Congregational Foundation For Theological Studies

Purpose. The over-arching purpose of the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies (CFTS) is to help seminarians prepare for leadership in Congregational ministries with such intentionality that an employer may be assured that a CFTS graduate has had excellent education in the Congregational Way. A secondary purpose is to help offset the high cost of a seminary education so that graduates are not overly burdened by debt and are therefore free to consider a variety of calls.

History. CFTS was established by the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) in 1961 as an alternative to founding its own seminary. The driving motivation for this decision was the desire of its founders to invest in people rather than brick and mortar. The founders also recognized that no one school could possibly provide member churches with the diversity of leaders and theological viewpoints needed for ministry in our member congregations.

Ministerial Training. Congregationalism has a long and honored tradition of an educated clergy. Seminary training at an accredited institution is the preferred way for ministerial candidates to receive such an education. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) is the primary body for accreditation in the United States and Canada. Accredited seminaries may be viewed on line.

Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies

A Bachelor’s degree is usually necessary for a student to pursue a Master's degree at an accredited seminary. However, there are exceptions. Several ATS seminaries allow individuals to work on a bachelor's and master's degree concurrently. This usually requires one or two additional years of course work, depending on the amount of uncompleted undergraduate work at the time of enrollment in seminary.

A Master of Divinity (MDiv.) usually requires three years of full time study for completion. Many of those entering ministry today are second or third career people with familial responsibilities. Consequently, it is common for students to take four or five years to complete their Master's degree. Many do so while in the employ of a church. Nearly all seminaries require internship hours in a parish setting.

Answering God’s Call to Ministry. The challenges of ordained ministry are enormous, but so are the rewards. If you are thinking about entering the Congregational ministry, you may have many questions. CFTS is prepared to help you answer your questions and be a part of the answer. CFTS will challenge you academically, nurture you spiritually, and give you the opportunity for a promising future in Congregational ministry while you attend the seminary of your choice. Members of NACCC churches who are considering ordained ministry through seminary training should contact the Dean of CFTS. The Dean can assist you in the planning and implementation of your theological education.

Method. CFTS represents a unique approach to theological education and is designed to serve the special requirements of our diverse Congregational fellowship in which no single theological viewpoint can represent all of the churches. It enriches each student’s seminary experience with education in the Congregational Way. CFTS provides seminars and other educational events to students who are enrolled in seminary and who have applied and been admitted to CFTS. A student is required to attend three Fall seminars, complete a directed polity study, and attend the Boston History and Polity Seminar, ending in submission of a major research paper. Additionally, students are required to complete a 1000 hour supervised ministry internship, practicing the skills of ministry under the direction of a field supervisor. The Dean works cooperatively with students’ seminaries to prevent duplication of educational requirements when ever possible. CFTS also provides grants and administers scholarships to offset financial indebtedness, placing a fine theological education within reach of all potential Congregational ministers.

Current Student Profile. This program currently has 17 students enrolled. They range in age from 24 to 60 and are located in seminaries from Maine to California. Most are US born, but Nigeria, West Africa and Guyana, South America are also represented. Women outnumber men almost two to one (11 to 6, respectively.) All but five are entering ministry as a “second” career.

Lara Morris-CFTS Student

Application Requirements. A person wishing to make application to CFTS must be accepted to and enrolled in a seminary that is American Theological School accredited. The student must already possess a Bachelor’s degree (in any area of study), be pursuing a Master of Divinity degree (or equivalent) and intend to pursue ministry in an NACCC Congregational church. The board of directors may make exceptions to these requirements especially if you are enrolled in a concurrent Bachelor’s/Master’s program.

Supporting the Pathway to Service through CFTS. Since 1961, the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies has served the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches in the absence of an Association-affiliated seminary. While allowing our students the freedom and flexibility to attend the accredited seminary of their choice, CFTS provides financial aid and academic support. Our goal is to provide specialized preparation for Congregational ministry for our member churches. This is accomplished under the close supervision and support of the CFTS Dean and the CFTS board of directors. Almost 200 men and women have completed their training as CFTS "Fellows." They have made a lasting impact on continuing Congregationalism.

The Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies is the only program in existence today whose sole purpose is preparing men and women for ministry to churches committed to the Congregational Way. As our National Association grows, the need for Congregationally-trained ministers grows as well. You can help meet the continuing challenge in two ways:

1. By helping provide the financial resources to assist students through CFTS. Graduate seminary costs are at an all-time high. Without substantial financial aid, many of the most able and dedicated people would be lost to the Congregational ministry. You and your church's ongoing support of CFTS ensures the finest preparation available to future ministers of Congregational churches.

2. By challenging and encouraging able men and women of faith to devote their lives to God's service through ordained ministry in our Association. These qualities can be found in people of varied ages and occupations. Talent, dedication, commitment and a sense of calling are the most important ingredients for a successful seminary experience.

You can join Congregationalists across the nation who promote exceptional ministerial leadership for Congregational churches by doing the following:

By making a personal contribution to the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies
By making certain that the Foundation is included in the benevolence program of your church
By helping to recruit talented and committed people for the Congregational ministry.

For More Information. You may contact the Dean, Rev. Dr. D. Elizabeth Mauro, at the Center for Congregational Leadership as follows:

Rev. Dr. D. Elizabeth Mauro, Dean or Marie Steele, assistant to the Dean

Center for Congregational Leadership 1-800-262-1620 x22

Burrage Library 1-269-749-7245

Olivet College

Olivet, Michigan 49076

1-800-262-1620 x12

1-269-749-7228

Fax 269-749-7290