Study at the Stuttgart Seminary

Study at the Seminary usually begins on the last Sunday in September. It is divided into two years: a foundation year and a year of more advanced studies. The two academic years are divided into three ten-week terms. The third year of training comprises a year’s internship in a congregation. Following this is the preparation course that leads to ordination.

Foundation Studies
In addition to theological and religious themes (gospels, creed, Old Testament, the sacraments) philosophical (Scholasticism, German idealism, epistemology, and anthroposophical topics) as well as scientific themes (color theory, botany, geology, etc.) play an important role in the Foundation Year. Eurythmy, modeling and Bothmer gymnastics support a right relationship to one’s own physical nature and, thereby, a healthy connection to the world. Greek is taught to give students the opportunity to understand the New Testament in its original language.

Advanced Studies
In the more advanced studies, the emphasis changes from a general priestly training towards the acquisition of the faculties that are necessary for future activity as a Christian minister. Religious pedagogy, conversation skills, study of the human being and sermon exercises are essential elements of the program alongside main courses that allow a deepening of the content of the Foundation Year. The weekly gospel work also becomes a growing responsibility for the students.

Practical Year
The third year is practically oriented. Each student is alone in a specific congregation where he or she can put into practice the capacities that have begun to develop in the Seminary. In this way, students have the opportunity to show – in addition to the inner steps that they have taken through study - whether they possess or can develop the capacities necessary for working socially


Ordination Preparation Course
In an approximately four-month course the candidates prepare themselves for priest ordination itself. Three weeks after ordination they take up their work in the congregations. Admission to the Ordination Preparation Course is determined by the Circle of Seven, the governing body of the priests of The Christian Community.