New Neighbor, Shared Mission: Butler Founder’s College and the CTS Library 

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Consistent with our core values outlined in the CTS 2030: Project Transformation strategic plan, CTS continues to prioritize affirming God-given human dignity, working towards justice for all, and embracing diversity. Over the course of the 2024-2025 academic year, a committee consisting of staff, faculty, alum, trustee, and senior leadership stakeholders adopted the name Imago DEI and established the following theological commitments to its ongoing work even as the landscape of the work continues to shift.  

Image Dei Committee Commitments 

The gospel of Jesus Christ and the testimony of scripture compels us as a theological learning community to give witness to and act in ways that affirm God’s transformative love, restorative care, and life-affirming concern for all humans as divine image bearers: 

• As the work of the gospel, we create and support opportunities for all to flourish and live fully into their vocational call and potential. Difference is not a distraction but an opportunity for us to best serve the world God loves and the church God empowers. (Exodus 31:1-11, Ephesians 4:11-16)
• There is room for everyone. We are one body with many members. We take joy in fortifying our learning community through explicit practices of welcome, making sacred space for authentic self-expression, and encouraging transformative pedagogy. (Ezekiel 36:26, Romans 12:2)

Towards the goal of God’s shalom and the Beloved Community, we are committed to: 

• Seminary-wide learning about our theological vision of God’s presence in people of all ethnicities, races, and backgrounds and what that means for our shared life together as a community. (Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:17)
• Clear expression of this theological orientation and commitment in our teaching, communal programs, and public theology. (Habakkuk 2:2, 1 Peter 2:9-12)
• Review of seminary policies and procedures to ensure alignment with this core theological conviction. (Lamentations 3:20, 2 Corinthians 13:5)

We celebrate the strides our community makes to affirm the Imago DEI in all. As stated in the President’s State of the Seminary address, we as a Seminary remain “clear eyed” around challenges and steadfast in our commitment to live our core values.  

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If Don Knebel had been born in Egypt, he’d be a Muslim.

It’s a truth he’s known since growing up in Star City, Indiana—population 344. And, frankly, it’s a truth he’s known because of Star City.

The Star City United Methodist Church, Knebel recalls of his childhood in the 1950s and 60s, was the heart of the small community. But it was the heart of the community because it was the conscience of the community, bringing people together to discuss the issues relevant to not just the community but the world. That connection with the church spurred his own parents on to community service, with each winning Pulaski County’s Senior Citizen of the Year award.

“Religion is a framework for people to help other people,” says Knebel. “Christianity was the framework I was born into to help other people and to help them now.”

And, as he told a Muslim tour guide on a trip to Egypt: religions pick us—we don’t pick them. She agreed—it’s what we do through our religion for others—and it gave Knebel the anecdote he’d been waiting on to explain why interfaith cooperation is so important: a small-town boy on a bus in Egypt, finding more in common than not with Muslims.

He was drawn into service at Christian Theological Seminary, joining the board of trustees in 2012—completing 12 years of service this year. And, at the May 2025 Commencement, he’ll be awarded the Presidential Award of Excellence.

His proudest work at CTS is his role in helping start the Faith & Action Project alongside Mike and Sue Smith.

“It’s always been important to me that Christianity is more than what you believe. It’s also what you do,” says Knebel. “Mike Smith had this idea about ten years ago to change the views within the city of what’s important. But it all started with the idea of faith and action being linked —rather than faith OR action.”

In fact, Knebel reveals that early brainstorming for the name of the group produced “Faith in Action.”  It was quickly scrapped, though, because it sounded like “Faith Inaction.”

In watching Faith & Action grow, Knebel has found in Indianapolis what he had so long ago found in Star City: a religious group acting as the conscience and convener of the community.

“Faith & Action makes Indianapolis a better place by convening people on issues of poverty and racism,” says Knebel. “We’re not just saying we’re anti-bias, we’re actively showing it by making people aware of the poverty in our community. And what’s great about it is that every faith tradition can make this city a better place. Through every sermon preached and every member of clergy engaged on poverty, we are making people aware of their obligation to do something about it.”

“The important part of faith doesn’t just take place on Friday, Saturday or Sunday or whenever people gather to worship,” says Knebel. “That’s not what Jesus taught. That’s the idea of Faith & Action being joined—they’re inseparable.”

Knebel is a Christian and has a challenge for his own faith. With talks, writings, and podcasts, he’s challenging Christians to worry about more than their own salvation. It’s an important reminder for a community like Christian Theological Seminary.

“In some churches today, if you join a church, all you have to say is that you believe in Jesus,” says Knebel. “But if you join Kiwanis or another similar club, you say you will help the community.”

For Knebel, two of the most important verses in the entire Christian Bible may have been written by or for the brother of Jesus: Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17) You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. (James 2:24).  For him, this often-ignored lesson is consistent with the teachings of Jesus and especially his lessons in Matthew 25.  The church he belongs to, Northminster Presbyterian, is expressly a Matthew 25 congregation and he is proud of that.

His travels, which he documents on his website donknebel.com, focus on destinations important to faith traditions around the world. It’s one way he’s continued his interest in interfaith cooperation. (Knebel was founding board chair of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation in 2011.)  Knebel sees religion as a connector—not something that should separate people from different traditions.

“When I go to an international airport, I see a sign that says the word ‘welcome’ in 30 languages,” Knebel says. “No one asks which language is ‘true.’ Why do we have to ask which religion is true?”

For Knebel, Christianity and religion generally are about Faith & Action—not Faith Inaction. “Every religion outside of parts of Christianity today seeks to do something for humanity in the here and now,” says Knebel. “And I see Christian Theological Seminary as a leading voice for making that a focus of modern Christianity.”

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Remarks by President David M. Mellott

The following remarks were shared by CTS President David M. Mellott as he welcomed attendees to the Faith & Action Fall Event on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – just one week after the 2024 election. The comments resonated strongly with attendees, so we have decided to share them with our larger community here. 

Friends of God and Friends of CTS,

A few short weeks ago, the majority of those who voted elected an administration whose policies and rhetoric conflict with the values and perspective of CTS. Equally disturbing, millions of eligible voters didn’t vote at all. Those in our country who are already socially vulnerable will become even more vulnerable, and more lives will be put in jeopardy with the direction that the new administration is planning to take.

I know that many of us are thinking long and hard about what this all portends, not only for the nation, but also for ourselves and those we love. The feelings of despair, disappointment, anger, and hurt are real. There are too many messages attempting to provide hope without acknowledging the real and long-lasting ramifications of this election.

This is not a matter of figuring out how to get through the next four years. The course that is being put forward will impact generations of those who live in the United States, if not the world.

As this is happening, CTS is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The school’s founding continues to inspire and guide us, and I want you to hear just a bit about it and the context of its birth.

• In 1910, 114 years ago, Madam C. J. Walker – businesswoman, hair care entrepreneur, philanthropist, activist, and first documented female millionaire in America – relocated her business to Indianapolis.
• 14 years later, in 1924, the Indiana Ku Klux Klan had one of the largest memberships in the country;
• That same year, 1924, our ancestors in faith established the Butler School of Religion, which would eventually become Christian Theological Seminary. At its founding the school promised to offer theological education to “all students on an equal basis.” You can see this diversity in early photos of the student body.

CTS continues to build upon this foundation of social and religious transformation, which you can see in the values we live under, including:

• All people are created in the image of God, and therefore have inherent worth and dignity
• Working toward Justice for All is an imperative of Christian faith and life

We are not wavering from those values. In fact, now is the time to embody them more loudly and proudly. The world needs CTS. The world needs you, friends. And we need each other.

I pray that God will provide balm to our hearts and light to our path as we navigate these confusing times together.

President David M. Mellott, PhD

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The beginning of a journey is often marked by excitement, uncertainty, and a sense of potential. For first-year Master of Divinity (MDiv) students at CTS, this journey begins with the intensive course THEO M501A: Ministerial Formation 1, a foundational experience that sets the stage for their theological education and ministerial formation. Taught by CTS President David M. Mellott, PhD, this course is not just an introduction to seminary life; it is a transformative experience designed to integrate spiritual disciplines, vocational discernment, and theological reflection.

THEO M501A is the first in a three-course series focused on ministerial formation. This week-long intensive, held each August, is a required part of the curriculum for first-year MDiv students. Unlike other courses that may offer online or hybrid modes of instruction, Ministerial Formation 1 is conducted in-person only, emphasizing the importance of community and face-to-face interaction in the early stages of theological training. The course carries one credit and involves a deep dive into the spiritual, vocational, and theological aspects of ministry.

Ministerial Formation 1 introduces students to key spiritual disciplines and deepens the process of vocational discernment. The course also includes a first-year self-assessment, allowing students to reflect on their initial experiences and set goals for their journey ahead. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also spiritually grounded and vocationally directed.

According to President Mellott, “One of my academic loves is to introduce people to theological reflection and theological studies. The process is more delicate than some may imagine. When people arrive at seminary, they are typically not accustomed to taking an in-depth look at their theological point of view. Learning how to bring their experience and commitments into conversation with the wealth of resources available in the Christian faith is exciting, but it is also destabilizing. That is why we spend time in this first formation course understanding the connections between our theological studies, our spiritual life, and our ministerial formation. Participants in the course regularly report that this holistic approach is both helpful and affirming, even when it gets uncomfortable.”

President Mellott’s involvement in teaching this course is significant. As the President of CTS, his direct engagement with first-year students highlights the institution’s commitment to personal and professional development. Mellott’s extensive experience in theological education, dating back to 1994, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the classroom. His passion for teaching and his dedication to student formation are evident in his approach to the course.

“I have been teaching formation courses since 1994 and each group of participants brings interesting questions and insights. It is an honor to join them in this initial experience of seminary and to be a witness to their discernment and growth,” Mellott shares. His enthusiasm for the course is palpable, and his leadership provides a strong foundation for students embarking on their seminary journey.

The MDiv degree at CTS is designed to prepare graduates for diverse forms of ministry and community leadership. The program is comprehensive, encompassing a broad range of theological, ethical, and practical subjects. Students now engage with a curriculum that includes not only the standard courses in Bible, theology, pastoral arts, history, and interdisciplinary studies, but also required courses in interfaith leadership, church administration, gender, sexuality, and theology, and anti-racism. The MDiv degree requires 75 credit hours to complete, including 63 required credits and 12 elective credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

One of the unique aspects of the MDiv program at CTS is its emphasis on community life and supervised ministry experiences. These elements ensure that students are not only gaining academic knowledge but also practical skills and experiences that are essential for effective ministry. The program offers flexibility in course formats, including week-long intensives and Saturday courses, making it accessible to a wide range of students.

Ministerial Formation 1 is part of a carefully structured sequence of courses designed to guide students through their ministerial formation. Following this initial course, students continue with THEO M502: Formation in Ministry II, which provides a venue for theological reflection on their emerging vocations and assesses their progress in the MDiv program. The final course in the sequence, THEO M503: Ministerial Formation 3, focuses on the transition from seminary to lifelong learning in ministry and includes the completion of a final year portfolio. The comprehensive approach of these courses ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of ministry.

One of the highlights of the MDiv program is the MDiv Intensive Week, which includes the Ministerial Formation 1 course. This immersive experience combines coursework, worship services, meals, and extracurricular activities, creating a strong sense of community among the students. Last year’s intensive week was highly engaging and successful, and this year’s cohort of twenty-one students is eagerly anticipated.

“The combination of courses, worship services, meals, and extracurricular activities helped to create community among the students, just as we hoped,” Mellott explains. “There are twenty-one students in this year’s first formation course! I can’t wait to meet them and begin the journey with them! In the years ahead, the other required in-person courses will be offered at the same time. When that happens, the MDiv Intensive Week will energize the students and the seminary!”

This intensive course is a pivotal component of the MDiv program at CTS. Under the guidance of President Mellott, the class of students taking the class this fall are sure to have a meaningful introduction to the CTS community and a strong start to their academic formation. As CTS continues to shape the next generation of ministry leaders, courses like Ministerial Formation 1 play a crucial role in fulfilling the seminary’s mission of transformative education and community impact.

President David M. Mellott, PhD

The Reverend David M. Mellott, PhD, is the son of Francis and Joyce Mellott and was raised in Shadyside, Ohio. Theologian, teacher, administrator, and spiritual director, he is committed to supporting and nurturing Christians and Christian communities as they seek to love God, neighbor, and themselves more deeply. Reimagining theological education and spiritual formation have been the focus of his teaching and writing. He is the author of two books: I Was and I Am Dust: Penitente Practices as a Way of Knowing and Finding Your Way in Seminary: What to Expect, How to Thrive. He is currently completing a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, “Current and Future Directions in Theological Education”.

Dr. Mellott began his service as President of Christian Theological Seminary July 1, 2019.

Dr. Mellott holds a PhD from Emory University, an MA in Religious Studies and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, and a BA in English Literature and Latin American Studies from the Pontifical College Josephinum.

Previously, he served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2019. He also was the Professor of Theological Formation and Director of Ministerial Formation.

Dr. Mellott is an Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ. He and his husband the Reverend Lance F. Mullins reside in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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At the 2025 State of the Seminary address at Christian Theological Seminary, President David Mellott lifted up CTS’s achievements, reiterated the seminary’s support of our students, alumni, and community members, and outlined several key points and commitments for the future of the institution.

President Mellott highlighted the significant progress made by the seminary over the past few years, including increases in enrollment, expansion of lifelong learning opportunities, improvements in institutional infrastructure, and accomplishments in various academic programs. The address emphasized the importance of aligning the seminary’s efforts with its mission and essence statement, which declares CTS as a catalyst for bringing God’s love, justice, and liberation to the world. This mission serves as the guiding principle for all future endeavors.

The seminary unveiled five concrete commitments for the next three years, grouped under three specific areas: Clergy, Christian Community, and Mental Health.

Clergy

1.) CTS is committing to equipping seminarians and clergy for spiritual, mental, and financial well-being.

2.) CTS is committing to equipping seminarians and clergy with a Gospel-rooted moral imagination of belovedness, healing, welcome, and beauty that fosters interfaith collaboration, racial justice, and justice for LGBTQ+ people.

Christian Community

3.) CTS is committing to revitalizing Christian community by teaching students to embody radical inclusion, embrace preaching as a form of life, read the Bible contextually, and support new churches.

4.) CTS is committing to educating and equipping Christian Communities to act on behalf of children at risk in metro Indianapolis.

Mental Health

5.) CTS is committing to better meet the mental needs of Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ people and their communities in Indiana by doing two things: first, by expanding our training, education, and competencies of all our counseling students to effectively meet the needs of these communities, and secondly by increasing the number of Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ therapists we graduate.

President Mellott emphasized the importance of collaboration, integration, and community engagement in fulfilling these commitments. He encouraged supporters to introduce others to CTS, connect faith communities with educational opportunities, recruit pastors and mental health clinicians, and participate in fulfilling the promises through financial support. The address concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to actively participate in the seminary’s transformative work, recognizing that God is already at work in their midst.

View the full State of the Seminary Address on YouTube:

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Christian Theological Seminary announces the official installation of Dr. Francisco Lozada, Jr. as Dean of the Faculty will take place on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 4pm Eastern in Shelton Auditorium. Our entire community is invited to join us for this historic moment as we celebrate the wisdom Dr. Lozada brings to our institution and the contribution his expertise and scholarship have on the formation of our students. His remarkable leadership in addressing hermeneutical and theological implications, particularly in the context of ethnic and racial communities, makes him a distinguished addition to our community.

In addition to his installation, Dean Lozada will be contributing to our esteemed CTS Talks series during the event. His talk, titled “Unpeeling Whiteness: A Latino Perspective on Biblical Interpretation,” is an exploration of the hidden power of “whiteness” in the practice of biblical interpretation, viewed through the lens of U.S. immigration history. Dean Lozada contends that U.S. biblical interpretation and its reading strategies are deeply embedded in “whiteness,” limiting the full potential of biblical interpretation to serve in a liberative way. He shares, “When we understand the racial scripts that we employ in reading biblical texts, congregations, or, even society in general, we become more informed public theologians.” This CTS Talk promises to be a thought-provoking examination of the intersectionality of biblical interpretation, race, and societal structures. Dr. Lozada’s expertise in New Testament studies, Latinx studies, and his commitment to innovative solutions for societal issues align perfectly with CTS’s core values.

The installation ceremony and CTS Talk are more than just formalities – they mark a pivotal moment for our seminary as we approach our 100th Anniversary with an eye for how diverse voices have shaped our past and how we must continue to include more diverse voices as we step into the future. Dean Lozada shares, “The installation of any faculty or Dean is part of the tradition of academia that connects the Dean to the history and the long line of academic leaders who have become before him at CTS. This is why the installation is important to me because it is an act of ritual and rituals draws one into the past while at the same time looking forward.” CTS has been holding installation ceremonies for its deans since Ronald Osborn became the first official Dean of the seminary in 1959. Prior to that, the Dean of the Butler School of Religion operated as the President of that school more than as an academic dean. Dean Lozada will be installed as the 13th official dean of Christian Theological Seminary.

This event embodies our commitment to advancing scholarship and formation, and to fostering engaging discussions that deepen our understanding of critical issues. The convergence of spirituality and scholarship at CTS finds expression in events like these, where faith and knowledge intersect in transformative ways. It holds particular significance in that it occurs on CTS Alumni Day 2024, allowing alumni from across the decades to participate in this special moment in the history of the seminary.

We invite all members of our community and beyond to be part of this significant occasion, engaging with the insights and perspectives that Dean Lozada brings to the forefront. Register now and join us on February 8 to witness the installation of our new Dean and to participate in a stimulating conversation on biblical interpretation and the pervasive influence of “whiteness.” It’s a testament to Dean Lozada’s dedication to intellectual curiosity, academic pursuit, and the ongoing exploration of matters central to our faith and society, a dedication that makes him poised to lead CTS in the years to come.

Register for the Installation and CTS Talk

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Dr. Francisco Lozada, Jr. joined Christian Theological Seminary this past July as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Faculty, and Professor of New Testament Studies. Dean Lozada brings a wealth of academic, institutional, and personal experiences that promise to offer a unique perspective to our community.

Dean Lozada’s arrival at CTS has been warmly welcomed by the community. Transitioning into a new administrative role always comes with a learning curve, and he has embraced this challenge. Currently, he is in a phase of understanding and observation, familiarizing himself with the roles of individuals and departments, all the while looking ahead to strengthen and guide CTS into the future.

“It has been a joy to learn about the history, traditions, and significance of CTS in the development of theological education, particularly in the Indiana region. Assuming a new administrative position entails a shift in perspective. I am currently in a phase of listening, asking questions and observing as I learn about the roles and responsibilities of our staff, faculty, the School of Counseling, and the School of Theology.  At the same time, I’m looking ahead. Where is CTS going to be in 5 years? 10 years? Everything I contribute to will shape that future, and I consider it an honor and responsibility to fulfill my duties with intentionality,” Lozada shares.

Dean Lozada’s family consists of his partner Wendi and their two Gen Z kids.  His upbringing in Cleveland was marked by a strong Catholic influence, combined with a love for sports and parish life. Growing up in a diverse neighborhood, he forged friendships with people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, which laid the foundation for his deep appreciation of diversity and inclusion.

Dean Lozada’s move to Indianapolis has felt like a homecoming in some ways. He draws parallels between Indianapolis and his hometown of Cleveland, emphasizing the Midwest’s friendly and down-to-earth way of living. He says, “The people of Indianapolis are very proud, authentic, and constantly advocating for improvement. So far, I am enjoying it a lot.” He appreciates the four distinct seasons and the strong sense of community engagement and advocacy that he has encountered in the city. Additionally, Dean Lozada has been intrigued by the significance of religion in Indianapolis and is actively exploring this aspect of the community.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Dean Lozada is an avid cyclist, finding both peace of mind and spirituality in this activity. Cycling allows him to contemplate and generate ideas while also serving as a stress reliever and wellness booster. He says, “I cycle for peace of mind. There is an element of spirituality in it, too. I think a lot during my ride; of course, I’m always focused on the road, but a lot of my best ideas emerge when I’m on the bike.” He participates in road and gravel cycling events and races for fun rather than fierce competition, aligning with his holistic approach to life. Dean Lozada also enjoys hiking when the opportunity arises, seeking a balance between his academic and physical interests in pursuit of wellness.

Dean Lozada also enjoys reading, and his literary preferences are eclectic, spanning various genres such as mystery, history, and fiction. He just finished Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann and has now turned to readings directly related to his research agenda. He recently submitted an article on Johannine hospitality and is currently working on an essay on the history of U.S. Latino biblical interpretation. He frequently delves into academic fields like American studies, borderland studies, and Latino studies. His unique approach involves drawing knowledge from these diverse fields and applying it to his specific work in New Testament studies. “While some people start inside the field of New Testament for their interpretative work, I like to draw from outside fields and bring those insights back into New Testament studies,” explains Lozada.

Members of the CTS community who are sports fans will be happy to learn they have a kindred spirit in Lozada. He is a self-proclaimed supporter of Chelsea soccer in the English Premier League, college football through the Ohio State Buckeyes, his hometown Cleveland Browns (though he says he doesn’t stay up late enough to watch many of their games these days), the WNBA, and especially the United States Women’s National Team in Women’s World Cup Soccer. Lozada shares, “I see so many glimpses of religion in sports. The rituals, the symbolism, the sense of community. You see it a lot in soccer. You have the chants and the gestures to the Divine. You also witness the same societal issues prevalent in today’s society, such as racism, sexism, hypermasculinity, and xenophobia, affecting players, teams, leadership, and fans. Understanding sports at a deeper level is one way pastors can connect with their congregations on a human level.”

During Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, Dean Lozada emphasizes the importance of recognizing the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to the narrative of U.S. identity. He encourages individuals to understand that these communities have always been part of the U.S. American story. This month is not just about highlighting their history and presence but also reflecting on what it means to be Latino in this country, ensuring they are central to the ongoing narrative of the United States.

“We’re living in very challenging times regarding minority voices in society, politics, religion, and the church. What’s so crucial about Hispanic Heritage Month is that it helps people understand that our Hispanic and Latino community members are an integral part of the narrative of U.S. identity. They haven’t just recently arrived as visitors; they’ve been here for several centuries. When we consider narrating the beginning history of the U.S., should we begin with the arrival of the new immigrants the Pilgrims and the annihilation of indigenous communities, or do we start with the arrival of the Spanish in the Southwest and colonial violence, or perhaps with 1645 when African slaves first arrived, or all the above?

Some historians argue that the development of the Southwest was just as active as the Northeast with indigenous communities, marking the beginnings of what today we call the United States. Many people are part of that story but don’t always become THE story. When we have months like Hispanic Heritage Month, it foregrounds their participation and their role in what it means to be part of the U.S., not just on paper  but in real life. The U.S. holds great ideas and principles, but we often struggle to live up to them.  We talk about diversity, ‘e pluribus unum,’ but we don’t always live out these principles. This tension is part of U.S. history; even our founding fathers had these principles and didn’t always adhere to them. It’s about each of us finding our place in the narrative.

I don’t want Hispanic Heritage Month to be about looking at difference as objects, as colonial anthropologists did in the past with an exotic eye. Instead, let’s approach it like ethnographers do looking at difference as subjects. I don’t care for moving in the former direction. Instead, let’s ask, ‘How do we lift up the ways people are part of the story?’ What I’m seeing out there with certain legislation and policies is the exclusion of their participation within that story. It’s an issue not just in U.S. history, but also in the history and theological story of Christianity in the U.S How does difference become part of CTS’s story?

I encourage people to explore and do their homework, spending time researching significant Hispanic and Latino/a/x contributors to our history this month. I believe that’s the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month – gaining a deeper understanding of the numerous contributions made over decades and centuries by what we now call today Latino people, Latin people, Latinx people,” proclaims Lozada.

As we continue to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we also celebrate the rich diversity and knowledge that Dr. Lozada brings to our community at Christian Theological Seminary. “Part of the reason that diversity means so much to me is my experience as a child. I grew up in a struggling economic neighborhood that was quite ethnically and racially diverse. I had friends from many backgrounds – white friends with roots from Appalachia and Eastern Europe, African American friends, Latino friends, Native American friends, and immigrant friends. What brought us together was our economic background, but there was a great benefit in being exposed to different foods, culture, and way of life at an early age,” he reflects.

Considering the ways he has immersed himself in life at CTS, it’s exciting to contemplate the many ways he will lead CTS in staying rooted in our core values while championing new growth for the future.

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As the academic year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey of the past year at Christian Theological Seminary. The 2022-2023 academic year has been filled with significant moments, achievements, and growth. From academic accomplishments and community engagement to mental health resources and historic announcements, take a moment with us to celebrate the highlights and milestones that made this year truly exceptional. 

Throughout the year, Rev. Ayanna Garrett organized a series of enriching student events and community celebrations in her role as Associate Dean of Student Life. These gatherings provided students with opportunities for introspection, spiritual growth, and connection with their peers. From a student retreat at Fatima House in the fall to lunch and learn conversations with renowned theologians and religious leaders to a jam-packed student appreciation week, these events allowed students to deepen their growth, recharge, and develop a stronger sense of purpose and belonging. 

Academic excellence through scholarship and formation remains foundational to everything we do. This year, our students excelled in their studies, showcasing their dedication and commitment to learning. The MDiv and MTS degree programs were redesigned with the remote learner in mind, making use of classroom technology to maximize class connection both in person and online. The MACMHC and MAMFT counseling degree programs continued to provide over 95% placement of graduates, helping meet the need for mental health counselors in our state and beyond. The DMin program boasted an impressive 83.3% persistence to graduation rate, more than twice the average for ATS-accredited programs. The PhD in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric welcomed its third cohort. Our faculty’s unwavering support and guidance further fostered a culture of support and success, preparing our students for their future roles as faith and community leaders. On May 20, 32 students graduated ready to transform the world as theologians, pastors, counselors, and community leaders. 

In September, CTS organized a special visit to the West Coast to reconnect with alumni in Los Angeles. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity for alumni to network, share their experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations about their ongoing contributions to the church and community. During the Faith & Action Fall Event, we hosted an alumni and student reception, creating a dynamic space for current students and graduates to connect and collaborate. This event also provided a unique platform for our alumni to engage with keynote speaker Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, an influential figure in the pursuit of justice and equity. Through these initiatives, we have been able to strengthen the bond with our alumni, celebrate their accomplishments, and provide spaces for meaningful dialogue and networking that further enriches our community. We are committed to continuing these efforts to ensure that our alumni feel valued, supported, and connected to our seminary’s mission of transforming the world through their church and community leadership. 

The Faith & Action Project awarded $105,000 in grant funding to four community efforts working to break the cycle of poverty and served as a platform for our students, faculty, and community partners to engage in meaningful social justice initiatives. The fall event featuring Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and the spring conference featuring Rabbi Sharon Brous helped our community address pressing social issues, advocate for justice, and empower individuals and communities to create positive change. 

The Counseling Center provided comprehensive counseling services through more than 10,000 client sessions, offering support, guidance, and healing to individuals and families in our community. Through the clinical training center, our faculty and supervisors equipped future counselors with the skills and knowledge to provide compassionate care in a variety of settings. Support groups for living with ADHD and navigating grief provided a safe place for mental health support, and Marriage and Family Therapy interns provided free couples counseling throughout the month of March. CTS hosted the 25th Annual Spirituality and Psychotherapy Conference and the ISPT Master Clinician Workshops, gathering clinicians from around the world to discuss best practices and improved clinical methods. 

On April 28, President David Mellott delivered his State of the Seminary address, announcing the formation of the School of Theology and the School of Counseling. This restructuring allows CTS to fully embrace its identity as an institution that educates and forms counseling clinicians in addition to pastors, chaplains, educators, and community leaders. Forming the two schools creates explicit pathways for students of all types to discover and engage the diverse array of educational offerings at CTS. CTS was awarded several grants, including participation in two Pathways III grants from Lilly Endowment, Inc. and a Compelling Preaching grant that spurred the formation of CTS’ Compelling Preaching Initiative. During the year, CTS hired two additional full-time faculty members: Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible Timothy McNinch and Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Worship Nick Peterson. Finally, following an extensive national search, Dr. Frank Lozada, Jr. was announced as our Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of the Faculty. It has truly been a historic year at CTS! 

As we wrap up another memorable school year, we celebrate these achievements, growth, and milestones that have shaped our community. The 2022-2023 academic year is a living testament to our commitment to nurturing compassionate, well-rounded leaders for church and community leadership. CTS stands as an academic learning community that gives witness to God’s liberative, restorative, and life-affirming message, both in the field of theology and counseling. We look forward to the coming year with optimism, carrying with us lessons learned and memories shared as we continue to transform lives who go out and transform the world. 

If you would like to support the efforts of the 2022-2023 school year and further amplify their impact, we invite you to make a gift to the CTS Annual Fund before the fiscal year ends on June 30. 

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“It is an honor to welcome such an accomplished scholar and highly esteemed leader to our team during this exciting time in our history,” shares CTS President Dr. David M. Mellott. “Dr. Lozada brings a wealth of experience in theological education, New Testament studies, Latinx studies, and seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. His life and career embody CTS’ values, and his commitment to centering marginalized communities will further expand accessibility to the degree programs and resources we offer as we grow to meet the world’s need for transformative leaders.”

Dr. Lozada brings extensive leadership experience to his new role. During his time at Brite, he has been a leading voice in addressing hermeneutical and theological implications regarding how the Bible is employed and deployed in ethnic/racial communities. He serves on the board of the Hispanic Summer Program, guiding its efforts to shape the next generation of Latinx theological and ecclesial leaders, advises the board of Pathways Theological Education, an online program affiliated with the United Church of Christ, and serves as a member of the CPE Professional Advisory Group at Baylor Scott and White Health All Saints in Fort Worth, TX. He has also served extensively in leadership roles for the Society of Biblical Literature.

“Joining Christian Theological Seminary is exciting,” says Dr. Lozada. “It is an honor and privilege to join this esteemed theological school and to serve its faculty, staff, and students and the broader community. I look forward to working with the leadership team and the Board to promote academic and theological excellence and enhance student learning, and I am delighted to work with President Mellott in advancing the values and mission of CTS. I am honored to have been chosen for this new role and look forward to working with all my colleagues to make a difference in the world today.”

Lozada’s leadership, scholarship, and teaching focuses on hermeneutical and justice issues. Past courses he has taught include White Supremacy and Immigration, Historiography and Christian Nationalism, New Testament Interpretation, and Borderlands Travel Seminars. He is the author of Toward a Latino/a Biblical Interpretation and co-editor with Fernando Segovia of Latino/a Theology and the Bible: Ethnic-Racial Reflections on Interpretation. Currently, he serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Biblical Literature and Catholic Bible Quarterly.

Dr. Lozada holds a PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity from Vanderbilt University, a MTS from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a BA in Religious Studies from John Carroll University. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Puerto Rican parents and is Catholic with a commitment to strong ecumenical and interfaith relationships. Lozada is married to Wendi Lozada-Smith and the two share children Nico and Ana.

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