God Calls You. The World Needs You. Trinity Prepares You.

An institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University is committed to expanding its students' discernment of faith, responsibility to one another and purposeful impact. That's forming leaders for Christ's church at work in the world.

We Share a Common Mission and History
In 1830, the church founded the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in Ohio to educate pastors in the region, which later resulted in the charter of Capital University in 1850. Despite numerous changes over the years, the relationship between the church and the university remained strong. 

On January 1, 2018, the historic bonds between Capital and Trinity were restored, promising a stronger future for both institutions. Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University is sustainably empowered to deliver an innovative, integrative and invigorating theological education through one of Ohio’s top comprehensive, private universities, and to impact the world as one of the strongest seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Beyond the Books
A theological seminary is more than an educational institution. It is also a community of Christians gathering in the name of Jesus to praise the Lord and to be empowered for mission. A seminary education involves seeking the maximum possible involvement in the various dimensions of the entire experience: academics, common meals, worship, ministry in context, community life and special programs.

Message from the Dean

I BELIEVE THE HEART OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IS FORMING FAITHFUL, WISE AND COURAGEOUS LEADERS TO WITNESS TO THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST IN WORD AND ACTION.

The church is called to be a servant-witness in the world. That requires leaders who are formed in faith, informed by knowledge, and experienced in practical application of their learning. As the world around us changes, church leaders need to be able to speak the Gospel in new ways to new audiences in new contexts.

The coming together of Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Capital University was driven by an alignment in purpose and a strong belief that, united, the institutions can make a greater difference in our changing world than they can achieve separately. Trinity’s mission of forming leaders for Christ’s church at work in the world remains strong and clear. Uniting with Capital provides interdisciplinary resources and stimulates rich conversations for living out that mission in new and exciting ways.

Whether you are a prospective student discerning a call to ministry or to further theological study, an alumnus or alumna eager to see your alma mater continue preparing strong leaders for the church’s work in the world, or a friend interested in supporting this mission with your financial gifts, we are grateful to be in relationship with you. In the words of hymn writer Richard Leach, ‘Come, join the dance of Trinity!’