Logo of the ALC

Australian Lutheran College (ALC) is a higher education institution serving the Lutheran Church of Australia. It is located in North Adelaide, South Australia. Formerly known as 'Luther Seminary' (1968-1989, 1998-2003), it was renamed in 2004 in order to reflect its work beyond the training of pastors. It remains well known as 'The Sem'. The campus is in North Adelaide, and includes Hebart Hall, Graebner Hall, Lohe Memorial Library, Refectory, and accommodation facilities.

There are three schools within the College: the School of Pastoral Theology, the School of Educational Theology, and the School of Theological Studies.

The Principal is Rev Dr Michael Hassold.

Academic Schools

School of Pastoral Theology

The SPT is the school dedicated to training pastors for work in the Lutheran Church of Australia. Students who are accepted into this school study for a Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Ministry - a five year double degree. Subjects are taken in a number of different fields, such as History, Theology, Biblical Studies (including Greek and Hebrew studies), and Pastoral Theology. Aside from the vicarage period, the teaching is all done on campus.

As this is the only LCA seminary, students come from all over Australia and New Zealand, and most live in nearby ALC accommodation. The school attracts a constant stream of international students, primarily from Asia and the Pacific region.

The head of this school is Rev Dr Andrew Pfeiffer.

School of Eductional Theology

The SET oversees the training of teachers for service in Lutheran schools. As the nature of this school is one complimentary to University studies much of its work is done off campus.

The head of the school is Mr. Mal Wegener.

School of Theological Studies

The STS is the school which provides theological training for lay people - those not studying for ordained ministry. It has a range of on campus subjects and also provides online learning for long distance students.

The head of STS is Ms. Meryl Jennings.

Campus Life

Boarding

The ALC provides accommodation for up to 96 tertiary Boarders (and single students studying at ALC), the majority coming from the surrounding areas such as the Barossa Valley, Mid North, Riverland, Eyre Peninsula, Murray Mallee and Mount Gambier/South East.

Services provided by the ALC for the Boarding Community include meals, cleaning, linen service, tennis/basketball court & squash court and a basic gym.

Chapel

Chapel is held mid-morning every weekday during term. It is largely student run and a sermon is heard most weeks, either from a lecturer or a senior student. The Chapel is located in Hebart Hall.

Lohe Memorial Library

The Library has one of the better theological collections in the southern hemisphere and is managed by Ms. Blan MacDonagh. It contains historical artifacts and a large collection of journals and theologically based books and material.

ALC Residents Association

Originally called the Luther Seminary Students Association, then changed to the ALC Students Association and with the advent of VSU in Australian Universities, has changed to the ALC Residents Association - to make it clearer that the membership extends to those who live on campus, Boarders and the ALC Students who live in the on campus units.

The ALCRA are responsible for forming a community atmosphere amongst both Boarders and Students. They organise events during the year, internal sporting competitions and community barbeque's.

Horrie Packer Memorial Mixed Netball Match

One of the crowning jewel events during the year, originally a mixed-doubles tennis match between the Lutheran Teachers College students and the ALC Pastoral Ministry students it became a mixed netball match. Now it is a match between the ALC Students and the Boarders.

In 1978, Horrie Packer, sporting entrepreneur masterminded an event that was to touch the lives of thousands. What began as a tennis doubles grudge-match and the following year expanded into the highly competitive netball arena, is not only a competition between Luther Sem and LTC, but is a struggle to be the best. This trophy stands as a tribute to those who have gone into the battle and survived. LONG LIVE HORRIE PACKER.
— Horrie Packer Trophy