2. Dubuque
Pittsburgh
Auburn
Princeton
10
+2
McCormick
Louisville
Union-PSCE
San Francisco
Columbia
J.C. Smith
Austin
SEPR
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Austin, Texas
Ten.
That’s the number of seminaries we
have in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Columbia Theological Seminary
Decatur, Georgia
to educate and equip persons of faith
for pastoral leadership . . . plus two theological institutions University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
related to the denomination by covenant agreement. Dubuque, Iowa
How do our seminaries do it? They provide a solid biblical Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
foundation, historical perspective, and understanding of Louisville, Kentucky
Reformed theology – not to mention a Christian environment
where spiritual formation can happen. In the classroom, in McCormick Theological Seminary
Chicago, Illinois
faculty and peer conversations, on site in local congrega-
tions, and through online coursework, tomorrow’s pastors Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
learn how to lead worship, preach, teach, pray, and provide Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
pastoral care.
Princeton Theological Seminary
While 85% of our seminary graduates go into parish Princeton, New Jersey
ministry, those who feel called to serve the church as
San Francisco Theological Seminary
missionaries, Christian educators, chaplains, musicians,
San Anselmo and Pasadena, California
pastoral counselors, youth leaders, and more receive the
educational foundation they need as well. Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
Atlanta, Georgia
Our seminaries also provide continuing education for clergy
and lay leaders. They offer coursework leading to various Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian
doctoral degrees. And they serve as centers of research and School of Christian Education
Richmond, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina
consultation, working with congregations and presbyteries
on issues and concerns of the church. In covenant with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Auburn Theological Seminary
New York, New York
Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
3. 2 Together, Our Seminaries . . .
3 Together, Our Churches . . .
4 Seminaries at a Glance
6 Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
8 Columbia Theological Seminary
10 University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
12 Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
contents
14 McCormick Theological Seminary
16 Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
18 Princeton Theological Seminary
20 San Francisco Theological Seminary
22 Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
24 Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School
of Christian Education
26 Auburn Theological Seminary
28 Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico
30 Funding Presbyterian Seminaries
The Committee on Theological Education is honored to produce this new resource on behalf of and in partnership with our
Presbyterian seminaries. Ours is a ministry collaboration that, at its best, serves the church. “Seminaries and churches
together . . . for generations to come . . .” is more than a logo and slogan; it is our hope and prayer as we outline, on behalf
of the PC(USA), the more expansive view of theological education that we believe the triune God is calling us toward.
It is a view of theological education, of church leadership, and vocational discernment that takes into account the people
and places, the minds and the hearts of Presbyterians in and related to seminaries in a variety of ways. Each of our
seminaries is a unique gift offered to the church for you and all. Enjoy getting to know them for the first time or again in
their ever Reformed and reforming character. Please visit our website, www.pcusa.org/seminaries, and the websites
of the various seminaries for additional information.
1
4. ..forgenerationstocome... For centuries, we Presbyterians have prided ourselves on an educated cler-
gy. To continue this tradition of excellence, we have entrusted ten Presbyte-
rian Church (U.S.A.) seminaries, and two theological institutions related to
the denomination by covenant agreement, with providing the educational
foundation church leaders need to be able to preach, teach, pray, and lead.
With the help of congregations nationwide, our Presbyterian seminaries are
“equipping the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12).
Together, our seminaries . . .
• Offer coursework leading to the Master of Divinity, or MDiv degree,
and other master’s degrees to prepare women and men to be pastors,
educators, chaplains, therapists, spiritual directors, musicians, and
other church professionals
• Offer doctorate-level programs leading to the PhD, Doctor of Ministry,
and other doctoral degrees
• Prepare men and women for a global, mulitcultural ministry context,
whether they serve in a rural, urban, suburban, small-town, or
international setting
• Assist presbyteries in educating commissioned lay pastors to
serve congregations that do not have the resources but need
regular pastoral leadership
• Provide continuing education for clergy and lay leaders
• Serve as centers of research, theological discourse, and reflection
for the benefit of the church at large
• Work with congregations, presbyteries, and other educational
institutions as consultants and advisors on issues and concerns
of the church
• Facilitate the discernment process by reaching out to youth and others
who may be called to ministry
2
5. Together, our churches . . .
• Nurture the baptismal vocation of the children of God in their care
• Identify the gifts of some of those who are called to ministry of the Word
and Sacrament
• Staff presbytery Committees on Ministry and Commitees on Preparation for
Ministry to assist inquirers and candidates
• Empower ministry candidates at Presbyterian seminaries through generous
gifts to the Theological Education Fund (TEF), a project of the Committee on
Theological Education (COTE)
• Mentor pastoral interns and residents and first call pastors as they continue
to grow and mature
• Encourage pastors and church leaders to stay engaged as lifelong learners
• Elect elders and ministers to serve on the COTE, a liaison between the
PC(USA) and theological schools
• Embrace the ministry given to them utilizing the best of what theological
education has to offer
• Welcome seminary faculty and staff into the life of congregations for the
short and the long term
• Become involved with the TEF Seminary Support Network by distributing
resources and celebrating Theological Education Emphasis Sunday, the
third Sunday in September
3
6. Seminary Location Students/Faculty
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Austin, Texas Students: 255
page 6 Founded 1902 Faculty: 25
www.austinseminary.edu
seminariesataglance Columbia Theological Seminary
page 8
Decatur, Georgia
Founded 1828
www.ctsnet.edu
Students: 413
Faculty: 28
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Dubuque, Iowa Students: 148
page 10 Founded 1852 Faculty: 16
http://udts.dbq.edu
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky Students: 206
page 12 Founded 1852 Faculty: 23
www.lpts.edu
McCormick Theological Seminary Chicago, Illinois Students: 273
page 14 Founded 1829 Faculty: 21
www.mccormick.edu
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Students: 318
page 16 Founded 1794 Faculty: 24
www.pts.edu
Princeton Theological Seminary Princeton, New Jersey Students: 640
page 18 Founded 1812 Faculty: 52 full-time
www.ptsem.edu 13 adjunct
San Francisco Theological Seminary San Anselmo/Pasadena, California Students: 428
page 20 Founded 1871 Faculty: 23
www.sfts.edu
Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary Atlanta, Georgia Students: 21
page 22 Founded 1867 Seminarians are educated through resources of
the Interdenominational Theological Center, of
www.itc.edu/pages/smith.asp which Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary is
the PC(USA) constituent. ITC enrollment: 572. ITC
provides 20 of 26 faculty positions at the seminary.
Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian Richmond, Virginia/ Students: 344
School of Christian Education Charlotte, North Carolina Faculty: 33
page 24 Founded 1812
www.union-psce.org
Auburn Theological Seminary New York, New York Students: 40
page 26 Founded 1818 Through Auburn’s program for Presbyterian
students at Union Theological Seminary,
www.auburnsem.org Presbyterian students experience the unique
benefits of ministerial formation in New York
City, coupled with Auburn’s distinctive
Presbyterian and Reformed perspective.
Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico San Juan, Puerto Rico Students: 188
4 page 28 Founded 1919 Faculty: 8 full-time
www.se-pr.edu 15 part-time
7. Degrees Offered Joint Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity Master of Divinity/Master of Science in Social Work with the University of Texas
Master of Arts (Theological Studies) at Austin
Doctor of Ministry
Master of Divinity Master of Divinity/Master of Science in Urban Policy Studies with Georgia State
Master of Arts in Theological Studies University
Master of Theology
Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Educational Ministry
Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Master of Divinity: Residential and Distance Education 3/3 Program (BA/MDiv)
Master of Arts in Religion 3/2 Program (BA/MAR)
Doctor of Ministry
Master of Divinity Dual competency degrees in Law, Business, Education, Marriage and Family
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Therapy, Social Work, and Spirituality with neighboring universities
Master of Arts (Religion)
Master of Theology
Doctor of Ministry
Master of Divinity Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work with the University of Chicago and with
Doctor of Ministry Loyola University; ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching; Ecumenical Doctor of
Master of Theological Studies Ministry with Hyde Park seminaries
Master of Divinity Dual professional degrees in Social Work, Law, and Public Policy in conjunction
Master of Arts with local universities
Master of Sacred Theology
Doctor of Ministry
Master of Divinity Dual-degree program (MDiv/MA); Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work with
Master of Arts in Christian Education Rutgers University
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Master of Theology
Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Divinity Master of Arts with the Graduate Theological Union
Master of Arts in Theological Studies Master of Arts/Master of Divinity with the Graduate Theological Union
Doctor of Ministry Doctor of Philosophy with the Graduate Theological Union
D. Min. with emphases in Pastoral Care and Doctor of Theology with the Graduate Theological Union
Counseling, Spiritual Direction, Urban Ministry,
and Spiritual Leadership
Master of Arts in Christian Education Master of Divinity/Master of Public Health with Morehouse School of Medicine
Master of Arts in Church Music
Master of Divinity
Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Christian Education
Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Christian Education
Master of Theology
Doctor of Philosophy
Certificate for Presbyterian students graduating from Doctor of Ministry in Multifaith Education, granted by New York
Union Theological Seminary, New York Theological Seminary
Certificates of Completion awarded for certain programs
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Religion 5
Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care for Families
8. Austin, Texas
Founded 1902
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
255 Students*
25 Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts (Theological Studies)
Doctor of Ministry
Joint Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity/Master of Science
in Social Work with the University of
Texas at Austin
Special Programs
Houston Extension Program
The College of Pastoral Leaders
Partnerships
Enrollment agreements with the
Seminary of the Southwest and
Austin Graduate School of Theology
Debrecen Reformed Theological
University in Debrecen, Hungary
Justo Mwale Theological College
in Lusaka, Zambia
The University of Stellenbosch
in Stellenbosch, South Africa
* Enrollment figures are based on 2008 data
from the Association of Theological Schools.
100 E. 27th Street • Austin, TX 78705 • 800.241.1085 • www.austinseminary.edu
6
9. For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian
Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose
mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and
other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to
promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary
community of God’s people.
B
efore coming to Austin Seminary, Scott The Faculty
Wipperman worked in the fast-paced world The two dozen Christian scholars who make up our
of financial planning. “The whole time I was faculty integrate into their own daily lives a spirit
talking about retirement with people, I was always a of devotion to the mission of God’s church in the
bit conflicted: Am I really getting them to put their trust world. This dedication is evident both in and outside
in the wrong place?” the classroom; in a typical year, these scholars/
pastors will preach and teach in more than five
Scott began to feel God nudging him a little at a time, hundred settings around the country.
through church involvement and through feedback
he got after giving a presentation at a Presbyterian The Students
Cursillo conference. He wondered, “Is God calling me The top three areas in which our students felt stronger
to be a pastor?” He had never considered that question as a result of their seminary education are trust in God,
before, but says looking back on his life, he saw things self-knowledge, and respect for their own religious
that “all of a sudden weren’t quite so random events. traditions.
There was a thread running through these things.”
The Location
As a student, Scott was most surprised about the Home to one of the nation’s largest universities as
supportive ethos at Austin Seminary. “To come into well as the seat of state government, Austin is a
an environment where people are truly interested in welcoming community whose cultural diversity and
your success . . . I’ve been amazed how students pull tolerant attitude make it easy to fit in. As the self-
together, at how the professors take the time and proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin
energy to help someone who is having trouble,” is considered one of the nation’s top creative cities and
he says. one of the best cities for relocating families.
In stark contrast to his frenetic stock-brokering days, Fun Facts
Scott found solace serving as the chapel “beadle,” For more than fifty years Austin Seminary’s faculty,
preparing the elements of worship or carrying the students, and staff have challenged their colleagues
processional cross, learning first-hand about the at Seminary of the Southwest in a football game
liturgical aspects of worship. called the Polity Bowl. Presbyterian Polity has reigned
for several years, but with our quarterback’s imminent
Today, as a pastor in Salt Lake City, Scott is more graduation, we’re on the lookout for her replacement!
confident about the nature of the message he has to
offer—and grateful to the place that nurtured him.
7
10. Decatur, Georgia
Founded 1828
Columbia Theological Seminary
413 Students
28 Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Master of Theology
Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Educational Ministry
Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Care
and Counseling
Joint Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity/Master of Science
in Urban Policy Studies, a dual degree
program with Georgia State University.
Special Programs
Evening/weekend Master
of Divinity classes
Center for Lifelong Learning,
offering courses and other educational
opportunities for church professionals
and lay leaders
Mission
Columbia Theological Seminary is
an educational institution of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and a
community of theological inquiry and
formation for ministry in the service
of the church of Jesus Christ.
Partnerships
Cross-registration and library
privileges at Atlanta-area
universities
701 Columbia Drive • Decatur, GA 30030 • 877.548.2817 • www.ctsnet.edu
8
11. Columbia Theological Seminary is an educational institution of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.). It is a community focused on theological inquiry and ministry formation in
the service of the church of Jesus Christ. Its mission is to educate women and men
for leadership in ordained and lay ministries through graduate degree and continuing education programs.
In addition, the seminary strives to provide theological resources for the denomination, the ecumenical church,
and persons with a variety of theological concerns.
B
efore seminary, I served for thirteen years as when my friend Michael Morgan, Columbia’s seminary
music director in a medium-size church. It was musician, invited me to play at Central Presbyterian
this ministry that shaped my faith and brought Church in Atlanta. Right after a beautiful service of
me and my family to Atlanta, to a culture far removed traditional and contemporary music, God clubbed
from my mountain home. me over the head with a 2-by-4. Well, not literally a
2-by-4, but rather, the unexpected generosity of a
All my life, it seems I’ve been torn between cultures. couple in that church, who felt led by God to offer me,
As a defensive lineman on my high school football a complete stranger, their grand piano, which had
team, five minutes before halftime I would change been their wedding gift to each other years before.
into my drum major outfit to lead the marching band.
As a jazz musician, I defended backbeat and bebop It was a gift so precious and so complex that I am still
to my classically trained college piano professor. unable to comprehend what it really means. But this
I’ve defended my military service to pacifist friends, gift helped me accept who I am: a musician, a student
explained my liberal tendencies to conservative of theology, but above all, a child of God, shaped and
friends, and insisted to traditional friends that the molded by God, for God’s purposes. The professors
engagement of contemporary culture is necessary and at Columbia have helped continue this process,
critical to the formation of Christian faith. When I left challenging me to expand my understanding of God’s
Colorado for seminary, I thought I could finally choose mysterious plan for us all. God wants not just that
one path, one culture. I would study to be a pastor, and little part that thinks about theology, or that preaches,
if that meant giving up music—something I had done or that reads the Bible, or that goes to church on
professionally for twenty-four years—I could do that. Sunday. God wants every bit of us, including those
parts that hope, fail, cry, laugh, sing, shout, despair,
As a symbolic, grand gesture of turning my back on rage, regret, and even play jazz piano.
music, I donated my baby grand piano to my church.
God took something that I felt strongly I should
However, at Columbia, I was encouraged to reexamine abandon, and put it back in front of me, saying, “David,
this binary choice between music and ministry. By I gave this to you, so who are you to throw it away?”
participating in chapel worship services, I began to
see how I might be able to quote Calvin and Chris Rice, At Columbia, God surrounded me with a community that
Ignatius and Isaac Watts, and not be corrupted. cares enough to kick me out of my comfort zone, while
giving me a safe place to make the journey to ministry.
However, I didn’t really begin to integrate my
musical and theological selves until one Sunday —David Hawkins, MDiv, 2009
9
12. Dubuque, Iowa
Founded 1852
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
148 Students
16 Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity: Residential
and Distance Education
Master of Arts in Religion
Doctor of Ministry
Joint Degrees Offered
3/3 Program (BA/MDiv)
3/2 Program (BA/MAR)
Special Programs
Distance Education Commissioned
Lay Pastor Training
Native American Program
Continuing Education Program
Partnerships
Wartburg Theological Seminary
Native American Theological
Education Consortium
2000 University Avenue • Dubuque, IA 52001 • 800.369.UDTS • http://udts.dbq.edu
10
13. The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary is an ecumenical seminary
of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Its purpose is to advance the mission and
ministry of the church of Jesus Christ by preparing women and men for faithful,
compassionate, and effective pastoral and lay ministry in congregations. The seminary seeks to live as an
academy of the church and a community of Christians reflecting the glory of the one God, Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit.
G I
od calls people from all walks of life. In 2001, have felt called into ministry since I was in middle
I began to discern God’s call to ministry from school. Along the way, however, life happened and
my profession as a mechanic. I tried to ignore seminary was placed on the back burner. I went
it. After a few years of hearing affirmations, such to college, got married, and started a family. My
as, “When are going to become a youth pastor?” my husband, Cory, went to seminary and is now a
pastor handed me a stack of seminary brochures, chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserves.
including one from the University of Dubuque
Theological Seminary (UDTS). In the fall of 2006, at the age of twenty-eight, I was
diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In the face of a
Though I was hesitant, my wife, Kim, and I attended life-changing illness, I felt my sense of call deepen,
an Exploring a Call to Ministry weekend at UDTS. The and there was a sense of urgency to complete my
conference affirmed my call to ministry and left no degree and start a formal ministry. Since Cory and I
doubt that Dubuque was the place for me. were not able to afford to attend seminary at the same
time, I began to research ways of attending part time
I had not earned a bachelor’s degree, but the or online.
University of Dubuque offered a 3/3 program that
allowed me to save a year of study by combining I found an article on the PC(USA) Web site discussing
undergraduate and seminary programs. the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
distance education programs and announcing the
Dubuque is a diverse, welcoming community: neighbors new Distance Education MDiv program. It has been
help neighbors . . . women and men build friendships a perfect match. I have been able to attend seminary
that last a lifetime . . . faculty, staff, and students break while working full time as well as being a full-
bread together . . . children play and grow with joy. time mom—all without having to leave our home
church and supportive community! When my husband
The courses at UDTS are challenging, rooted in the transitions to active duty, no matter where we are
Christian tradition, and practical. Professors with stationed, I will be able to continue my education and
extensive pastoral experience routinely relate their pursue my call.
academic disciplines to the realities of ministry. —Ellen Germain, MDiv candidate
Students are given opportunities to serve churches in
a supervised environment while taking classes. I have
been equipped with the theological foundation and
tools for ministry and given the support to go forward
with confidence!
God is at work at the University of Dubuque Theological
Seminary. I have been truly blessed by the opportunity
to learn and serve in such an institution.
—Jeffrey Spencer, MDiv, 2009
11
14. Louisville, Kentucky
Founded 1852
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
206 Students
23 Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Marriage
and Family Therapy
Master of Arts (Religion)
Master of Theology
Doctor of Ministry
Joint Degrees Offered
Dual competency degrees in Law,
Business, Education, Marriage and
Family Therapy, Social Work, and
Spirituality with neighboring universities
Special Programs
Field Education Program
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Travel Seminars
Partnerships
The Louisville Institute
Recognized to train AME, CME, AME
Zion, United Methodist clergy
The $200,000 Grawemeyer Award
in Religion with the University
of Louisville
Metroversity, TEAM-A, two
constortiums of universities,
colleges, seminaries permitting
cross-registration
1044 Alta Vista Road • Louisville, KY 40205 • 800.264.1839 • www.lpts.edu
12
15. Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is called by God through the church to
educate men and women to participate in the redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ in
the world.
Louisville Seminary offers theological education that is grounded in the history and Scripture of the Christian
movement, informed by the Presbyterian and Reformed traditions, and guided by the vision of an ecumenical
church that is committed to ministry in a global, multicultural, and religiously diverse context, and to religious
leadership that is competent in the practices of Christian ministry.
At Louisville Seminary, students are strongly encouraged to seek field experiences in diverse settings—unfamiliar
places that are counter to their upbringing. Master of Divinity degree students are required to take four semesters
of field education, and all students are expected to immerse themselves in placements that stretch, challenge, and
expand preconceived notions of ministry and service.
During her first year at LPTS, Sandra Moon As a Marriage and Family Therapy student, Lacey
(MDiv/JD) did her field education at a men’s medium- Kilchenman strengthened her clinical experience at a
security prison and gained a general perspective treatment facility, where she was “able to stretch my
about prison chaplaincy and the challenges that exist therapeutic toolbox and learn more expressive ways
within that system. “My experience there brought my to treat patients with acute needs.” She worked with
theology to life as I worked with incarcerated men who children and adolescents by utilizing play therapy.
had to confront forgiveness and reconciliation, and “As a creative person, I enjoyed involving the arts
accept God’s grace and love in a way very different in a therapeutic setting. I also participated in a
from people I previously worked with. Through field multidisciplinary experience, working with doctors,
education, my faith and theology were challenged, social workers, nurses, mental health workers, and
strengthened, and nurtured in remarkable ways. It was activity therapists who helped me explore how to
one of the most valuable learning experiences in my best care for patients,” she said.
entire seminary career, and it will undoubtedly shape
my future ministry,” she said. “As I considered a field education placement, I
recognized that there was a gap in my training,” said
MDiv student Katrina Pekich-Bundy served a suburban MDiv student Jonathan Jones, who explained he had
congregation, where the ministers and the congregation little experience working with the fastest growing
provided space to explore social justice ministries demographic in the U.S., older adults. “My assignment
within the church. “At the time, the church had an at a local retirement community helped me learn about
interim pastor, which helped me to understand the the daily lives of an important group of people, who
process of searching for a pastor,” Katrina said. “The will be an integral part of serving as a pastor. My field
experience helped me to discern my calling to serve education placement was a blessing and a privilege.
in ordained ministry in an inner city church dealing I was transformed by the experience.”
directly with social justice issues.”
13
16. Chicago, Illinois
Founded 1829
McCormick Theological Seminary
273 Students
21 Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Doctor of Ministry
Master of Theological Studies
Joint Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity/Master of Social
Work with the University of Chicago
and with Loyola University
Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry with
Catholic Theological Union and
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching
Special Programs
Urban Ministry
Partnerships
Association of Chicago Theological
Schools, a consortium of Chicago
seminaries permitting
cross-registration
Lutheran School of Theology
at Chicago
Chicago Center for Global Ministries
5460 S. University Avenue • Chicago, IL 60615 • 800.228.4687 • www.mccormick.edu
14
17. Actively engaged in a diverse world, McCormick Theological Seminary is a seminary
of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that educates women and men for service in
Christian ministry and faithful leadership in God’s world. McCormick offers a program
of study that builds on and contributes to the Reformed tradition and engages students in commitment to God
and renewal of the global church. The seminary desires to create a community where academic excellence,
critical reflection, and faithful witness are commonly valued and actively pursued. It provides settings where
persons and communities are transformed in faithfulness to God and biblical tradition. It shapes visions for
ministries in urban locations and integrates cross-cultural and ecumenical learning into classrooms and
communities. In all it does, McCormick Theological Seminary supports congregations and governing bodies in
developing Christian ministry in a changing, broken, and fearful world.
I
ncoming students often cite a desire to be pushed could help others both explore the intricacies of racial
outside of their comfort zones as the primary identity and think critically about the multilayered
reason for choosing McCormick for their theological contexts in which they live.
education. That’s what brought Anna Kendig, a
Minneapolis native raised in a large, predominantly Perhaps even more important was a model for what
white congregation, to the seminary’s campus on the she calls “a riskier, more authentic way to be church.”
South Side of Chicago.
“The class was an experience of opening up an issue
“I knew that my context, though it was nurturing in a very deep and personal way with a diverse group
and affirming, is not everyone’s context,” Anna said. of colleagues and ultimately recognizing how critical it
“Seeing the deeper needs and realities of the church is to be able to do that in our own places of ministry.”
required a degree of growth and personal encounter
with the world outside of my own limited experiences.” As Anna considers life after McCormick, she is excited
about the prospect of working in the area of church
The crux of Anna’s spiritual formation at McCormick revitalization, applying the pastoral skills she has
was her work in a course entitled “Racial Identity honed in the classroom, in her field site work, and in a
and White Privilege.” The course was developed as seminary community living and worshipping together.
both a natural extension of the seminary’s missional
commitments and as a response to the PC(USA)’s “Nobody wants to be uncomfortable, but we all want
charge to integrate anti-racism training into seminary community. That’s a contradiction we all face, and at
curricula. its best I see church as a model for how people can
love one another through the tension and discomfort
For Anna, the course provided a framework for of our differences. But that kind of love and that kind
understanding her own identity as a multiracial of church don’t just happen with good intentions.
person and gave her the ability to find in other people It’s deeper than that and requires intentionality and
threads of commonality across profoundly different negotiation across our differences. It’s hard work, but
theologies, social locations, and cultural backgrounds. it’s the work to which God has called me.”
She was able to develop a vocabulary with which she
15
18. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Founded 1794
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
318 Students
24 Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts
Master of Sacred Theology
Doctor of Ministry
Joint Degrees Offered
Dual professional degrees in Social
Work, Law, and Public Policy in
conjunction with local universities
Certificate Programs
Christian Leadership
Commissioned Lay Pastor
Pneuma, Spiritual Direction
and Leadership
World Christian Discipleship
Special Programs
Metro-Urban Institute
Summer Youth Institute
World Mission Initiative
Center for Business, Religion
and Public Life
Kelso Bible Lands Museum
and Biblical Archaeology
616 N. Highland Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15206 • 800.451.4194 • www.pts.edu
16
19. On a dynamic and challenging global stage, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary plays its
part in God’s redemption of the world through Jesus Christ by preparing leaders who
proclaim with great joy God’s message of good news in both word and deed!
W
hile most think of Pittsburgh Theological Matt’s connection to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Seminary as a school for the preparation of continues in another significant way: his wife, Bethany,
pastors, some who study there are destined is now a student at the seminary. Matt and Bethany met
for different callings. Matt Harbaugh participated in during their college years, when they both volunteered
the Seminary’s Summer Youth Institute in 2002. SYI as leaders of an after-school children’s program at a
provides a Christian community challenging youth to local church. Teaching the Bible to elementary children
grow in faith and to gain a deeper understanding of the grew into a joint love of ministry for children and youth.
gospel and its implications for today’s world. For two At their current church, they teach a junior high Sunday
weeks each July, high school scholars from across the school class together as well as share their faith with
United States study the Bible with Pittsburgh Seminary the senior highs at youth group. They plan to continue
faculty, shadow local pastors, engage in mission with working together in ministry. Although still considering
the community, and worship, reflect, and pray daily. The her options, Bethany plans to pursue parish ministry.
program reflects Pittsburgh’s commitment to raising up
a new generation of leadership for the Church. The Harbaughs are a great example of Pittsburgh
Theological Seminary’s emphasis on bridging the
“I wanted to be involved in church leadership and Word and the world. Matt and Bethany both appreciate
incorporate medicine into a ministry of some kind,” said Pittsburgh’s focus on missions. “It is extremely
Matt. “I saw SYI as an opportunity for me to explore important to me to share the message of Jesus Christ
church leadership and network with seminary students with others, and I appreciate that Pittsburgh Seminary
as well as other young people with similar interests.” helps to provide opportunities for mission through
Now a college graduate, he is a medical student at the cross-cultural trips,” said Bethany. The Harbaughs are
University of Pittsburgh. Although he did not feel that remaining open to a possible call to the mission field in
theological education was his calling, he plans to be order to use their gifts of ministry and medicine inside
continually involved in church leadership and ministry and outside of Pittsburgh.
for years to come.
17
20. Princeton, New Jersey
Founded 1812
Princeton Theological Seminary
640 Students
52 Full-Time Faculty
13 Adjunct Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Christian Education
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Master of Theology
Doctor of Philosophy
Dual Degrees Offered
MDiv/MA
Joint Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity/Master of Social
Work with Rutgers University
Partnerships
National Capital Semester
for Seminarians
Inter-institutional arrangements with
Princeton University, Westminster Choir
College of Rider University, and New
Brunswick Theological Seminary
P.O. Box 821 • Princeton, NJ 08542 • 800.622.6767 • www.ptsem.edu
18
21. Princeton Theological Seminary prepares women and men to serve Jesus Christ in
ministries marked by faith, integrity, scholarship, competence, compassion, and joy.
It seeks to equip them for leadership worldwide in congregations and the larger
church, in classrooms and the academy, and in the public arena. As a professional and graduate school of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the seminary stands within the Reformed tradition. It affirms the sovereignty of the
triune God over all creation, the gospel of Jesus Christ as God’s saving word for all people, the renewing power
of the word and Spirit in all of life, and the unity of Christ’s servant church throughout the world. This tradition
shapes the instruction, research, practical training, and continuing education provided by the seminary, as well as
the theological scholarship it promotes.
I
n preparing for ministry in the church of Jesus that there is a limit to the knowledge one can acquire
Christ, Princeton Seminary’s Master of Divinity from books or holy texts. A deeper understanding of Islam
students have the opportunity to take courses in comes through personal interaction with Muslims.
different religions and to study in other cultures.
Deanna Ferree Womack, who is the daughter of a “During the trip, I began to see Oman as a poten-
Princeton Seminary alumnus, is now in Lebanon tial bridge between the Islamic world and the West
teaching religious education classes and serving as because it raises a voice of moderation against Islamic
a chaplain with the Secondary Evangelical School extremism. When I refer to Oman as an environment
administered by the National Evangelical (Presbyterian) of “moderate” Islam, I do not mean it is a Muslim
Synod of Lebanon and Syria. Here is her story in her country that has become Westernized. Although
own words: Oman has achieved much technological and economic
development and has embraced aspects of Western
“My journey began at the end of the spring culture, it remains a highly religious country. The vast
semester of my senior year when I learned of a majority of its citizens are Muslim.
PTS seminar on Christian-Muslim relations in the
Sultanate of Oman. Only two days after graduating “The Omanis we met were welcoming and interested
from Princeton Seminary, I set off for the capital city in our lives as Americans, and they made a point to
of Muscat along with five other PTS students. condemn terrorism. They also expressed concern that
We were met there by the Reverend Michael the Western world has misunderstood the character
Bos, director of the Reformed Church of America’s of Islam. Visiting a country of such openness and
Al-Amana Center, and PTS professor Richard Young. moderation reminded me of the need to listen more
closely to Muslims around the world whose sincere
“My classmates and I focused on three major faith leads them to denounce religious extremism.
areas of study: Islam, the history of Muslim-Christian
relations, and theology of religions. All are areas that “Christian-Muslim dialogue involves give-and-take
one must consider when engaging in Muslim-Christian from both sides. It requires both parties’ genuine
dialogue, and this became apparent in our class interest in learning from the other and openness
sessions with Michael Bos and in lectures given by to new experiences. As for us, we will be able
Muslims and Christians living around Muscat. We to share our experiences in Oman with our own
learned to recognize the diversity within the Muslim congregations and to emphasize the importance of
community and to examine the relationship between engaging with Muslims in our own communities in
the religion of Islam and Islamic culture. We also found the United States.”
19
22. San Anselmo/Pasadena, California
Founded 1871
San Francisco Theological Seminary
428 Students
23 Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Doctor of Ministry
D. Min. with emphases in Pastoral
Care and Counseling, Spiritual
Direction, Urban Ministry, and
Spiritual Leadership
Joint Degrees Offered
Master of Arts
Master of Arts/Master of Divinity
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Theology
(All joint degrees are offered in
conjunction with the Graduate
Theological Union.)
Special Programs
Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction
Diploma in Spiritual Formation Studies
Certificate in Ministry Studies (Lay
Pastor Training)
Program in Christian Spirituality
The Lloyd Center for
Pastoral Counseling
Partnerships
Founding member of the Graduate
Theological Union, the largest
partnership of seminaries and graduate
schools in the United States, located in
Berkeley, California
105 Seminary Road • San Anselmo, CA 94960 • 800.447.8820 • www.sfts.edu
20 54 N. Oakland Avenue • Pasadena, CA 91101 • 800.473.8772
23. San Francisco Theological Seminary prepares leaders for the church of Jesus Christ
sent by the Holy Spirit in God’s mission to the world. We are scholars and servants
of the church devoted to biblical interpretation and theological education in the
Reformed tradition within an ecumenical context. We are committed to the education of students in spiritual
formation, critical theological reflection, and the skills and arts of ministry, to serve in congregations, the wider
church, the classroom, and the public sphere.
K
nown as Kobie to friends and classmates, the Kobie began to feel God’s call to ministry while in
senior at SFTS’ Southern California campus high school, and she earned a BA in theology and a
has been profoundly shaped by her childhood Master’s degree in Greek. But she put God’s call on
experiences. hold, realizing that although the church had opened
ordination for women a year earlier, there was no real
One reason Kobie’s faith is rich is that she grew up prospect for a call. Patriarchy, just as segregation, was
poor. One reason she fights for inclusion is that she still very much alive in the Dutch Reformed Church.
had to experience apartheid in South Africa.
Kobie and her husband came to the U.S. in 2001.
Despite times when she went to bed hungry, Kobie When her husband received a call to serve Brentwood
has always felt God’s presence in her life thanks to Presbyterian Church, she enrolled at SFTS so she
her grandmother. Kobie learned from her grandmother could answer God’s call to ministry at long last. She
to pray, to forgive, and to see God in the small things. appreciates the Presbyterian Church’s history of
From an early age, Kobie learned that Christ is women’s ordination and social justice work, especially
revealed to people just like her: the poor, the the fight that helped end apartheid in South Africa,
ostracized, and the outcast. The church was the and the opportunity to attend SFTS while also working
one place she could feel Christ’s love even though her and raising her family.
family was from “the wrong side of the tracks.”
“What an adventure the SFTS experience has been!
Yet, she discovered that the church that welcomed her Seminary turned out to be more than academic
with open arms did not welcome everyone. She was knowledge and ministry skills. Every night students
taught that apartheid was good and beneficial for all, from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to
but she felt something was not right. form the unique community that is SFTS. We learn
by what is taught in class but also by the dynamic
“The realization that I lived in an unjust world came community formed by the diverse student body.
piece by piece,” Kobie recalls. “I began to question One of our professors calls it the ‘unintentional
everything I was taught was real and true. It would curriculum’: learning from one another. Reflecting
shake my very trust in the church and its members.” back on my time spent at SFTS, I can joyfully share
that it has been a blessed time of learning,
She remembers riding home from school on a bus, discovering, discerning, spiritual growth, and experi-
when some children would shout insults to the encing community uniquely.”
Africans walking next to the road. “Growing up poor I
had also received such hateful insults, so I identified
with the people walking down the road. Everything
screamed in me that this must be wrong.”
21
24. Atlanta, Georgia
Founded 1867
Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
21 students
26 full-time faculty
(20 from Interdenominational
Theological Center)
Degrees Offered
Master of Arts in Christian Education
Master of Arts in Church Music
Master of Divinity
Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Care
and Counseling
Joint Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity/Master of Public
Health with Morehouse School
of Medicine
Special Programs
Recruitment Conference for African
American Presbyterian Youth
Biblical Studies Club,
including travel seminars
Internship opportunities
Mission study tours, domestic
and international
Partnerships
Member of Interdenominational
Theological Center
Educating clergy in Africa, with the
Presbyterian Church of East Africa
and other Presbyterian denominations
in Africa
The Henry Highland Garnett
Presbyterian Campus Ministry
Program, Atlanta University Center,
with the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta
700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW • Atlanta, GA 30314 • 404.527.7781 • www.itc.edu/pages/smith.asp
22
25. The mission of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary is to serve God revealed
in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. The seminary’s particular
calling is to prepare leadership for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) out of the African
American heritage and membership of our denomination.
Seminarians are educated through the resources of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), a
consortium of six historically black Protestant seminaries, of which Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
is the PC (USA) constituent. ITC enrollment: 572. ITC provides 20 of 26 faculty positions at the seminary.
V
ital organizations become so because of the “We need clergy persons who are equally well trained
involvement of dedicated individuals. Often in exegeting Scripture and identifying community
those individuals are themselves beneficiaries resources. Pioneering leaders do not merely look
of the organization’s mission. Johnson C. Smith to the larger church or the local collection plate to
Theological Seminary lives today because it has underwrite ministry. . . . Rather, they are individuals
served well for 142 years and because those who who accept the incarnational witness of the gospel
benefited from that service have returned to and who seek to nurture disciples who will change
support the seminary. Robert M. Burkins, a graduate the world.”
of the seminary and pastor of the Elmwood United
Presbyterian Church in East Orange, NJ, is a prime In this paradigm the community’s investment in the
example of the seminary’s best gifts to the church. mission is just as important as the congregation’s
In his ministry the seminary’s mission becomes investment in the health of the community.
reality. Now Pastor Burkins’ vision is driving the
seminary forward. Speaking of his experience in seminary, Rev. Burkins
recalls a more limited approach: “We were prepared
As chair of the seminary trustees, Rev. Burkins is as leaders with a somewhat bifurcated vocation: on
leading the implementation of a new business plan. the one hand, to nurture the ethnocentric faith of the
Informing that process is his proposed vision around congregation, and on the other, to care for and serve
which the future ministry will be built. The vision, the community. . . . We need new paradigms . . . that
“Preparing Pioneering Leaders,” will lead the school would develop pioneering leaders. . . . These leaders
into a new paradigm for ministry and a new approach must be entrepreneurial; like Jesus they will be able
to theological education. to go into their communities and ‘turn the water into
wine.’ They must be pioneering leaders who have the
Rev. Burkins explains: “Much of the current interpre- ability to identify the resources within a community
tation of theology has de-emphasized the importance and create partnerships for change and development.
of developing pioneering leaders (i.e., disciples). In
fact, most churches place greater emphasis on church “The missional church requires leaders who have
growth than in being faithful to discerning the will of the capacity to understand their context and develop
God for our life together. congregations in which pastors are not the sole
decision makers. Rather, as pastors we must
“Johnson C. Smith’s obligation is to nurture students understand that we are called to make disciples and
who will become pioneering leaders who understand those disciples are, by definition, leaders. In preparing
that the benediction . . . must be just as powerful as pioneering leaders for the missional church, I believe
the opening of the church doors for prayer, praise, and that Johnson C. Smith can internalize and externalize
preaching the Word. resurrection experience in its students and graduates.”
23
26. Richmond, Virginia/Charlotte, North Carolina
Founded 1812
Union Theological Seminary &
Presbyterian School of Christian Education
344 Students
33 Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Christian Education
Master of Divinity/Master of Arts
in Christian Education
Master of Theology
Doctor of Philosophy
Special Programs
Project Burning Bush, for high school students
exploring vocation and the call to ministry
Kindling Weekend, for college students
interested in learning more about MDiv
and MACE degree programs
Institute for Reformed Theology
Asian American Ministry and
Mission Center
Partnerships
Union-PSCE at Charlotte, an extension
program in Charlotte, North Carolina,
at Queens University of Charlotte
Washington Theological Consortium,
a consortium of 10 theological institutions
in Virginia and the Washington DC
metro region
Rehoboth Project, a collaboration with
10 presbyteries for pastoral education
and renewal
The Blaze, a Montreat gathering for
leaders in youth ministry, co-sponsored
by Montreat Conference Center
3401 Brook Road • Richmond, VA 23227 • 800.229.2990 • www.union-psce.edu
24 Queens University of Charlotte • 1900 Selwyn Avenue • Charlotte, NC 28274 • 704.337.2450 • www.union-psce.edu
27. Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education equips
Christian leaders for ministry in the world – a sacred vocation that requires deep
learning, commitment to service, and an ability to read culture and circumstance in
the light of the rich resources of Scripture and theological tradition. The seminary’s core mission is to participate
in the mission of the church by forming and equipping leaders for the work of ministry, for building up the body
of Christ.
F
rom its beginning as the Faculty of Theology but outward, signifying the school’s mission to the
at Hampden-Sydney College in 1812, Union world. The beginnings of the ATS lie in a 1907 request
Theological Seminary (UTS) sustained the from a young Annie Wilson to attend lectures at the
intention of its founders to provide education for male-only seminary in preparation for her appointment
Christian ministry that is scholarly, pastoral, as a foreign missions worker. In the 1950s the school’s
and engaged with contemporary life. In 1898 tennis courts were among the handful in Richmond
UTS moved from Hampden-Sydney to Richmond, where future Wimbledon champion Arthur Ashe, an
Virginia, and in 1914 the seminary was instrumental African American, was allowed to practice as a boy.
in establishing the Assembly’s Training School And in 1968 PSCE opened its campus and dorms to
(ATS) for Lay Workers, renamed the Presbyterian marchers traveling to Washington to begin the Poor
School of Christian Education in 1959. In 1997 People’s Campaign. Today, student-faculty Service
the two institutions united, creating Union-PSCE, Days and Disaster Relief mission trips continue this
a theological school dedicated to serving the commitment to serve others in the name of Christ.
Presbyterian Church and the church worldwide.
In 2002 Union-PSCE at Charlotte was established on Many find the faculty’s commitment to the community
the campus of Queens University in Charlotte, North and to students particularly inspiring. “Some of the
Carolina. Reflecting changes in culture and labor most formative aspects of my seminary education
dynamics, this campus offers weekend classes for at Union-PSCE have been conversations and collabo-
commuting students who are unable to move to rations with faculty members,” says Jenny McDevitt,
Richmond or to commit to full-time study. For those an MDiv/MACE dual degree student. “I have been
who are farther removed, the Extended Campus encouraged to pursue topics about which I am deeply
Program provides a means for degree study beyond passionate, and have been challenged to engage
the campus. topics I would have preferred to avoid. As a result, I am
better prepared to participate in the life of the church
“One of my favorite things about Union-PSCE is the not only with enthusiasm, but also with integrity and a
wonderful people who make up our community,” says deep sense of responsibility.”
Lindy Vogado, an MDiv student from South Carolina.
“From the diverse student body to the very accessible That same sense of responsibility is what Brint Keyes, a
faculty and staff, the interactions that I’ve had with ThM student, finds exciting. “President (Brian) Blount’s
others on this campus have truly formed my education vision for the school as an active member of the
and shaped my sense of calling.” local community is unlike any that I’ve ever seen at
a seminary. He not only preaches about the inbreaking
The Union-PSCE campus is rich with markers of its reign of God, but has outlined plans for the seminary
historical commitment to preparing men and women to be part of that reign here in Richmond. His vision of
to lead the Church in its mission in the world. While mixed-use housing and a sliding-scale medical clinic
the main quad is modeled on Jefferson’s “academical shows a real and practical commitment to ‘practicing
community” at the University of Virginia, the entrances what we preach.’ ”
to the buildings surrounding the quad face not inward,
25
28. New York, New York
Founded 1818
Auburn Theological Seminary
In covenant with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
40 students
Auburn provides Presbyterian students
enrolled at Union Theological
Seminary in New York City with
targeted academic planning for those
pursuing ordination, workshops on
topics current in the PC(USA),
seminary courses in Presbyterian
polity and Reformed worship,
support in relating to Committees
on Preparation for Ministry, and
assistance in field placement in
New York City-area congregations.
Degrees Offered
Certificate for Presbyterian students
graduating from Union Theological
Seminary, New York
Certificates of Completion awarded
for certain programs
Continuing education units available
Joint Degrees Offered
Doctor of Ministry in Multifaith
Education, granted by New York
Theological Seminary
Special Programs
Program for Presbyterians at Union
Research on Theological Education
Clergy Coaching
Media Training for Religious Leaders
Multifaith Education
Partnerships
Union Theological Seminary, New York
The Riverside Church, The Brick
Church, and other congregations
that co-sponsor Auburn programs
3041 Broadway • New York, NY 10027 • 212.662.4315 • www.auburnsem.org
26
29. In its unique urban ministry setting, Auburn works to create a Presbyterian experience
for students at Union Theological Seminary, New York, preparing for ministry in the
PC(USA). As a non-degree-granting institution, Auburn welcomes several thousand
participants each year – educators, clergy and lay leaders, teens and an interested public – who deepen their
skills and broaden their vision through educational programs.
“M
y faith and love of Jesus Christ are congregations to relate the good news of the gospel
at the center of all I do,” says Kellie to real personal and societal issues. “There is a
Anderson-Picallo, who recently completed dearth of responsible voices in the religious media.
the Program for Presbyterian Students at Auburn Often what we hear is narrow, doesn’t speak for all
Theological Seminary while graduating with her Master Christians, and leaves many, many faithful people
of Divinity from Union Seminary in New York City. feeling like they’re on the sidelines. Hopefully,
my pastoral skills, my experience as a producer,
The wife, mother of two young children, and former and my respect for multifaith perspectives can
television producer says the past few years have widen this conversation and offer a more balanced
been a time of tremendous change and spiritual perspective to people who want to follow and serve
awakening. Suddenly ministry and theology have Christ in the world.”
become her passions! Sensing God’s call to leave a
successful career in media to serve the church, Kellie Auburn has partnered with Kellie and her fellow
wanted to study theology, grow in her Christian faith, Presbyterians at Union every step on their journey
and prepare for leadership in the PC(USA) in an of preparation for ministry. “Seminary isn’t easy. To
energized, diverse urban setting. “New York is where absorb, battle, deconstruct, and challenge the faith
I’m supposed to be,” says the third-generation foundation that you thought held you together is
Presbyterian who came to Manhattan and seminary exhausting. I’ve had to walk away from everything I
from Morningside Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. believe – the cross, Jesus, and even the sacraments –
“I decided to attend Union because of its long- to have them all come back as my own.” Three things
standing tradition of academic excellence and because have helped Kellie build a more solid faith foundation
the support Auburn Seminary provides every as she prepares for service to the Presbyterian Church:
Presbyterian student at Union made this my best Auburn courses on Reformed worship and polity
option for an ecumenical, urban, and Presbyterian that grounded her in her theological tradition; an
seminary experience.” advanced Union seminar on John Calvin, which
included a deep engagement with the Institutes of
A candidate for ordination in the PC(USA), Kellie the Christian Religion; and the ongoing practical
believes that God is calling her to be a pastor support Auburn provides Presbyterian students
serving a local congregation. She’d also like to use throughout the ordination process.
her experience in media to challenge and equip her
27
30. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Founded 1919
Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico
In covenant with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
188 Students
8 Full-Time Faculty
15 Part-Time Faculty
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Religion
Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care
for Families
Certificate in Theology
Special Programs
Certificate Program in Theology
for church lay leaders, with
specializations in Missions
and Christian Education
Continuing Education
Partnerships
United Methodist Church
of Puerto Rico
Christian Church, Disciples of Christ
Baptist Churches of Puerto Rico
United Evangelical Church
of Puerto Rico
Lutheran Evangelical Church
of Puerto Rico
776 Ponce de Leon Avenue • San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925 • 787.763.6700 • www.se-pr.edu
28
31. The Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico’s primary purpose is the training of pastoral
and lay leaders for service in the ministry and the mission of God’s people in Puerto
Rico, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States of America. As an ecumenical
center for theological education, it represents five Protestant denominations, including the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.), by covenant agreement. This relationship retains a margin of autonomy essential to creative theological
work, faithfulness to biblical revelation, and a relevance to the contemporary world.
S
itting under a lamppost in a dusty street in the as one said, “with the heart placed in the church and
Indian province of Punjab, 10-year-old Megh the heartbeat in the streets.” The seminary stresses
Goyal imagined a world beyond the poverty, the contextualization of traditional disciplines to
hunger, and violence surrounding him. Trying to imitate attend to both the needs of local churches and to the
the beauty of the masterful poetry at hand, he wrote: social reality that churches are called to engage in
Lord, have I had wings order to transform. The curriculum includes courses
I would fly away . . . such as Ministry with Disabled Persons, Legal Aspects
In order to teach others of Pastoral Ministry, Human Sexuality and the Church,
and The Church’s Response to Addictions. The study
Twenty-three years later, Megh began putting his of Bible, theology, and Christian history is enhanced
dream into action when he flew to Puerto Rico, after by the deliberate inclusion of global voices, with an
doing graduate work in the United States, to teach emphasis on the contributions of Latin American,
others as a young scholar in the field of agricultural Caribbean, and Hispanic scholars.
engineering. An avid and curious learner, Megh found
a Christian community and enrolled in a course for lay As the first Spanish-language theological institution
pastors offered by the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto accredited by the Association of Theological
Rico. The course opened his mind to new vistas of Schools of the United States and Canada and the
how Christian ministry can be empowered by creative, only Protestant Spanish-language institution to
critical, and careful biblical interpretation. Through have that accreditation, the seminary attracts
this class, Megh understood that there was a space students from around the world. The seminary is
for him at the seminary. “In the faculty that taught preparing to graduate a group of commissioned
these courses, I could not only see people who were lay pastors who are forming new congregations
well-versed in their respective disciplines, but also among Asian, African, Pakistani, and Latin American
people who modeled a way of living that was a immigrant communities in the United States.
faithful expression of their call to ministry,” Megh
said. With this conviction, he entered the Master of As an engineering professor, Megh teaches ways to
Divinity program even as he was learning to pronounce improve the effectiveness of cultivation because he
and understand the Spanish language. is convinced this effort will ultimately alleviate
starvation. He also pastors a congregation using the
Like Megh, many others have joined this community tools he learned at the seminary, convinced, as he
of learners where the Christian call is discerned and once said, that “the field is ready for the harvest.”
where dreams of what is possible within the world are Megh is realizing the daydream of his poem. “In my
forged. Whether they are second-career professionals Christian teaching,” he said, “the force of my reason
like Megh or recent college graduates, students come, follows the yearnings of my heart.”
29
32. fundingpresbyterianseminaries Q Howseminaries operate on tuition, contributions, grants, endowments,(U.S.A.)?annual contribution
Our
is theological education funded in the Presbyterian Church
and an
from the PC(USA)’s Theological Education Fund (TEF).
Q What isisthefund comprised of monies contributed by Presbyterian congregations on an annual basis.
The TEF a
TEF?
It is the only source of denomination-wide funding for PC(USA) seminaries.
Q How congregation is asked to maketo contributiontheologicalits local operating budget (all monies
Each
are Presbyterians expected help fund
a of 1% of
education?
expended for current operations of congregations as reported in the General Assembly Minutes,
Statistical Reports, Part II, line 25) to the TEF each year.
Q Why do we need to fund seminaries on a denomination-wide basis when they already raise
funds on their own?
The monies our seminaries raise are not enough to cover expenses and to offer scholarships. Perhaps
more important, our schools should be able to count on denomination-wide support to do the work
we Presbyterians are asking of them — educating leaders who can preach, teach, and pray in the
Reformed tradition. A 1%-per-year gift to the TEF is considered a congregation’s proportionate share
of educating church leaders.
Q Given that our the goal, your session canare tight, how can we contribute to the TEF? modest
Though 1% is
congregation’s finances
designate less. Some churches begin with a
contribution and increase their giving each year until they reach the full 1%.
Q One percent seems like aa nominal amount. Can givegivemuch as you can.
Absolutely! One percent is not a limit. Feel free to
we
as
more?
Q HowCommitteemonies distributed among(COTE)Presbyterian seminaries? elected by the General
The
are TEF
on Theological Education
the
— with thirteen members
Assembly plus a representative from each seminary — makes the allocations each year according
to a formula developed by the COTE. The formula provides each school with a fair share of the
funds, based on such factors as number of degrees granted and number of Presbyterian students.
Q Do all seminaries related to the PC(USA) receive TEFthrough the TEF. The TEF is intended to
All of our seminaries, except Auburn, receive funding
monies each year?
support theological institutions offering degree programs that prepare women and men for
professional ministry. Auburn’s focus is research and nondegree educational programs.
Q How does ourthe TEF in yourmake a contributionsession’s annual budget planning process.
Just include
congregation
congregation and
to the TEF?
Your session will then prepare a check and accompanying paperwork, both clearly marked
“Theological Education Fund, account #TE999999,” and submit them through the regular
channel that your church uses when sending funds for General Assembly causes.
Q How can we get more information about the TEF and other ways to support theological education?
Visit www.pcusa.org/seminaries.
30
34. Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary San Francisco Theological Seminary
100 E. 27th Street San Anselmo Campus
Austin, TX 78705 105 Seminary Road
800.241.1085 San Anselmo, CA 94960
www.austinseminary.edu 800.447.8820
www.sfts.edu
Columbia Theological Seminary
701 Columbia Drive Pasadena Campus
Decatur, GA 30030 54 N. Oakland Avenue
877.548.2817 Pasadena, CA 91101
www.ctsnet.edu 800.473.8772
www.sfts.edu
contactus
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
2000 University Avenue Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
Dubuque, IA 52001 700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW
800.369.UDTS Atlanta, GA 30314
http://udts.dbq.edu 404.527.7781
www.itc.edu/pages/smith.asp
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
1044 Alta Vista Road Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian
Louisville, KY 40205 School of Christian Education
800.264.1839 Richmond Campus
www.lpts.edu 3401 Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23227
McCormick Theological Seminary 800.229.2990
5460 S. University Avenue www.union-psce.edu
Chicago, IL 60615
800.228.4687 Charlotte Campus
www.mccormick.edu Queens University of Charlotte
1900 Selwyn Avenue
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Charlotte, NC 28274
616 N. Highland Avenue 704.337.2450
Pittsburgh, PA 15206 www.union-psce.edu
800.451.4194
www.pts.edu Auburn Theological Seminary
3041 Broadway
Princeton Theological Seminary New York, NY 10027
P.O. Box 821 212.662.4315
Princeton, NJ 08542 www.auburnsem.org
800.622.6767
www.ptsem.edu Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico
776 Ponce de Leon Avenue
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925
787.763.6700
www.se-pr.edu
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