Covenant Theological Seminary (CTS) presented its informational report to the 37th General Assembly today. The written commentary emphasized this year’s student body growth, the seminary’s strengths in graduating pastors who stay in ministry long-term, and strong scholarship support.

According to the report, enrollment numbers have continued to grow and the master of divinity (M.Div.) class that started in the fall of 2008 was the largest in history. Additionally, students are coming from a wider variety of states and countries than ever before, and graduates are also serving in more places, including all 50 states and 40 countries.

Covenant Seminary’s primary focus, the report stated, continues to be training pastors through the M.Div. program. Commissioners also learned of encouraging results from the seminary’s ministry training goals. According to the report, “Covenant Seminary’s graduates, on average, tend to remain in church service during the crucial first five years of ministry at a rate four times higher than graduates from other ATS-accredited seminaries.”

The informational document also noted CTS’ scholarship programs, which provide financial assistance to seminary students. Scholarships include Leadership Awards (available to most M.Div. students), the Founders Award for students with outstanding ministry potential, and the Spouse Teamwork Scholarship, which covers the tuition of spouses of full-time students. CTS further increased scholarship dollars during the economic downturn to help students offset increased costs.  

Covenant Seminary is introducing two new degree programs beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year: the master of arts in religion and culture and the master of arts in worship ministries. The two new programs will replace the current master of arts in theological studies.

The master of arts in religion and culture will concentrate on theology, apologetics, and cultural engagement with a missional mindset. The master of arts in worship ministries will provide advanced training in music and worship leadership.

Ongoing programs offered by CTS are the M.Div., the master of arts in educational ministries, the master of arts in counseling, and the doctor of ministry (D.Min.). The seminary has recently restructured the D.Min. program to allow students to study alongside a group of peers with whom they will move through the entire sequence of coursework.

To download CTS president Bryan Chapell's presentation to the Assembly, please click here.