Nuestra historia apenas comienza – our history is just beginning. This is an apt sentiment for the Hispanic Scholars Program (HSP) which offers theological education, mentorship, and professional development to the next general of Latine/Hispanic leaders. The program equips Latine students to navigate the evolving landscapes of theology and pastoral counseling. In doing so, the program aspires not only to take part in theological education, but to lead it. CTS is proud to be a member of this organization.  

Formerly known as the Hispanic Summer Program, the HSP’s overall goal is to integrate Latine/Hispanic students into mainline theological education. Since its start in 1989, it has grown to include both undergraduate and graduate student programs as well as support the development of the Latine/Hispanic community. All of this has been done in partnership with existing programs and seminaries.  

“CTS has demonstrated itself to be a highly engaged and active member of the program, consistently investing in and promoting these opportunities for the benefit of its students and broader community,” said CTS Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty Dr. Francisco Lozada, Jr. CTS joined the Hispanic Scholars Program in the early 2000s.

Lozada is also Chair of the HSP Governing Board whose mission is to bring together the diversity in the Latine/Hispanic community, build bridges with non-Latine/Hispanic organizations, and empower the next generation of Latine/Hispanic leaders. He works with representatives (e.g., Deans, professors, Presidents) from partner institutions as well as the Executive Director to oversee program development. “It’s both leadership and a collaborative role, requiring attention to both big-picture goals and practical implementation,” he said. HSP offers programming that engages Latine/Hispanic community, culture, and history with religious studies and theological exploration. 

This is one of the reasons that Tyne Parlett (current CTS dual degree student) joined HSP and attended summer programming in 2023. “It was an opportunity for me to engage not only in practical theology more fully, but to be in community, embedded into a culture of learning, wrestling, praying, and forming one another. Academia that seeks to challenge power, culture, inhospitable conditions of the world, and that ignites possibilities for learners to grow is where I wish to spend my days,” Parlett shared. 

For CTS, the goal of affiliation was to promote the seminary’s values of embracing diversity, advancing scholarship, and promoting wholeness throughout creation. According to Lozada, CTS students in particular, the program enriches their experience by providing access to courses and perspectives that are not otherwise available on campus. It also fosters intercultural competence, which is increasingly essential for ministry and counseling today.  

“These courses disrupt the binaries and punctures holes in any border that keeps them contained in their thinking,” Lozada said. “And, more broadly, it signals CTS’s commitment to our value that all are made in the image of God.” 

Students enrolled in one of the over 40 affiliated schools can take part in HSP programs. The flagship Summer Session classes are geared to address different domains of theological education, including biblical studies, pastoral care and counseling, ethics, and theology, foregrounding the Latine identifications. Lozada stated that students can also engage with their own and other diverse spiritual and religious traditions through the courses. It is truly an ecumenical experience. 

“There is a rich diversity in the Latine community,” he said. “The courses are rooted in the Latine experience and the human condition.” Lozada added that students do not need to identify as Latine to take part in the program. “It is intentionally open to all representations of students just as they are – with intentional inclusion regarding gender and sexuality, ethnicity and race, class, etc. It is for whoever is interested in engaging these perspectives.” 

CTS student Cindy Gil Perez is Latinx and joined HSP in 2025 to gain greater insight into the history of her community in the United States. “I wanted to be able to identify shortcomings and assets for and within our communities. Also, I wanted to carve space for personal reflection and growth.” Perez is enrolled in the Master of Theological Studies Program.  

Each summer, HSP classes are offered at different campuses, and during the 2026 schedule, they will take place at Villanova University. Those on the calendar include courses in ecology, education, indigenous feminist perspective, immigration, and pastoral question.  

Parlett said the ESPERANZA, PLAY, AND PRACTICE course was their best experience, in part because of community immersion.  “The chapel services, community meals, walks and adventures into the city, and the breaks in the day to laugh, sing, dance, and play made the learning experience memorable,” they said. “This did not just academically inform me about how to bring hope alive; it created the conditions for hope and connection to sustain it.”  

According to Lozada, each course represents an intentional effort from the faculty, staff, and leadership of the HSP team. “Each course approaches Latino/a/x identity alongside other fields, including Latine theology combined with gender and sexuality, feminism, or grassroots activism,” Lozada said.  

“This program has allowed me to strengthen my sense of belonging as a Latinx scholar and to better articulate my contribution to the field of practical theology,” Gil added.  

Beyond the classroom topics, Lozada emphasized how HSP students relate to faculty, peers, and mentors across multiple institutions. This expands their academic and vocational horizons, he said. “It reminds the students that they belong and that their questions are everyone’s questions.” 

“As we often say in Spanish, it is about doing teteología latinamente (doing theology from a Latinx perspective) and teología en conjunto (doing theology together). Its future is rooted in sustained partnership, innovation, and a shared commitment to elevating Hispanic voices and epistemologies in theological education,” Lozada said.  

Gil agreed, “When you join HSP, you are not alone but become part of a constellation of scholars that grow and develop en conjunto. I was fortunate to have learned about HSP early in my journey and found exactly what I was seeking. I have met scholars from other institutions and developed friendships and a network with seminarians across the country from Puerto Rico to California.” 

Parlett echoed this by saying, “If you find yourself with the capacity to engage in HSP in any of the incredible offerings, do not hesitate. There is magic contained within the program, the faculty, and the learning that is durable, formative.” 

As one of the over 40 schools that takes part in the program, CTS has a position in the HSP governing board which includes access to professional development, diversity, and collaborative initiatives. The HSP Executive Director Rev. Dr. Daisy Machado will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree at this year’s CTS Commencement Ceremony and is preaching at the upcoming Baccalaureate Chapel during graduation weekend.  

 Click here to learn more about the Hispanic Scholars Program. The summer course list can be found here.  

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At Christian Theological Seminary, alumni are not simply former students—they are an essential and ongoing part of the seminary’s life and mission. In this season of renewed connection and engagement, the CTS Alumni Board plays a central role in nurturing that connection, ensuring that the relationships formed during one’s time at CTS continue to grow, deepen, and bear fruit in the years that follow. 

Rooted in the belief that a seminary is shaped not only by its students, faculty, and trustees but also by its graduates, the Alumni Board works to sustain a vibrant, engaged alumni community. In partnership with the Alumni Engagement Officer and the Advancement Office, the Alumni Board oversees the work of the Alumni Association and helps carry forward its mission: to support theological education, encourage lifelong learning, recruit future leaders for ministry and counseling, and foster meaningful alumni participation in the life of the seminary. In recent years, the Alumni Board has been intentionally reengaging and reorganizing the Alumni Association, working to reconnect alumni with one another and with the seminary in meaningful and accessible ways. 

All who have graduated from CTS—whether through a degree program or a certificate program—are considered alumni and are part of the Alumni Association. This wide and diverse community reflects the breadth of vocations shaped at CTS and serves as a powerful network of connection, support, and shared calling. Whether you graduated recently or many years ago, this renewed effort is about making it easier to reconnect, re-engage, and find your place within the CTS alumni community. 

Composed of dedicated alumni from a range of ministry, counseling, and professional contexts, the Alumni Board includes elected officers and members-at-large who serve staggered terms. The Alumni Board also liaises with alumni representatives who serve on the seminary’s Board of Trustees. Together, Alumni Board members bring both leadership and lived experience to their work, offering insight, guidance, and a deep commitment to the seminary’s future. 

While the Alumni Board gathers formally throughout the year, much of the Alumni Board’s work happens in between meetings—through committees, ongoing initiatives, and collaboration with seminary leadership. From helping shape alumni programming and events to strengthening communication and connection across generations of graduates, Alumni Board members contribute their time and talents in ways that extend far beyond the classroom and campus. Increasingly, this work is focused on creating more consistent touchpoints for alumni connection—through gatherings, communication, and shared opportunities for support and prayer. 

As part of this renewed focus, the Alumni Board is exploring new ways to listen more closely to alumni needs and respond with care and presence. In this current cultural moment, the work of connection feels especially important. The Alumni Board is attentive not only to how alumni stay engaged with CTS, but also to how CTS can support alumni in their ministries, chaplaincy, clinical practice, leadership, and daily lives. This includes creating space to listen, to walk alongside one another, and to ask a simple but meaningful question: How can we pray for you—and with you? In this way, the Alumni Board helps cultivate a community that is not only connected, but also deeply rooted in care, compassion, and shared faith. 

For many who serve, involvement on the Alumni Board is a natural extension of their CTS experience. As Vice President of the Alumni Board Rev. Allan Wallace (MDiv ’20) shares, “CTS is a resource and a safe place for continued growth, where I can maintain old relationships and establish new ones. By serving on the Alumni Board, I stay connected. CTS continues to be a place where I can support others on their journey and be supported as well.” This spirit of mutual support and shared calling is at the heart of the Alumni Board’s work. 

As this work continues to grow, all CTS alumni are invited to take part in the life of this community, whether by attending events, mentoring students, sharing prayer requests, supporting the seminary’s mission, or considering future service on the Alumni Board. 

In every season of life and ministry, CTS alumni remain connected by a shared commitment to faith, learning, and service. Through the work of the Alumni Board, that connection continues to grow—strengthening both the seminary and the communities its graduates serve. 

Are you an alum interested in serving on the Alumni Board—or simply reconnecting with the CTS alumni community? Reach out to Alumni Engagement Officer Stephanie Seeger at sseeger@cts.edu!  

The post Staying Connected: Rediscover the Alumni Board appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

Healing Solutions for Children, Families, and Leaders 

With a calm yet dynamic presence, therapist and theologian Chanequa Walker-Barnes, PhD grounded more than 300 faith leaders, practitioners, and community partners gathered for the 2026 Faith & Action Spring Conference to explore how communities can respond to the growing reality of trauma with wisdom, compassion, and collective action. Dr. Walker-Barnes framed the moment clearly: “Trauma is no longer the exception, it is part of our daily existence.” 

Poverty, violence, instability, and chronic stress shape the lives of many individuals and families. Recognizing this reality requires a shift in perspective—from asking what is wrong with people to asking what has happened and what systems continue to cause harm. Trauma-informed responses, presenters noted, begin by restoring agency, dignity, and control. 

What follows are key lessons from the 2026 Spring Conference: 

Understanding Behavior Through a Trauma Lens 

Conference speakers emphasized that behaviors often labeled as resistance—withdrawal, exhaustion, or disengagement—are frequently survival responses to prolonged stress. When viewed through this lens, the challenge becomes less about correcting individuals and more about building systems capable of holding what people are carrying. 

Participants repeatedly returned to a central insight: people are not failing systems. Systems are often failing people. 

Resilience and Accountability 

While individuals possess remarkable resilience and capacity for healing, speakers cautioned against allowing resilience to excuse harmful systems. True progress requires both recognizing people’s strengths and holding institutions accountable for the conditions that produce trauma. 

Restorative justice models were highlighted as one promising example—bringing schools, courts, and service providers together to center on healing rather than punishment. 

Restoring Agency and Partnership 

Across panels and breakout sessions, healing was described as restoring what trauma often takes away: safety, agency, and dignity. This work shifts the focus from fixing people to walking alongside them as they rebuild stability and reclaim choice. 

Solutions grounded in partnership—rather than intervention—allow communities to draw on people’s strengths, culture, and lived experience. 

The Unique Role of Faith Communities 

Faith communities were recognized as uniquely positioned to support healing because they already cultivate relationships, belonging, and shared purpose. Yet conference presenters emphasized that congregations must evolve how they address trauma and mental health. 

Stronger collaboration between faith leaders, clinicians, and community organizations will be essential. These partnerships create the infrastructure needed to respond to trauma with both compassion and evidence-based care. 

Healing Happens in Community 

Speakers returned again and again to the power of connection. Human nervous systems are designed for relationship, and healing often begins when people feel seen, supported, and safe. 

Building community—through shared practices, ritual, and relationships—can restore what trauma disrupts. Leaders were encouraged to cultivate spaces where individuals and families do not face hardship alone. 

Beyond Survival Toward Flourishing 

Finally, the conference challenged participants to rethink how success is measured. Addressing trauma requires more than services or programs—it requires removing the conditions that keep people in survival mode. 

Stable housing, food security, living wages, and strong relationships create the conditions where healing can take root. When communities focus on these foundations, the goal moves beyond crisis management toward human flourishing. 

What’s next: 

SHARE WHAT YOU LEARNED: If something from these lessons resonates with you, share what you learned. 

READ THE COMPLETE LIST OF KEY TAKEAWAYS: Lessons Learned

WATCH THE RECORDING: A recording of the Faith & Action Spring Conference will be coming soon and shared on the CTS YouTube page. 

SAVE THE DATE: Mark your calendar for the 2026 Faith & Action Fall Event, Restoring Hope Through Relationships: Mentorships that Support Pathways out of Poverty on Oct. 29, 2026.  

QUESTIONS: Contact the Director of the Faith & Action Project, Lindsey Nell Rabinowitch, at lrabinowitch@cts.edu. 

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Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen has been spending time out of the classroom working on one her of her primary fields of interest – teaching about children in the Bible to reinforce their critical role in modern worship practices. Lindeman Allen, who serves CTS as the Indiana Christian Church Associate Professor of New Testament and Director of the Master of Divinity Program, was recently a two-seminar presenter at the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza in St. Louis.  

The Extravaganza is an annual event designed to educate and provide networking opportunities for youth and children’s ministers. Over 500 attendees were there to strengthen and empower youth leaders to help children, families, and congregations flourish. Lindeman Allen said she enjoyed being in a setting where children’s ministry was the central focus because she was able to naturally engage others on the topic rather than try to prompt listeners to talk about their role.  

“There is just so much energy around youth and children’s ministry,” she said. “It was a chance to learn how we can love and live into the centrality of youth in church today.” 

Lindeman Allen’s first session was “The Gifts They Bring” which shares its name with her most recent publication. Each chapter looks at a spiritual gift that children can (and should be encouraged to) share with their worship community. Her hope is that more adult leaders learn to pay attention to the value that children can give and take from an engaged church community. In the session, she focused on different gifts, Biblical stories, and ways that ministers can engage their own young congregation. 

In her first time at the Extravaganza, Lindeman Allen also presented a workshop called “Reading Between the Lines” which teaches adults how to see the subtle messages that can be in children and illustrated Bibles. She said this session is rooted in her hobby of collecting children’s Bibles.  

According to Lindeman Allen, she does not have a favorite children’s Bible to recommend because it should be personalized to the faith community and beliefs that are supported by the family. However, she has come across several that reinforce gender stereotypes or provide misinterpretation to readers. It is important that the adults reading the Bible can see the underlying lessons being taught.  

This work also connects closely with Lindeman Allen’s Growing in God’s Word Initiative at CTS, which seeks to help churches and ministry leaders more intentionally engage children as full participants in the life of faith. Through research, teaching, and partnerships with congregations, the initiative encourages deeper Biblical literacy and practices that recognize children as vital contributors to worship, theological reflection, and the spiritual life of the church.

Interest in creative and meaningful ways to engage children in worship services continues to grow. In January, Lindeman Allen taught a weeklong intensive course, Children and the Bible, enrolling more than twice the number of CTS students who participated when she last offered the class in 2024.This Spring, Lindeman Allen has her next book coming out with co-author Sung Uk Lim, called Parenting Beyond Boundaries in Mark’s Gospel. She said this is a push back to the conservative narrative that parenting in the Bible is exclusively conservative and punitive. The text asserts that in the Gospel of Mark alone, four different parents are portrayed with multiple methods and approaches. This book will be released on April 21.  

Lindeman Allen is also working with Lim to co-edit a book entitled New Testament Families in Global Perspectives which highlights how an individual’s cultural experience informs an understanding of parenting and Biblical stories.

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“Trauma is not a sign of weakness or failure of faith; it is a human wound that disrupts safety, identity, and connection. Therefore, a trauma-informed model creates safe spaces where family systems, leaders and communities can restore dignity, hope, emotional stability and wholeness.” – Rev. Dr. Dwight Holland 

 Trauma is no longer something faith communities encounter occasionally. It is present in our pews, classrooms, food pantries, and outreach ministries every day—through mental health challenges, housing instability, economic stress, violence, and the chronic inequities shaping the lives of children and families across Greater Indianapolis. 

Faith leaders and nonprofits are already responding with compassion and commitment. But many are asking a deeper question: 

Do we have the tools, partnerships, and understanding to respond in ways that truly heal—and don’t unintentionally cause harm?

On March 19, Faith & Action will convene faith and community leaders around that very question. 

From Compassion to Sustained Action 

The Faith & Action Project serves as a catalyst to move people out of poverty by educating, empowering, and supporting Greater Indianapolis’ faith and community leaders. We are building a multi-sector, interfaith collaborative approach—one that implements and scales solutions that enable individuals and families to escape poverty on a sustainable basis. 

Our Spring Conference—From Trauma to Transformation—advances this mission by lifting up proven models, elevating what is already working, and encouraging cross-sector collaboration that leads to lasting impact. 

This gathering moves beyond awareness. It is designed to help congregations move from compassion to sustained, systemic action—grounded in evidence, lived experience, and practical application. 

What Makes This Conference Different 

Faith & Action’s Spring Conference does more than name the problem. It explores concrete, trauma-informed responses rooted in resilience, wisdom, and strengths—especially for children, youth, and families. 

We intentionally use asset-based language, resisting the tendency to define individuals or communities by brokenness or past trauma. Instead, we focus on what helps people heal, stabilize, and thrive. 

Why Faith Communities Should Participate 

Congregations are uniquely positioned at the intersection of trust, relationships, and long-term presence in neighborhoods. When faith communities are equipped with trauma-informed tools and partnerships, they can become powerful catalysts for healing and stability. 

As Rev. Richard A. Reynolds, Senior Pastor of New Revelation Christian Church, shares, “Each year, Faith & Action events demonstrate an attunement to best practices that empower those residing in impoverished communities—both locally and nationally. Whether the focus is unjust systems, housing initiatives, economic development, mental health, or education, I am always enlightened. It is always a great investment of my time.” 

Participants in the Spring Conference will: 

• Gain practical, trauma-informed tools that can be applied across ministries—tutoring, mentoring, pastoral care, food pantries, and outreach 

• Better understand how trauma shows up in everyday interactions and how to respond with compassion and effectiveness 

• Connect with trusted organizations doing proven, impactful work—and explore ways to strengthen them through partnership, volunteering, or investment 

• Build relationships with other faith and community leaders committed to sustainable, long-term solutions 

• Leave equipped and inspired to address mental health and trauma within their own congregations and neighborhoods 

For many, the conference also creates space for reflection—recognizing how trauma and mental health challenges may be present within their own leadership and faith communities. 

As Dr. Preston T. Adams, III, Founding and Senior Pastor, Amazing Grace Christian Church, notes, “A trauma-informed approach is no longer optional—it is essential. When leaders understand trauma, they lead with greater compassion, wisdom, and courage, creating faith communities where healing is possible and transformation can truly take root.” 

Why Trauma—and Why Now 

This year’s focus emerges directly from what we are hearing across our network. Requests for support around mental health, trauma recovery, and holistic family care continue to rise—reflecting the complex realities facing children and families today. 

In a moment when trauma is shaping both personal lives and public systems, faith communities have a unique opportunity to lead with courage, compassion, and wisdom—becoming places where healing is not only possible, but expected. 

Looking Ahead 

Faith communities have always been places of refuge, restoration, and renewal. With the right tools and partnerships, they can also be powerful agents of healing in a traumagenic society. 

We invite you to join us this spring as we continue this journey together—from trauma to transformation. 

Register today and be part of the movement toward healing, stability, and lasting change.  REGISTER NOW. 

The post Hope, Healing, and Community appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

Last month, six CTS staff and faculty members attended the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network of Indiana annual conference, themed “Innovate with Purpose. Influence with Integrity. Inspire with Impact.” Held at the NCAA Hall of Champions, the conference brought together nearly 200 women from colleges and universities across the state to connect, learn, and support one another. 

June Henderson, Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator, attended for the second consecutive year. She noted that the conference provided a meaningful opportunity for CTS staff and faculty to build relationships with peers at other institutions while also increasing visibility for CTS within the broader higher education community. 

“The dynamic speakers and thought leaders from across Indiana were engaging and insightful,” Henderson said. “I gained new ideas that will support my continued professional growth and self-development.” CTS is a member institution of the ACE Women’s Network of Indiana, part of a national system of state networks dedicated to advancing and supporting women in higher education.  

“The future of higher education depends on leaders who can innovate with purpose and lead with integrity,” said President David Mellott. “CTS is honored to stand alongside the ACE Women’s Network of Indiana in advancing and supporting women whose leadership will shape our institutions and communities for generations.” 

Each state network is led by a state chair or co-chairs who partner with institutional representatives and presidential sponsors to implement programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support (IDEALS) women throughout their higher education careers. CTS’ Dr. Kristin Champa, Vice President for Advancement, serves as Indiana’s State Co-Chair.  

The ACE Women’s Network of Indiana is a community, inclusive of all, committed to inspiring, developing, and supporting women leaders who seek to transform higher education. Champa joined the board in 2019 as part of the strategic reimagination and reorganization of the Indiana chapter.  

“It has been inspiring to witness the network’s renewal and growth,” Champa said. “Now, as State Co-Chair, I am honored to help guide its continued development — strengthening opportunities for mentorship, leadership formation, and meaningful connection for women across higher education in Indiana.” 

Dr. Courtney Buggs, Director of the PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric and past ACE conference attendee, shared that one of the most significant benefits of attending the annual conference was engaging with leaders from a wide range of institutional contexts. 

“It is important to participate in spaces that expand our understanding of education more broadly, and theological education more specifically,” Buggs said. “Seminary and divinity schools represent a distinct category of higher education, and some of my most meaningful learning comes from placing my experiences in conversation with colleagues in non-religious educational settings.” 

Buggs added that the conference provided an excellent opportunity to broaden her professional network and build relationships across institutional types and leadership roles. 

“This local conference expanded networks beyond theological education,” she said. “The workshop presenters were engaging and inspiring.” 

This year’s keynote speaker was Stevie Baker-Watson, Associate Vice President for Campus and Student Wellness and Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports at DePauw University. In her keynote, “Impact Looks Good on You,” she challenged participants to take ownership of their work and leadership presence, and to contribute intentionally to a positive, solutions-focused work environment. Additional breakout sessions included presentations such as Cultures of Care: Women Transforming Higher Education through Service Leadership, Planting Seeds, Growing Change: Women of Color Transforming Higher Ed Spaces, and Collaborative Reflection for Deeper Leadership Practice, among others. 

According to Champa, the annual gathering continues to provide an essential space for women in higher education to grow in confidence and community. 

“In a moment when higher education faces complexity, uncertainty, and profound change, the ACE Women’s Network of Indiana matters more than ever,” Champa said. “We need spaces that cultivate courage — spaces that encourage candid dialogue, equip women to use their voices with intention, and inspire advocacy for policies and practices that uphold the dignity of every individual on our campuses.” 

For more information about the ACE Women’s Network of Indiana, please visit the organization’s website or reach out to CTS’s Institutional Representative, Stephanie Seeger at sseeger@cts.edu. 

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This spring marks an important season for the leadership of the Marriage and Family Therapy program as they guide the program through national reaccreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). The comprehensive self-study is well underway, reflecting the team’s thoughtful preparation and ongoing commitment to excellence. 

“In 2024, CTS celebrated 30 years of accreditation,” said MFT Program Director Dr. Suzanne Coyle. COAMFTE is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation as the only approved organization for accrediting graduate MFT degree and clinical training programs. Their role is to ensure sound teaching, best practices, and proper supervision for students so that they can finish their program with a high degree of skill. Students who attend a COAMFTE accredited program are ensured of quality education and licensure opportunities.  

The current accreditation as a hybrid/blended model is another unique aspect to the highly regarded program that is set within the seminary. Dr. Coyle noted that the MFT program at CTS already fills a niche population since it is based on relational and systematic clinical approaches with spiritual integration.  

President David Mellott agreed, “Expanding our MFT program to include elements of hybrid learning is both a pedagogical and practical decision. Graduates of our programs are known for their effectiveness and excellence with in-person therapies. Through opportunities for learning in a hybrid environment and providing clinical care through a virtual platform, our graduates increase their skills and competencies. Hybrid learning is also a practical move, providing students with greater flexibility to complete their degree in a timely manner and enter the workforce.” 

According to Dr. Coyle, the hybrid/blended model includes 50 percent of the courses in person and as a virtual option. The program identifies which classes are open for online attendance. However, the first clinical practicum experience and supervision work is in person.  

In addition to more flexibility for students, this change will help out-of-state students prepare for licensure in their home states. Currently, there are students from Ohio and Michigan enrolled in the program.  

 Student Timothy McKnight was initially drawn to the MFT program because of its clinical seriousness and commitment to understanding people within relational, social, and spiritual contexts.  

 “I wanted preparation that would strengthen my development as a therapist while remaining attentive to human dignity, community life, and experience. That integration mattered to me, and I found it at CTS,” he said.  

 McKnight, who already holds multiple degrees including a PhD in Human Services, said his preference is to “sit in a classroom” for the energy and exchange that naturally occurs. However, due to work and family commitments, a hybrid/blended program made the most sense.  

 “The hybrid structure gave me the flexibility to respond to those moments of responsibility while still maintaining the academic and clinical rigor necessary for success in the program,” McKnight said. He expects to graduate in Spring 2026. He added that because of the virtual choice, he was able to serve as a teaching assistant and associate. “The flexibility of the hybrid modality made it possible for me to participate meaningfully in each of these opportunities for service and leadership.” 

 Chad Delany affirmed that it was the hybrid/blended model that helped him identify the CTS program. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that option,” he said. “I live six hours away in Northeast Ohio. I serve a church full-time, so I knew doing classes was going to be a challenge regardless, but the hybrid model made it possible.”  

 Delany, who has served as a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pastor for 20 years found the systematic approach in the MFT program as his best fit – adding the integrative model of spirituality, justice, and compassion was like no other education opportunity he found.  

 “Overall, I have been very impressed with how the CTS faculty and staff have made my online classes a quality experience,” he said. “The tech has cooperated, and the sound has always been done well. I love that the classes are live, and I can participate in class discussions and feel like I’m there.” 

 As CTS moves through the reaccreditation process, the Marriage and Family Therapy program continues to model the very principles it teaches—rigor, reflection, adaptability, and care. With a strong foundation and a commitment to innovation, the program remains well-positioned to prepare skilled, compassionate clinicians for the evolving needs of communities near and far. 

The post Committed to Clinical Excellence appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

Over the past several weeks, the stories out of Minneapolis have broken the hearts of many at CTS. For one student, traveling to the heart of conflict resulted in a life-changing realization – the messy is still ministry.  

“One impactful lesson I learned from organizers and community members in Minneapolis is simple and profound: Start now—gather, organize, and create, even if it’s messy. The urgency matters more than perfection; you can refine things later. So, set up the neighborhood watch, organize a rally, start a rent collection fund, and set up food distributions … The messy is still ministry.” So spoke Elijah Burton, Pastor at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Lansing, MI and current MDiv/MTS dual degree student. 

Burton traveled to Minneapolis with six United Church of Christ ministers from January 20-23, 2026. There, along with thousands of pastors from across the country, he took part in the MARCH (Multifaith AntiRacism, Change and Healing) event.  

“When the call to action went out, I immediately felt the weight and importance of the moment,” Burton said. “Their (MARCH’s) call that ‘All are involved in the sorrow that rises from Minneapolis and contaminates every crevice of our national life’ spoke to my heart.”  

Burton said that as a trans man, his particular response to seeing what was happening in the Midwest was deeply personal. He could empathize with those who live in daily fear of persecution and violence.  

“Marginalized groups often support one another because of shared or similar experiences of systemic exclusion, discrimination, and a deep understanding of social injustice. We share a collective understanding that building an inclusive kindom requires standing in unity.” 

According to Burton, it was his participation in the CTS class on Deitrich Bonhoeffer with Dr. Robert Saler that helped prepare him for this trip. He said that during that class- and the discussions of Bonhoeffer’s actions in Nazi Germany, Burton would wonder what he would do if ever in a similar position. He felt the call to Minneapolis was his moment to find out. 

“The situation in Minneapolis is more complicated and resilient than can be conveyed in social media posts and news clips,” Burton said. “Being present in moments of crisis is not only an act of solidarity but also a transformative opportunity to bear witness, build relationships, and be changed yourself. I learned that even when we feel our presence is small or our abilities limited, our willingness to stand alongside others is deeply valued.”  

Burton was surprised to learn that MARCH had to close its registration due to an overwhelming response. In fact, thousands of faith leaders showed up. He was impressed with how well organized the MARCH and ISAIAH projects were given the situation, number of responses, and brief time to plan.  

Throughout his time there, Burton said his focus was on the St. Francis prayer: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” He said he was not trying to focus on specific people or actions but focused his heart and mind on God’s love and grace. Burton remained centered on love radiating from the gathering to fill the homes and streets with courage and hope. 

Burton stressed that it was crucial to follow the lead of locals during his time there – listening, learning, and supporting as invited. “Local organizers often have insights and strategies that outsiders may not immediately see. Trust the process and trust each other.” Part of this means staying humble and open to the voices of others.  

Since returning to his home congregation, Burton said he has started implementing ideas learned during his time in Minneapolis. He said the congregation has increased its “intentionality” toward inclusion, welcome, and resistance. First Christian has started neighbor groups to share knowledge, resources, and deepen connections.  

“We are organizing around the issues that matter to us,” Burton said. “These practices are helping build a more resilient and supportive community. I am committed to a vision of justice and belonging.”  

Burton regrettably acknowledged that the situation in Minneapolis is not likely to be a one-time or isolated case. For that reason, he wants other CTS students and alumni to know that “showing up, physically and spiritually, truly matters.” He felt the collective impact of people of faith coming together for justice during those few days.  

“For those who feel hesitant or unsure, I want them to know that their unique identity and story strengthen the movement. My own experience as a trans man gave me a powerful sense of connection, empathy, and responsibility,” Burton said. “Our diversity enriches our collective action and reminds us that the sacred work of justice is for and by all of us.”  

If you would like to learn more about this event, please visit MARCH (Multifaith Antiracism, Change and Healing) https://www.marchminnesota.org/   or ISAIAH (https://www.isaiahmn.org/)  

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Did you know that naming CTS as a charitable beneficiary of assets such as a retirement account or life insurance policy is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to make a future gift? In many cases, it is also among the most tax-efficient. Tax-deferred retirement assets—such as IRAs and 401(k)s—are often subject to income taxes when passed on to individual heirs. When designated to a qualified nonprofit like CTS, however, these assets can be transferred free of income and estate taxes, allowing the full value of your gift to support our mission of forming disciples of Jesus Christ for church and community leadership in service of God’s transforming work in the world. 

The process is typically straightforward. You simply complete a beneficiary designation form through your plan provider or financial institution. There is no cost to you today, and you retain full control of your assets during your lifetime. You may name multiple beneficiaries, adjust percentages as needed, and update your plans as circumstances change. With just a few minutes of planning, you can make a meaningful and lasting impact at CTS. 

For more information, please contact Kristin Champa, Vice President for Advancement, at KChampa@CTS.edu or (317) 931-2310. 

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 The Faith & Action Project goes beyond convening Marion County leaders to learn about and discuss solutions to poverty; it also invests directly in that mission by providing funding to support critical work underway in our community. Faith-based organizations across all traditions are encouraged to take part in this opportunity.  

Each spring, the Faith & Action Project brings together community members from various faiths to learn from experts and each other about the poverty solutions that are underway at the annual Spring Conference. As part of this work, the Project also offers funding opportunities to initiatives that seek to eliminate poverty in our community.  

This year, the conference will take place on March 19 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and will feature keynote speaker Chanequa Walker-Barnes who will be addressing trauma and ways to move toward healing. On her website, she describes her vocation as being “a provocateur of healing, joy, and justice.” Drawing on her integrated background in psychology and spirituality, she will help conference participants explore the connections between trauma and poverty, and identify pathways toward challenge, growth, and healing. 

Attendance at the morning session of the conference is required to apply for Faith & Action grants and participation in the afternoon workshops is also strongly encouraged. The purpose of the funding is to connect, inspire, and empower communities of faith and others to implement effective solutions related to reducing poverty and increasing opportunities in Indianapolis.   

Because of the focus on trauma-informed care coming from this year’s presentation, the 2026 grants committee will be highly interested in learning how initiatives are integrating mental health support into their overall approach to addressing poverty.  

Faith & Action Project Director Lindsey Nell Rabinowitch shared that the grants committee is particularly interested in supporting programs that break down silos, engage in collective work, and employ proven best practices. She noted that financial support is designed to accelerate and strengthen work already underway.  

“Our grants are a catalyst for action to accelerate and scale up the initiatives. Rabinowitch said that past grant recipients have shared with the team that this is long term work and that the financial investment and connection to the Faith & Action team have been invaluable to their organizations. The support helps these organizations grow and deepen their impact. 

The grant process is a multi-step process and begins by attending the March 19 conference (applications available March 2). Next applicants must submit a proposal (deadline is April 15). Those invited to send a full application will have until May 28. Awardees will be notified in July. Stay tuned; details of the grant process will be communicated this month.   

The post Faith & Action Grants—Year Ten: Poverty and Mental Health appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.