Document Actions
Pre-Seminary Studies
The Studies in Pastoral Ministry curriculum at Martin Luther College prepares men to enroll at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.
We know you want to serve God and make a difference in the world. And, let’s be honest, you can do that in many different ways. But what greater way is there than publicly proclaiming the good news of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ?
If you’re considering proclaiming the gospel through the pastoral ministry, then Martin Luther College, the WELS College of Ministry, is the place for you. Our pre-seminary studies program consists of a four-year liberal arts curriculum emphasizing religion, foreign languages, literature, and history. Upon graduation you will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and be prepared to enroll at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, where you will complete your pastoral training and be eligible for assignment to a congregation or mission field in the WELS.
"Dean Balge has given me a great foundation in biblical Greek. He also has great stories from his own experiences. His enthusiasm for what he's experienced instills enthusiasm in me for my ministry someday.”
Jason Strong
MLC 2007
Pre-Seminary Studies
| Program Requirements | |||
| • Religion | 21 credits | ||
| • Greek | 19 credits | ||
| • English | 15 credits | ||
| • Hebrew | 14 credits | ||
| • History | 14 credits | ||
| • One non-biblical language | |||
| • German | 12 credits | ||
| • Latin | 13 credits | ||
| • German/Latin | 19 credits | ||
| • Spanish | 12 credits | ||
| • Other | 12 credits | ||
| • Psychology/Philosophy | 7 credits | ||
| • Science | 6 credits | ||
| • Computer/Math | 5 credits | ||
| • Music/Fine Arts | 3 credits | ||
| • Physical Education | 1 credit | ||
| • Other Cultures | 3 credits | ||
| • Free Electives | 12 credits | ||
What about Those Languages ?
Greek, Hebrew, Spanish, German, Latin—learning them requires time and dedication, but young men of various gifts and backgrounds do succeed. And if you should need assistance, we have a Peer Tutoring Program to help you. Having some high school foreign language will give you a head start, but even students who have no foreign language credits enroll in the program—and they do fine.
The Seminary Connection
The men who've graduated from MLC and gone on to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary make a special effort to encourage MLC pre-seminary students. They invite juniors and seniors to the seminary for special events like the Eisodos and the Mission and Ministry Seminar. They also come back to the college for annual soccer, basketball, hockey, and softball competitions. It's all to help you keep the goal in sight—seminary training and eventual service in the pastoral ministry.
Student Life
The public ministry isn’t just about books; it’s about people. And your daily routine at MLC will consist of much more than homework. You might sing in choir, act in plays, play football, organize an intramural team, go on dates, and hold a job. You can also work or volunteer at area congregations, teaching Bible class and Sunday school. And, of course, there’s dorm life: PlayStation, loud music, pizza deliveries, and staying up late. College is a time to grow—spiritually first of all, but also mentally, emotionally, and socially. Here at MLC, you’ll do that growing with people who share your goals, your faith, and your future.