Theological Education Newsletter - Issue 1

Seminaries provide lifelong education and guidance  by Rev. Bill Davis I am currently enrolled in the Leadership for Wonder doctoral program at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I've had two years of course work and now I have moved on to my capstone project (or dissertation). This gives me a unique opportunity to view theological education in the PCUSA through two lenses: that of a student, and that of a colleague to seminary leaders as part of my work with the Theological Education Fund. I see both the strategy and guidance of seminary presidents who want to ensure their faculty are free to pursue academic research and theology, as well as faculty who share this research and theology with me as a student. It is a joyful dichotomy that I know is rare. Austin Seminary assigned a faculty advisor for my capstone project, which is none other than Cynthia Rigby. As many know, she has Parkinson’s, but her brilliance and care for her students shines through in every conversation. She treats me as a trusted conversation partner and colleague as she has guided my academic work, and it humbles me as we progress through my capstone project. Continue Reading Seminary News Stories Some news and notes from Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminaries. Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary holding reunions on August 28 as part of its Mosaic Summit Austin Seminary partners with Huston-Tillotson University offers accelerated pathway for students called to ministry Columbia Theological Seminary offering an online webinar for pastors on grief Union Presbyterian Seminary to host Compassion Across Borders: A Call for Solidarity and Justice

Leading Theologically: Podcast and NEW Study Guide

Season 6 has wrapped up with a wonderful discussion of reconciliation. We’re grateful to each of our guests who joined us for this deep and rich ongoing conversation. Consider adding these 8 episodes and accompanying study guide to your fall Christian Education curriculum. You can find the podcast on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. You can download the study guide here.

Theological Education Sunday Resources

Theological Education Sunday is celebrated each September in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This year, Theological Education Sunday is officially set for September 21, 2025, but you may celebrate theological education any time that is appropriate for you and your congregation. We have a full worship liturgy, slides, bulletin inserts, all available for your use as you honor PC(USA) seminaries. Find it all here.

Donate

Thank you for your support of theological education in the PC(USA)! You know how vital it is to continue to provide a theologically educated clergy for the needs of the 21st century. Consider making a recurring monthly donation to the Theological Education Fund. You can set that up conveniently on our website, and change your donation anytime you’d like. If you’d like to talk about donating, you can reach Rev. Bill Davis, Senior Director, Theological Education Funds Development, at bill.davis@presbyterianfoundation.org. Donate Now