| |
Minute for Mission: Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
The mission of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary (JCSTS) 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.
The seminary, located in Atlanta, is the PC(USA) constituent of the consortium of the six historically Black Protestant seminaries known as the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). Through the ITC, Johnson C. Smith Seminary offers six degree programs: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Church Music, Master of Arts in Christian Education, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Theology, and dual degrees. Other special programs and ministry opportunities include the Institute of Church Administration and Management, FaithFactor (a resource for Faith-Based Community Transformation), Religious Heritage of the African World Research Project, Black Women in Church and Society, African American Worship Traditions Program, Rural Ministry Project, and Continuing and Extension Education Certificate programs.
JCSTS seminarians are educated and nurtured in an exciting ecumenical environment while receiving thorough denominational preparation for ministry in the PC(USA). While predominantly African American, the seminary is an interracial, international, and intercultural community with a commitment to excellence. The seminary’s strong ecumenical and culturally diverse environment is affirming, intellectually stimulating, and personally liberating.
Through the ITC, the seminary also provides graduate theological education for Presbyterian and other Reformed church leaders from developing countries. In 2008, the student body of thirty-five included four Kenyans, five Brazilians, one Zimbabwean, and one Ghanaian.
—Office of Theological Education, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Eternal God, we lift up the unique contributions of Johnson C. Smith Seminary. We are grateful for the generations of leaders it has contributed that have enriched the whole church. We pray for administrators, professors, staff, students, and the entire extended community of the ITC, for the contributions of African diaspora Presbyterians, for the global consciousness of social justice, and for the faith to persevere in loving and shaping dynamic leaders for today and tomorrow. We give you, Almighty God, all our thanks and praise. Amen.
Acts 8:26–40
O Praise the Gracious Power
PH 471
Ps. 22:25–31
Psalm 22
PPCS 17
1 John 4:7–21
Help Us Accept Each Other
PH 358
John 15:1–8
We Come as Guests Invited
PH 517
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 93, 150 Ps. 136, 117
Isa. 32:1–8
2 Thess. 2:13–17; Matt. 7:7–14 |
|
