September 15, 2016, Chicago, IL – The Center for Faith and Service, based out of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL, announced today the fourth annual list of Seminaries that Change the World (STCTW). STCTW highlights a select group of seminaries and divinity schools offering innovative courses, programs, and opportunities for students seeking to engage in social justice and service work while in seminary. Each year, the Center publicly announces the list on Huffington Post. This year’s list includes thirty-one institutions, representing a broad range of theological and political perspectives.
Rev. Wayne Meisel, one of the architects of the AmeriCorps program and founder of the Bonner Scholars program, created STCTW four years ago to act as a resource for service minded young-adults looking for ways to grow spiritually. Meisel, who now serves as the executive director of the Center for Faith and Service, explained: “At some point I learned that for many people, their faith inspired, sustained and deepened their commitment to community service and social justice. So I began a journey of looking for institutions where these individuals could connect their faith and service. The result is this list.”
The 2016-17 list of Seminaries that Change the World includes:
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Bethany Theological Seminary
Brite Divinity School
Calvin Theological Seminary
Candler School of Theology (Emory)
Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Christian Theological Seminary
Claremont School of Theology
Columbia Theological Seminary
Drew Theological School
Duke Divinity School
Earlham School of Religion
Ecumenical Theological Seminary
Fuller Theological Seminary
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Hartford Seminary
Iliff School of Theology
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Luther Seminary
McAfee School of Theology (Mercer University)
McCormick Theological Seminary
Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry
The School of Theology at The University of the South | Sewanee
Union Presbyterian Seminary
Union Theological Seminary in New York
University of Chicago Divinity School
Vanderbilt Divinity School
Virginia Theological Seminary
Wake Forest University School of Divinity
Wesley Theological Seminary
Yale Divinity School
As part of its selection process, the Center looks for schools that are providing significant scholarship support to students engaged in community-based social justice or service work. Innovative degree programs, field education internship opportunities, issue-based courses, and alumni job placement are also considered.
“So much of the talk about theological education and the church is shaped by a narrative of decline, but that is not my experience with our divinity students,” said Gail O’Day, Ph.D., dean and professor of new testament and preaching at Wake Forest School of Divinity. “The Center for Faith and Service has recognized the positive energy and passion that seminary students can and do bring to the pressing issues of our day and tells a story of transformation and possibility that points a way forward for religious leaders and religious institutions.”
In collaboration with schools that are part of Seminaries that Change the World, the Center will be sponsoring Theological Education Week, October 26 – November 1, 2016. Through this initiative, the Center will be reaching out to career service offices to offer programing and resources that educate career service professionals and undergraduate institutions about the new landscape and opportunities available through theological education.
About The Center for Faith and Service:
Based out of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, The Center for Faith and Service works to develop new programs and identify existing resources that support the church to be present and relevant in the lives of young adults. Through a variety of initiatives, including Seminaries that Change the World, The Center partners with seminaries, summer camps, colleges, youth corps, denominations and local congregations to create programs and resources that help young people connect their passions for service and justice with their faith.
To learn more about the center and its programs, visit www.faithandservice.org
More information about Seminaries that Change the World can be found on www.stctw.org