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
What My Grandmothers Taught Me: Learning from the Women in Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus (2021-2022 PW Horizons Bible Study Leader Seminar) (online)
07/27/2021
Have you ever wondered about the women listed in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus? They are named for a reason, and this year’s PW Horizons Bible Study, will provide opportunities to explore and reflect on that these “grandmothers of the...
Christian Education in the Smaller Church (online)
08/30/2021
In this course participants will explore the realities, challenges, and joys of providing Christian education in the smaller church context.
TCI@CTS Mentor Coaching (Fall 2021) (online)
09/01/2021
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...
Leadership in Ministry: Portland Fall Session
09/13/2021
The Leadership in Ministry workshop in 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.
Guthrie Scholars 2021-2022
09/20/2021
The Guthrie Scholars Program is a independent study opportunity offered generally the fall on an application basis. Guthrie Scholars are invited to the campus to pursue a topic of their choice that engages a pressing issue of the church.
Leadership in Ministry: Lynchburg Fall Session
09/20/2021
The Leadership in Ministry workshop in Lynchburg 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. The fall session will be on the campus...
Healthy Transitions: A Wellness Retreat for Ministers and Spouses
09/27/2021
Healthy Transitions: A Wellness Retreat for Ministers and Spouses at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center provides a relaxed atmosphere and confidential setting for healing and encouragement to ministers and their families who have experienced termination, or for those in conflicts...
Leadership in Ministry: Boston Fall Session
09/27/2021
The Leadership in Ministry workshop in Boston 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. The fall session will be on the...
Wisdom and Wit of the Desert Fathers and Mothers (online)
09/27/2021
Join Carl McColman for this four-week online course to read, and reflect on, the entertaining and insightful ancient stories of the spiritual sages and religious eccentrics who were the desert mothers and fathers, exploring how their wisdom and wit...
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.
Leadership in Ministry: Kansas City Fall Session
10/04/2021
The Leadership in Ministry workshop in Kansas City 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. The fall session will be held on...
Ensouling our Lives: The Gospel of Love according to Julian of Norwich
10/14/2021
Dr. Mark S. Burrows leads this retreat that will explore passages from Julian’s Showings. Our aim is to make sense of her profoundly Pauline notion of inclusion–that “nothing” can separate us from God’s love in Christ (cf. Rom. 8.38-39),...
reKindle: A Congregational Development Program
10/18/2021
“reKindle” is a congregational development program funded by the Lilly Thriving Congregations grant initiative. Accepted congregations are eligible for an impact grant of up to $15,000 to initiate a program or engage in activities to foster the qualities of...
The Enneagram and Accompaniment (online)
10/18/2021
Join Sandra C. Smith for this four-part program designed for spiritual directors/companions, chaplains, pastors, coaches, and counselors who want to learn how to use the Enneagram system with those they accompany. All faith traditions are welcome.
Incarnation: Theology, Tradition and Practice of Spiritual Direction
11/07/2021
This seminar will explore biblical and theological underpinnings of spiritual direction and the practice of individual spiritual direction. This is the second residency for the Certificate in Spiritual Direction; enrollment is limited to those accepted into the program through...
Leadership in Ministry: Atlanta Fall Session
11/15/2021
The Leadership in Ministry Workshop at Atlanta 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. The fall session will be held in person...
Seeking God: An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life (online)
01/10/2022
This four-week online retreat is for anyone seeking to cultivate a more meaningful life with God. It may also be helpful for those exploring new directions and callings. With Carl McColman, Deedra Rich, Debra Weir
Certificate in Spiritual Direction Application
01/17/2022
Apply here for acceptance to the Certificate in Spiritual Direction, a 2.5-year program designed to nurture the gifts, sensibilities, and skills of a spiritual director.
The Process of Aging and Implications for Ministry (Older Adult Ministry Course) online
01/17/2022
Aging is associated with many changes in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. This course will equip participants with the resources necessary to help those with whom you work navigate aging with agency, support, and information.
Understanding the New Testament (ONLINE) Presbytery of the Wabash Valley
01/17/2022
This course is part of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley Ruling Elder program open to members of that presbytery. Participants will gain an understanding of the New Testament and its interpretation and an appreciation and knowledge of the biblical text to inform and...
Inclusive Leadership in a Diverse and Changing World (online)
01/31/2022
This practical five-week course is an introduction to intercultural competence in the context of local churches and religious organizations. Participants will explore what it means to be a culturally competent and inclusive leader in a diverse and changing world.
Colloquy for Young Black Church Clergy
02/07/2022
This rich peer learning experience offers an opportunity to explore how young Black Church Clergy can be more effective leaders in the changing realities of ministry today.
Understanding Congregations: A Systems Perspective
02/14/2022
This course is a five-week study on understanding the dynamics of congregations. Using the text, The Hidden Lives of Congregations: Understanding Church Dynamics, by Israel Galindo, participants will gain insights into the dynamics that impact many facts of congregational...
The Life of Christ in Art and Poetry (online)
03/07/2022
This five-week course presents the life of Christ in poetry and art. You are invited to read and reflect on contemporary poetic and visual interpretations of Gospel passages. Imaginative and artistic reflections will be encouraged.
Theological Reflection and Older Adult Ministry (online) (Older Adult Ministry Program Course)
03/21/2022
This course will explore theological doctrines and concepts pertinent to older adult ministry. Using Scripture, movies, music, creeds, confessions and other resources, participants will explore how to facilitate theological reflection among older adults.
Prophetic, Imaginative Preaching for God’s Changing World (online)
04/04/2022
Imagination—empowered by the Spirit—is the lifeblood of prophetic preaching. Drawing upon traditional and contemporary approaches to preaching, this course will lead students to innovate upon these approaches and to incorporate preaching styles across cultures in response to God’s changing...
Creation through a New Lens
04/07/2022
Jim Dant leads this biblical study of the creation stories in Genesis 1 and 2, exploring several interpretive lenses to widen our view of these familiar stories.
Discernment in Spiritual Direction
04/24/2022
This seminar explores the art and gift of Christian Discernment in the context of individual spiritual direction. This is the third residency for the Certificate in Spiritual Direction; enrollment is limited to those accepted into the program through application. Thank you for your interest.
Baptism and Belonging; Creating, Being and Becoming Beloved Community (Thompson Scholars 2022)
04/26/2022
This seminar is designed for clergy and other church leaders who preach and/or teach in a congregational setting, or who serve in other capacities and have an interest discipleship formation and evangelism and want to strengthen their understanding of...
Be Still and Know: A Contemplative Retreat
05/02/2022
Carl McColman and Debra Weir guide this ecumenical retreat to invite stillness, rest, and prayer. The retreat is open to both men and women. No prior experience at a monastery or with contemplative prayer is necessary, simply a desire...
