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'The thing that unites all of us'

Seminarians get first-hand look at the connectional church

by Emily Enders Odom
Associate, Mission Communications
Reprinted from One in the Spirit

LOUISVILLE — A self-professed "polity geek" with an inquiring mind for all things Presbyterian, Jeff Foels had no General Assembly level experience in his portfolio while fellow seminarian, Lauren Simmons, a former Young Adult Volunteer (YAV), already had greater than average exposure to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s inner workings.

Both Foels and Simmons — two of the 17 students from Presbyterian-related seminaries who attended the Leaders in the Connectional Church program held here Jan. 12-16 — found that their horizons were broadened and their assumptions challenged about the national offices as they spent part of their January term studying a wide range of PC(USA) program areas under the supervision of experienced denominational leaders. Keep reading.

Presidential search committee named at Columbia Theological Seminary

The Board of Trustees of Columbia Theological Seminary has elected a search committee for the selection and recommendation to the Board of a new president.

Trustee Lee W. Bowman, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Lexington, Kentucky, will chair the committee. She is a member of Transylvania Presbytery and previously served Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. Keep reading this story.

How Will They Hear?

This 1 minute and 45 second video clip designed for use in meetings highlights the connection between our seminaries and churches working together to develop leaders for the mission-minded church. Without mission-minded leaders the church cannot grow and spread the gospel. Our PC(USA) seminaries are vital partners in this ministry and deserve our support. Use this video as an introduction to spark conversation about seminary support.

Together, your seminaries ...

• Offer coursework through master's degree programs to prepare men and women to be pastors, educators, chaplains, therapists, spiritual directors and musicians for congregations and other specialized ministries
• Prepare men and women for a global, multicultural ministry context, whether they will serve in a rural, urban, suburban, small town, international or Third World setting
• Provide continuing education for clergy and lay leaders
• Provide doctorate-level programs for ministers of the Word and Sacrament
• Serve as centers of research, theological discourse and reflection for the benefit of the wider church
• Work with congregations, presbyteries and other educational institutions as consultants and advisors on issues and concerns of the church
• Reach out to youth and other persons who may be called to ministry to facilitate the discernment process

Learn more about your Presbyterian seminaries.

Your congregation can focus on theological education and your seminaries

Inform your congregation about the rich diversity of theological institutions related to the PC(USA) by choosing one seminary to be highlighted each month during the year. Interpretive printed materials and videos are available from the schools. [Read more]

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