The evening for our matriculation arrived abruptly. I’m not sure that I understood the full gravity of the event until the morning before. That morning, our Introduction to the Old Testament class went on a field trip to Keller Library. And there it was, The Book. There is something sobering about seeing a book that is almost two hundred years old, waiting for our signatures on the night of Matriculation. Read more...
Twenty-two new students arrived at Chelsea Square this week, anticipating a new beginning. Orientation heralds the opportunity to welcome new students from around the country and world. In her opening remarks, Donna Ashley, Vice President of Advancement at General Seminary noted, “We have students joining us from as close at West Eighteenth Street and as far away as Kenya.” Ashley went on to share that one of the incoming students was actually born while his family was living on the Close as his father was a student at the seminary. Read more...
On May 16, 2017 during our annual alumni gathering, a special Alumni Memorial Eucharist was held, honoring the life of the Rev. Dr. Margaret Guenther (1929-2016) and presenting the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award to the Rev. Steven E. Hulme, Class of 1959. The Rev. Jonathan Linman preached at the service, celebrated by the Rev. Read more...
Joshua A. Bruner was named the new Director of Communications for The General Theological Seminary in late March. Bruner is thrilled to join General’s staff, commenting, “While I have only been on the Close for about a month, I have been inspired by the passion and Spirit-filled movement of the community gathered here. There is an air of excitement, of joy, of resurrection. And it is a blessing to be a part of that.”
Bruner received his Master in Divinity from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale where he was particularly interested in Gender, Religion, and Culture. Read more...
This summer, The General Theological Seminary will offer six courses, including a broad range of subject matter. Additionally, in celebration of the 200th anniversary, the seminary invites alumni to come back to campus and audit a course with a 75% discount. Alumni may use the discount code: WELCOMEHOME2017
For more details on any of the courses, or to register – simply visit: http://www.generallearners.com.
The Chelsea Square Conservancy of The General Theological Seminary will once again host its annual Garden Party, Thursday, June 22, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees are also invited to join us for Evensong in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at 5:30 pm. Acoustic entertainment will be provided by Del & The Rad Rompers, an American roots duo.
The Garden Party is a wonderful opportunity for the General community and our friends and neighbors to meet, mingle, and enjoy Chelsea Square. Read more...
New for Spring 2017, The General Theological Seminary invites you to The Colloquy at General, a public conversation centering on the church in a changing world.
On selected Wednesday and Friday mornings throughout the semester, General will host an interdisciplinary range of scholars and practitioners who will share a paper, presentation, project, or performance and engage in a dialogue with the community.
The public is welcome at all events in the Colloquy. Read more...
At the beginning of the new year, The General Theological Seminary debuted its new web site at www.gts.edu. Michael DeLashmutt, the recently appointed Dean of Academic Affairs, spearheaded the project, consulting with a design firm that specializes in web sites for faith-based not-for-profits. “I think this is a great first step, as we try to reach out to a broader network of folks who may have yet to hear about us, and to promote the great things we have here at General,” says DeLashmutt. Read more...
In response to the evolving needs of the Church, The General Theological Seminary is building a program of education and formation that integrates the classical theological disciplines with real-world experience and practical ministry skills. As part of The Way of Wisdom, seminarians spend their final year in a Wisdom Year residency while connecting their experience to their classwork through particpation in the Integrative Seminars.
During The Wisdom Year, students synthesize their entire seminary education through practical experience that goes beyond field placement, by placing them in real-world, paid, part-time positions in a ministry setting. Read more...
Dr. Michael DeLashmutt
Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs
This article is being published in the depths of winter, but I come to you to tell you of growth and fruition. Perhaps it’s cliché these days to talk about the changing landscape of theological education—some recent descriptions even take on an almost cataclysmic tone. But, as followers of Jesus, I believe we should be fundamentally oriented toward hope. Read more...
In response to the evolving needs of the Church, The General Theological Seminary is building a program of education and formation that integrates the classical theological disciplines with real-world experience and practical ministry skills. As part of The Way of Wisdom, seminarians spend their final year in a Wisdom Year residency while connecting their experience to their class work through particpation in the Integrative Seminars. Read more...
The Rev. Emily Wachner
Director of Integrative Programs
As the year comes to a close, and Wisdom Year students delve into the full life of the parish in Advent and Christmas, we have begun the process of reflecting on the semester that has past. This term was the first in which Wisdom Year work was paired with a demanding 3-credit course of study in practical ministry—the Integrative Seminar. Read more...
The Rev. James B. Jeffrey (Class of 1958), a dear and faithful son of General and servant of the Church, died on July 7, 2013. His financial support, both to the Annual Fund and Chelsea Square Development Campaigns, was unwavering.
We learned after his death that Jeffrey had remembered the Seminary with a very generous Legacy Gift, and we want to take this moment to remember him with our deep gratitude and uplifted prayers. Read more...
On November 2-3, 2016, the Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta, delivered this year’s prestigious Paddock Lectures in Seabury Auditorium at The General Theological Seminary. In a filled auditorium, attendees heard him speak on “The Leadership of Jesus.” The lecture often became interactive, when Wright engaged the audience with questions and challenges about our own action in the world. Wright also preached at the Community Eucharist on November 3. Read more...
The General Theological Seminary is offering a variety of courses for all who are seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality. Whether you are traveling on a personal journey or simply wish to explore a specific topic that interests you, we welcome General Learners to take individual classes to expand their engagement and knowledge.
Below is a selection of Spring 2017 offerings that can be taken for credit or audit. Read more...
Elizabeth “Libbie” Brooke Schrader, M.A. ’15, S.T.M. ’16, who was accepted for publication in the Harvard Theological Review last spring for her paper, “Was Martha of Bethany Added to the Fourth Gospel in the Second Century?” has announced that an online preview of her article is now available. It is available here and is forthcoming in the printed version of the Harvard Theological Review in early 2017.
Read more...
On October 20, 2016, at Evensong, The General Theological Seminary held its annual observance offering Prayer for the Commemoration of our Benefactors. The event brought together members of Seminary community–students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and friends–in thoughtful remembrance.
The annual Commemoration of Benefactors has been observed at General Seminary since the Eve of All Saints 1890. It is a time when we remember with gratitude those who have given generously to the Seminary and who have cared that it be worthy of its mission. Read more...
