• Winter Weather Updates

    We are monitoring a winter weather system that will impact university operations this weekend and into early next week. 

    • STATUS: All three campuses will close on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. due to forecasted snow, ice and sleet. Campuses will remain closed through Monday, Jan. 26, with remote work and remote instruction on Monday. Essential operations will continue during the closure. NOTE: LR will operate under normal university operations on Friday, Jan. 23.
    • FACILITIES (Hickory): The library and fitness center will be closed Saturday through Monday. The Cromer Center dining hall is expected to operate on a normal schedule unless otherwise communicated.
    • RECEIVE UPDATES: Check LR email and the LR website for official university updates.
    • STAY CONNECTED: If you haven't already, download and enable notifications for the SafeZone app for timely safety alerts and campus information.

    We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we continue to monitor the situation and prioritize the safety and well-being of our campus community.

    Storm Updates

Fulfill a Higher Purpose

Seminary Admission

At Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, we prepare you for a ministry that enriches your life and fulfills your higher purpose to serve where God is calling you.

Immersed in an authentic community of learners who seek to know God and bear witness of God’s love, our faculty and staff support your journey to discover your calling as you open your heart and mind to Christian leadership and service.

For nearly 200 years, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary has lived its mission, equipping and empowering present and future ministry leaders to serve God and humanity. Fully accredited, LTSS remains the second oldest Lutheran seminary in North America and the only Evangelical Lutheran Church in America seminary located in the southeastern United States.

The seminary’s programs draw an ecumenical mix of students preparing for pastoral and ministerial roles in Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal and other affiliated congregations, as well as in military chaplaincy.

Find your place and your calling at LTSS.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Experience

At our seminary, we believe our program provides you with degree opportunities, support networks and affordability. Our alumni and student testimonials speak for themselves.

Amanda Burke

Each seminary program shares a beautiful piece in common, serving others. These programs all nurture students that are called to serve others.

Amanda Burke, M.Div'21

Academics

As a seminary student, you have access to a wide variety of post-graduate courses to prepare you for a life of service and devotion to God.

View Our Seminary Graduate Degrees

Campus Life

Whether you're looking for somewhere to study, a chapel for prayer or an outdoor labyrinth for reflection, you'll find what you're looking for on our campus. We are designated a Reconciling in Christ institution and have made a public commitment to offer hospitality and welcome to all who enter our academic programs.

Discover Our Campus

Insightful, Accomplished Faculty

At LTSS, you can engage with dedicated and experienced faculty as you study to become a future leader of the church.

The faculty at LTSS bring uniqueness to the methodology in teaching, which creates an enriching and inviting experience for students in the classroom.

Back view of a Buddhist monk facing a crowd and lights from the steps of Beam Hall in Columbia
The invisible work of peace: Buddhist monks’ journey comes to Columbia

When plans shifted during the Walk for Peace, a stop at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Columbia location became a powerful moment of connection, rest and shared spiritual practice.

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Joe Shumate, with Kathleen Tucker in the sidecar, rides a red Honda Gold Wing in the 2025 Homecoming Parade
Faith, Family and the Open Road

At the 2025 Homecoming parade, cheers followed a motorcycle and sidecar as the Rev. Joe Shumate ’51, M.Div. ’54, and sister Kathleen Tucker ’51 returned to LR on their latest adventure.

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January 23 / Hickory, N.C., Shuford Arena
Women's Basketball vs Lincoln Memorial
January 23 / Hickory, N.C., Shuford Arena
Men's Basketball vs Lincoln Memorial
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