Lutheran School of Theology

Curiosity sparked within me, standing before the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. What stories lay hidden within these walls? The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago has a rich history. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of Lutheranism. Founded in 1962, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago emerged from the union of four seminaries. These were Augustana Theological Seminary, Grand View Seminary, Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, and Suomi Theological Seminary. Over a five-year period, the institution operated on two campuses. One was the Augustana campus in Rock Island, Illinois. The other was the Chicago Lutheran campus in Maywood, Illinois. In 1967, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago moved to its present location near the University of Chicago. Another significant moment in the school’s history arrived on January 1, 1988. Ten faculty members from Christ Seminary-Seminex in St. Louis, Missouri, joined the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. This merger solidified the school’s place within the newly formed Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago’s mission is to shape future leaders. These leaders are envisioned as bearers of the good news of Jesus Christ. Education is viewed as a tool. It builds up the body of Christ and strives for a world marked by peace, justice, and care for creation. The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago upholds four core values. These are Christ-centeredness, responsiveness to context, attentiveness to diversity, and a commitment to excellence. With nearly 300 students and 19 full-time faculty, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs. These programs cover areas like Biblical Studies and Interfaith Studies. Specialized programs also exist, such as Youth in Mission and the World Mission Institute. The school’s location and partnerships offer students valuable resources, including proximity to the ELCA churchwide offices. The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago’s journey reflects its dedication to theological education and its commitment to serving the church and the world.