The Smalcald Articles speak with clarity about the purpose of chapters and cloisters, and their words remain binding and prophetic for us today:
“That chapters and cloisters [colleges of canons and communistic dwellings], which were formerly founded with the good intention [of our forefathers] to educate learned men and chaste [and modest] women, ought again to be turned to such use, in order that pastors, preachers, and other ministers of the churches may be had, and likewise other necessary persons [fitted] for [the political administration of] the secular government [or for the commonwealth] in cities and countries, and well-educated maidens for mothers and housekeepers, etc.”
The Hebron Collegium takes this not as theory, but as mandate. Our work is to re-establish, here and now, the kind of house of learning the Confessions envisioned:
For the Church: A place to raise up pastors, preachers, and faithful lay leaders.
For the Commonwealth: A place to form strong, educated men capable of service in society.
For the Household: A place to shape brothers as future fathers, husbands, and Heads of Christian homes.
In short, the Hebron Collegium is a living answer to the Confessions’ call: a house devoted not to vanity or tradition, but to the living Word of God and the training of His people.
For the Articles also warn:
“If they will not serve this purpose, it is better that they be abandoned or razed, rather than [continued and], with their blasphemous services invented by men, regarded as something better than the ordinary Christian life and the offices and callings ordained by God. For all this also is contrary to the first chief article concerning the redemption made through Jesus Christ. Add to this that (like all other human inventions) these have neither been commanded; they are needless and useless, and, besides, afford occasion for dangerous and vain labor [dangerous annoyances and fruitless worship], such services as the prophets call Aven, i.e., pain and labor.”
The Hebron Collegium rejects “aven”—vain labor, fruitless worship, and human invention—as the engine of education. Instead, we turn directly to Christ, the Scriptures, and the wisdom of the ages. Our goal is not to create another cloister but to renew a true collegium: a chapter-house where the baptized are equipped for life in church, state, and family, in fidelity to Christ and His Word.
This is not nostalgia. It is obedience. It is the Lutheran Confessions, fulfilled.
Come and See: Schedule Your Retreat
$15/day all meals included : Monthly and longer stays available : Ask about the summer vicarage program.
