Mission and Purpose of LTS

MISSION

The purpose of Lexington Theological Seminary is to prepare faithful leaders for the church of Jesus Christ and, thus, to strengthen the church's participation in God's mission for the world.

PURPOSE

The Seminary is an integral part of the church. Its principal aim is to prepare women and men of varied backgrounds and traditions for ordained and other forms of ministry. Another aim of the Seminary is to serve the church as a theological resource and as a center of continuing education for ordained ministers and lay leaders.

The faculty and trustees of Lexington Theological Seminary understand ministry to be both a divine calling and a learned profession. Preparation for such ministry at Lexington Theological Seminary takes place in at least three ways that are interdependent:

Theological Formation: Education for ministry requires the study of scripture and its interpretation, the study of the history and theological traditions of the universal church, and the development of the ability to relate the gospel to issues of contemporary society. The Seminary is committed to preparing leaders who are able to think critically and creatively about the Christian faith.

Pastoral Formation: Education for ministry also requires that students unite their own unique qualities as persons with specific pastoral and leadership skills, including preaching, leadership in worship, counseling, teaching, administration, and promotion of social change consistent with the gospel. Supervised field education, required of all Master of Divinity students, provides opportunities to think theologically about ministry, to develop qualities of leadership, and to deepen pastoral identity.

Spiritual Formation: Preparation for ministry occurs not only through course work and field education but through participation in a seminary community of regular worship and fellowship. Spiritual discipline, ethical responsibility, and sensitivity to the global human situation are emphasized.

In short, the Seminary's intention is to graduate persons who

• Live in trustful, joyful awareness of God's love for all creation;
• Have deepened their love of God, strengthened their commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and grown more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit;
• Affirm that their ministry takes place within a particular tradition as well as within the church in all times and places;
• Seek to discern the work of God in the problems and possibilities of a rapidly-changing, pluralistic world;
• Understand that ministry involves who one is as well as what one does;
• Are able to think clearly, communicate effectively, and act compassionately as leaders in the church; and Strive, in all things, to give glory not to themselves but to God.