• Announcing the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee

    Lenoir-Rhyne announces tuition-free guarantee for North and South Carolina students
    With the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee, tuition will never stand in the way of your dreams. Starting in fall 2026, eligible students from North and South Carolina can earn a world-class education tuition-free—powered by scholarships and grants, not loans.

    View the Lenoir-Rhyne Guarantee

Lifelong Learning


Three LTSS students listening to professor in a classroom

The Center for Lifelong Learning at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary provides ongoing practical and theological education for clergy and laity that is engaging and relevant. They are multi-faceted programs grounded in theology and research-based practices to provide transformational learning for courageous leadership in our communities and in the world.

As the seminary's primary avenue for offering continuing education, the Center for Lifelong Learning endeavors to cultivate a learning community through creative resources and settings while providing just-in-time learning.

We invite you to join us in community to learn, discover, question, reflect, pray and reimagine how faith forms us in our life and work together. The Center for Lifelong Learning includes certificate programs, annual events, workshops and seminars, as well as courses for lay education in areas important to purpose and mission.

If you have questions about the Center for Lifelong Learning opportunities, or have suggestions on future offerings, please contact us at lifelonglearning@lr.edu or 828.407.4272.

Certification Programs


  • Spiritual Direction Certification
    Our primary purpose is to train people who feel called to be spiritual friends, spiritual companions and those who are interested in deepening their own spiritual practices are also welcome.
  • Public Safety Chaplaincy Certification
    Public Safety Chaplaincy is the work of providing pastoral care and support to employees of first responder agencies and their families, as well as to victims of related public safety incidents.
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

News & Events

Joe Shumate, with Kathleen Tucker in the sidecar, rides a red Honda Gold Wing in the 2025 Homecoming Parade

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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The Charge statue next to a Lenoir Rhyne Banner and Cromer Center in the background

For decades, 29 families have shown unwavering devotion to Lenoir-Rhyne, giving year after year to support future generations of Bears.

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