Why Immanuel for College?

An Opportunity of a Lifetime!

Because the Son of God died for us. ILC is here to help disciples of Christ to see ever more clearly the truth that Christ died for them.

Because the risen Christ sent His disciples to proclaim the Gospel of redemption. Because the e x a l t e d Christ has given His teachings to us in the form of the Holy Bible. ILC is here to instruct disciples of Christ in the teachings of Jesus Christ, so they can live for Him in this world.

“You were not redeemed with corruptible things , like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He was indeed foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” (1 Pet.1:18-21)

It is Your School!

Immanuel Lutheran College was organized in 1959. It was born of need to provide a Christ-based education to many young people who had nowhere else to turn. Former affiliations had begun to depart from Biblical truths. Their education became tainted with error. Therefore, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Mankato, Minnesota established an educational institution with a high school, college, and seminary.

In 1961 ILC became the property of the newly organized Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC). In 1963 the CLC purchased a permanent campus for ILC in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. On September 1 of that year the dedication service was held, and the school was officially opened on its new campus. Since then, by the grace of God, ILC has grown and prospered.

The majority of CLC pastors and teachers received their education at Immanuel. Many of the present leaders of the CLC attended Immanuel. Many of the fathers and mothers, the grandfathers and grandmothers in the CLC attended Immanuel. In many ways, ILC has been the nurturing instrument of the CLC. However, this is only because the Holy Spirit is working through the Word that is proclaimed at YOUR SCHOOL.

Online Classes and Student Aid

Are you interested in taking an ILC class online?
1 Corinthians, Religion 101-102, Religion 305-306, and Religion 407-408 are currently available. For further information on these classes and everything else, click here.

ILC Student Aid Fund

Four types of financial assistance are available through the ILC Student Aid Fund.

1. Student loans are available to full-time students based on financial need.
2. Student grants are available for full-time students who are preparing for the teaching or preaching ministry.
3. Scholarships based on academic achievement at ILC are awarded.
4. Limited work-study (campus employment) is available to full-time students.

His Strength

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph. 6:10- 13)

Because Every Blessing Comes Through Immanuel!

. . . the blessing of God’s love! We speak of the One for Whom our school is named., Whom we proclaim: Immanuel, God with us, Jesus Christ. He came to be with us in the flesh to save us. His love is the source of every blessing. His love creates a bond which forgives sin and transcends time, all generations: a special unity with fellow students and a bond of love between students and staff. This love can be observed in the personal connections and in the commitment to Christ. This love motivates all to keep seeking the best education for soul, mind, and body.

Friendships formed at ILC last for a lifetime and into eternity as a former student testifies: “These are the friendships that have really lasted and supported me through every trial.”

Eph. 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all

. . . . the blessing of the Word of Truth! Jesus in love has given us a secure Rock in His inspired, inerrant, unchanging Word. This Word is the light for our path through life, the strength to renew us for every day, the means by which the Holy Spirit does His work within us. And this Word clothes us in the righteousness of Christ.

The world thinks truth is changing and relative. Only God’s unchanging Word provides the solid foundation.

John 8:31-32 If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 17:17 Your word is truth.

. . . the blessing of Providence! Christ’s love assures us He is holding us in His hands to protect, provide and preserve us. What a privilege to approach all our education in the light of our Father unfolding His plan for our life and our seeing the hand of God displayed in every subject. This is a true preparation for life in the real world.

This foundation in God’s providence through His Word is a most important preparation for every phase of life both in our struggle against evil and our struggle for all that pertains to life and godliness.

Prov. 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom

. . . . the blessing of Eternal Life! The Father’s love has provided the Vine of Christ so that His eternal life may flow into us, giving us life to bear fruit in Him which is eternally pleasing to the Father. Abide in Him! (John 15) Our life in time is brief and passing. Life in the real world is yet to come, the perfected glory in communion with Jesus and all the saints.

This is the certain hope that lifts us up in our walk through this vale of tears. Life is looking up.

John 11:25-26 I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.

A Degree Program for You

Associate of Arts is a two-year program in liberal arts courses.
The following are four-year degree programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
• Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Theology.
• Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies.

Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, give to the LORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns; the world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously." Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and all its fullness; let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the LORD. For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth. (Psalm 96)

The public ministry also makes one powerful in this world. Each day your calling carries with it the power to extract sin from the heart! Each day your calling carries with it the power to deliver a person from the icy grip of death and hell! An occupation centered on the Gospel has such power, for “the gospel of Christ . . . is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” (Rom.1:16)

We ask you . . . no, not “we,” but the Lord asks you to consider the Gospel ministry as a lifetime calling. It is the most lucrative, the easiest, the most glamorous, and the most powerful job in the world. Consider, therefore, how the gifts which the Lord has given to you might be put to use in the preaching or teaching ministry. You will helping others to the ultimate goal of life.

And in the end, when all is said and done and the final score is tallied, “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matt.13:43)

Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. (Dan.12:3)

Because the Care of Souls is Precious!

Why the public ministry as a pastor or teacher?

When you could be a political or business leader changing the world, why choose to preach God’s word? When you could be a chemist, why choose to teach chemistry? When you could have a sports career, why choose to teach athletics? When you could be engaged in a lucrative, 9-to-5 job, why choose a calling which is not as financially profitable and which involves more than 40 hours a week?

The public ministry is chosen not because it is the most lucrative calling in the world. It is chosen not because it is the easiest calling in the world. It is chosen not because it is the most glamorous calling in the world. It is chosen not because it makes one powerful in this world.

On the other hand these are exactly the reasons why the public ministry is chosen. It is the most lucrative calling in the world. Pastors and teachers are rich beyond imagination, but the riches are not recorded as numbers behind a dollar sign; the riches are recorded as Gospel comfort and saved souls behind the sign of the cross.

It is the easiest calling in the world. One does not have to exert his own strength to in order to be successful. The power in this calling is in the Gospel message. The power is that of the Holy Spirit, who teaches the soul, while the pastor and the teacher proclaim the Gospel to the mind.

It is the most glamorous occupation in the world. The glamour is seen with the heart, not the eyes. Consider Psalm 96; it portrays what a faithful pastor or teacher does. Note the bold-faced words; see the glamour of the ministry:

Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.

Because of a Quality Education

Immanuel Lutheran College provides a quality education in all the basic disciplines found in a typical liberal arts program. This training is both spiritual and academic. The Associate of Arts or Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies can be a helpful stepping stone into any career as well as a helpful preparation to better serve the Lord and His Church. The Bachelor of Science in Education prepares students to enter the teaching ministry of the CLC. The Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Theology prepares students to enter Immanuel Lutheran Seminary to become a Pastor. Certainly both of these can also be excellent training to serve as a mother, father and disciple of Christ in any field. For those who have already attained a bachelor’s degree and desire to enter the seminary, we provide a two year, preparatory program in languages and religion. For those who already have a degree in education we provide classes to receive CLC certification for the teaching ministry of the CLC.

Those in the secular world who know ILC recognize the quality of our academic education. For 40 years the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) has been conducting periodic evaluations of our program at ILC. Since they have their reputation to consider, they are thorough in their work. On each occasion the appointed committee has recommended a continuation of the transfer-of-credits agreement (72 credits transfer). The committee makes its recommendation to the UWEC chancellor. On each occasion the recommendation has been approved. The last approval occurred in 2012 and will be in force until 2019. The University of Minnesota Mankato has also regularly accepted our credits when ILC students have transferred to that institution.

While ILC does not need the validation of these institutions, their evaluation of our academic program is appreciated by us and does serve as an encouragement to continue what we have been doing. It also serves as an incentive for high school graduates to take advantage of our AA program.

Associate of Arts Program

“Lord, what are You leading me to do in life?” Questions like this are on the hearts of many young people wondering how to use their gifts. The AA program at ILC can be of great help in answering such questions, especially with the Word of God providing answers.

ILC is unique and belongs to you. As a member of the Church of the Lutheran Confession, you own this institution of higher education. It was established by CLC members who came before you, and has been supported and maintained by your friends, your parents, and yourself.

As you make plans for your future, especially your college education, it makes sense for you to consider a college created with you in mind. A former student testified: “The most important aspect of college at Immanuel for my life was the further foundation in God’s Word. But it was also very interesting to discover the benefit of ILC for my career. After Immanuel, I entered a technical electronics field so none of my credits from Immanuel transferred. However, when I got a job in electronics, the liberal arts courses, which I had at Immanuel, proved to be the most important training for doing my work and advancing in my field. I am doubly thankful I took the AA course at Immanuel.”

Most of the students that attend ILC are just like you. They believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Their lives are guided by the truth of the Word of God. They are members of the CLC.

The faculty and staff also, build their hope and faith on Jesus Christ. The students of ILC know their teachers love them and are dedicated to working for their best interest.

As you read this, you may not know what kind of occupation you want to prepare for. This is one of the reasons why many colleges and universities have a basic liberal arts education for the first two years. Even students who have chosen their majors are required to take certain basic courses.

If you examine the Associate of Arts (AA) degree program at ILC and compare it with the basic requirements at other institutions, you will find that they are very similar. In other words, attending ILC for two years will prepare you for almost any major that you may choose.

In addition the quality level of the program at ILC has proven itself repeatedly. Over the years graduates from our AA program have done well at the schools where they have completed their education. The University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire highly regards our program. It has repeatedly renewed an agreement to accept up to 72 credits when students transfer to that institution.

More importantly, ILC provides an education centered on Jesus Christ and His Word. Also the basic, liberal arts courses are taught with God in mind. The Word of God is our foundation even in mathematics, science, and history classrooms.

When a Christian child leaves home, he moves out of a secure environment and into a battlefield. Instead of taking this step so quickly, consider the wisdom of attending a school that will prepare you for the warfare.

In the colleges and universities of this world you will find a battlefield which will prove challenging to your faith. If you are not armed for the battle, you may find yourself suffering at the hands of your spiritual enemies.

We recommend gathering all the armor you can before you go into battle. At ILC we are engaged in the work of equipping students for this battle. Those who attend ILC before going to another school prepare themselves to fight the good fight of faith.

For those who already have a degree in education we provide classes to receive CLC certification for the teaching ministry of the CLC.