Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will host the Institute on the Ministry 2003 Thursday, March 13, through Saturday, March 15, on the Seminary campus. All prospective Seminary students, college age or older, and their guests are invited to attend this structured visitation opportunity designed to give participants a greater familiarity with the Concordia Seminary community and the preparation needed for entrance into the pastoral ministry of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

Institute participants will have the opportunity to attend Seminary classes, worship with the Seminary community in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, tour the campus, meet students and professors, and hear presentations on academic offerings, financial assistance, housing, resident field education, vicarage and the admission process. Wives, fiancées and girlfriends are especially encouraged to attend this event and to participate in the special bus tour of the area on Friday morning and the Women's Information Session on Saturday morning.

Past participants have indicated that the Institute was extremely helpful for them in the overall decision-making process. "Many come to the Institute who are just beginning to consider the opportunity to serve our Lord as a pastor, missionary or chaplain," commented Rev. Glen Thomas, vice president for seminary relations at Concordia Seminary. "Others have already made application and have been accepted. Our goal is to provide for our guests as much helpful information as is possible over the course of the event and to answer questions they may have. They are always struck by the high-caliber preparation and excellent support services that exist in this Seminary community."

The Institute begins with registration on Thursday afternoon, March 13. Formal activities associated with the event will conclude with brunch at noon on Saturday, March 15. There is no charge to attend the Institute, and all meals and lodging will be provided free of charge.

Those arriving by airplane, bus or train will be provided transportation to Concordia Seminary from the airport, bus station or train station, and from the Seminary to these sites upon completion of the Institute.

To register for this event or to receive additional information, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-822-9545 or by e-mail at admissions@csl.edu. More specific information, including a registration form, is available in the Admissions Office section of the Seminary's web site (www.csl.edu).