This school's mission is to train persons who "serve God and the world in the spirit of Christ" through "instruction which values each individual."
Christianity, the founding spirit that is JLC's legacy, does not only appear in lectures but is part of all campus life. Much can be learned and gained from the daily interactions with faculty, staff, and other students.
Japan Lutheran College has a Campus Christian Center, where the Chaplain (pastor) provides leadership for all the worship-related activities and programs on campus. The Chaplain is served by a Chaplain's Assistant and other helpers and student volunteers who make up the Worship Committee. There are chapel services every class day. While worship is not compulsory, it does provide a place where faculty and students can come together as one, heard the Word of God, and join in prayer. Through the messages presented here, there are opportunities to see another side of those people we interact with daily.
The basis of our "Lutheraness"--as it were-of praising God and fostering a love for our fellow humans is found in this Christian instruction. We hope that the years of study at JLC will result in knowledge and skills and be a time that profoundly affects each of us as individuals.
Through its instruction of "valuing every person," Japan Lutheran College develops the human resources that "value every person," and so realizes the desire of students to "serve by helping someone."
The implementation in 2014 of a 5-course organization in Social Work, Community Development, Child and Family Studies, Clinical Psychology, and Christian Studies clarifies the support for career formation, with academic models for registering and earning professional qualifications. From the moment students enter, Japan Lutheran College carries out interviews and guidance for future employment or further academic study.
Many students sitting for an entrance exam have only a vague idea of their future careers. At Japan Lutheran College, students select their specific course of study after progressing to their second year. Following their college entrance, they have an orientation for each course, which clarifies for them which is most suitable, answers to their dreams for the future, and gives a concrete plan for pursuing academic goals. They then choose their course. Students can study in fields besides their course, thus enhancing their learning and acquiring certification.
Japan Lutheran College offers an interdisciplinary curriculum for study as the Faculty of Integrated Human Studies, Program in Social Work and Clinical Psychology comprises three fields of studies: Social Work, Clinical Psychology, and Christian Studies. Thus, both psychology and social work studies are based on the Christian perspective of humanity. Students entering the college are trained to be professionals with integrated, holistic approaches for providing care.
The goals of the Center's Program are to contribute to the gospel's proclamation through research, instruction, and practical fieldwork that will serve the church and society. All these activities are based on the Christian faith, respecting all people's spiritual needs from a wholistic stance and centered on support for humans to find healing and personal development.
The Dale Pastoral Center seeks to contribute to society as a whole by understanding the Christian faith and all humanity, extending its services to the Lutheran Church and all churches in ecumenical fellowship. The resources of the Center are available not only for church workers but for all members. The program emphasizes cooperation among all to carry out its activities through inclusiveness and dialog.
