Seminary News for April

Rejoice over the ways in which today’s ministers and lay leaders are being formed, as reported in this electronic newsletter from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Theological Education. This edition highlights how the denomination’s 10 seminaries and two related institutions equip leaders who reflect the diversity of congregational cultures and spiritual experiences.


Live into this season of renewal by making a commitment to seminary education with a gift to the Theological Education Fund. The TEF supports all of the denomination’s seminaries, and a gift of any amount will help.


Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary will offer its Southeast Asian Lay Pastors Training May 27–31. The course introduces students to major themes in the Pentateuch. It also helps provide a general understanding of the social, political, and cultural situations that conditioned the theological message of the Pentateuch. Learn more

Columbia Theological Seminary will present Opening to the God of Your Life: Women’s Contemplative Retreat May 20–24. The retreat will explore the many names for God in Scripture. Participants will pray and play their way to a spacious place where God’s gracious Spirit can manifest in forms both ancient and new. Get details

University of Dubuque Theological Seminary’s Master of Arts in Missional Christianity is designed to equip women and men for competent leadership in missional ministry in congregations or other settings. This may take the form of ministers of outreach, urban ministry, new church development, youth ministry, or work with para-church organizations. Find out more (click cancel on the first screen.)

Registration is open for McCormick Theological Seminary’s Certificate in Executive Leadership program for 2013–2014. The program equips pastors and other key leaders of Christian institutions with the skills vital for effective leadership. The program emphasizes the development of adaptive and transformational skills and draws on contemporary leadership theory and practice. Find out more

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will offer the class Seeing with the Eyes of Faith: Visual Art as an Entry to Prayer Sept. 22–27. The class will explore the possibilities for opening our souls to God through paintings and photography, meditation with drawing, and attending to visual images evoked by literature. Learn more

Princeton Theological Seminary’s Black Theology and Leadership Institute will be held July 13–20. The continuing education event for clergy and laity will focus on training, worship, and fellowship. It is designed for those seeking to deepen their thinking and preaching by learning from preeminent scholars of theology and religion. Get details

Border Control: Mission Art at the Boundaries will be the topic discussed by Dr. Mia Mochizuki in a May 13 program at San Francisco Theological Seminary. The program is one in a series of workshops exploring the theme of borders. The workshops are part of the Muilenburg-Koenig History of Religion Seminar. Learn more

The Asian American Ministry Center at Union Presbyterian Seminary provides for the needs of Asian American students, alumni, and regional pastors in their ministry. Upcoming events include the Charlotte Area Asian American Pastors event September 30–October 2 and the Korean Lay Leadership Institute October 6–10. Get details

Auburn Theological Seminary’s 2013 Lives of Commitment Awards Benefit Breakfast will be held May 1. The 17th annual awards benefit honors bold women leaders and next-generation change makers who bridge religious divides, build community, and pursue justice. Find out more

The Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico will sponsor a trip to Israel, Palestine, and Jordan June 11–23. The lecturer will be Dr. Ediberto Lopez, a professor of New Testament and Greek at the seminary. Learn more


Students, alumni, and others in Louisville Seminary community making a difference

One only need peruse the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary website to see the significant ways in which its students, graduates, seminary leaders, and others in the institution’s community are being change agents in the broader world.

Take, for example, Bruce Berry, who earned a master of divinity degree in 1972. “I am called to administrative ministries, even in retirement. Louisville Seminary prepared me for my life’s work by providing a variety of field placements that enabled me to see how not-for-profits functioned or didn’t function.” Continue reading…

Johnson C. Smith takes spiritual journey with students, preparing them for God’s call

Taking the journey of seminary education at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, which ultimately leads to service to the church and the world, is very much done in concert with the administration, faculty, and staff of the seminary and consortium to which the institution belongs.

“The heartbeat of the staff of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary . . . is our understanding of the call and passion of our students,” Leslie Essien, the seminary’s development officer, said in a video on the seminary website. “We also understand that this call and passion is what we are here to support.” Continue reading…