Christian Theological Seminary is an ecumenical

seminary A seminary, school of theology, theological seminary, or divinity school is an educational institution for educating students (sometimes called ''seminarians'') in scripture, theology, generally to prepare them for ordination to serve as clergy ...

related to the

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination in the United States and Canada. The denomination started with the Restoration Movement during the Second Great Awakening, first existing during the 19th ...

and located in Indianapolis,

Indiana Indiana () is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States. It is the 38th-largest by area and the 17th-most populous of the 50 States. Its capital and largest city is Indianapolis. Indiana was admitted to the United States as the 19th s ...

. It provides five degree-level

education Education is a purposeful activity directed at achieving certain aims, such as transmitting knowledge or fostering skills and character traits. These aims may include the development of understanding, rationality, kindness, and honesty ...

courses, three dual-degree programs, a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program, and a Ph.D. in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric. As of 2019, the seminary had an enrollment of 139 students.

History

CTS was founded by abolitionists as part of North Western Christian University in 1855. North Western Christian University became

Butler University Butler University is a private university in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1855 and named after founder Ovid Butler, the university has over 60 major academic fields of study in six colleges: the Lacy School of Business, College of Communic ...

in 1877; in 1958, CTS became a freestanding institution. In 2017, Butler University purchased about of the CTS campus; Butler renamed its new land Butler South. CTS retained approximately on the west end of the parcel and holds a 100-year lease to space on the campus, including parts of the seminary, chapel, library, and counseling building. CTS continues as a freestanding institution on the Butler campus.

Academics

Christian Theological Seminary offers nine graduate degree programs and eight certificate programs, including: Masters of Divinity (MDiv), Masters of Theological Studies (MTS), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MACMHC), Master of Arts in Marriage + Family Therapy (MAMFT), and three joint degree programs.

Campus

Christian Theological Seminary is located on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis within walking distance of the

Indianapolis Museum of Art The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) is an encyclopedic art museum located at Newfields, a campus that also houses Lilly House, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres, the Gardens at Newfields, the Beer Garden, and more. It ...

. The main building, a mid-century "pre-Gothic" building designed by

Edward Larrabee Barnes Edward Larrabee Barnes (April 22, 1915 – September 22, 2004) was an American architect. His work was characterized by the "fusing fModernism with vernacular architecture and understated design." Barnes was best known for his adherence to st ...

that opened in 1966 and two historic mansions on the campus were purchased by Butler University in 2018. The CTS campus is housed in the North and West wings of the main seminary building, and the CTS Counseling Center is housed in the largest of the two historic mansions on the Southwest side of the campus. CTS is also home to the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program and the Faith & Action Project. In 2021, a six-person panel of

American Institute of Architects The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to su ...

(AIA) Indianapolis members identified the seminary's Sweeney Chapel (1966) among the ten most "architecturally significant" buildings completed in the city since

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing ...

Library

The Christian Theological Seminary Library contains more than 210,000 volumes as well as over 1,300 current periodical subscriptions. Microfilms, audio-visuals, manuscripts, and special materials on the Restoration movement are available to scholars. The CTS Library is also home to the Congregational Resource Center, a resource library that contains videos, curriculum, denominational resources, and Vacation Bible School resources that are available on loan to pastors and leaders of local congregations. The CTS library also houses the Writing Center.

Notable alumni

* Harold Good * Robert W. Funk * Joe Hogsett,

Mayor of Indianapolis In many countries, a mayor is the highest-ranking official in a municipal government such as that of a city or a town. Worldwide, there is a wide variance in local laws and customs regarding the powers and responsibilities of a mayor as well as ...

, former U.S. Attorney * Dr. Joel C. Hunter

References

External links

* {{authority control Seminaries and theological colleges in Indiana Universities and colleges in Indianapolis