Theologiestudium als Lobpreis
Studying theology and praising God belong together. Theology conveys who God is so that he can be worshipped. With an explanation of this connection, the 182nd academic year at St. Chrischona Theological Seminary (tsc) began with 33 new students and 13 new guest auditors.
Over several opening days, the tsc community spiritually prepared for the new academic year. They were accompanied by long-time faculty members Irmgard and Dr. Horst Schaffenberger. This was their last service before retirement.
Theology and praise are not opposites
Horst Schaffenberger, with his knowledge of the Bible and church history, dispelled the false notion that theology and praise are opposites. Serious study of the Word of God and emotional praise of its greatness are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary: «Theological reflection should lead to the praise of God,» Horst Schaffenberger explained. He demonstrated this, among other things, with his interpretation of Paul’s praise of God inRomans 11:33-36.
The students and lecturers of the tsc were advisedHorst Schaffenbergerto understand their theological studies as a form of worship and to interrupt them repeatedly to praise God. «Become people who allow themselves to be touched by God in their studies. Become theo-poets,» recommended the long-time lecturer in practical theology. His wife Irmgard led the tsc community in experiencing this through literary, dramatic, and musical means.
Good first impression of the tsc community
The 33 new students received a warm welcome from the tsc community during the opening days. They were full of praise. «My first impression: really good! The first few days were a bit hectic, but everyone is supportive,» explained 23-year-old Micha Blaser, who is new to theology and education studies.
At tsc, all three bachelor’s degree programs and the annual course will start with class sizes comparable to the average of recent years. The largest class this time will be theBachelor’s degree program in Communicative Theology, which can be studied on-campus or remotely. Approximately half of the new students are from Switzerland and half from Germany. This is confirmed by long-term statistics at the tsc.
First lessons for new lecturers
Sixnew lecturerswill be holding their first classes at the tsc in the 2022/23 academic year: Paul Bruderer (Dogmatics), Kristina Imwalle (Practical Theology), and Dr. Michael Widmer (Biblical Studies / Old Testament) will replace departing faculty members. Dr. Markus Dubach will be the substitute lecturer for Intercultural Theology for one semester. Britta Pfeifer and Lisa Schindler will be joining the tsc annual course team as lecturers.
At the beginning of September 2022, long-standing tsc lecturers Irmgard and Dr. Horst Schaffenberger retired.
33 students have begun their studies or the annual course at tsc at the start of the 2022/23 academic year.
During the introductory days, new students get to know the tsc community.
TSC study programs & continuing education
- BATheology & Education(3 years, Bachelor’s degree) – the versatile theological and pedagogical basic trainin
- BATheology & Music(3 years, Bachelor's degree) – the combination of theological and musical studies that is
- BATheology & Education(3 years, Bachelor’s degree) – the versatile theological and pedagogical basic training.
- BATheology & Music(3 years, Bachelor's degree) – the combination of theological and musical studies that is unique in the German-speaking world.
- TSC annual course(1 year, certificate of participation) – popular as an orientation or preparatory year. Worship focus optional.
- CAS programs(1 year, Certificate of Advanced Studies) from the Institute for Leadership and Community Development.
- GenerationPLUS Academy(2- or 3-day courses, CAS possible) – Further training opportunities for the second half of life
- Online courses(1 or 2 semesters, proof of achievement) – can be individually taken for personal further education.
Interested?
- What's it like to study at TSC? And would it be something for you? You can find out during free trial days . The next dates are: Tue./Wed. 21/22.10.25 | Fri./Sat. 06/07.03.26 | Tue./Wed. 05/06.05.26
- You can get concise information about the study program via online video conference during the trial sessions . The next dates are: Tue. 23.09.2025 | Thu. 20.11.2025 | Tue. 17.02.26 | Wed. 22.04.26 | Tue. 19.05.26, 6 – 7 p.m.
- Inconvenient dates? No problem! Simply contact study advisor René Wälty and schedule an appointment for your personalized trial day or consultation.