Ever more responsibility for religious education is being transferred to the Theological Institute.

The Theological Institute of Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church is an educational center for the entire church as a place there theological education is developed, coordinated and given to the theologians, clergy and church co-workers in various ministries, the complementary theological, pedagogical and musical training (hopefully a life-long one) is provided for clergy and laymen, and there theological research and publishing of theological literature takes place.

In addition to the congregation-related ministries (clergy, cantors, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders), also those dedicated to the social and prison work, and teachers of religious education in schools (pedagogical branch), are being prepared for their work.

The pastoral seminary is obligatory for all graduated theologians who wish to become priests within the EELC.

There will be practical work in congregations in addition to the lectures of practical theology.