The newest issue of Encounter: A Journal of Theological Scholarship is now available—and it is a special one. The third issue in a series of four that honors Christian Theological Seminary’s 100th anniversary, this edition brings together scholarship, reflection, and celebration of CTS’ enduring legacy. 

This issue highlights three exceptional essays by CTS faculty members Suzanne Coyle, Lane Davis, and Helene Russell, each contributing meaningful insight to contemporary theological scholarship. It also includes two treasures from our Centennial Celebration: the 100th anniversary sermon delivered by Sharon Watkins and a Litany of Gratitude offered during last November’s centennial chapel service. 

Since 1940, Christian Theological Seminary has published Encounter: A Journal of Theological Scholarship without interruption, making it one of the longest-running journals produced by a freestanding seminary in the United States. Published three times a year, Encounter features scholarly articles, sermons, and reviews of recent works in theological studies. The journal is committed to fostering creative conversation on vital issues—bringing together Christians from many traditions, theologians and scholars across disciplines, as well as people of other faiths. 

Encounter began in 1940 as Shane Quarterly, published by the Butler University School of Religion. In 1956, it was renamed Encounter. Today, it remains one of the few journals still published by a progressive, mainline seminary. Produced and edited by CTS faculty and staff, the journal is led by Dr. Scott Seay, Senior Editor; Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen, Book Review Editor; and David A. Stout, Managing Editor. 

The Journal continues to serve as a vital platform for theological dialogue, and this edition both honors our past and looks toward the future of faithful scholarship. 

You can access the full issue on the CTS library website, here, and it has also been sent to ATLA for inclusion in their databases. We encourage you to share this resource widely—on social media, with colleagues, and within your communities. 

We are deeply grateful to all who contributed to making this issue a fitting tribute to CTS’ century of forming leaders for service and scholarship. 

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This past academic year marked a profound milestone in the life of Christian Theological Seminary — our 100th anniversary. From its early days in 1924 to the vibrant, diverse community we are today, CTS has remained steadfast in its mission: to form disciples of Jesus Christ for church and community leadership, rooted in deep theological reflection, justice-seeking, and spiritual integrity. 

Throughout the year, we came together — students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters — to honor a century of theological education and to imagine the next hundred years with hope and purpose. From panel discussions and guest lectures to worship services and special events, each gathering served as a reminder of God’s enduring faithfulness and the transformative power of Christian community. 

Highlights of the celebration included an Alumni Day gathering featuring reflections from distinguished alumni and scholars, a centennial worship service honoring our ecumenical roots, and a powerful CTS Talk by author and activist John Green. His address, titled “In These Last Days,” explored themes of apocalyptic anxiety, radical hope, and our shared responsibility in the face of inequality. The festivities continued with a vibrant fundraising gala that amplified voices from across generations of CTS graduates and raised over $60,000 to support student scholarships. The centennial celebration culminated in a meaningful Commencement weekend, which included the debut of a new hymn—commissioned by CTS and composed by honorary degree recipient Mark Miller—at the Baccalaureate service, and a joyful Commencement ceremony recognizing a new generation of leaders in theology and counseling, ready to carry the CTS legacy into the world.  

These lyrics accompany and give meaning to the video montage that follows.  

Our Story Started As a Dream 

David Bjorlin & Mark A. Miller, 2025

Our story started as a dream you placed within your people’s heart, 
With love its everlasting theme and justice its unchanging art: 
Where you would split a sea to set the captives free; 
Surrender your own Son to see our death undone; 
And breakdown every wall to prove your grace for all. 
We give you thanks and boldly pray to live your ancient dream today. 

The dream our ancestors received and labored bravely to engage,
Is taken up and reconceived by faithful saints in every age:
Where all your children seek the welfare of the weak;
Endeavor to increase the common cause of peace;
and strive to recreate the lives destroyed by hate. 
We give you thanks and boldly pray to live your present dream today. 

And though this dream is unfulfilled and clouded by our grief and pain,
We pledge to use this time to build from blue-prints of your coming reign:
Where nations shore to shore will study war no more;
The roles of last and first will surely be reversed;
And your reviving breath will liven even death;
We give you thanks and boldly pray to live your future dream today.  

As we step into a new century, we give thanks — for those who came before us, for those walking with us now, and for the Spirit who leads us forward. May the next 100 years be marked by the same courage, curiosity, and commitment that shaped the first. 

Here’s to the journey ahead — grounded in faith, committed to justice, and open to the call of God in all its forms. 

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Christian Theological Seminary has honored one of its distinguished alumni, Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr. (MDiv ’68, DMin ’75, Hon ’94), with the inaugural Living Legend Award for Dedication to Theological Education. The award was presented by CTS President David M. Mellott during the 2025 Legends of Leadership Breakfast on April 22, recognizing Bishop Benjamin’s remarkable ministry and his enduring impact on theological education. During his 43 years of continuous service as pastor of Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis, he guided more than 50 students through CTS’ Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree programs.

Bishop Benjamin’s journey to CTS was, as he puts it, “God directed.” A native of St. Louis, MO raised in Cleveland, Ohio and a childhood member of Fifth Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Benjamin had originally planned to attend Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania following in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s footsteps. Encouraged by his pastor to consider CTS — a major seminary of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) — Benjamin visited Indianapolis and immediately felt at home. At just 22 years old, he found a welcoming spirit that confirmed his decision. “I equate intelligence with kindness,” he recalls. “Dr. Bradshaw, the director of field education, walked me around and talked to me like a father would to a son. I said, ‘Well this is where I need to be.’”

Bishop Benjamin went on to earn both his Master of Divinity (1968) and his Doctor of Ministry (1975) degrees at CTS, participating in one of the seminary’s first-ever DMin cohorts. “They had formed one of the early DMin programs across the country at CTS,” he shares, his voice tinged with pride at being part of such a trailblazing initiative. In 1994 CTS presented him with an Honorary Degree of Divinity.

Throughout his student years, he collected experiences that left a lifelong impact. Among his most vivid memories is the visit of Robert F. Kennedy Sr. to campus. “I introduced him in Shelton Auditorium and was his host for the rest of the day. He was so impressed with CTS! The experience here was life changing,” Bishop fondly recalls.

Those transformative experiences at CTS unfolded against the backdrop of a nation in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. He was a follower of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. while in college, but seminary shaped his focus. He recalls,

I think it’s important to know that everything like this is in context. It was during that time that I developed the social justice mentality. When I came here, we had just passed the Civil Rights bill. I didn’t find any antagonism here in this school, but just prior to that I was an intercollegiate varsity tennis player at St. Louis University. I experienced the kind of thing that changes your perspective on life. We were traveling as a team. We played at the University of Kansas, and we drove on a bus up to Kansas City. Outside of Kansas City, we pulled up to a restaurant. As we got ready to go in, they said, ‘Oh, no no no – you guys can come in, but not him.’ The team got on the bus and left. Then the same thing happened in Louisville, Kentucky. The same year. This was before the Civil Rights bill. That helped to put the steel in my spine, and I said, ‘I’m never going to let anybody demean me again, and I will always resist oppression, I will always champion inclusion, and I will always speak truth to power.’ And that has been my ministry.

CTS was known for promoting social justice, civic action, healthy dissension, and inclusion. Bishop Benjamin believes that was particularly attractive to young theologians coming into a movement. His experiences at CTS all became a part of his energy and passion.

It was also during this season of formation that Bishop Benjamin began a connection with the congregation that would define his pastoral career. As a student completing field education, Bishop interned at Witherspoon Presbyterian Church. Within a year, he was invited to serve Second Christian Church, the congregation that would later become Light of the World Christian Church — a name change he helped lead to better reflect its mission and vision.

Over his tenure as pastor of Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis, Bishop Benjamin became known not only as a faithful pastor and shepherd, but also — in his words — “a good troublemaker,” inspiring generations of clergy to boldly engage issues of justice and inclusion. He was affectionately called “the City’s Pastor.”

He retired from Light of the World in 2012 and was named Senior Pastor Emeritus. The church continues to be both a literal and figurative light on the hill at Cold Spring and Michigan Road in Indianapolis. “Success demands a successful successor,” Bishop notes with pride, celebrating the leadership of those who have followed him at Light of the World, a congregation whose name he helped choose to symbolize the hope and light they bring to the community.

Thirteen years after retirement, Bishop’s legacy continues to shine brightly. That legacy was celebrated again on April 23, when more than 200 people gathered at Light of the World to express their gratitude. Patiently waiting for a personal moment with Bishop and Lady Benjamin, the crowd reflected the deep and widespread impact of a man whose life’s work has been to turn broken beginnings into living testimonies of resilience and faith. “You can come from a broken home,” Bishop Benjamin has often said, “but you don’t have to live a broken life.”

Throughout his ministry, Bishop Benjamin consistently encouraged students to pursue theological education — particularly at CTS. Asked why he so passionately referred potential seminarians to CTS, Bishop says, “It’s because it was a good experience. I was very sensitive at that point to discrimination and racism because of those experiences I shared with you, and I didn’t find any of that here – not even a tinge of it.”

He credits his wife Beverly, whom he married during his second year at CTS, with helping to affirm the positive environment. “My wife, who I listen to often about what’s good and what’s bad, felt CTS was a good place,” he says.

Beyond the welcoming spirit, Bishop Benjamin found his intellectual world expanded.

“I realized that it was changing the way in which I thought… This whole business of critical thinking. It helped me to line up my passion with my purpose.”

Because of those transformative experiences, Bishop felt a responsibility to urge others into seminary education. “You’ve got to get in there and be challenged,” he says. “Iron sharpens iron.”

Light of the World and CTS have shared a beautiful partnership over the decades. Whenever Light of the World underwent renovations or construction — whether downtown, at 38th Street, or the current building on Michigan Road — the congregation found a welcoming home at CTS. “We’re kind of joined at the hip,” Bishop Benjamin says with a smile.

Much of what Bishop Benjamin celebrates about CTS echoes the reflections of many alumni: a place that teaches not what to think, but how to think; fosters authentic relationships with faculty; and welcomes theological diversity while pushing each student toward their truest calling.

“I wanted to make sure that every minister put in my care understood that an educated minister leads to an elevated community,” Bishop Benjamin explains. “If you are being charged with caring for folks’ souls, shouldn’t you be excellently trained for that? I’m not judging your calling, but if you’re going to come under my covering, seminary is a requirement.”

When asked what advice he has for young pastors stepping out into ministry and seminary training, Bishop offers this simple but profound reflection: “I didn’t plan my ministry. I had no idea where God was going to lead me. I never saw this, but God saw this. God planned it, and I simply walked in it.” In the words of his mentor, the late, great, Howard Thurman, Bishop endorses the idea “that when you and Jesus become one, all of life’s resources begin to flow toward you.”

May we all be as faithful as Bishop Benjamin in taking the next step God sets before us — walking with purpose, humility, kindness, and the light that only faith can ignite.

On April 22, 2025, at the Annual Legends of Leadership Breakfast,  Christian Theological Seminary awarded Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr, the inaugural Living Legend Award for Dedication to Theological Education. The award recognizes extraordinary individuals whose unwavering commitment and profound impact on CTS has inspired and nurtured the spiritual and academic growth of countless students. Below are photographs from the morning.

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On February 6, author and activist John Green spoke to a sold out audience in Shelton Auditorium for a special Centennial CTS Talks presentation. The evening marked a bright spot of hope in the midst of what has been a tumultuous few weeks in our country and world. Green’s talk, titled “In These Last Days,” addressed the concerns of apocalyptic anxiety and despair while considering the possibility of a radical hope that might withstand the struggles of our time. It also touched on the responsibility humans have in the face of inequality.

In a special conversation with CTS students prior to the main event, Green took questions and talked about the overlap of counseling and theology, speaking from his personal experience during two CPE chaplaincy placements at a children’s hospital early in his career. He shared, “I think the most important work we do is person to person. I’ve been fortunate to be able to have a lot of cool jobs over the course of my life, but the most important work I ever did or will ever do was at the hospital because it was person to person. That’s the scale at which we deeply change and shape each other. Sometimes it can be frustrating because we look at the broader social order and we want to make big social change, and I think that’s possible and important, but the person to person work is absolutely critical. That’s where you really change people and open people’s minds up. I’m not convinced that Vlogbrothers, despite its reach, could change a single vote. I’m really not. But I have experienced person to person interactions that can.”

When asked about his decision to come to CTS, Green responded, “One thing I really admire about CTS is the ecumenical approach and the ability to bring together lots of different people. When I was a chaplain at the children’s hospital, one of my fellow chaplains was a Catholic nun and one of them was an evangelical Christian pastor and one of them was an AME pastor and then there was little old me, and it was wonderful to be in such a group of people who were seeking the same meaning through different paths. It’s long been something I really valued. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to come.” He continued, noting CTS’ core values and reflecting on their importance. “We have to make space for everybody, working toward justice for all. Working toward justice is an imperative of Christian life. I think that’s so true, and that resonates with me really deeply. I also think that we can’t pretend that embracing diversity or working toward justice is easy or uncomplicated work. It’s messy and difficult and when you get in the daily grind of it, it can feel like there are more losses than wins.”

The group discussed how important it is to take action, even though it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out the first step. One student brought up Green’s efforts to oppose book banning and his advocacy for tuberculosis awareness, asking if he foresees continuing similar work in the future. Green shared his current focus is on tuberculosis activism, noting the value of focusing one’s advocacy efforts to avoid feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed from taking action. His upcoming nonfiction book “Everything is Tuberculosis” releases on March 18 and is the culmination of years of research and writing about the disease. Green reflected, “There are so many directions in which to be panicked and overwhelmed right now. This is what I happen to know about, this is what I happen to have an expertise in that I’ve spent the last 5 years learning about, and so that’s where I’m going to focus my energy. I’m counting on other people to focus their energy in other places…  I want to support those people, but still pick my lane, pick my area of expertise where I feel like I can do the most good.”

Green also noted how difficult it can be to stay focused when it feels like there are so many causes that need support. He suggested paying attention to one’s calling and recognizing the importance of centering the most vulnerable people in our communities as we work towards a better future. “Most of what I have is commiseration to share, and concern – deep concern for the most marginalized people who are always the people who suffer the most in times like this. It’s always going to be the people who Jesus put at the center and the social order puts at the margins who are most affected, and I think it’s pretty clear to me what I’m called to do in that situation,” said Green.

The energy carried over into Shelton Auditorium, where a packed audience eagerly awaited Green’s keynote address. CTS President David M. Mellott welcomed the audience, providing history and context for CTS’ 100th Anniversary as well as remarks on the present moment in history.

“This year, we are featuring three nationally and internationally known speakers working at the intersection of public life with healthcare, religion, theology, and social systems,” Mellott shared about the CTS Talks series. “CTS continues to build upon this foundation of religious and social transformation which you can see in the values upon which we live and work. All people, and I mean ALL people, are created in the image of God and therefore have inherent worth and dignity; and working toward justice for all is an imperative of Christian faith and life. We at CTS are not wavering from these values. In fact, now is the time to embody those more loudly and more proudly. I believe the world needs CTS. The world needs you, friends. And we need each other. Seeing such an impressive crowd gathered here this evening gives me a lot of hope. I hope it does the same for you.”

Green took the stage, speaking for 45 minutes before an enrapt audience. He addressed how odd it is that we are the only species we know of with both consciousness and such great power and influence over the world around us. “Every species on earth has what is called a temporal range – the length of time they get to be a species… We’re not the first species to become so powerful on Earth that we muck up the climate and threaten the planet’s biodiversity… but we are the first species to know what we’re doing while we do it,” shared Green. “What I need to know is what to do with the strange miracle of my consciousness; how to live and grieve and hope in a world where everything we’re certain of will end.”

He highlighted the power of human choice, both through action and through lack of action. “It’s important to remember that we choose the world we share – not entirely, of course – but to a great degree. And we could live in a world without tuberculosis. We could live in a United States without tuberculosis. Almost everybody who gets TB is living in marginalized situations, often living in shelters, often working in crowded workplaces – sweatshops and crowded factories – and taking overcrowded public transport to school or work each day. The argument of my book is that tuberculosis in the 21st century is not really caused by a bacterium anymore. It’s really caused by human built systems. It’s really caused by human choice. We know that we can choose a better world. We know that we can choose a world where we embrace more people as full members of the human story and affirm their rights to access to healthcare and educational opportunities. We know that we can do that because we have done it. The year I graduated from high school 13 million children under the age of 5 died, and last year fewer than 5 million did, so we know that we can make progress on these important issues. But that progress is not inevitable, it’s not natural, and I am deeply concerned that we may see reverses in it.”

The author was given a standing ovation as he transitioned from the podium to a more intimate moderated conversation with CTS Professor Dr. Nick Peterson. Audience members asked questions, wondering how we might inspire others in our community to take action on issues like the tuberculosis epidemic. Green suggested we start small, with person to person conversations in our spheres of influence. He shared, “The moment we become proximal to that suffering, to that fear… suddenly we care. The question for me is, how do we make ourselves proximal to the most marginalized people in the world, who don’t have the megaphone, who don’t have access to the microphones that I do. That’s what I try to do in this book.”

Through his CTS Talk, John Green was able to recognize the overwhelming anxiety of the current moment while still recognizing our power to choose a better world through activism and action. His signature style of humor blended with genuine humility and powerful prose left the audience feeling emboldened, inspired, and hopeful that our community has the ability to choose a better future.

Stay Tuned for More CTS Talks! Click here to learn about our next CTS Talks speaker Dr. Eleazar S. Fernandez and his topic “Sin and Power: Our Socio-Ecological Unraveling.” 

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As part of its Centennial Celebrations, Christian Theological Seminary is excited to welcome New York Times bestselling author, tuberculosis advocate, digital creator, and proud Indiana resident John Green to its CTS Talks series on Thursday, February 6. This event, which sold out in less than 24 hours, features Green considering themes of apocalyptic anxiety, despair, and the potential for radical hope in a world that often feels on the brink of collapse.

Green is a highly acclaimed author, known for his young adult novels that often tackle deep themes like love, loss, mental health, and self-discovery. Some of his most well-known books include The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, and Paper Towns. The Fault in Our Stars in particular became a massive success, both as a book and a film, resonating deeply with readers for its portrayal of young love and the challenges of living with terminal illness. His writing tackles profound themes of identity, mental health, love, suffering, and the search for meaning. His upcoming non-fiction book Everything is Tuberculosis comes out on March 18.

Beyond his writing, Green is also an advocate for mental health awareness and has been open about his own struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He co-created the YouTube channel vlogbrothers with his brother Hank Green, where the two discuss a range of topics, from science and literature to current events and social issues. They inspire viewers to engage deeply with the complexities of life and encourage people to contribute to the flourishing of others. The Green brothers also launched the YouTube channel Crash Course, where John, Hank, and a range of other hosts teach humanities and science courses. Crash Course has over 10.7 million subscribers and 1.2 billion views. Green has also been involved in various charitable efforts, including the Project for Awesome, a fundraiser to support charities through creative content, and  Good.Store, an online shop selling everyday products that donates 100% of profits to stop medical injustice at the root. The project has helped fund more than $8 million in donations to Partners in Health.

This CTS Talk was planned in large part due to Green’s alignment with and embodiment of CTS’s core values. Our 100th Anniversary has led us to reflect on those values and the ways they have guided our seminary community in the past. It has also caused us to ask how we are living out those values now and the ways we will be guided by them in the next 100 years.

Some may not realize that John Green initially pursued a path in religious studies before turning to writing. After graduating from college, Green attended seminary as he sought to prepare for a future in ministry. During his studies, he completed a chaplaincy internship, offering spiritual care to patients in a hospital setting. This experience provided him with profound insights into human suffering, death, and faith, but it ultimately led him to reconsider his calling. Despite his deep engagement with spiritual matters and the connections he formed with individuals in crisis, Green decided that he did not want to pursue a career as a pastor. This realization marked a turning point, as he left the seminary and chose to focus on his passion for writing, which ultimately led to his success as an author.

While Green’s decision to move away from pastoral ministry might seem like a departure from his early ambitions, it influenced his writing in significant ways and proved to be a continuation of pursuing authentic calling. His exploration of complex themes, such as mortality, love, and the meaning of life, often draws from the insights he gained during his seminary training and chaplaincy work. Green has said that his time in those roles helped him understand the vulnerability and resilience of people facing life’s most challenging moments, experiences that now shape the emotional depth and authenticity of his characters and stories. His written works, video projects, and humanitarian efforts prove that faith, scholarship, and the pursuit of social good are not mutually exclusive.

Green’s exploration of what it means to cultivate a hope that can withstand the struggles of our time promises to be powerfully relevant in our current context. We look forward to his insights as he considers powerful questions like whether nonhuman animals might be better than humans at experiencing consciousness, why suffering is so unjustly distributed, and what our responsibility is in the face of such inequality.

While CTS Talks: John Green is a sold-out event, those who are interested can join a waitlist to see if registrations become available. Even if you cannot attend, we encourage you to stay connected with CTS as we continue to celebrate our Centennial and explore the meaningful connections between faith, scholarship, and social engagement. John Green’s reflections on radical hope in the face of despair will undoubtedly inspire us to think deeply about how we can each contribute to healing and wholeness in our world. We are grateful for his willingness to engage with our community and for the opportunity to reflect on the ways our own values can guide us as we move forward into the next century.

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On November 21, 2024, Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) gathered to celebrate a century of faithful service in theological education and spiritual formation. The Centennial Chapel service was a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal, as the CTS community looked back on its legacy and looked forward to continuing its mission for the next century.

The service began with a powerful call to worship, inviting the congregation to unite in praise. As attendees stood in unity, the music team, led by Reverend John Ray, played a procession medley that included beloved hymns such as “Be Thou My Vision” and “To God Be the Glory.” The music set the tone for the day, underscoring the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness throughout CTS’s history.

CTS President, Dr. David M. Mellott, welcomed the diverse group of attendees, including trustees, faculty, alumni, students, and benefactors. “This celebration is not just about CTS,” he said, “but about what God has done here.” His words resonated deeply with the community as they acknowledged the many hands and hearts that have contributed to the seminary’s enduring success.

Dr. Mellott then invited the congregation to take a moment to reflect on the past 100 years. He acknowledged the pain and fear many felt in the wake of recent election results, but reminded everyone, “We cannot, and we must not, allow any government, any president, any Congress to steal our joy or our gratitude. God has been faithful to CTS for 100 years, and God will not stop now.”

This call to joy and courage was echoed in the year-long theme for the centennial celebration: “A Year of Blessing, a Year of Joy, and a Year of Courage.” As Dr. Mellott invited the congregation to repeat the phrase, a sense of renewed purpose filled the space. “It’s okay to celebrate,” he emphasized, “even in the midst of anxieties about the future.”

Reverend Dwight Holland, a CTS graduate and mental health professional, shared a heartfelt testimonial of his time at the seminary. He described his academic journey as both rigorous and transformative, shaping his calling and preparing him for a life of service. “CTS helped me define my call,” he said, recalling how the seminary’s professors and programs nurtured his growth. Holland now leads multiple mental health agencies and serves thousands of families, a testament to the lasting impact of CTS’s mission.

Following an emotive and stirring reading by Professor Emerita Dr. Marti J. Steussy, Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, former General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), delivered a powerful sermon that linked the seminary’s foundational values with contemporary challenges. Drawing from the pastoral epistles and Deuteronomy, she centered her message on God’s eternal presence and the call to remain faithful in a divided world. Her words were a poignant reflection on both the seminary’s legacy and the contemporary challenges that shape its mission today.

Rev. Watkins began her sermon by sharing her personal connection to CTS. “I was born to Keith and Billy Watkins while Keith was a student at Butler School of Religion, and came back here as a second grader when he was invited to the faculty,” she recalled. She recalling her childhood memories of watching the seminary grow and witnessing key events, such as the honorary doctorate awarded to Duke Ellington. She remembered fondly her own experiences of selling Girl Scout cookies in the halls as a young child, long before she became an integral part of the seminary community. “It is a personal privilege to be here to share a word with this community,” she said, acknowledging the significance of the 100th anniversary.

Rev. Watkins took the congregation back to the roots of CTS, reflecting on the seminary’s founding amidst societal upheavals, including the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s. She emphasized the commitment to inclusivity that has always been embedded in the seminary’s DNA, citing the involvement of abolitionists and feminists in its early days. “We are a seminary born with the DNA of abolitionists and feminists,” she said. “Let our fine deeds ever widen the circle of inclusion and increase interreligious sharing.”

Rev. Watkins spoke directly to the seminary’s role in forming leaders who are equipped to navigate a world filled with “profane chatter and false knowledge.”  She turned to the biblical texts of Deuteronomy and First Timothy to highlight the call to remain faithful, regardless of the societal divisions around us. “God has been with us, is with us, and will be with us,” Rev. Watkins proclaimed, linking the seminary’s mission to the enduring presence of God in the world. “Will we be with God?” she challenged, echoing the words of Moses to the Israelites and the writer of First Timothy.

In her closing remarks, Rev. Watkins spoke of the need to confront contemporary issues, urging CTS to continue its leadership in advocating for justice within the seminary community and the world. “Let us work for right relationships of justice within our seminary community and in the systems of our city and our world, knowing that justice for all is an imperative of faith and life,” Rev. Watkins emphasized.

As the service concluded, the congregation joined in a powerful affirmation of God’s presence and continued work in the world. “For 100 years this God has been with us, is with us now, and will be for every imaginable tomorrow. God is with us,” Rev. Watkins declared, her words resonating deeply in the hearts of all present.

With a final prayer of thanksgiving, the CTS community committed to the next chapter of its journey. “Let us be with God,” Rev. Watkins concluded, “with all our will, all our passion, and all our power.”

The Centennial Chapel service was a profound reminder of the transformative power of faith, education, and community. It marked not just a celebration of the past but a recommitment to the ongoing mission of Christian Theological Seminary to form leaders who will serve God’s transforming work in the world for the next 100 years.

You can watch the video of the full Chapel Service here:

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Throughout our 100th Anniversary year, we will highlight articles from CTS’ Institutional Historical Collection in our series “CTS from the Archives.” This story from the CTS Archives was written by Rev. Dr. Scott Seay and originally posted May 28, 2019 on Facebook.

Sarah (Harris) Dickerson Froe (1843-1905)

Disciple of Christ friends, I want to introduce you to some people I met in the archives and special collections at CTS this afternoon. The first is Sarah (Harris) Dickerson Froe (1843-1905). She was born into slavery In Putnam County, (West) Virginia. With her enslaver’s family she moved to Tazwell County, Virginia some time during the U.S. Civil War. There she met and married Bartley Dickerson (1835-1873), who had been a Disciples of Christ evangelist since at least 1860. In short order, the couple had six sons. Bartley died from pneumonia at the age of 38, leaving Sarah to raise their sons ranging in age from three months to nine years old. In 1876, she married Fletcher Froe, an older widower whose children were already grown. He died in 1880.

Because of her tenacity and determined faith, she sent her boys to the Louisville Bible Institute, and four of them became evangelists for the Disciples of Christ: William H. (1864-1930), Charles H. (1869-1938), George M. (1871-1953), and Cloyd H. (1873-1947). Three of these distinguished Disciples preachers were present in Nashville, Tennessee in 1917 for the formation of the National Christian Missionary Convention, known since 1969 as the National Convocation. Four sons of these preachers–Sarah’s and Bartley’s grandsons–also became Disciples ministers, forming what some have called a “preaching dynasty” in the Disciples of Christ. They collectively gave over 300 years of ministry to the Disciples of Christ during their lifetimes. They served churches in Virginia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Ohio, and New York. I completely lost track of time this afternoon as I dug and dug in our collections to find out as much as I could about this family.

It all seems to have begun with a faithful and determined woman named Sarah Harris Dickerson Froe. I hope that you find her as inspiring as I do. (All photos courtesy of the Archives and Special Collections at Christian Theological Seminary).

Archival Images (click to view full sized photo)

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Throughout our 100th Anniversary year, we will highlight articles from CTS’ Institutional Historical Collection in our series “CTS from the Archives.” This story from the CTS Archives was written by Rev. Dr. Scott Seay and originally posted June 11, 2019 on Facebook.

Most Disciples of Christ know her name: Clara Celestia Hale Babcock (1850-1924). She was a pioneering preacher and one of the first women ordained in the Stone-Campbell Movement. But have you heard her voice?

Here’s an excerpt from one of the few articles she was able to get published. It is from the Christian Standard (4 June 1892), p. 12. Her article is entitled, “Woman in the Pulpit.”

“For many centuries, a mighty force has been silenced contrary to God’s plan. If woman, with her magnetic influence, her tender pleadings, as well as her great intuitive powers, had been heard from rostrum and pulpit, as well as pastoral oversight, in the centuries that are just past, the church would have been well-balanced with more consecrated men as well as women; all this according to natural laws and divine economy. It has been said, women are not physically endowed with strength to meet the demands of ministry. My pastor once said to me, “Well sister, you may be able to preach, and bring souls to obedience, but you will be obliged to turn the job over to us brethren.” I have fully demonstrated woman’s power, physically, as in over three years I have baptized all candidates presenting themselves. I have stood in ice water, and baptized many at once, in and out, any time the occasion demanded, mid-summer’s heat and winter’s cold, both in the baptistery and rivers. I have never taken cold or been hoarse in the work; am forty-three years old, the mother of six children, and every living relative of mine has been brought to faith and obedience. I have a happy home; each member is willing to sacrifice some, if need be, for the salvation of souls and the glory of God. By the encouragement of my family and the blessing of God, my labors have resulted in the conversion of over three hundred, and I am still determined to go forward preaching the Word…”

Photo courtesy of the Archives and Special Collections at Christian Theological Seminary.

The post Woman in the Pulpit – CTS from the Archives appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

Throughout our 100th Anniversary year, we will highlight articles from CTS’ Institutional Historical Collection in our series “CTS from the Archives.” This note from the CTS Archives was written by Rev. Dr. Scott Seay and originally posted April 30, 2021 on Facebook. 

Jean Itofo Bokambanza Bokeleale (1919-1997) was the most important Protestant leader in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the three decades following de-colonization. Born and raised near Lotumbe, he entered the mission school of Disciples of Christ Congo Mission (DCCM) in 1937. After completing a college course at the mission’s Institut Cretien Congolais, he taught there and served as an assistant pastor at the Disciples of Christ congregation in Mbandaka (known at the time by its colonial name, Coquilhatville). After more than a decade of teaching and preaching, he entered the Free University of Brussels, where he completed his doctorate in theology in 1964. He returned on the eve of Congolese independence to assume leadership of the Disciples of Christ community. Under his leadership Congolese Disciples expanded their educational work–especially for women–and laid the groundwork for Disciples to enter the union Protestant church in 1970. Bokeleale, in fact, was the first head of communion for the Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC), serving until 1997. He consistently stressed the need for the former “mission” churches to develop strong ecumenical bonds with one another and to insist on partnership (not dependence) on European and American churches. He left an indelible imprint on the character of the ECC, its 63 “communities,” its expansive educational and medical ministries, and its 25.5 million members today.

The photo below from the archives shows Bokeleale with CTS president Beauford Norris about 1965. A rare biography of Bokeleale and an account of his role in the formation of the ECC (in French) was donated to CTS by the late Disciple ecumenist, Paul A. Crow (1931-2021).

You can learn more about Bokeleale at https://dacb.org/stories/democratic-republic-of-congo/bokeleale-jean/ .

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A Century of Faith, Justice, Affirmation, and Innovation

Christian Theological Seminary is proud to announce the celebration of its 100th anniversary during the 2024-2025 academic year. This milestone marks a century of dedication to theological education, social justice, and community leadership.

Since the opening of the Butler School of Religion in 1924 which would later become Christian Theological Seminary, CTS has offered theological education to “all students on an equal basis,” including women, students of color, and those of varied theological worldviews. The institution was established with a commitment to the abolition of slavery and has consistently championed equality and respect for the dignity of all humankind. This commitment to inclusivity has been a cornerstone of CTS’s mission and vision. Over the last 100 years, CTS has evolved into a beacon of inclusivity and social justice, establishing a role as a leader of progressive and diverse theological education.

Christian Theological Seminary has a long history of pioneering theological education that aligns with its mission of inclusivity and social justice. In 1968, CTS launched its Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program, becoming one of the first seminaries in the United States to offer this advanced professional degree, emphasizing practical ministry skills alongside academic rigor. The seminary continued to break new ground in 2016 with the launch of its PhD program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric, the first of its kind, reflecting CTS’s dedication to elevating the voices and traditions of African American preachers. These milestones, along with the ongoing commitment to admitting students of diverse backgrounds and theological perspectives since the 1920s, highlight CTS’s role as a trailblazer in theological education.

In its first 100 years, Christian Theological Seminary has been at the forefront of integrating counseling education with theological training. In 1959, Lowell Colston was appointed to the faculty to establish a counseling program, assisted by Sue Cardwell in the 1960s and 70s. Since the establishment of the Pastoral Care and Counseling programs in 1971, CTS has consistently advanced the field of mental health and counseling education. The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) degree program was accredited in 1993 and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of accreditation. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MACMHC) degree program provides training in additional modalities for students. CTS has provided rigorous training for professional counselors, equipping them to address complex emotional and psychological needs. The CTS Counseling Center, opened in 1967, continues to serve the public by offering accessible counseling services and a hands-on training environment for students and graduates. This commitment to counseling education and services underscores CTS’s holistic approach to ministry and leadership, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside spiritual growth.

CTS has also become a central convener of like-minded citizens and organizations through the Faith & Action Project. Since 2017, the Faith & Action Project has worked to mitigate poverty and address systemic social justice issues by holding conferences open to the public, fostering coordination and collaboration to leverage community impact, and providing grants to nonprofit organizations working to break the cycle of poverty.

Over the years, CTS has drawn visits and speeches from pioneering leaders and historic voices such as Martin Niemøller, Eberhard Bethge, Duke Ellington, Fred Rogers, James Cone, Madeleine L’Engle, Robert F. Kennedy, Phyllis Trible, Cornel West, Marjorie Suchocki, Rev. William Barber, II, Bryan Stevenson, and Desmond Tutu. These figures joined CTS’ diverse and renowned faculty in contributing to the seminary’s rich history and ongoing commitment to addressing contemporary issues through faith and scholarship.

Centennial Celebratory Events

To commemorate this significant milestone, CTS will host four special centennial events throughout the academic year:

Christian Theological Seminary invites alumni, students, and the community to join in these centennial celebrations, reflecting on the seminary’s rich history and looking forward to a future grounded in faith, justice, and innovation.

As CTS celebrates this historic milestone, the seminary remains committed to forming disciples of Jesus Christ for church and community leadership to join God’s transformative work in the world. The seminary looks forward to the next 100 years as an academic learning community that bears witness to God’s liberative, restorative, and life-affirming message.

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