São Paulo’s Word of Life Seminary (WOL) was founded in 1965 to prepare cross-cultural missionaries reaching out to primitive tribes in Brazil. As the size of the interdenominational school grew, the vision grew to include preparation of pastors and Christian educators. Despite changes, WOL’s educational philosophy has always been based on mentoring students in academic excellence, spiritual formation and ministry.

After changing their advertising to further emphasize leadership formation, first year student enrollment grew 20% compared to last year. The seminary, which offers Certificate, Bachelor and Master’s degrees, has over 2,600 graduates.

Brazil has endured many political changes that have affected the economy, such as the unprecedented prosperity many experienced in the 1990s. But the economy has been left grim again and the Church dependent on “prosperity theology.” In response, WOL is training students how to deal with contemporary Brazilian problems like this, as well as urbanization, poverty, the erosion of family and homelessness.

Cláudio Lingerfelt, a Pastoral Ministry graduate, says WOL emphasizes more than academics. “At WOL, I received the deeply rooted perception that the Bible itself is the center and the source of any and every ministry…Another privilege of studying at WOL is the emphasis on spiritual devotion…To know the Lord and learn to walk with Him is encouraged…and a wider and deeper understanding of Scriptures has provided a more refined ministry and walk with the Lord.