It is part of the Evangelical-Lutheran Mission in Lower Saxony (ELM), the common missionary work of the state churches of Hanover, Brunswick and Schaumburg-Lippe.
The mission seminary in Hermannsburg was founded in 1849 by pastor Ludwig Harms, after several young men from Hermannsburg and the surrounding area expressed the wish to be sent out as missionaries and would not be accepted by the existing missionary societies because, as farmers and agricultural workers, they did not have the necessary academic education.
Having qualified, The first "pupils" were sent overseas in 1854 and founded the work of the Hermannsburg Mission in South Africa, where the Evangelical-Lutheran Mission in Lower Saxony (ELM) is still active today.
Male and female pastors are trained at the seminary.
After six to seven years, they are eligible for service in the worldwide church.