THE CONGREGATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Education
In General.
There are three major CFTS educational requirements:
- Fall Seminars
- Supervised Ministry Experience
- Directed Study in Congregational History and Polity which includes the Boston Seminar
A post-graduate seminar in Britain takes place every three years for selected CFTS graduates.
Fall Seminars.
Each fall, the students of CFTS and the Board of Directors gather in one location for an educational experience, board work and fellowship with one another. Every CFTS student is required to attend three Fall Seminars, each on a different topic. The subjects of the Fall Seminars are carefully chosen to give all CFTS students a well-rounded education unique and pertinent to our member Congregational churches. These seminars are held in varying parts of the country and focus on a range of topics. The CFTS program pays for your travel, food and lodging expenses for each seminar. In general, there is no follow-up work required. Participation is the main component of each seminar. In addition to the educational focus of the weekend, fellowship with other students and board members is a key component.
Congregational History and Polity Directed Study and the Boston Seminar.
The Directed Study begins with required readings and reflection papers on five assigned books and one elective book covering a variety of aspects of Congregationalism. This is followed by the Boston Seminar, generally held in August. While in Boston, students spend five full days in lectures and in research at the Congregational Library. Faculty is made up of people chosen for their special background in and knowledge of the history and classic polity of the Congregational Way. They, along with the helpful staff of the library are available to assist students in the formation of research projects. On the sixth seminar day students visit sites in and around Plymouth, Massachusetts which are important to the early history of our churches.
Many seminaries will give credit for the Congregational History and Polity Directed Study and Boston Seminar as a fulfillment of a polity requirement or other independent study.
The British Seminar.
Every three years, selected CFTS graduates tour sites of importance to our American Congregational antecedents, becoming more fully conversant with our British separatist and puritan history. Graduates are selected upon application and accompanying essay regarding their CFTS education and experience. This seminar is also open to other interested individuals.
Supervised Ministry Experience.
The Supervised Ministry Experience is designed for students to develop personal and professional skills, and to demonstrate suitability for ministry. The Supervised Ministry Experience is built upon specific learning goals drafted by the student and the student’s supervising minister. CFTS requires a 1000 hour Supervised Ministry Experience. However, you may complete a 500 hour Supervised Ministry Experience if you also complete one basic unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
Most seminaries have requirements related to a Supervised Ministry experience. As much as possible, CFTS will be flexible in accommodating these requirements, avoiding duplication of Supervised Ministry.
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 1-800-262-1620 ext. 22
Burrage Library 1-269-749-7245
Olivet College
Olivet, Michigan 49076
1-800-262-1620 ext. 12
1-269-749-7228
Fax 269-749-7290