Explore Columbia Seminary!
COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY EXISTS TO EDUCATE AND NURTURE FAITHFUL, IMAGINATIVE, AND EFFECTIVE LEADERS FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD.
Explore our degree programs and other learning opportunities for those who want to become pastors or congregational leaders, work in non-profits, or teach future church leaders. We also offer a robust schedule of courses for anyone who wants non-degree, Biblically-grounded lifelong learning, either in-person or online.
Whether you’re still discerning (or assisting someone who is), an alumni, looking to further your training, or just curious about us and all we have to offer, we’re glad you’re here. Here’s some basic information to get you started. Click the tiles below to explore more about Columbia Theological Seminary:
Events
Event Feed
Mentor Coaching (TCI@CTS) (Online)
09/24/2020
Mentor Coaching includes 10 hours of coach training and is open to coach training students who have completed or are enrolled in their initial ICF-approved ACC ACSTH coach training. Each participant must be coaching at least 2 clients through...
Talking Politics During Turbulent Times
09/25/2020
This program is for clergy, church leaders and others who want to think about how to address civic and political people as people of faith during the run-up to the 2020 national elections. All sessions will be delivered online,...
Spiritual Direction in Context
09/27/2020
This seminar will explore and practice the basic tenets of spiritual direction – presence, deep listening and discernment. This is the first residency for the Certificate in Spiritual Direction; enrollment is limited to those accepted to the program through...
In Life and In Death: Helping in End of Life Issues and Challenges (ONLINE)
09/28/2020
Participants in this online course will gain understanding of the challenges and issues faced during health crises and find ways to minister and help those facing critical health or end-of-life issues, and their families.
Leadership in Ministry: Boston
09/28/2020
The Leadership in Ministry Workshop is an on-going, peer-based clergy leadership development program. Fall LIM Boston 2020 features online group and individual coaching sessions, webinars and more.
Contemporary Readings in Christian Education: Adult Religious Education Online
09/28/2020
This course has been cancelled. This is a six-week online course focusing on Adult religious education and Christian formation and its integration with adult development, learning context, teaching and learning, methods and approaches.
Leadership in Ministry: Kansas City
10/05/2020
The Leadership in Ministry Workshop is an on-going, peer-based clergy leadership development program. Fall LIM Kansas City 2020 features online group and individual coaching sessions, webinars and more.
Healthy Transitions: A Wellness Retreat for Ministers and Spouses
10/12/2020
The Healthy Transitions Wellness Retreats for Ministers and Spouses provide a relaxed atmosphere and confidential setting for healing and encouragement to ministers and their families who have experienced termination, or for those in conflicts possibly leading to termination.
Leadership in Ministry: A Lynchburg
10/12/2020
The Leadership in Ministry Workshops A in Lynchburg, VA is a twice-a-year, peer-based clergy leadership development program. Fall LIM A 2020 features online group and individual coaching sessions, webinars and more.
Soul Tending: An Exploration of Spiritual Practices for Nourishment and Growth (Online)
10/12/2020
Nurture your spiritual life! Liz Forney leads this course that explores a wide range of spiritual practices from a broad spectrum of traditions. The class is geared to finding practices to sustain spiritual health and growth.
Sharing Our Stories: Tools for Renewing the Body of Christ (ONLINE)
10/19/2020
Participants in this four-week online course will practice together the power of storytelling as a process to unite communities around our shared experiences of the pandemic and our shared experiences of the biblical story.
THRIVE (PCUSA Board of Pensions Retirement Planning Seminar)
10/20/2020
Out of concern for the health and safety of our participants and presenters, all Board University in-person seminars are canceled through the end of 2020.
Please visit Board University’s e-learning site, accessed via Benefits Connect, and...
Leadership in Ministry: Atlanta
11/09/2020
The Leadership in Ministry Workshops at Atlanta is a peer-based clergy leadership development program. The Fall Atlanta Workshop features online group and individual coaching sessions.
Flint River VII: Rediscovering Faith for our New Missional Era
11/18/2020
This seminar will focus on the topic of mission and ministry and will be led for members of the Flint River Presbytery by Dr. Scott J. Hagley, associate professor of missiology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary., It is made possible by...
The Disciple-Making Church: To Grow the Future We Visit the Past (Thompson Scholars 2021)
12/18/2020
Applications are due by December 18, 2020 for the 2021 Thompson Scholar seminar. The seminar will explore the concept of “the disciple-making church,” and what it means to develop mature disciples of Jesus Christ who make a real difference...
The Role of the Minister in a Dying Congregation (Online)
01/04/2021
This course will focus on helping clergy and laypersons explore the challenges of pastoral leadership in a dying congregation. Instructor Mandy Egland Cole will share her wisdom gained from her own personal experience and journey in leading a congregation...
Colloquy for Mid-Career Clergy
01/04/2021
CANCELLED This Colloquy is designed for mid-career clergy (15-25 years in full-time ministry) who seek to participate in formative conversations to reflect on their vocation and call at this stage of their career.
Wisdom of the Christian Mystics (Online)
01/04/2021
Mystics through the ages are remembered for their love of God and whole-hearted approach to living the Gospel in their daily lives. Our emphasis will be on their timeless wisdom and how it helps us to live today. Carl...
The Coaching Institute at Columbia Theological Seminary (TCI@CTS)
01/11/2021
TCI@CTS is an application-based program that follows a rigorous, proven coaching program accredited by the International Coaching Federation. For complete information and a link to the application for TCI@CTS visit https://www.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-learning/certificate-programs/coaching-institute/.
Presbyterian Polity (Presbytery of the Wabash Valley Ruling Elder Training Program) Online
01/18/2021
This course is limited to members of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley. Its focus is on Presbyterian Polity.
Contemplation and Compassion: Engaging Two Aspects of the Spiritual Life
02/01/2021
Examine the prayerful and active dimensions of the spiritual life in this four-week online class. The course will engage the writings of several modern spiritual “giants” such as Oscar Romero, Mother Teresa and Howard Thurman.
Stand-Up Preaching: What Comedians Can Teach Us About Sermonic Craft ONLINE
02/01/2021
This online course will explore the essential aspects of effective preaching through critical engagement with stand-up comedy. Together we examine the many points of overlap between a successful stand-up routine and an effective sermon
The Hidden Lives of Congregations (Online)
02/01/2021
This is a five-week study on understanding the dynamics of congregations. Participants will gain insights into the hidden dynamics that impact many facts of congregational life, including pastoral leadership, spirituality, development, and crises.
Conflict Transformation (Online)
03/01/2021
In this study participants will explore a workable approach to conflict via the framework of conflict transformation, as opposed to “conflict resolution.”
The Return of the Prodigal (Online)
03/01/2021
A five week interactive course of study of Henri Nouwen’s most popular work on the Rembrandt painting of the Return of the Prodigal.
Spiritual Formation and Older Adults (Older Adult Ministry Certificate Program)
03/15/2021
The last third of life presents some of life’s richest spiritual, theological and ethical challenges. This course will explore how congregations and other communities of faith can engage in conversations and practices that will allow them to actively nurture...
Teaching for Transformation with Older Adults (Older Adult Ministry Certificate Course)
03/17/2021
Teaching and learning methods that enhance engagement in, and ownership of, the learning process are as important for older adults as they are for all ages. Explore learning styles, examine effective teaching methods, experience current teaching-learning theories, and consider...
The Church and People with Intellectual Disabilities (ONLINE)
04/11/2021
This course will equip ministry leaders to adapt congregational practices to value relationships with people with intellectual disabilities. A survey of age-stage considerations will prepare participants to better assess and responds to current and emerging needs in their own...
Leadership in Ministry: Kansas City
04/12/2021
The Leadership in Ministry Workshop at Kansas City is a twice-a-year peer-based clergy leadership development program. Each annual workshop meets for two sessions (spring and fall).
“Deep calls to Deep”: The Psalms in Transformative Dialogue
04/15/2021
Explore the spiritual depths of the Psalms with Bill Brown. Join us and listen to the ancient and diverse voices in the Psalter. A course in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation.
Leadership in Ministry: Lynchburg, VA
04/19/2021
The Leadership in Ministry Workshop at Lynchburg VA is a twice-a-year peer-based clergy leadership development program. Each annual workshop meets for two sessions (spring and fall).
The Disciple-Making Church: To Grow the Future We Visit the Past (Thompson Scholars 2021)
04/20/2021
Applications are due by December 18, 2020 for the 2021 Thompson Scholar seminar. The seminar will explore the concept of “the disciple-making church,” and what it means to develop mature disciples of Jesus Christ who make a real difference...
Come See Columbia Day
04/21/2021
Join Columbia Friendship Circle, a mission of the PW of the Synod of South Atlantic and Synod of Living Waters, for an on-campus day of worship, lessons, tours, good food and fellowship. Meet the scholarship winners, other CFC participants, and...
Understanding Congregations (online)
05/03/2021
This course is part of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley Ruling Elder program open to members of that presbytery. Special attention will be given to the nature of congregations as a particular model of the Church.
Leadership in Ministry: Boston
05/10/2021
The Leadership in Ministry Workshops at Boston is a twice-a-year, peer-based clergy leadership development program. Each annual workshop meets for two sessions (fall and spring)
Leadership in Ministry: Portland
05/17/2021
The Leadership in Ministry Workshops at Portland is a twice-a-year peer-based clergy leadership development program and is part of the Pastoral Excellence Programs of the Center for Lifelong Learning.
12 Days to Becoming a Better Christian Teacher ONLINE
10/04/2021
Through this 12-day interactive self-directed study, teachers and Christian educators will acquire knowledge and skills to become better teachers. Each daily session takes 60 to 90 minutes. For Christian educators and teachers.
