News
Faith & Action Project January 2021 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter!
Pandemic Brings New Frontiers for Learning - For the safety of its community members during the COVID-19 pandemic, CTS has since March maintained its operations and classes entirely online, a move that has created valuable new learning opportunities for interns and residents at the CTS Counseling Center. The Counseling Center, which had historically offered services in person, has transitioned entirely to using […]
Russaw Impacts Academy and the Public Square - 2020 has been a prolific year for Prof. Kimberly D. Russaw, whose leadership, speaking, and writing continues to contribute richly to both scholarly audiences and the public square. Her commitment to the academy, the church, and the broader community shine through in these numerous and wide-ranging projects. Over the past year, Prof. Russaw has been […]
Honoring the Legacy and Moral Imagination of Martin Luther King Jr. - On Monday, January 18th, 2021, the United States celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The CTS community regularly honors and studies the lives of transformative leaders like King, but on this day in particular we stop to consider his life and legacy – especially for what they might say to us today. A central figure […]
Welcoming Dr. DeNeen Collins, Director of Recruiting and Admissions - CTS is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. DeNeen Collins as the new Director of Recruiting and Admissions. A native Hoosier, Collins grew up on the northeast side of Indianapolis in a large family with deep commitments to social change and community involvement. Reflecting on her new role at CTS, Collins said that she […]
Reflecting on a Semester of Working from Home - This past summer and fall, CTS welcomed four new members to its staff and faculty: Rev. Ayanna Garrett, Associate Dean of Student Life; Melissa Trahyn, Education Technology Specialist; Rev. Jim Farrer, Director of United Methodist Studies; and Kishundra King, Visiting Instructor of Pastoral Theology and Care. Having joined CTS during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, […]
Dean Gunning Francis Interviewed on the Importance of Engaged Scholarship - Dean Leah Gunning Francis was recently interviewed about the importance of engaged teaching and scholarship by Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield for the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning’s podcast series, “Dialogue on Teaching.” The interview covered many of the complexities of our current moment, their relevance for teaching and learning in the classroom, and Gunning […]
CTS to Launch Podcast about the Future of Theological Education - The challenges facing today’s theological institutions are many and varied. While some arise from the school’s specific context, there is one formidable challenge shared by all: How to think strategically and imaginatively about the future of theological education. President David M. Mellott and Dr. Deb Mullen, Leadership Education Consultant and Professor Emerita at Columbia Theological […]
CTS Announces Spring 2021 Alumni Speaker Series - During 2020, Christian Theological Seminary has remained committed to engaging with our many alumni across the country. Although physically dispersed like many organizations and congregations, we have leveraged technology to stay connected. Through online events like the Alumni Speaker Series launched last May, we have been able to come together as a community and dialogue […] Faith & Action Project December 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter!
Admissions Office Collaborates with Students and Faculty - The Office of Recruitment and Admissions at CTS engages prospective students and assists them through the admissions process, while also helping to provide student support throughout the entire seminary journey. This important work typically involves traveling around the country, hosting events on and off campus, and meeting with people for interviews and campus visits. Responding to […] Faith & Action Project November 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter!
A Pastoral Letter from President Mellott - November 2, 2020 Friends of God, Election day is almost here and my soul is troubled.I’m not only concerned about the outcome of so many of the races, but also concerned about the condition of our country, our union. We are divided, and we are seeing in greater relief that our divisions are deep and […]
Alumni Board Profile: Rev. Dr. Hilary E. Cooke - Rev. Dr. Hilary E. Cooke explained that she first felt God calling her to attend seminary early in her time as an undergraduate at Bryn Mawr College. Although she initially resisted the call, after meeting with trusted professors, she began to consider a vocation in pastoral counseling. Cooke originally pursued a dual-degree Master of Divinity […]
Alumni Gather to Discuss Faith and Vocation - Over recent months, CTS has hosted three online events as part of its “Virtual Alumni Speaker Series” addressing topics relating to leadership, healing, and the life of faith. The first installment, on May 14th, was “The Bible in a Time of Pandemic,” and featured a conversation with Prof. Kimberly Russaw and Prof. Amy Lindeman Allen. […]
CTS Responds to Anxious and Uncertain Times - CTS lives out and advances its core values of justice, wholeness, and respect for the dignity of all people. In addition to weaving these values into its coursework and programming, this means caring for students and stepping into prophetic and civically engaged community leadership. In light of the urgency of the 2020 election and the […]
PhD Students Build a Legacy of Scholarship - In 2016, CTS launched the world’s first PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric, welcoming its first cohort of students in January 2017. Nearly four years in, members of the program’s first two cohorts are building a library and legacy of scholarship. The PhD program is deliberately designed for its students to forge […]
Faith & Action Project Invests in Community Change - In October, CTS announced that its Faith & Action Project awarded grants totaling $100,000 to four poverty-fighting organizations in central Indiana. The Project was specifically looking for proposals that would make a difference in taking steps toward racial equity and removing barriers for those confronting poverty. Read the full announcement here. Among this year’s recipients, […]
CTS in the News - Amid a busy election season, the CTS community affirms it’s core value that all people are created in God’s image: The Indianapolis Recorder wrote a feature about our recent online event, “Confronting White Complicity in Racial Injustice.” Read it here. MDiv/MTS student Cassidy Hall was interviewed by WISH-TV about her faith and the work of racial […] Four Poverty-Fighting Efforts Selected for F&A Grants - October 20, 2020 Christian Theological Seminary has awarded grants totaling $100,000 in 2020 for four efforts aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty in Indianapolis. The 2020 Faith & Action grant recipients follow. Faith IN Indiana $30,000 This grant will support Faith IN Indiana’s programs and policies to reduce incarceration and the stark impact of […]
Faith & Action Project October 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter!
Faith & Action Project Celebrates Five Years - In response to the alarming rates of poverty in Indianapolis, which remain far above the national averages, CTS’s Faith & Action Project launched in 2015 to ignite a collaborative, interfaith, and inclusive movement for well-being and justice in the Indianapolis community. This year, the Project celebrates five years of impactful and transformative work as it looks […]
CTS Doctor of Ministry Program Thrives - CTS began offering the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree in 1968, becoming one of the first ATS-accredited seminaries to do so. Since then, the program has graduated more than 300 distinguished students serving in a wide variety of ministry settings, including congregations, denominational and ecumenical ministries, chaplaincy, educational institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. After a significant […]
CTS Leads the Way as a Green Seminary - In step with CTS’s longstanding concern for matters of ecological justice and sustainability, Prof. Felicity Kelcourse began working in 2016 with members of the student body, faculty, and staff toward CTS’s certification as a Green Seminary. This effort led to the formation of the CTS Green Team, which now works to more fully integrate eco-justice […]
Alumni Board Profile: Rev. Miki Mathioudakis - Rev. Miki Mathioudakis, a Master of Communications (1985) and Master of Divinity (2000) alumna, was exposed to CTS early in life. As a 14-year-old 8th grade student, she began performing in the repertory theatre at CTS, which used to be housed in Shelton auditorium. Her time in these productions led her to falling in love […]
CTS Remembers Tamara Zahn - Dedicated friend and advisor to Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), Tamara Zahn, died Thursday at age 67. “Tamara’s thoughtful input, her positive energy, and her authenticity were prized and will be missed throughout the Seminary—and particularly in her work as a community member of Trustee committees and with the Faith & Action Project,” said CTS President […]
A 40-Year Marriage Ignites Alumna Shar’ron Mason’s Call to Ministry - Shar’ron Mason, a 2015 Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) CTS graduate, grew up in Indianapolis surrounded around a large loving and deeply connected family. Her immediate neighborhood consisted of a row of homes including both sets of grandparents, grandmothers that were best friends and even her beautiful great grandmother lived next door. This legacy of […]
Prof. Beier Featured by the ICA - Prof. Matthias Beier, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Mental Health Counseling at CTS, was recently featured in the Indiana Counseling Association’s (ICA) monthly newsletter for his service to the organization and his ongoing scholarship and teaching. The ICA is the Indiana branch of the American Counseling Association, the world’s largest organization for counselors. Prof. Beier […]
Alumni Board Profile: Dr. Willie J. Newton, Jr. - Dr. Willie J. Newton, Jr., a 2005 Master of Theological Studies (MTS) alumnus, received his call to ministry early in life during his undergraduate studies at the University of Indianapolis. With a foundation in the Baptist church, he felt a strong prerequisite to pursue theological education in preparation for living out this call. He references […]
Prof. Thomas Continues to Build African American Preaching Legacy Series - Since joining the faculty in 2013, Prof. Frank A. Thomas has enriched the CTS community in countless ways. Alongside his scholarship, preaching, and teaching, Prof. Thomas, the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics and Director of the PhD program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric, has worked to bring a number […] Faith & Action Project September 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter! Faith & Action Project August 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter! CTS Welcomes New Faculty and Staff Members - CTS is excited to welcome new members to our faculty and staff! Rev. Ayanna L. Garrett will begin her role as Associate Dean of Student Life at CTS on August 15, 2020. Rev. Garrett earned a BS in Communications from the University of Illinois and Urbana-Champaign and an MS in Education with a concentration in […]
Alumni Among Leaders Who Call for Change - A recent Indianapolis Star article featured alumni Rev. Ronnie Bell (MDiv, 2016) and Thaddeus Shelton Jr. (MAMFT, 2017) among a number of local leaders reflecting on how to make Indianapolis a more just and inclusive city. Other leaders featured in the article include Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson and Indianapolis Recorder Editor Oseye Boyd. […] Prof. Kimberly Russaw Joins #BlackScholarsMatter Symposium - Prof. Kimberly D. Russaw, Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible, has helped to organize and will participate in an upcoming two-part online symposium, #BlackScholarsMatter, organized by the Society of Biblical Literature. The symposium offers an opportunity to hear and learn from a number of Black biblical scholars “about their experiences in the academy and the changes […] CTS Announces New Officers and Members to Board of Trustees - Christian Theological Seminary is excited to announce new officers and members to its Board of Trustees! Officers Ted Waggoner, Chairman, is an attorney and Managing Partner at Peterson Waggoner & Perkins, LLP, in Rochester, IN. A graduate of Indiana State University (BA) and Indiana University Maurer School of Law (JD), Waggoner was elected to the […]
MFT Students Inducted into Honor Society - On May 28, CTS faculty, supervisors, and students gathered for the induction of CTS students Kenya Campbell, Denise Hein, and Iann Matlock into the Tau chapter of the Delta Kappa Honor Society. CTS lecturer Dr. Shruti Poulsen was also inducted at the ceremony. Delta Kappa is the official honor society for the field of Marriage […]
MDiv Student Rev. Simone Murray Works with Indiana Racial Justice Alliance - “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9) As a returning CTS student, ordained minister and elder, education nonprofit life coach, advocate, mother of three, and caregiver, Rev. Simone Murray has a […]
Faith & Action Grant Recipients Launch Minnie Hartmann Center - In 2019, Near East Area Renewal (NEAR) and Shepherd Community Center received a $30,000 grant from CTS’s Faith & Action Project to help build the Minnie Hartmann Center on the near east side of Indianapolis. The center, located at 3734 E. Vermont St., is housed in what used to be Indianapolis Public School 78, an […]
CTS Prepares for Online Fall Semester - As announced on May 27, out of concern for the health and safety of all, the CTS community will remain entirely online for the fall 2020 semester. Although our physical buildings will be closed to the public until 2021, CTS remains an open, rigorous, and vibrant learning and worshiping community. The administration, faculty, and staff […]
Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs Continue Important Work - The Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs (CRP), which has been administered by the Center for Pastoral Excellence at CTS since 2012, offer grants of up to $50,000 to congregations in order to provide an opportunity for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period […]
Faith & Action Project July 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter!
Local Pastors and Members of the CTS Community Form Clergy Coalition for Racial Justice - “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As protests and demonstrations for racial justice continue across the country and here in Indianapolis, local clergy […]
Prof. Nicole Robertson Assumes Leadership of CMHC Program - Rev. Dr. Nicole Z. Robertson joined the CTS faculty in 2019 as Assistant Professor of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. On July 1 she will become the program’s director. We (virtually) sat down with Professor Robertson to discuss her background, her approach to counseling, the exciting accreditation progress for the Master of Arts in […]
Letter of Solidarity and Accountability from White Deans & Presidents - The Following is a Letter of Solidarity and Accountability from White Deans & Presidents of ATS Member Schools and Affiliates in Response to Black Presidents and Deans June 22, 2020 Dear Colleagues in the Association of Theological Schools, We white deans and presidents join the Association of Theological Schools community in grief and outrage over […]
Prof. Courtney Buggs Finishes First Year as Visiting Assistant Professor of Homiletics - Rev. Dr. Courtney Buggs joined the CTS faculty in 2019 as Visiting Assistant Professor of Homiletics, having been awarded a prestigious Louisville Institute postdoctoral fellowship. Prof. Buggs has quickly become an integral part of the CTS community, bringing her wide-ranging experience and expertise to the life of the seminary. She begins the second of her […]
Members of the CTS Community Join Processional for Racial Justice - President David M. Mellott noted in his recent “Letter to Congregations” that members of the CTS faculty, staff, alumni, and student body participated in a Processional for Racial Justice on May 31, 2020. In the letter, President Mellott explained, “As religious leaders and people of faith in the city and the region we gathered and […] A Letter to Congregations - A Letter to Congregations Dear Friends of God, Once again, our nation has come face to face with our systemic racism. We are failing our people. We are not listening to the voices of those oppressed. We need to reform our justice system. We need to reform our police practices. We need to reform our […]
CTS Honors its 2020 Graduates in Unexpected Ways - Like so many other schools, colleges, and seminaries, Christian Theological Seminary had to adjust its annual commencement ceremonies this year, but the administration, staff, and faculty worked hard to honor its 2020 graduates. Although pre-commencement events and the annual graduation reception were canceled, CTS marked the occasion by sending each of the graduates a party […]
Kerry Connelly Publishes New Book about Racial Justice - Religion News Service has just published a new article by Kerry: “How white spirituality, religious or not, allows racism to grow.” Kerry Connelly, MDiv student, recently celebrated the publication of her new book, Good White Racist?: Confronting Your Role in Racial Injustice. The book, published by Westminster John Knox, was released on March 17 of […]
Faith & Action Project Emergency Grant Recipients on WFYI’s “All IN” - In April, the CTS Faith & Action Project provided $75,000 in emergency relief grants to seven organizations whose work to reduce poverty in Indianapolis includes mental health services and family stability measures. Read more about this here. On May 18th, Lindsey Rabinowitch, Program Director of the Faith & Action Project, was joined on WFYI’s “All […]
CTS Faculty Recommend Summer Reading - Summer often provides an opportunity to catch up on some backlogged reading. Since there are never too many recommendations, we checked in with several members of the CTS faculty to see what they are reading and what they have recently written. President David M. Mellott Recent/current reads: Ezra Klein, Why We’re Polarized (Simon & Schuster, […] Faith & Action Project June 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter!
CTS Alum and Spouse Encourage Alumni Giving Through Matching Gift - “I have a sense of giving, because I have received.” Rev. Robert J. Shaw (CTS ’73) began his ministry journey in a time of global unrest. Bob (as he prefers) entered CTS as the Vietnam War was entering its latter years and had caused great division and challenges across our country and world. Like our […] Faith & Action Project April 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter!
Alumni Respond to Pandemic with Patience, Innovation, and Dedication - The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic reach far into nearly every corner of life. Social distancing has altered the way we work and the way we share our lives with others, even the way we worship and shop for groceries. For some, the pandemic has turned homes into ad hoc workspaces, digital conference rooms, and […]
CTS Counseling Center Meets Community Needs Amid Pandemic - From personnel reconfiguration to facility enhancement to service delivery, the Counseling Center at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) has undergone significant changes over the past few months. These efforts are to ensure that the Counseling Center continues to be a powerful resource in the community. “For over fifty years, the Counseling Center at CTS has been […]
CTS Offers Innovative Course on the Bible in Contemporary Moral Debate - Prof. Amy Lindeman Allen, Assistant Professor of New Testament, is offering an innovative course about the Bible in contemporary moral debate. “Biblical values” has become a catch phrase in today’s political and social world, and Prof. Lindeman Allen’s new course will study its 21st century application, its meaning(s), and its connection to diverse interpretations and […]
Prof. Bill Kincaid Receives Faculty Promotion, Announces New Initiative and Book - Shortly after completing two years as Interim President, CTS is excited to announce that Prof. Bill Kincaid has been promoted from Associate to Full Professor and is now the Herald B. Monroe Professor of Leadership and Ministry Studies. Prof. Kincaid has been a significant part of the teaching and administrative life of CTS for many […]
Emergency-Relief Grants Awarded to 7 Poverty-Fighting Projects - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Christian Theological Seminary’s Faith & Action Project is providing $75,000 in emergency relief grants to seven organizations whose poverty mitigation work includes mental health services and family stability measures. Working with community networks, past Faith & Action grant recipients and others, CTS identified seven organizations who received these emergency […] CTS helps students, community amid COVID-19 pandemic - President David M. Mellott announced today three significant initiatives signaling Christian Theological Seminary’s commitment to serving students and the greater Indianapolis community amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The first initiative will assist current and incoming students with tuition costs. The second will support the mental health services of organizations working to mitigate poverty. The third will […]
Alumnus Lee Ivey III Provides Counseling Services in Difficult Times - Christian Theological Seminary forms leaders for their calling in the church, their communities, and in the world. Recent graduate Rev. Lee Ivey III (MDiv/MACMHC ’18) knows how important counseling services are for youth at all times. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made the need more acute, it has also made it much more challenging since […]
An Open Letter to CTS Alumni and Friends from President Mellott - April 2, 2020 Dear Alumni and Friends of Christian Theological Seminary, I hope that this message finds each of you staying safe and healthy as we navigate this time of change and uncertainty. As you can imagine, this was not the way I envisioned my first spring semester at CTS. Working from my home office […]
Meet April Ervin, New Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving - We are pleased to introduce April Ervin as the new Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at Christian Theological Seminary. April will lead our outreach and support the Advancement office efforts to secure unrestricted resources for the Annual Fund. Following is an interview with our newest member of the CTS staff. This is certainly […]
Alumnus Tyler Thompson on How CTS Shaped His Ministry - Check out Rev. Tyler Thompson, Senior Minister and Chief Dreamer of Zionsville Christian Church, talking about the impact CTS has had on his ministry! To learn more about the MDiv degree at CTS, click here. Also included in the April 2020 Christian Theological Seminary Connection 
Kyle Trowbridge Presents Paper at International Bonhoeffer Congress - Kyle Trowbridge, MTS student, recently delivered a paper at the International Bonhoeffer Congress in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This was the 13th congress of its kind, which took place at Stellenbosch University from January 19-23. The theme of the conference was: “How is the coming generation to go on living? Bonhoeffer and the response to our […] Faith & Action Project March 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter!
Hazel Owens Named Fellow for the AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program - Hazel Owens, current dual degree MDiv/MAMFT student, has been named a 2019-2020 fellow for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Minority Fellowship Program. The AAMFT is the professional association for the field of marriage and family therapy and represents the professional interests of more than 50,000 marriage and family therapists throughout the United […] Updates Regarding the Coronavirus for the CTS Community - Christian Theological Seminary is actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. This page will house important announcements and information for the CTS community regarding our response to it. We encourage everyone to be safe and to take adequate preventative measures to remain as healthy as possible during this time. December 7, 2020 As we continue to […]
CTS Announces Commencement Speaker and New Scholarship - Christian Theological seminary is excited to announce its 2020 commencement speaker and the launch of a new scholarship! Barbara Brown Taylor will receive an honorary doctorate degree from CTS at this year’s graduation ceremony, where she will deliver the commencement address. Taylor is an internationally acclaimed writer, teacher, and Episcopal priest. The author of fourteen […]
Nicole Barnes, MDiv Student, Works for Mass Transit Improvements - Nicole Barnes, MDiv student, has been an integral part of a local movement to improve mass transit in Indianapolis. Barnes, who is the Director of Voter Engagement and Operations at Faith in Indiana, a statewide organizing network working for racial and economic justice, was recently interviewed about the importance of public transportation and the work […]
Remembering Rev. Lorna A. Shoemaker, Beloved Professor and Member of the CTS Community - Rev. Lorna A. Shoemaker, beloved professor and member of the Christian Theological Seminary community, died on February 18 in St. Paul, MN. Rev. Shoemaker joined the CTS staff as Director of the Library in 2000 and was appointed to the faculty in 2003 as Assistant Professor of Church History. She served concurrently in both roles […]
PhD Student Rev. Justin West Awarded FTE Fellowship - Rev. Justin G. West, member of the first cohort of students in the PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric, has been awarded a fellowship from the Forum for Theological Exploration. The Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) is “a leadership incubator that inspires young people to make a difference in the world through […]
Student Spotlight: Tom Cupka, MDiv Student - Tom Cupka, MDiv student, matriculated at CTS in the fall of 2018. Cupka grew up in Ellettsville, IN, and was raised in the Christian Church. He worked in the insurance industry after studying banking and finance at Ball State University and lived for a time in Auburn, IN, where he and his wife started a […]
CTS Alum Benjamin Tapper Facilitates Community Conversation in Elkhart, IN - CTS Alum Benjamin Tapper facilitated a community conversation about “Repairing the Harm: A Community Conversation on the Systemic Exclusion of African Americans” in Elkhart, IN, on January 20, 2020. Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart coordinated the event in honor of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Tapper, who holds an MPA from Indiana […] Faith & Action Project February 2020 Newsletter - Read the newest edition of the Faith & Action Project’s monthly newsletter!
Rev. Mary Harris, Dean of Students, Retires - For nearly 20 years, the Rev. Mary Harris, Dean of Students, has been a central figure in the life of Christian Theological Seminary. Upon returning from Christmas break, she notified the Seminary that she would be retiring at the beginning of February. Rev. Harris began working at CTS on June 15, 2000, as Church and […] CTS Seminary Approval Renewed by The United Methodist Church - Christian Theological Seminary is pleased to announce that the University Senate of the United Methodist Church has renewed the status of CTS as an educational institution approved “for the preparation of candidates for ordination in The United Methodist Church.” Schools that are not officially part of the UMC must uphold certain guidelines and standards in […] CTS Announces Membership in the Association of Hispanic Theological Education and the Hispanic Summer Program - Christian Theological Seminary is excited to announce membership with two organizations, the Association of Hispanic Theological Education and the Hispanic Summer Institute. The Association of Hispanic Theological Education (AETH) is a non-profit organization and network of institutions that is “dedicated to the promotion and improvement of theological education and its impact on the lives of […]
Reflections on the Mixed Methods Preaching Conference - The Lord’s Doing and It is Marvelous in our Eyes Every now and then God blows the fresh wind of grace upon a project or an idea and does the incredible. Such was the case in the September 9-12, 2019, Mixed Methods Preaching Conference hosted by the PhD Program of African American Preaching and Sacred […]
P.E. MacAllister, Executive, Civic Leader, and CTS Trustee, Dies at 101 - Pershing Edwin (P.E.) MacAllister, a prominent Indianapolis executive, civic leader, and member of the CTS community, died on October 23 at the age of 101. He served on the CTS Board of Trustees from 1972-1984 and as chairman from 1977-1984. MacAllister joined with C. Richard Petticrew to endow the MacAllister Petticrew Chair of Biblical Interpretation […]
CTS Statement on Recent Shootings and the Plague of Gun Violence - Sobering. Terrifying. Demoralizing. These are just a few of the words we could use to describe the recent events in the United States. On August 5th, CBS News reported that we have had 255 massacres so far in 2019, with 5 happening within 8 days of that report. Hope that our leaders will be compelled […]
Rev. Nathan Day Wilson to Participate in Seminar about Christian Witness in an Interfaith World - Château de Bossey, Bogis-Bossey, Switzerland – Rev. Nathan Day Wilson, Director of Communications at CTS, will participate in an extensive seminar program on “Equipping Each Other for Christian Witness in a Multi-cultural and Multi-faith World” at the Ecumenical Institute de Bossey from August 5-15, 2019. The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey is the international center for encounter, […] One-of-a-Kind PhD Program Welcomes New Students - Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) announces members of the second cohort of students for the Ph.D. in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric program. Alongside the members of the first cohort of this unique doctoral program, these twelve new scholar-practitioners will ignite a preaching renaissance to revive Christianity in America in the 21st century. The diverse […] Alumni: Connect Students and Audit a Course for Free - Attention CTS alumni! Help us connect with future students and audit a class for free! #CTSConnect Do you know anyone who might be interested in becoming a student at CTS? Right now, any CTS alum referring a prospective student who ends up enrolling will be able to audit any one of the five fall semester […]
Rev. Courtney Buggs Joins Faculty as Visiting Professor of Homiletics - Christian Theological Seminary is pleased to announce that Rev. Courtney Buggs will join the faculty as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Homiletics in Fall 2019. Rev. Buggs was awarded the prestigious Louisville Institute postdoctoral fellowship to serve for two years at CTS. The Louisville Institute is a Lilly Endowment funded initiative that provides support for […]
Fall ’19 Course on the Theological Legacy of James Cone - Indeed our survival and liberation depend upon our recognition of the truth when it is spoken and lived by the people. If we cannot recognize the truth, then it cannot liberate us from untruth. To know the truth is to appropriate it, for it is not mainly reflection and theory. Truth is divine action entering […]
CTS Students Visit Abbey of Gethsemani on Class Trip - Students taking C877, Merton, Ministry, and Contemporary Life, visited the Abbey of Gethsemani, a short distance from Bardstown, KY, on April 11th and 12th. This was part of a Spring semester course on the life, thought, and legacy of Thomas Merton. Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk who lived at Gethsemani Abbey for more than […]
CTS Welcomes Dr. David M. Mellott as Seventh President - After an extensive search process by the Board of Trustees, Christian Theological Seminary is excited to announce that Dr. David M. Mellott has been named the Seminary’s seventh president. His tenure will officially begin on July 1, 2019. Since 2011, Dr. Mellott has served as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean, and Professor of Theological […]
Prof. Robert Saler Attends International Orthodox Conference as Ecumenical Observer - Prof. Robert Saler, Associate Dean and Research Professor of Religion and Culture at CTS, recently attended the inaugural meeting of the International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA) from January 9-12, 2019, in Iaşi, Romania, as the Lutheran ecumenical observer. IOTA is a community of scholars and professionals dedicated to the worldwide exchange of knowledge within the context […]
MLK Day Message from Dr. Leah Gunning Francis - Chalice Press shares a special message and announcement from CTS Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty Dr. Leah Gunning Francis. CTS Library Expands African American Collection - The Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) library has been significantly expanding its collection of texts related to the African American religious, cultural, and historical experience to support its new PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric. This collection, which now totals more than 500 new titles and includes access to several digital academic databases, […]
Statement from President Bill Kincaid on Pittsburgh Temple Shootings - Last Saturday, another gunman opened fire on yet another house of worship. Eleven dead. These eleven will be added to those recently killed at grocery stores, concerts, schools, homes, restaurants, clubs and street corners. October 27 was the 300th day of 2018. It was also the day of the 294th mass shooting of 2018 in […]
Prof. Bill Kincaid Authors New Book - Professor Bill Kincaid, Interim President and Herald B. Monroe Associate Professor of Leadership and Ministry Studies at CTS, authored a new book, Like Stepping Into a Canoe: Nimbleness and the Transition into Ministry. As the subtitle indicates, this new book, which is Prof. Kincaid’s second, addresses the transition from seminary training into a ministry context. […] Tragedy at Table Rock - UPDATE: Emotions ran high when news emerged that nine members of the Coleman family had died in a duck boat accident near Branson, Missouri. We felt grief over the staggering loss of life, confusion over how such a thing could happen, and concern about how the family would deal with such catastrophic circumstances. The […]
CTS at DOC National Convocation - Christian Theological Seminary celebrates the participation of several members of the CTS community in the biennial session of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which recently took place in Birmingham, AL. Every two years the National Convocation hosts a gathering to support its ongoing work and provide opportunities for worship, fellowship, […]
Professor Suzanne Coyle Completes Advanced Practice Certificate at the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy - CTS Professor Suzanne Coyle completed a Narrative Therapy Advanced Practice Certificate from the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy. Coyle also recently presented “Integrating Spirituality in a Family Therapy Training Program” at the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration Annual Conference in New York. Coyle is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family […]
CTS Professor Speaks about Suicide Prevention - CTS Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Mental Health Counseling & Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, Matthias Beier, spoke on WISH-TV about suicide, the importance of mental health, and what signs to look for in order to tell if someone may be considering taking their own life. Click the image to view […]
Christian Theological Seminary Adds Two Faculty Members - Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) announces two faculty members will join the Indianapolis-based Seminary effective July 1, 2018. Rev. Dr. Kimberly D. Russaw joins the faculty as Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible; and Rev. Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen joins the CTS faculty as Assistant Professor of New Testament. As dialogue in both church and society continues […]
A Step on the Journey - Last week students, alumni, staff, and faculty participated in an experimental art project here on campus. Large footprints were taped to the walls throughout the school inviting people to reflect on their own journey to and through CTS. Each footprint asked a question: What persons and places called you to your journey at CTS? What […]
Faith & Action Project Grant Deadline Approaching - 2018 is the second year the Faith & Action Project will be awarding $100,000 in grants. If you plan to apply for a Faith & Action Project grant, your first deadline is quickly approaching. You must submit your Letter of Intent and Program Summary by noon on May 9th online. Submit here.
Christian Theological Seminary Mourns the Death of Rev. Dr. James Hal Cone - Christian Theological Seminary joins our academic and church communities around the world in mourning the death of Rev. Dr. James Hal Cone. Known as the “father of black liberation theology,” he served most of his career as a distinguished professor of theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York and was the author of a […]
Dick Hamm Reflects on King’s Legacy and the March for Justice - Rev. Dr. Dick Hamm, Interim Vice President for Seminary Advancement at CTS, wrote a piece in the ”Faith and Values” section of the Indianapolis Star on Sunday, April 8, 2018, reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the march for justice. Read it by clicking on the image below.
CTS Commemorates the Protestant Reformation and the Civil Rights Movement - On Wednesday, April 4, Christian Theological Seminary is convening the community for reflection and discussion of two world-changing events: The Protestant Reformation and the Civil Rights movement. Morning and evening events will explore themes of liberty, social justice and equality espoused by two visionaries and activists named Martin Luther. Both events are free and open […]
CTS Professor Frank A. Thomas at ‘A Ripple of Hope’ Film Screening - On April 3, the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative is hosting a special viewing of the documentary film, A Ripple of Hope in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Afterward, join the filmmaker, Don Boggs, for a special panel discussion with Kerry Kennedy, president of Robert F. Kennedy Human […]
Higher Learning Commission Reaccreditation - As a seminary already accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, CTS will host a visit by an HLC reaccreditation team on April 23-24, 2018. In preparation for this visit, CTS has undergone a year-long Self-Study process in 2017 and submitted to HLC a comprehensive report of its findings, judged against five criteria: (1) institutional mission, […]
Confronting the Idol Worship of Guns - CTS professor Matthias Beier was recently published in the Tikkun Daily on the subject of the NRA’s idol worship of guns. “To translate the message of the NRA pointedly: God wants you to have a gun. Only the NRA, America’s pimp for the gun industry, could come up with that blasphemous idea. The narrative that […]
The #MeToo Movement - http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.wfyi.org/wfyi/audio/NOLI/NOLI_18-03-15.mp3 On WFYI‘s No Limits, CTS Professor Felicity Kelcourse discussed the #MeToo movement as more women speak out about sexual harassment and unwanted advancements. The idea of moving from tolerance to respect, appropriate touch and how the movement impacts different communities was discussed. Professor Kelcourse was joined by Lisa Meece a professional cuddler from Indy. […]
20th Annual Psychotherapy and Spirituality Conference - Celebrating two decades of scholarship and instruction, Christian Theological Seminary is proud to host its 20th annual Psychotherapy and Spirituality Conference on March 16-17, 2018. This year’s honored guest is Dr. Jessica Benjamin. Dr. Benjamin has been a practicing psychoanalyst in New York City for more than 35 years and is a Clinical Professor at […]
First cohort of Yoga Teacher Training graduates! - CTS celebrates the graduation of the first cohort from its new Yoga Teacher Training, which is part of CTS’s new Yoga, Spirituality and Wellness program. The training involves three classes that satisfy Yoga Alliance’s 200 hours of teacher training and provides students with deep knowledge of Christian wellness and formation. Congratulations to: Adrienne Lacy Cynthia […]
Faith & Action Project at Christian Theological Seminary receives $200,000 grant - Local efforts to address the causes of poverty received added momentum in the form of a $200,000 grant from the Lumina Foundation. Awarded to help the Faith & Action Project of Christian Theological Seminary address social justice and racial equity in Indianapolis, the award is part of a $2.5 million program that Lumina President and […]
CTS Library Director, Anthony Elia, Featured in New Book - CTS Director of Library Anthony Elia is featured in a new book, This is What a Librarian Looks Like: A Celebration of Libraries, Communities, and Access to Information. According to the book’s website, “In 2014, author and photographer Kyle Cassidy published a photo essay on Slate.com called “This is What A Librarian Looks Like,” a montage of […]
“God’s Light – A Celebration of 500 Years of Reformation” at CTS this Saturday! - Christian Theological Seminary is excited to welcome the renowned Valparaiso University Chorale and the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra to its campus on Saturday, November 18, at 5:00pm for an exciting evening of music. The evening’s program will consist of Cantatas 79, 80, and the commissioned work Into the Light by composer Jake Runestad. Under the director […]
MAMFT Program Celebrates 25 Years of Accreditation - On September 29, the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Program at CTS celebrated 25 years of accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education with a celebration dinner gathering faculty, staff, alumni and current students in the program. Dr. Nenetzin Reyes, president-elect of Indiana Association for Marriage and […]
Frank Thomas Patheos Article on Healthcare Policy - Reflecting on his faith, his own medical needs, and political ideologies, Prof. Frank Thomas wrote a recent article for Patheos about the current healthcare policy debate in the United States. Read it here.
Christian Theological Seminary Stands for DACA - The United States appeals to many outside its borders as a land of opportunity. Many parents brought their children here for a future that seemed otherwise out of reach, and they have become a rich part of our nation’s fabric. The Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created to offer a path to […]
Nashville Statement Omits a Key Christian Tenet: Love - Have you read the Nashville Statement? It’s written by a group of people professing to be Christian and calling themselves “A Coalition for Biblical Sexuality.” The statement is a quick read, which is good since it is painful. It’s like ripping off a band aid – you want to get it over as quickly as […]
Hurricane Harvey Relief - Like many of you, we’ve been watching reports of the devastation from Hurricane Harvey’s landfall in Texas and Louisiana with a heavy heart. Countless heroic individuals have been working tirelessly to rescue people from their homes and set up temporary shelters. Soon these communities will begin the long road to rebuilding. In this Wednesday’s chapel […]
Six Poverty-fighting Projects Selected for Grants - Projects working to help Hoosier families and individuals escape poverty have received a $125,000 boost in the form of the inaugural round of Faith & Action Project grants. Organizers had intended to award $100,000, but increased the grant pool after reviewing proposals. Six area programs will receive grants aimed at helping them expand their reach […]
CTS Statement Regarding Events in Charlottesville, VA - As the interim president, dean, and faculty of Christian Theological Seminary, we join leaders in this country and around the world in condemning the recent violence and hatred in Charlottesville, Virginia – a vibrant city of vital history and beautiful diversity. We offer prayers for the family and loved ones of the woman killed, Heather […]
CTS and Butler Collaboration Update - CTS President Matthew Boulton and Butler President Jim Danko discuss the CTS/Butler collaboration. Dear CTS Friends and Family, Greetings from Christian Theological Seminary. As many of you know from periodic updates, forums, and conversation over the last two years, CTS and Butler University have been exploring options for collaboration and space-sharing. On the CTS side, […]
Discipleship Project Cohort Visits Washington, D.C. - For their final activity together as students, members of the third CTS Discipleship Project (TDP) cohort traveled to Washington, D.C. the week of commencement to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture. Most students in this cohort will graduate this weekend, having completed their M.Div. degrees, while those pursuing dual degrees […]
Dr. Frank A. Thomas installed in the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller chair of Homiletics - On Tuesday, May 9, Dr. Frank A. Thomas was officially installed in the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller chair of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary. Professor Thomas becomes the third occupant of the chair, preceded by professors Calvin Porter and Ron Allen. In 1986, the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller chair was created […] Christian Theological Seminary Launches Search for Faculty Position in Biblical Studies - As the 2016-17 academic year concludes and a new class of seminarians prepares to matriculate, Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) is commencing a search for a new faculty position. The Indianapolis-based ecumenical Seminary with ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is seeking a faculty member in biblical interpretation. The full-time position will be tenure-track […]
CTS Alum Bere Gil Soto to Serve as Reconciliation Program Minister - Congratulations to CTS alum Bere Gil Soto (MDiv and MAMFT, 2016), upon being named Program Minister for a new collaboration between the General Church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Indiana Regional Office. The shared initiative between the General and Regional expressions of the Christian Church was created to address the implications […]
CTS Awards Honorary Degrees to Renowned Faith and Social Justice Advocates - Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) will award honorary degrees to two of the nation’s most influential faith and social justice advocates during commencement exercises on Saturday, May 20. Rev. Dr. William Barber, II, President of the North Carolina NAACP, pastor at Greenleaf Church and founder of the “Moral Monday” movement; and Jim Wallis, president and founder […]Faith & Mental Health Conference - Faith & Mental Health Conference Register for this two-day mental health training conference in Indianapolis at CTS. Open to the public.
The 19th Annual Psychotherapy and Spirituality Conference - Dr. Roger Brooke, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Military Psychological Services at Duquesne University, will deliver a public lecture at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) on Friday, April 20, from 7pm to 9pm. Titled “The Soldier’s Heart: A Moral and Spiritual Calling,” Dr. Brooke’s lecture will engage civilians, veterans, mental health care […]
500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation Panel - Christian Theological Seminary and the Liberty Fund will host three events in 2017 exploring how the Protestant Reformation continues to impact faith, civil and secular communities 500 years after the momentous movement transformed the Christian church. Open to the public, the first panel discussion titled, “The Continuing Significance of the Protestant Reformation” will be held […]
Find Your Call, Live Your Dream - God has great things in store for you. Find out how you can find your call and live your dream with an education from Christian Theological Seminary. Have questions? Contact the Admissions Office.
Faith & Action Project 2017 Spring Conference - Prepare to be inspired as you learn about best practices for fighting poverty at the Faith & Action Project’s Spring Conference on Tuesday, March 14, at the Christian Theological Seminary. Throughout the day, best-selling authors, community advocates and change agents will come together from across the United States and here in Central Indiana to explore […]
CTS Counseling Center Offering Free Couple’s Check-Ups - Central Indiana couples can invest in the health of their relationship all month long by attending a free Couple’s Check-Up screening offered by the Counseling Center at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS). Free screenings will be offered on a walk-in basis on Monday, February 13 and Tuesday, January 14. Complimentary screenings are also available by appointment […]
Jewish Liturgical Music: A DIY Experience, January 23 - Music is interwoven in faith traditions throughout the world and in sacred literature such as the Bible and the Talmud. On Monday, January 23, Rabbi Reuben Zellman, Director of Music at Congregation Beth El in Berkley, California, will present a free, do-it-yourself introduction to Jewish liturgical music from 7pm to 8:30 pm in Room 166 […]
IMPD Commander Chris Bailey on Responding to Harassment - As incidents of harassment appear to be increasing around the globe, throughout America and right here in Central Indiana, CTS staff reached out to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department North District Commander Chris Bailey for his thoughts on how an individual should respond when experiencing or witnessing an act of harassment. In his response, Commander Bailey […]
Dayspring Center Donations - Christian Theological Seminary staff, faculty, students and friends are making Christmas brighter for local families and children who find themselves homeless. Through December 15, CTS is collecting donations for 14 families – including 134 children – currently served by the Dayspring Center and its Wellspring Transitional Housing program in Indianapolis. The Dayspring Center (insert link: […]Becoming a Public Theologian: Christian Activism in the 21st Century - The inaugural CTS/OPEN course invites lifelong learners and CTS degree students to explore how pastors and theologians are expanding their missions and ministries beyond congregational communities to serve the common good. Becoming a Public Theologian: Christian Activism in the 21st Century will be offered Monday, January 23, 2017, to Friday, January 27, 2017, at St […]
Join CTS in Celebrating #Giving Tuesday - Support CTS and be part of a global day of giving on Tuesday, November 29. #Giving Tuesday is a movement harnessing the power of social media to spur end-of-year giving. After the commercial focus of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, #Giving Tuesday is a call for people to give back to the […]
CTS Announces Recipients of Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs - The gift of respite, reflection and renewal is being awarded to 146 U.S. congregations — including 29 Indiana congregations — via the 2016 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program grants and Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations. The program provides pastoral leaders with a respite from the daily demands of parish life, allowing them time […]
Myer Boulton Published in Huffington Post on Looking Beyond Semantics - Names can quickly become misnomers. Take for example the term “Nones” which was widely publicized in outlets such as the New York Times and NPR following publication of a Pew Forum study last fall. Amid the media frenzy, a trend toward less affiliation with specific religions became erroneously interpreted as a trend away from religious […]
Kincaid’s new book examines pastoral education - The phrase “finding one’s voice” has become a pervasive yet elusive metaphor for identity. How is the pastoral voice developed and what components come together to define a pastor’s voice? In his new book, Finding Voice— How Theological Field Education Shapes Pastoral Identity, (Wipf and Stock Publishers) CTS Director of Field Education and Herald B. […]
¡Santo! offers deep, broad view of Latino culture - The National Catholic Reporter (NCR) Book Club recently praised the book ¡Santo! by Edwin David Aponte, the vice president and academic dean of Christian Theological Seminary. NCR says the book sheds light on the history and future of the Latino community revealing the broad and complex nature of a culture that many Anglos have not […]
Anti-Apartheid Activist Appointed to Joint Position - INDIANAPOLIS—Christian Theological Seminary and Butler University have appointed world-renowned South African theologian Allan Boesak as Desmond Tutu Chair for Peace, Global Justice, and Reconciliation Studies, a new four-year position held jointly with both institutions. The title recognizes Boesak’s influential activism against racial apartheid in the 1980s in his native South Africa, where he worked closely […]
Are You Free? - Are you hindering someone else’s freedom? Are you even free yourself? In his new book Freedom in Resistance and Creative Transformation, CTS Professor Michael Miller argues that despite the claimed importance of freedom in the Christian faith—not to mention a host of other secular settings—there continues to be interpersonal, socio-political, and religious power hierarchies that […]
A New CTS Vision - Commencement celebrations at CTS this spring are about more than mortar boards and matriculates. The seminary is also celebrating the commencement of a new CTS Vision. Read the entire document: A Strategic Vision for CTS (PDF). Below, CTS President Matthew Myer Boulton elaborates on the Vision Document recently approved by the CTS Board of Trustees. […]
The Stone-Campbell Movement: A Global History is published - The publication of The Stone-Campbell Movement: A Global History concludes a seven-year journey for Scott Seay, Christian Theological Seminary Associate Professor of the History of Global Christianity. Professor Seay served as managing editor of the book, working with general editors D. Newell Williams, Douglas A. Foster and Paul M. Blowers, as well as 10 contributing […]
The Dream Today - Fifty years after the April 12, 1963, Good Friday arrest of Martin Luther King in Birmingham, Alabama—where he famously penned, “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”—Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) commemorated the half-century anniversary of a momentous year in the American Civil Rights movement. Some of the world’s most renowned and influential thought leaders on Dr. King’s […]