Recognition Received for Education That Engages

Bethany Seminary has been notified by The Center for Faith and Service at McCormick Theological Seminary that it is included in the 2015 list of Seminaries That Change the World. Twenty-six institutions were named this year, including Bethany’s partner school, Earlham School of Religion.

Schools selected for this distinction demonstrate innovation in theological education in integration with classical approaches for learning, even as they navigate negative stereotypes about organized religion and work to expand narrow definitions of traditional ministry. Each also commits to be part of a consortium of seminaries and divinity schools that would work together to recruit and educate new leadership for our time. Jeff Carter, president of Bethany, said, “It is an honor to be recognized as a seminary that is truly making a difference through creative program and dedicated scholarship, educating and empowering students as they seek to make a difference in the world.”

Now in its second year, Seminaries That Change the World was initiated to help reclaim the important role that theological education has played in promoting community and justice while training and launching local and world leaders in all areas of society. It is a program of The Center for Faith and Service, directed by Rev. Wayne Meisel. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Meisel has a distinguished career in civic engagement, including the President’s Commission on National and Community Service. “The 2015 class of schools has demonstrated a commitment to invite, welcome, support, train, and launch individuals into the world as community leaders,” he says.

To apply for consideration by the Center for Faith and Service, Bethany responded to questions about its commitment to engage with the world through student community life, field education programming, available financial aid and student employment, and collaboration with peer institutions. As the application’s opening sentence stated, “Bethany Theological Seminary has been building community purposefully since its beginnings. It is a hallmark of our faith tradition in the Church of the Brethren and our understanding of Christ and the teachings in the New Testament.”

For more information about Seminaries That Change the World and The Center for Faith and Service, visit www.stctw.faith3.org.