Tenacity, perseverance, strength and hope

LTSS Alumni Board President reflects on the seminary’s upcoming move

In March 2024, LTSS announced it would be leaving its Columbia, South Carolina campus and moving to Lenoir-Rhyne University’s campus in Hickory, North Carolina – sparking thoughtful discussion and a myriad of emotions from faculty, staff, students, community members and alumni. 

“Like many alumni, my initial reaction was that of heartache and sadness. We all know that this decision was necessary in terms of stewardship and financial health. But as an alum, you have so many memories tied to the physical space of the seminary campus,” said the Rev. Joshua A. Tucker, M.Div. ’13, current LTSS alumni board president and pastor of Friendship Lutheran Church in Taylorsville, North Carolina. “God promises to always make things new. That's who we are intrinsically as Christians. So, once I thought more on the move, I saw this as God creating a new, incredible opportunity. I think it gives us a lot of hope for the future and anticipation of what the seminary can be within the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne.” 

Thinking of the future of the seminary in its new location, Tucker is excited for the range of options available – from seminarians being able to take additional courses to aid in the administrative side of church ministry and studying foreign languages to reach more people, to becoming active members of a larger campus through student life – the possibilities are vast. 

“Beyond the academics, there is an opportunity for seminary students to be a part of a bigger community of student life that the seminary doesn't have right now. The sheer number of the community will be magnified, and the seminarians will have the opportunity to share in community life in a whole host of ways – from attending sporting events to being a part of extracurricular activities/clubs and student life – all at a Lutheran university,” he shared. “I also think this can help us to better live into our call to identify God's gifts in people that might be called to serve in the church in some capacity – for students at Lenoir-Rhyne that are working on their undergraduate degrees, the seminary could be an active part in that to help identify, perhaps God is speaking to you in some way and ask them: ‘Have you considered seminary education? Have you considered discerning a call to ministry leadership?’”

As the countdown to the January 2025 move continues, Tucker encourages fellow alumni to stay connected with the seminary. 

“I see this pilgrimage as a time of strength. I hope that the alumni base can see all of the hope and opportunities that come with this move. I hope that not only will they stay connected, but I hope that they'll share the story that this seminary tells. It's one of resilience, it's one of being faithful to God's call, and it's one of remaining true to our identity as a seminary where we are called to teach, form and nurture those that God has called to serve in church leadership, in ministry. That's not going to change, no matter where the seminary is located. That's our identity as Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. This story is one of perseverance, because this is not the first time the seminary has been on a pilgrimage, has relocated. With every season, with every move, there's been strength.”