THE CONGREGATIONAL FOUNDATION

FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

Application Information

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 your intention to serve in an NACCC approved ministry upon completion of your degree.

Entrance Requirements.  Along with an application form, the following must be submitted: 

•        Evidence of the completion of a bachelor’s degree, with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
•        Transcripts of other college, university or seminary work
•        Copy of your acceptance letter to an ATS accredited seminary
•        Proof of membership in an NACCC church
•        Letter of recommendation  and sponsorship from the church of which you are a member
•        Statement of support from your pastor
•        Reference letters
•        Two consent forms:

§         a signed consent for a background check

§         a signed statement of your intent to enter an NACCC approved ministry upon graduation.  This “gentleman’s agreement” states that if a CFTS student withdraws from the program or accepts a call to a non-NACCC church, grant monies previously awarded will be repaid to CFTS.

Additionally, you must be enrolled in seminary at least half time and complete your degree requirements in five years or less.

Upon submission of the required application and information, an interview with the Dean and with the board of directors will be scheduled.  The directors may waive existing requirements or make additional requirements when accepting students.  All applicants are encouraged to discuss recommended seminaries with the Dean prior to formal enrollment.

Program Requirements.  Once you are accepted to the CFTS program, you are eligible for financial aid and are obligated to participate in the educational programs provided by CFTS.  Those obligations include:

•       Completion of the directed study in Congregational History and Polity
•        Participation in the Boston Seminar and submission of a graduate-level research paper
•        Completion of a 1000 hour Supervised Ministry practicum
•        Participation in three CFTS sponsored seminars other than the Boston Seminar

Additionally, you must:

•        be enrolled in an ATS accredited seminary on at least a half time basis, in an M.Div or CFTS Board approved degree program.
•        maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
•        submit transcripts of your seminary course work
•        be willing to undergo testing for suitability for ministry if requested by the Dean and/or share results of similar tests required by your seminary 

How to Apply:  We would be delighted to receive your application to the CFTS program.  Please call the Dean if it is your intention to apply.  The Dean will then facilitate the issuance of a user name and PIN. All applications are filled out and submitted on line.  Note:  Once your access is enabled, you will have three months in which to complete and submit your application.  After that, your application will be considered invalid.

Acceptance:  All applications are subject to the review of the board of directors of CFTS.  A personal interview with the board is part of the application process.  Applications received before April 1^st will be considered by the board of directors at their June meeting.  All other applications will be reviewed at the convenience of the board.  Interviews will be scheduled by the board only after applications have been received in full.  The final decision for acceptance is made by the board of directors with input from the Dean.

Concerns:  If you have any questions or concerns about the CFTS requirements, please call the Dean.  There is some flexibility to accommodate special student circumstances.

For More Information.  You may contact the Dean, Rev. Dr. D. Elizabeth Mauro, at the Center for Congregational Leadership as follows:

Rev. Dr. D. Elizabeth Mauro                                or                     Marie Steele, assistant to the Dean

Center for Congregational Leadership

Burrage Library                                                                          1-800-262-1620 x22

Olivet College                                                                            269-749-7245

Olivet, Michigan  49076

1-800-262-1620 x12                                                                   

269-749-7228                                                                            

Fax 269-749-7290