Mission and Tradition

Mission

A Community after God's heart: shaped by faith in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
we seek to follow Jesus,walk in the Spirit, join God's mission.

At University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, we are driven by a profound mission - to shape individuals for servant leadership in ministry and mission. Our foundation lies in unwavering faith in the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. With Jesus as our guide, we walk in the Spirit, committed to joining God's mission in the world. We are guided by the distinct pillars of our mission that make us who we are as a seminary community.

Pillars of our Mission:

• We gather in gratitude and faithfulness, to be reformed according to the Word of God.
  Together, we embrace a transformative journey in our diverse community of learners. Our learning and growth together online and in person are done in a spirit of gratitude and faithfulness and are always centered in the Word of God.

• We grow in the Church's biblical faith in the Triune God.
  Rooted in the Church's biblical faith, we foster an environment where individuals can grow in their understanding and connection with the Triune God. Through formative practices, deep and careful study, and engagement with a diverse and ecumenical community, our learning is grounded in the rich tapestry of Christian tradition.

• We excel in theological education and scholarship.
  Striving for excellence, our seminary is committed to providing top-tier theological education and scholarship. Our faculty contribute thoughtfully to the scholarship of their fields, and our students are well equipped for theological learning and application in the world.

• We live as faithful stewards of God's Gifts.
  Our community encourages living as faithful stewards of God's gifts, recognizing that each individual possesses unique talents and abilities that contribute to the flourishing of God's kingdom.

• We engage the changing needs of the Church and World.
  As the world evolves, so do the needs of the Church and society. We are dedicated to actively engaging with these changes, preparing leaders to respond with grace, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to God's mission. With access points for distance learners, those active in ministry in their context, laity, and experienced church leaders, we are equipping the faithful for the needs of the Church now and in the future.
  
  

History and Tradition

The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary was founded in 1852 to reach out to German settlers pouring into the Midwest. The seminary provided theological education to those called to serve the region as evangelists and pastors. The school - initially known as Van Vliet Seminary after founder Adrian Van Vliet - was renamed the German Theological School of the Northwest in 1864.

In 1870, the seminary was accepted by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church as a theological institution of the church. Because few of the students had college educations, undergraduate studies were eventually added. On June 17, 1920, a new charter was issued, renaming the school the University of Dubuque, of which the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary continues to be a vibrant and guiding community.