Students at commencement

Contact us

Contextual Learning

contextuallearning @luthersem.edu

651-641-3266

Contextual Learning

Develop as a leader in off-campus contexts

Contextual Learning is an integral part of theological and professional education for all students. In every Luther Seminary degree program, you choose from a variety of options to engage spiritual and practical questions in real-world congregations and faith-based organizations. These options include:

Curricular offerings

Internship

Internship provides education in context under a pastor or non-profit leader's supervision to deepen one's sense of vocation and develop competence in the practice of ministry.

Learn more about internship

Christian Public Leader

Christian Public Leader (CPL) placement is a short-term, part-time contextual program whereby students explore theological questions in a real-world setting.

Learn more about CPL

Clinical Pastoral Education

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) takes place in health-care or faith-based settings under a trained CPE supervisor. Its focus is to develop pastoral formation, competence and reflection.

Learn more about CPE

Other offerings

Cross-Cultural Education

CCE places you in an unfamiliar context to learn via classroom or immersion settings.

Learn more about Cross-Cultural Education

Diaconal Ministry

Diaconal ministers serve through agencies, institutions and traditional church programs.

Learn more about Diaconal Ministry

Ministry in Context

This blog provides updates from Contextual Learning staff and interns in the field.

Read more from Ministry in Context

Internship Project Story: Carolyn Staats

Carolyn Staats, Pastoral Internship August 2017-2018, St. Andrew’s Lutheran ...

Internship Project Story: Anders Nelson

Anders Nelson, Pastoral Intern
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Austin MN
Internship ...

Internship Project Story: Kristina Hill

Kristina Hill
Intern, July 2016- present
Glen Cary Lutheran Church, Ham Lake, MN ...

Internship Project Story: Heather Roth Johnson

StoryBoard: Moving Forward in God’s Story

Heather Roth Johnson – ...

Internship Project Story: Laura Phillips

Intern Laura Phillips
Context: First/Palisade Lutheran Parish, Valley Springs, ...

Director's Word: On Sending Well

Without question, ending well is essential to one’s ministry practice and ...