Theological Education
The Office of Theological Education is the liaison between your Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminaries and the General Assembly Mission Council.
Our Presbyterian Seminaries: Education, Leadership, Support.
This four-minute video highlights the diverse voices of leaders preparing for ministry at our Presbyterian Seminaries. Be inspired by their reflections on their journey and their resounding commitment, conviction and love for the church!
Celebrate Theological Education Emphasis Sunday
Where would we be without our seminaries?

Paul asked the Corinthian Church, “If all were a single member, where would the body be?” (1 Cor. 12:19) Where would the body be if we were only an ear or only a mouth or only an eye? Where would the body be if we were congregations without seminaries or seminaries without congregations? The body and its members are interrelated.
Theological Education Emphasis Sunday, September 19, is an invitation to you and your congregation to pray for and celebrate the gift of our seminaries. The Committee on Theological Education encourages you to embrace this opportunity and to use the liturgical resources compiled by the Office of Theological Education. The resources include responsive prayers and hymn suggestions. We encourage you to lead portions of the worship service from the baptismal font and table.
If you need more assistance please contact the Office of Theological Education at (800) 728-7228, x5359 or send an email.
2010 Theological Education Emphasis Sunday worship materials

Order these free resources for use in your celebration
- COTE Joint Seminary Viewbook “Our Presbyterian Seminaries,” PDS# 21160-10-001
(also available for download: 2010 Viewbook and 2009 Viewbook) - Bulletin insert for Theological Education/Seminary Emphasis Sunday, PDS# 21160-09-002
- “Our Presbyterian Seminaries” postcard, PDS# 21160-09-003
- Offering envelope for whenever you choose to support theological education in a special way, PDS# 21160-09-004.
Together, your seminaries ...
- Offer coursework through master's degree programs to prepare men and women to be pastors, educators, chaplains, therapists, spiritual directors and musicians for congregations and other specialized ministries
- Prepare men and women for a global, multicultural ministry context, whether they will serve in a rural, urban, suburban, small town, international or Third World setting
- Provide continuing education for clergy and lay leaders
- Provide doctorate-level programs for ministers of the Word and Sacrament
- Serve as centers of research, theological discourse and reflection for the benefit of the wider church
- Work with congregations, presbyteries and other educational institutions as consultants and advisors on issues and concerns of the church
- Reach out to youth and other persons who may be called to ministry to facilitate the discernment process
Learn more about your Presbyterian seminaries.
Stay connected
Stay connected to our dynamic PC(USA) seminaries through our monthly e-newsletter. You'll receive helpful resources for leadership development and read stories about our seminary students.
The Rev. Dr. Marsha Snulligan Haney
Professor of missiology at Johnson C. Smith Seminary trains church leaders to serve in both local and global contexts
Congregations don’t have to choose between local and global missions, but should understand God’s mission as it relates to both, the Rev. Dr. Marsha Snulligan Haney tries to impress upon her students at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary.
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The Rev. John Burgess
Pittsburgh Seminary professor wants students to always make the connection between theology and practice
The Rev. Dr. John Burgess, the James Henry Snowden Professor of Systematic Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, wants his students to understand the ways theology can strengthen the life of the church.
Continue readingInvolve your congregation with Theological Education
Inform your congregation about the rich diversity of theological institutions related to the PC(USA) by choosing one seminary to be highlighted each month during the year. Interpretive printed materials and videos are available from the schools.
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