Concordia Lutheran Seminary is beautifully situated on the towering north bank of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton, Alberta. The windows of the seminary chapel afford a commanding view of the river valley, which is laced with trails for hikers and bikers alike. The seminary is located on the same campus as Concordia University College of Alberta, the Lutheran Historical Institute, and the Alberta-British Columbia District Office of Lutheran Church-Canada. The setting fosters a climate of cultural integration, nourishes a sense of church history, and provides rich soil for the development of church music and the arts.
The seminary is legally chartered under the laws of the province of Alberta, having received royal assent to its incorporation petition on May 31, 1984. The seminary began its first classes on September 10, 1984, in the historic "president's residence" of Concordia University College. In May 1991, the present seminary facility was occupied and was dedicated on September 2 of the same year.
The seminary offers a Master of Divinity program for students to prepare for the office of the holy ministry.
The seminary does not offer food service or lodging facilities. Cafeteria service is available on the campus of Concordia University College of Alberta, which is adjacent to the seminary. The Seminary Guild does, however, maintain the Food Pantry, which area congregations strive to keep well-stocked. Full-time students who are members of Lutheran Church-Canada congregations may take home food and other items as they require - keeping in mind the needs of other students. Information about available lodging facilities (rooms and suites) is provided by the seminary. Students are expected to make their own arrangements.
Concordia University of Edmonton often extends gym and weight-room privileges to seminarians and their families. Students are encouraged to discuss opportunities for exercise and improving healthy living with their advisers.
Students meet weekly in mentor groups with the chaplain. These meetings provide an opportunity to address personal issues and deal with stress, as well as to encourage spiritual and psychological growth to equip students for ministry in the increasingly complex world of the twenty-first century.
Every full-time student at the seminary is a member of the Concordia Lutheran Seminary Student Association (CLSSA). The association, working through its elected representatives, provides a framework which allows student initiative and energy to assist in sustaining and building the seminary as a community of Christian faith, life, and learning.
The library features a computerized catalogue and a computer workroom.
Academic assemblies feature learned scholars and parish pastors speaking on subjects pertinent to pastoral education. The Lutheran Life Lectures every fall and the Timothy Lectures in spring highlight the convocation program.
CLS regularly welcomes visitors to campus. CLS also regularly hosts fun and informative events intended as an opportunity for potential students to get a better understanding of what happens at the seminary; and to meet others who are also considering pastoral ministry as a vocation. Attend a class or two, worship with us in our daily chapel service, have lunch with a student or professor…or both! Potential students are encouraged to contact the Director of Admissions to arrange a visit (availability may be limited).
The Missionary Study Centre has a resource area set aside for easy access to reference materials and to provide a setting conducive to discussion, reflection, and growth.