The Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies

The Congregational Foundation for
Theological Studies

Our Purpose

To support seminarians in their educational quest for leadership in churches and ministries of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. Graduates of the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies (CFTS) are uniquely prepared to meet the challenges of today’s churches through the vibrant traditions and practices of the Congregational Way.

About the Program

Congregationalism has a long and honored tradition of a well-rounded, educated clergy. Seminary training at an accredited institution is the preferred way for ministerial candidates to receive such an education. CFTS was established by the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) in 1961 as an alternative to founding its own seminary, investing in people rather than brick and mortar. Recognizing that no one seminary can provide Congregational churches with the variety of leaders and theological viewpoints needed for ministry in our diverse congregations, students attend seminaries that are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and engage in Congregational studies and experiences through CFTS.

Requirements & Applications Financial Support Directed Study Support CFTS

Program Overview

Steps to Earning a Degree

A Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) is the recognized degree for pastoral ministry and 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. For those who have not yet earned the prerequisite bachelor’s degree, 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.

Answering God’s Call to Ministry

The challenges of ordained ministry are enormous, but so are the rewards. Talent, dedication, commitment, and a sense of calling are the most important ingredients for a successful seminary experience. CFTS will challenge students academically, nurture them spiritually, and give them the opportunity for a promising future in Congregational ministry while attending the accredited seminary of their choice.

Application Requirements

A person wishing to apply to CFTS must provide evidence of acceptance to an American Theological School accredited seminary. The student must already possess a Bachelor’s degree (in any area of study) and be pursuing a Master of Divinity degree (or equivalent) with the intention to enter ministry in an NACCC Congregational church.

Requirements and Applications

Requirements and Application to CFTS

General Requirements

Every student admitted to the CFTS program must meet certain requirements to gain entrance and to satisfactorily graduate from the program. Central to acceptance is the intention to serve in an NACCC approved ministry upon completion of the degree.

Entrance Requirements

Along with an application form, several official documents providing evidence of church membership and involvement, educational background, and the support of the church and its leadership for the pursuit of seminary education must be submitted, along with letters of reference and completion of a consent form to enact a background check. All of these items are detailed on the application.

Additionally, one must be enrolled in seminary at least half time and complete one’s degree requirements in a timely manner. The CFTS Committee and/or Director of Programs may waive existing requirements or make additional requirements when accepting students. All applicants are encouraged to discuss recommended seminaries with the Director of Programs prior to formal enrollment.

Program Requirements

Once accepted to the CFTS program, one is obligated to participate in the educational programs provided by CFTS. The cost of these opportunities is borne by the CFTS program. Those include:

Completion of the directed study in Congregational History and Polity
Participation in the Congregational History and Polity Seminar and submission of a graduate-level research paper
Completion of the equivalent of a 1000 hour Supervised Ministry practicum. One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) may be recommended by the Committee and/or Director of Programs and may count toward some of the hours toward the Supervised Ministry requirement.
Participation in three CFTS sponsored education and fellowship events in addition to the History and Polity Seminar

A 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) must be maintained throughout a student’s time in seminary and transcripts must be submitted to the Director of Programs after each completed semester. There may be other requirements indicated by the CFTS Committee and/or Director of Programs.

How to Apply

The first step is to contact the Director of Programs, who will send electronically an initial application request form and information.

There is a thorough process engaged in reviewing applications and supporting documents, and an interview with the Director of Programs and representatives of the CFTS Committee, either in person or virtually by means of technology as deemed convenient and appropriate, is arranged once this has been completed.

For More Information contact
Rev. Dr. Gerald B. Krupp
Director of Programs

800-262-1620 x 1617

Financial Support

Financial Support for CFTS Students

As a general principle, financing a seminary education is seen as the responsibility of the student. CFTS is one source of financial assistance and counsel.

Fellowship Awards

Any person who accepts an invitation to become a CFTS student, agreeing to meet its educational requirements, is accorded “fellowship” status. Every student admitted to the program generally receives a small fellowship grant per year for a limited number of years.

Scholarships

CFTS administers several scholarships on behalf of churches, regional associations, and individuals who have made generous donations to the program. All CFTS students are eligible to apply for these scholarships. They are awarded at the discretion of the CFTS Committee in consultation with the Director of Programs, upholding the donor’s intent. The amount available for scholarships varies yearly, depending upon donations and market performance.

Post Graduate Grants

CFTS offers postgraduate grants to students who, upon graduation, secure ministry in an NACCC member church. Grants are awarded by application to the Director of Programs and CFTS Committee if received within the first three years after CFTS graduation.

CFTS Directed Study on Congregational History and Polity

There are two main components of the directed study: (1) the directed study in which students complete readings from a provided book list and submit required papers; (2) attendance at the Boston Seminar for Congregational History and Polity. The goal of each is to provide students with a strong background in the tradition in which ministries will be practiced.

The broad learning objectives of the Directed Study are to help students:

gain a working knowledge of the history of Congregationalism
understand the Separatist and Puritan theology and influences on Congregationalism
translate the knowledge of Congregational history and polity into praxis
demonstrate scholarship when engaging Congregational tradition

During a portion of the Directed Study, students spend 5 days in Boston. They visit Plymouth, Massachusetts, and spend time at the Congregational Library and Archives for research. There are gatherings in the evenings to explore issues of praxis in Congregational ministry.

Future Leaders

Supporting Future Leaders through CFTS

CFTS is the only program in existence today with the sole purpose of preparing men and women for ministry in churches committed to the Congregational Way. This is accomplished under the close supervision and support of the Director of Programs and the CFTS Committee. Almost 200 men and women have received academic and financial support and completed their training as CFTS “Fellows.” They have made a lasting impact on continuing Congregationalism.

You can make a difference

As our National Association grows, the need for Congregationally-trained ministers grows, as well. You can help meet the continuing challenge in two ways:

Identify gifted people

There are people in your churches of varying ages and occupations who are gifted for ministry, but need your encouragement to hear the call. You can identify and encourage able men and women of faith to devote their lives to God’s service through ordained ministry in our Association.

Make a contribution

You can join Congregationalists across the nation who promote exceptional ministerial leadership by making a personal contribution to CFTS and by ensuring that CFTS is included in the benevolence program of their churches. With graduate seminary costs at an all-time high, generous financial support from people like you encourages many of the most able and dedicated people to enter Congregational ministry. By making a donation to CFTS you and your church ensure that Congregational Churches will be served by ministers devoted to the Congregational Way for years to come.