CATALOG and HANDBOOK

Last Updated: October 2024

Kutazama katalogi yetu katika lugha ya Kiswahili, bofya HAPA.

Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary is the pastoral training center for the Tanzanian Church of the Lutheran Confession (TCLC). The Swahili name of the church body is the Kanisa la Ukiri wa Kilutheri Tanzania (KUKT). We are located about 10 kilometers east of the city center of Arusha. We follow the teachings of the verbally inspired Holy Scriptures. The TCLC is in confessional agreement and fellowship with the Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC) in the U.S.A.

The doctrinal position of the seminary is based on the canonical writings of the Old and New Testaments as the verbally inspired Word of God. We also give our unqualified (quia) subscription to the Lutheran Confessions of the Book of Concord of 1580, because they present the true teachings of God’s Word.

Wittenberg Seminary offers a one-year Evangelism Training Course. Those who graduate from the one-year Evangelism course may proceed, upon approval of the faculty, to our three-year seminary training curriculum. See the course descriptions below. Those who graduate from our seminary and who are in confessional agreement with the TCLC will receive a theological diploma and will be eligible to be ordained into the pastoral ministry of the TCLC.

Through its academic program and especially by the blessing of the Holy Spirit, Wittenberg Lutheran Seminary seeks to prepare men to be witnesses of Christ, preachers and teachers of His Word, and shepherds of His people. To that end the seminary strives to impart to its students the following: † High regard for and devotion to their own spiritual growth in Christ; † Prayerful study of Scripture texts; † Faithful commitment to upholding and defending all the truths of Scripture; † Knowledge and skill in applying the whole counsel of God, especially Law and Gospel, to the needs of people; † Christian love, concern, and zeal for souls. Those who may wish to enroll at Wittenberg are encouraged to contact Professor Bruce Naumann for more information, at wittenbergseminarytz@gmail.com.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TCLC AND WITTENBERG SEMINARY

 Prior to the year 2000, a number of pastors and congregations left the ELCT, which is the largest Lutheran church body in Tanzania. They left because of false teaching in that church body, including the ordination of women into the pastoral ministry. These pastors and congregations formed a new church body which was committed to following all the teachings of the Bible. They took the name “Lutheran Church in East Africa,” or LCEA. They numbered about 700 members in 10 congregations. The LCEA came into contact with the Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC) in the USA and were received into fellowship with the CLC in 2002. A seminary program began in Himo in 2003. In 2009 the leader of the LCEA, Jesse Angowi, left the fellowship of the CLC for a heterodox USA church body. Congregations who wished to remain faithful to the Word and in fellowship with the CLC continued as the “Tanzanian Church of the Lutheran Confession,” (TCLC). The TCLC is a registered church body with the Tanzanian government and is based in the Arusha region. Its founder and current president is Pastor Jeremia Issangya. The TCLC is made up of about 1,200 members in 27 congregations. They also conduct outreach efforts among the Massai tribes. 

Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary began its first year of operations in 2018. The first graduation of 5 pastoral candidates took place in 2021. As of 2023, the seminary has a student enrollment of 3 in the 1-year Evangelism Program, and 4 in the 3-year Seminary Program.

By God’s grace, the teachers and students of the Wittenberg Seminary will continue to train men for a lifetime of service in the pastoral ministry. It is our prayer that our graduates will reach out with the Gospel of Christ crucified for sinners, and faithfully teach all the inspired doctrine of the Holy Bible, for the benefit of the souls in their care and to the glory of God!

OUR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The course of instruction for our one-year Evangelism Program is designed to give a thorough introduction to Bible teachings, and to equip the graduates with the necessary skills to be competent assistants to a pastor in a local congregation. Those who graduate from our Evangelism Program are also eligible to apply for enrollment in the three-year Wittenberg Seminary Program. Our Seminary Program is designed to train men as pastors in the public ministry of the Tanzanian Church of the Lutheran Confession. Graduates of this three-year course will receive a theological diploma, and once they are called to serve a congregation they will be ordained into the public ministry as pastors.

One academic year is made up of three semesters: 1) January through April (with a 2-week mid-semester break); 2) May through August (with a break during July), and 3) September through November (with a 2-week mid-semester break), and a break during the month of December. See the academic calendar below. On-site accommodations, including room and board, are available for qualified applicants.

About the Language of Instruction at Wittenberg Theological Seminary

The main language of instruction at Wittenberg is Swahili. Ability in English is desirable, but not required. The courses which are taught by Missionary Bruce Naumann are given in English, but also translated into Swahili. Courses taught by the other instructors are in Swahili only. Students are encouraged to develop their skills in the English language through the required English courses.

Evangelism Course Descriptions (One-year Program) – Total Class Hours Per Week: 17

BIBLE HISTORY, 2 class hours per week - An introduction to both the Old and New Testaments. Students trace the history of God's dealings with his people from Adam and Eve to the flood, the patriarchs, Old Testament Israel, the life of Christ, and the early New Testament church.

INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE, 3 class hours per week – an overview of all the teachings of the Bible, using an instruction course in both English and Swahili, entitled “Learn From Me.”

INTRODUCTION TO HOMILETICS, 2 class hours per week - A one-semester introduction on how to prepare and deliver Christian sermons, with an emphasis on preaching both Law and Gospel. Following this introduction, Evangelism students will meet with the seminary Homiletics class (see below).

CATECHETICS, 2 class hours per week – A study of Dr. Martin Luther's Small Catechism. This study reinforces knowledge of biblical doctrine and will also focus on teaching methods for instructing young people who are working toward being confirmed as communicant members of the church.

GOSPELS, 2 class hours per week - A study of the life and work of Jesus Christ. The biblical accounts of the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – are compared.  

THE FOLLOWING COURSES meet with both Evangelism and Seminary students (see the descriptions below): Homiletics, Practical Theology, Christian Education Methods, English, and Information Technology.

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Seminary Course Descriptions (Three-year Program) – Total Class Hours Per Week: 17

DOGMATICS, 3 class hours per week (every year) – A comprehensive study of all the teachings of Holy Scripture. In addition to instruction in the Bible itself, the course is based on the Dogmatics textbook written by Professor emeritus David T. Lau, entitled "A Systematic Study of Bible Teachings." There are three volumes of this textbook; one volume is covered in each year of seminary study.

HOMILETICS, 2 class hours per week (every year) – How to study and preach the Word of God. The students are instructed to follow Jesus' direction in Luke 24:47 to preach "repentance and remission of sins." Effective application of God's Law and the Gospel of His free grace in Christ is emphasized. Students have the opportunity to present sermons in the classroom for evaluation, and also in the worship service at Ambureni parish.

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY, 2 class hours per week (every year) – Preparation for the day-to-day activities of the pastoral ministry. Course topics include the qualifications for being a pastor, his conduct among the people whom he serves, preparation for preaching and conducting Bible studies, biblical counseling, ministry to the sick and dying, ministry to children, and other necessary responsibilities.

ENGLISH, 3 class hours per week (every year) – Two levels of instruction in the English language are offered: beginner and intermediate. Both courses involve video presentations of instruction in English conversation, as well as interactive practice with the instructor and fellow students. Students build a foundation of English vocabulary and knowledge of English grammar and usage.

NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS, 2 class hours per week (every 3rd year) – Training in how to study a section of the New Testament Scriptures in careful detail. Students apply correct principles of biblical interpretation in order to arrive at the meaning which was intended by the Holy Spirit. Students also learn how to use tools to better understand the underlying Greek in which the New Testament was written.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION METHODS, (every 3rd year) – Following Jesus’ direction to “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15), students will learn how to train and equip Sunday school teachers for the congregation’s Christian education program. They will also develop skills for instructing Catechism students, in preparation for receiving them into communicant membership.

HERMENEUTICS, 2 class hours per week (every 3rd year) – A comprehensive study of correct Bible interpretation. Students gain skill in understanding the plain meaning of Bible passages, as intended by the Holy Spirit. Different genres found within Holy Scripture are considered such as historical narrative, poetry, parable, and apocalyptic. Faulty methods of interpretation are examined and disproved.

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY, 2 class hours per week (2 of 3 years) – An overview of the history and content of the Old Testament Scriptures. The books of history, poetry, and prophecy are considered in their context, as well as the many prophecies concerning the coming of the LORD's Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY, 2 class hours per week (every 3rd year) – An overview of the history and content of the New Testament Scriptures. The books of history, apostolic letters, and prophecy are considered in their context. As we read through the New Testament together, we also gain insight into our study of Hermeneutics (Bible interpretation) and Homiletics (preaching).

CHURCH HISTORY, 2 class hours per week (2 of 3 years) – The history of our LORD's Church, from ancient times to the present. Students gain a comprehensive knowledge of the challenges and hardships that have confronted Christians through the ages, and how the LORD preserves His believers through His inspired Word. Various Christian movements and organizations are considered and compared with Bible truth.

WORSHIP, (1 of 3 years) – How to conduct the weekly worship service. This instruction includes liturgics, hymnology, and administration of the sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

SYMBOLICS, 2 class hours per week (every 3rd year) – An introduction and overview of the confessions of the Lutheran church. Study encompasses the Book of Concord of 1580, including our creeds, Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms, the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, and the Formula of Concord. 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, 1 class hour per week (every year) – Instruction in technology as an aid to pastoral ministry. This includes training on useful phone applications, basic skills for using computers and office software, and Bible study aids available through the Internet.

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"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

Click HERE for the 2024 Academic Calendar

Policies for On-site Evangelism and Seminary Students

1.       As men of God, we will all strive to treat each other with courtesy, respect, and Christian love.

2.       Students should be good examples of Christian behavior in our community, so that the reputation of our seminary is held in honor.

3.       There will be a schedule of work (such as cleaning chores) for the campus, and all students will complete their assigned duties faithfully.

4.       Outside of the school day, if a student wishes to leave campus he must use the logbook. He will enter the time of leaving, destination, and expected time of return. He will note the time in the logbook when he returns. The logbook will also keep a record of current cell phone numbers for calling or texting in case of an emergency.

5.       Students are free to leave the campus during non-class hours, as long as they sign out and back in (see #4). However, students must return to the campus by 7 pm each night.

6.       All students are expected to arrive in time for the start of each semester. Students will arrive on time for classes, according to the schedule.

7.       Any absences from class days must be arranged with faculty beforehand. 

8.       All students who are not away for the weekend are expected to attend worship services at Ambureni Parish each Sunday.

9.       Alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances are not allowed on the campus, and drunkenness will not be tolerated.

10.    Unauthorized visitors are not allowed on the campus.

11.    Homework that is assigned between class periods must be completed faithfully. Each student is to do his own work. Students who are not able to complete an assignment should discuss this with the teacher before class.

12.    The students will elect a chairman of the student body at the start of each semester. It is the responsibility of the chairman to remind everyone of their duties. This man will also check the logbook for absences from campus. He will give a regular report to the Dean of the Seminary.

13.     Breaking these rules will have consequences as decided by the faculty. Repeated disregard for the rules may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the Wittenberg Seminary.

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