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
Storytelling as Tool for Change (Online)
04/13/2020
This online course will discuss the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) on faith communities and how storytelling can be a foundational tool for social innovation and transformative learning in congregational educational ministry, thus fostering systems change in light...
12 Days to Becoming a Better Christian Teacher ONLINE
04/27/2020
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.
Postponed: 2020 Graduation Weekend Schedule
05/16/2020
This event has been postponed. Details on the rescheduled event will be available at a later date.
Certificate in Spiritual Direction Application
06/01/2020
This is the Application for the 2020-2022 Cohort of the Certificate in Spiritual Direction program, a 2.5-year formation and training program for persons who discern a call to the ministry of spiritual direction.
The Humility of Christ: Power and Love in the Dance of Paradox
07/16/2020
Join Marjorie Thompson for this timely course exploring God’s nature through the humility of Christ. We will dive deeply into the non-dual waters of paradox that characterize spiritual truth.
Into the Light: Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament (2020-21 PW/Horizons Bible Study Seminar)
08/03/2020
The 2020-2021 PW/Horizons Bible Study invites us to explore and reclaim the practice of lament in prayer and worship. This seminar, led by study author and artist P. Lynn Miller will prepare participants to lead the study and apply...
Thriving as a Church Ministry Associate (online)
08/03/2020
This five-week online course will focus on the role and function of the pastoral associate staff in the congregational context.
Call to the Center: A Contemplative Prayer Experience (Online)
08/03/2020
In this five-week course you are invited to meditate on selected texts within the Gospel of Matthew while engaging “a simple form of prayer from the heart.” The texts call us to a deeper union with God through prayer...
Mentor Coaching (TCI@CTS) (Online)
09/01/2020
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...
Colloquy for Mid-Career Clergy
09/09/2020
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.
Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life (Hybrid program)
09/14/2020
This program is for anyone seeking to cultivate a more meaningful life with God. It may also be helpful for those discerning new directions or callings.
Colloquy for Women of Color
09/14/2020
This colloquy is for women of color who are leaders in their faith community: chaplains, pastors, deacons, evangelists, ministers and program directors. The group will explore and share experiences in mediating dynamics of ethnicity, race, and gender in their...
An Open Receptive Place: Henri Nouwen’s Spirituality
09/17/2020
Henri Nouwen’s friend and former student, Chris Glaser, guides this course to rediscover the spiritual wisdom of Nouwen’s early writing and how it illuminated his forty years of spiritual writing and ministry. Glaser will also share personal stories, videos...
Guthrie Scholars 2020
09/21/2020
The Guthrie Scholars Program is a learning opportunity offered in the fall on an application basis. For additional information, including a link to the application, see https://www.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-learning/postgraduate-programs/guthrie-scholars/.
Leadership in Ministry: B
09/21/2020
The Leadership in Ministry Workshop 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. Each annual workshop meets for two sessions (spring and fall). Participants work...
Reformed Theology and Confessions (online)
09/21/2020
This course is part of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley Ruling Elder program open to members of that presbytery. The focus is on Reformed Theology and its expression in the Presbyterian Book of Confessions.
Readings in Narrative Preaching (Online)
09/21/2020
This five-week course will provide a deep dive into narrative preaching. Particular attention will be paid to narrative forms and storytelling methods.
Talking Politics During Turbulent Times
09/25/2020
This one-day program is for clergy and others who want to think about how to deal with public political issues as a church during the run-up to the 2020 national elections. It includes two keynote addresses (one in the...
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...
Leadership in Ministry: Boston
09/28/2020
The Leadership in Ministry Workshop 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. Each annual workshop meets for two sessions (spring and fall). Participants work to apply a theory...
Contemporary Readings in Christian Education: Adult Religious Education Online
09/28/2020
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 a twice-a-year, peer-based clergy leadership development program and is part of the Pastoral Excellence Programs of the Center for Lifelong Learning. Each annual workshop meets for two sessions (spring and fall). Participants work to apply a theory...
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
10/12/2020
The Leadership in Ministry Workshop 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. Each annual workshop meets for two sessions (spring and fall). Participants work...
Wisdom of the Christian Mystics
10/15/2020
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...
Come See Columbia Day
10/16/2020
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...
Soul Tending: An Exploration of Spiritual Practices for Nourishment and Growth
11/05/2020
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.
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 Coaching Institute at Columbia Theological Seminary (TCI@CTS)
01/11/2021
TCI@CTS is an application-based limited enrollment opportunity that follows a rigorous, proven coaching program accredited by the International Coaching Federation. For complete information about the Coaching Institute at the Center for Lifelong Learning (TCI@CLL), 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.
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 be more inclusive of 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...
“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.
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.
