The Office of Theological Education is the liaison between your Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminaries and the General Assembly Council.

Equip future pastors to teach theology, Juengst says

by Toya Richards Hill

SAN JOSE, June 26, 2008 — Equipping seminary students “to go out to equip others” is critical, the Rev. Sara Covin Juengst told a group of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminary leaders and others gathered for the Committee on Theological Education (COTE) Breakfast on Thursday.

“We have not placed the emphasis on how to teach theology,” she said. “I’m talking about basic principles of good teaching that will communicate in a variety of ways the important theology, the biblical studies.” Keep reading.

From the Presbyterian News Service • May 8, 2008

Are you ready?

New Union-PSCE president urges those closest to seminary to shake off vestiges of past, move into future

by Toya Richards Hill

RICHMOND, VA — Just like Jesus told Lazarus to rise from the dead and come out from the tomb, and just as he commanded the onlookers to tear away the cloths that marked Lazarus as dead, so too did the Rev. Brian K. Blount call upon the community of Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education to rise from its deadness, unbind itself from its past and move into what God intends it to be. Keep reading this story and see a video of reactions to the Rev. Dr. Blount’s inauguration.

From the Presbyterian News Service • April 2, 2008

Conference seeks to strategize ways to tap next generation of African-American leaders

May event dovetails with Blount’s inauguration at Union-PSCE

by Toya Richards Hill

LOUISVILLE — Brainstorming the best ways to tap into and prepare the next generation of African-American leaders for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be part of an upcoming conference at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education (Union-PSCE).

“Calling for the Order of the Day: Pedagogies of African American Presbyterians — Implications for Theological Education” will take place May 5-7 in Richmond, Va. The event dovetails with the historic inauguration on May 7 of Union-PSCE president the Rev. Brian K. Blount, the first African-American president of a PC(USA) seminary. Keep reading about this event.

From the Presbyterian News Service • March 7, 2008

Kirkpatrick to serve as visiting professor at Louisville Seminary

The Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick

by Michelle Melton
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

LOUISVILLE — Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary has announced the appointment of the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick as visiting professor of ecumenical studies and global ministries, beginning next fall.

The announcement was made during the “Voices of the Church Dinner,” which was held March 4 in conjunction with Louisville Seminary’s annual Festival of Theology and Alum Reunion. Kirkpatrick was the guest speaker. Keep reading this story.

Celebrate the gifts of our theological schools

The General Assembly designates September 14 as Theological Education Emphasis Sunday this year though your church may choose to celebrate on any Sunday of the year. This day is an opportunity to celebrate the gifts of our theological schools and the ways they shape and form the church and its leaders.

Learn how you can lift up our theological schools in your congregation.

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]