or online. Learn more about the Forward in Faith scholarship.
Uncommon Scholarship
Employees of Lutheran schools and churches qualify for scholarships on eligible graduate courses or online undergraduate programs. Learn more about the Uncommon Scholarships here.
Church Work Scholarships
Financial aid is specifically reserved for students pursuing per-seminary, Lutheran education, DCM, or church music. Click here for more details.
Fine Arts Scholarships
Scholarships exist for students pursuing music, theatre, or art involvement at CUW. Click here for more details.
Scholarship Endowments
Concordia has a number of scholarship endowments specifically designated for church work students. Based on a student’s financial need, he or she may qualify for assistance from one of these funds. Ask your financial aid advisor for details.
Click here to learn more about leaving a legacy by establishing an endowment.
Applicants may be eligible for other grants or tuition assistance. Each individual is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Visit the pages linked above to connect with the appropriate Admissions rep.
In the church and the world
CUW Chapel schedule: April 2025
Join us in the Chapel of Christ Triumphant for daily Chapel services, Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m. Read More
Join us in the Chapel of Christ Triumphant for daily Chapel services, Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m.
It's spring recess here at CUW, which means one thing: Our students are on the move—in...
Join us in the Chapel of Christ Triumphant for daily Chapel services, Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Join us in the Chapel of Christ Triumphant for daily Chapel services, Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m.