At Columbia, we seek to witness God’s creative power—seen in the wonder and beauty of creation; God’s reconciling love—demonstrated in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and God’s redemptive action and transforming justice—visible through the Church and in the broad work of the Holy Spirit in a pluralistic and interdependent world.
Our special mission in the service of the Church, and especially the Presbyterian Church (USA), is to educate women and men for leadership in ordained and lay ministries by offering graduate degrees, certification programs, and lifelong learning opportunities; to attend diligently to both text and context; to keep learning as a community of scholars and practitioners together; and to provide theological resources through an exceptional faculty, library, and campus facilities.
Columbia Theological Seminary exists to educate and nurture faithful, imaginative, and effective leaders for the sake of the Church and the world.
Course of Study
Each residency includes pre-course preparation and post-attendance submission of written reflections. Residencies include plenary sessions, supervised practice of spiritual direction, worship as well as study and reflection time.
The Center for Lifelong Learning offers four leadership programs for certification. Most certification courses are offered on the seminary campus, in Decatur, GA, with scheduling convenient for working participants. There are no academic prerequisites for admission to the programs, and there is no time constraint on completion of the coursework. Most courses are open to participants not looking to complete one of our certification programs.
Christian Spiritual Formation
For both laypersons and ministers, this program is designed to develop skills in providing spiritual leadership to others. The curriculum includes an introductory “immersion” experience, six elective courses, a practicum, and a pilgrimage. Coursework is typically completed in three to five years, and up to three elective courses may be completed at our partner institution, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Compass Points (A Certification Program for Camp and Conference Leaders)
Columbia Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA) have developed a certification program for camp and conference leaders. Participants who successfully complete all eight courses, offered at the seminary, as pre-events at PCCCA Annual Conferences in the fall, and as an independent study, will receive a certificate at the conclusion of their studies.
Spiritual Direction
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction (CSD) is a two and a half year formation program for individuals who discern a call to the practice of spiritual direction and seek to develop and strengthen their skills and spiritual gifts as directors. Grounded in the tradition of Christian Spirituality, the curriculum includes four intensive weeklong classes, online coursework, and supervised practice in the art of spiritual direction.
Older Adult Ministry
The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network have formed a new partnership that will better equip congregations and faith-based organizations to address the needs of older participants. Four core classes and a capstone project are required to complete the Certificate Program. Two classes will be offered each spring at the CLL; participants may begin with any of these scheduled classes.The program is open to participants from any denomination or faith tradition. The certificate course of study may be completed in 24-36 months. Pre-course reading and post-course assignments are required.