CULTIVATING FAITHFUL LEADERS FOR GOD’S CHANGING WORLD
COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
exists to educate and nurture faithful, imaginative, and
effective leaders for the sake of the church and the world.
300 50% STUDENTS
OF COLOR OR INTERNATIONAL
16 27
COUNTRIES
S TAT E S
37
DENOMINATIONS
& RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS Columbia Theological Seminary is an educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
REPRESENTING A DIVERSE SPECTRUM OF VIEWPOINTS AND EXPERIENCES, our students share one essential characteristic: God has called each one to faithful
6 DEGREE
discipleship and leadership in
PROGRAMS
Christ’s church.
12:1 STUDENT TO
C T S N E T. E D U
FACULTY RATIO
3
C
OLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY is an accredited theological school of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) We host a large table for people from all denominations and backgrounds. We cultivate students intellectually and spiritually with a world-class faculty. Columbia consistently receives top scores on ordination examinations, while training students for the practical work of ministry in the community. Columbia students engage a wide range of theological and social issues directly in classroom exercises, open forum discussions, and through hands-on experience in the community. While faculty and students may hold a variety of perspectives on these issues, we model and encourage civil discussion at every step.
DEGREE PROGRAMS Master of Divinity (MDiv) 3 year degree that integrates Bible, history, doctrine and practice preparing students to engage the crucial challenges of ministry.
Master of Theology (ThM) 1 year degree for students who have completed an MDiv and wish to deepen their mastery in a single discipline through reflection, research, and writing.
Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT) 2 year degree designed for specialized ministry in the areas of Christian Education, Christian Leadership, Pastoral Care, and Worship.
Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Leadership development degree program for experienced pastors of any denomination currently engaged in ministry. Concentrations include: Christian Spirituality, Gospel and Culture, Church and Ministry, and Asian-American Ministry.
Master of Arts (Theological Studies) MA(TS) 2 year degree designed for specialized ministry or future doctoral studies with focuses in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, and Ethics.
Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin) Degree for people currently engaged in ministry of Christian Education. This degree fosters spiritual maturity and imaginative thinking about educational ministry in congregations and other contexts.
TO LEARN MORE: CTSnet.edu/degree-programs TO THE RIGHT | Dr. Bill Brown provides a lecture as part of the “Science for Seminaries” program supported by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
ENCOUNTERING GOD
C T S N E T. E D U
GOD IS LIVING AND ACTIVE IN THE WORLD NEAR AND FAR. IN ACADEMICALLY-RIGOROUS CLASSES, WE STUDY THE WORK GOD IS ALREADY DOING, CHALLENGING STUDENTS TO IMAGINE WHAT GOD WILL DO THROUGH THEM AND THEIR PEERS.
5
CULTIVATING LEADERS
WE PREPARE VISIONARY LEADERS WHO BRING CLARITY AND DIRECTION TO THEIR MINISTRIES, LEADERS WHO DWELL IN THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY, CHOOSING TO ENACT WHAT CAN BE INSTEAD OF SETTLING FOR WHAT IS.
“
The faculty and staff at Columbia Theological Seminary taught me the importance of leading with love by first seeking understanding. MYRON KRYS FLORENCE Atlanta, GA
INTERNSHIPS ARE ONE OF MANY AVENUES FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN AND PRACTICE THEIR LEADERSHIP.
Local congregations in rural, urban, and multi-racial settings
Non-profit for women recovering from sex trafficking
Friends of Refugees community
Global Growers Farm Network
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice
Military chaplaincy
C T S N E T. E D U
Recent internship sites include:
7
TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES WE SHAPE AND PARTNER WITH COMMUNITIES IN PROFOUND, AND PROPHETIC WAYS. WE BOLDLY PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL AND ACTIVELY SEEK GOD’S JUSTICE IN THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD.
W
E UNDERSTAND CHRISTIAN FAITH TO INCLUDE worship of God, faithfulness to Jesus Christ, cultivation of the mind, disciplines of the Christian life, ministries of proclamation, nurture, compassion and justice, expression of faith through the arts, and participation in the life of the Church. Therefore, all that we say and do in our daily life together is important to our formation as spiritual leaders. Life at Columbia involves the whole person. We encourage a broad perspective that includes personal reflection, growth and the activities of the wider community. We affirm the value of a rich inner life, recognizing that every student must chart his or her own spiritual course through a variety of opportunities available at the seminary and in the community: • Visiting the state capitol to speak out about gun legislation
• Working with homeless communities and congregations
• Holding vigil outside a prison during an execution
• Starting new worshipping communities and discovering new ways of being church • Tending a community garden
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T N E R S H I P S Columbia’s commitment to preparing students for ministry in a global context is reflected in our broad approach to international education, which has emerged from dialogue with church leaders from around the world. More than 70 percent of our Master of Divinity students study internationally as part of their Columbia education. Our international opportunities include:
C T S N E T. E D U
• Explorations: Alternative Context for • Exchange Programs and Internships: Ministry, a second year course offered each In England, Scotland, Jamaica, Kenya, January. Recent international alternative South Africa, Korea, and Switzerland. context settings have been offered in • Doctor of Ministry: Courses held in Mexico, Jamaica, and Central Europe. Cuba, China, South Africa, South Korea, • Supervised Ministry: Placements Central and Eastern Europe. in churches in Jamaica, Kenya, and • Pilgrimages: To Taizé, Geneva, Rome, South Africa, under the supervision of Assisi, and Turkey. experienced pastors in these countries.
9
Housing available for Center for Lifelong classes and events held on our beautiful Decatur, GA campus.
LIFELONG LEARNING
EACH YEAR, COLUMBIA’S COMMUNITY INCLUDES PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY who take courses and attend continuing education events offered on campus and in other locations worldwide through the Center for Lifelong Learning.
F
or church professionals and lay people, Columbia’s Center for Lifelong Learning provides non-degree courses and events— opportunities to learn with and from others for faithful discipleship. Led by top-notch faculty who are experts in various fields, our offerings are biblically and theologically grounded, with a practical focus to help participants identify and address specific, real-life needs. We see lifelong learning as recreation—time to step out of life’s busy routines and experience renewal of mind, spirit, body, and emotion. Browse through our website to find out more about opportunities that are available for you.
749
Enrolled in LIFELONG LEARNING EVENTS
20TH
Anniversary
of the Spirituality Program
4
LOCATIONS FOR
LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY PROGRAMS
123
Enrolled in CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
• Colloquy for Mid-Career Clergy
• Leadership in Ministry
• Travel Seminars
• Compass Points for Camp and Conference Leaders
• Older Adult Ministries
• Other Christian Education and Leadership Opportunities
• Spirituality Program
TO LEARN MORE: CTSnet.edu/lifelonglearning
11
C T S N E T. E D U
DECATUR, WHERE IT’S GREATER
Columbia is located in Decatur, GA, just miles from downtown Atlanta. We are uniquely positioned with access to all types of ministry opportunities, arts, music and cultural events, food, and more. Whether you enjoy urban or rural settings, American or ethnic cuisine, heavy metal or folk music, parish ministry or non-profits, there is something for everyone here. Opportunities are vast for both exploration of vocation as well as personal adventures. Atlanta is a great launching pad for future endeavors precisely because there are so many distinct possibilities. You will find your niche in this city!
WORLD. Meet the world with over 100 languages and people groups in Greater Atlanta. DECATUR. Experience the comforts of a small town with the amenities of a big city. Campus is just 7 miles from downtown Atlanta.
C T S N E T. E D U
CAMPUS. Live, study and grow on our beautiful 57–acre campus.
13
FINDING A HOME THE CTS CAMPUS IS HOME TO BOTH STUDENTS AND FACULTY FORMING A STRONG, DIVERSE COMMUNITY. HOUSING Many Columbia students choose to live in campus housing and many of Columbia’s faculty live within walking distance of campus, creating unique opportunities for learning to happen beyond the classroom.
COMMUTING Atlanta is the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the United States, offering a range of options for housing and transit. Whether you are a prospective student already living in the area or looking to establish a new life, we can tell you more about what is available beyond our campus and ways to stay connected with our community.
COMMUNITY GARDEN SANCTUARY | From Chapel service to group gardening efforts, students and faculty alike witness the word of God come alive in the Community Garden Sanctuary.
15
C T S N E T. E D U
90%
OF OUR STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
MAKING THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AFFORDABLE BECAUSE OF MANY GENEROUS STEWARDS, Columbia is able to provide significant institutional aid to its students. Aid is provided in the form of scholarships, grants, and on-campus work opportunities (Seminary Service). The average aid package is 85% of tuition. Students must be full-time to receive institutional aid.
SCHOLARSHIPS Columbia offers two merit scholarships. Our highest award, The Columbia Scholarship, covers tuition, room and board for a student’s entire degree program. The Honors Scholarship covers the cost of tuition for a student’s entire degree program. Both scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate generous academic capacity and appreciation for academic rigor, thoughtful leadership, and promise for ministry.
OUTSIDE RESOURCES We encourage students to seek resources outside of institutional aid. Whether it be through denominational support, individual church support, or outside scholarships, the Financial Aid Office is happy to assist as students seek ways to finance their education.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS Columbia participates in both the Federal Work Study and the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan programs. Eligibility for both of these programs are determined by the Financial Aid Office based on the information submitted on the FAFSA. Please contact us with further questions.
C T S N E T. E D U
TO LEARN MORE: CTSnet.edu/financialaid
17
YOUR NEXT STEP REQUEST INFO. VISIT. APPLY. IS COLUMBIA THE PLACE FOR YOU?
Non-profit leader. Professor. Solo Pastor. Missionary. Farmer. Chaplain. Associate Pastor. Camp Director. Innovator. Catalyst. Change-maker.
JOIN US FOR A CAMPUS VISIT to explore the
limitless possibilities that accompany theological education. Hear about our degree programs Meet students, faculty, and staff Sit-in on classes Tour campus
And learn about the admissions and financial aid process
There is no charge for a campus visit; lodging and meals included. Individual and group visits welcome.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
VISIT US ONLINE CTSnet.edu
CONNECT WITH US
404-378-8821
THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO CONSIDER MAKING COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR JOURNEY. We hope you will join us here on campus to learn more and experience the quality of our life together. We are very eager to learn more about you and your emerging call as well. What attracted me here is the vitality of the learning at Columbia, the vitality of the community, and the vitality of the mission of the seminary. Shaping leaders for God’s changing world is a high and holy goal. We wonder if perhaps God is calling you to join us!
C T S N E T. E D U
Dr. Leanne Van Dyk, P R E S I D E N T
19
VISIT US ONLINE CTSnet.edu
404-378-8821
CONNECT WITH US
701 S. COLUMBIA DR. • DECATUR, GA 30030