POLICIES

Program qualifications: 

To apply to the ATS program, you must possess a high school diploma or GED. To apply to the BTS program, you must hold an associate degree or equivalent. To apply to the B.Div. program, you must be over 30 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED.  To apply to the MBS, MTS, or M.Div. programs, you must hold a bachelor level degree (in any field) or equivalent. To apply to the Th.M. program, you must first possess the specified first master's degree.  In order to apply to the D.Min. program, you must possess an M.Div. degree with 3 years of pastoral experience subsequent to conferring of M.Div. degree.  To apply to the Th.D. programs, you must possess a Master's level degree in a related discipline of theological study consisting of a minimum of 60 academic credit hours with at least 12 credit hours of Biblical language courses (if languages were not included in applicant’s master’s program, applicant will need to complete BS500/BS501 as part of the doctoral program). The Th.D. in Nouthetic Counseling requires a M.Div., LCS MTS, or LCS Th.M. (grants advanced standing). The B.Div. program, M.Div. program, and all doctoral programs are restricted to male applicants.

Transcripts: 

The ATS program requires submission of a copy of your high school diploma or GED.  The BTS, MBS, MTS, M.Div., Th.M., and all Doctoral programs require submission of OFFICIAL transcripts which must be sent directly to LCS by postal mail or eScrip-Safe from the sending institution.   Your application cannot be fully processed until these documents are received.

Local Church Membership: 

LCS requires all students to be communing members in good standing in a local church (or members of presbytery without censure).  There are NO exceptions to this policy. Those not yet a member of a local church (or presbytery) will need to postpone their application.  LCS believes the local church to be God's instrument for the discipleship and progressive sanctification of His people.  Our programs are designed to be completed within the context of the local church.  Applications will not be considered until an applicant's home church situation is settled such that a letter of recommendation from a local church officer can be provided without issue.

Dual Enrollment: 

Out of respect for the seminary, your mentor, and other academic institutions, the seminary does not permit students to enroll in other academic programs at other academic institutions or seminaries while enrolled as a student at LCS.  Our degree programs require determined effort and focus, and the administration has found that dual enrollment often results in the neglect of our free program.  LCS students must first withdraw from the seminary before enrolling in other academic pursuits.  Violation of this dual enrollment policy may result in expulsion from the seminary.  Applicants required or compensated by their employer to pursue continuing education are exempt from this policy in so far as their enrollment relates directly to their employment status. 

LCS Student Statement of Faith:  

LCS does not require students to affirm the Westminster Standards (the seminary’s official statement of faith).  However, all students are required to affirm the following basic statement of faith:

• I believe the Bible is the written word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the revelation of God's truth and is infallible and authoritative in all matters of faith and practice.

• I believe in the Holy Trinity. There is one God, who exists eternally in three persons: the Father,the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

• I believe that all are sinners and that we can do nothing to save ourselves, but must rely on God's mercy.

• I believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who through His perfect life and sacrificial death atoned for the sins of all who trust in Him alone for salvation.

• I believe that God is gracious and faithful to His people.

• I believe that the Holy Spirit indwells God's people and gives them the strength and wisdom to trust Christ and follow Him.

• I believe that Jesus will return, bodily and visibly, to judge all mankind and to receive His people to Himself.

• I believe that those who are Christ's enter into Heaven and its eternal joys upon death.

• I believe that those who are not Christ's enter into Hell and its eternal punishments upon death.

• I believe that all aspects of a Christian’s life are to be lived to the glory of God under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

• I believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the two sacraments/ordinances that the Church is required to administer.

• I believe that the offices of Elder and Deacon are the two offices that have continued in the Church, while other offices such as Apostle and Prophet have ceased.

Mentor Candidates: 

Students must present a mentor candidate to the seminary administration for approval as part of the application process.  Mentor applicants must meet the following qualifications in order to be considered for approval by the seminary administration: (1). Full subscription to the Westminster Confession of Faith 1788 American Revision (only minor exceptions to the Confession will be considered; mentor applicants who  subscribe to the 1658 Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order or the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith may also be considered).  (2). Master’s degree in a theological discipline to mentor ATS students;  M.Div., Th.M., or Doctoral degree in a theological discipline if mentoring BTS, B.Div., MBS, MTS, or M.Div. students; Doctoral degree in a theological discipline if mentoring Th.M. or doctoral students.  The mentor does not have to reside in a location near you as long as you can maintain regular phone and email contact. 

Monthly Mentor Contact: 

Students are required to contact their mentor each month via email or phone to report on progress, even if no progress is made during that particular month.  Students who miss three consecutive monthly contacts will be dismissed from enrollment at LCS.  Should a mentor become incapable of fulfilling his mentoring responsibilities or request to be dismissed from these responsibilities, the student must immediately postpone study and present a new mentor candidate for approval. Studies may resume after the new mentor candidate is approved. 

Acceptance Notification: 

An applicant is not to begin any coursework until he or she has received an official acceptance notification which includes the new student's official student identification number.  Coursework completed before acceptance will not be honored.  The seminary requires students to be under the direct oversight of an approved mentor at all times.

Plagiarism:  

Plagiarism is a violation of the Ninth Commandment and will result in immediate expulsion from the seminary.

For more information regarding our academic policies, please download a copy of our Academic Guide below.