From its earliest years, Fuller Theological Seminary has worked to help students develop two capabilities: a mind for scholarship and a heart for the gospel. That purpose still flourishes today. Fuller's School of Theology, whose graduates number 10,000 worldwide, furthers the Great Commission by preparing Christian leaders--men and women who, within diverse denominations and from many cultures, are biblically and theologically responsible, professionally competent, intellectually astute, spiritually mature, and deeply committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
The School of Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary is unique in that it is evangelical and ecumenical, diverse and inclusive, multidenominational and multicultural. Its mission is national and international in scope, urban and suburban in focus, residential and extended in location and it expresses this mission through life together as a worshipping, teaching, studying, and ministering community.
Whether at the main campus in Pasadena or at the many Regional Campuses throughout the country, the School of Theology prepares persons for lay and ordained ministries by pursuing and encouraging foundational theological reflection, research, and writing in the service of the Church. Theological education is a central part of the entire seminary community, providing professional preparation and development for those pursuing ministry in church, denominational and parachurch settings. In addition, the School of Theology sees spiritual formation as an integral part of theological education at Fuller.
Faculty
As one of the largest seminaries in North America and also the largest multidenominational seminary in the world, Fuller has attracted a faculty of outstanding scholars. The faculty in the School of Theology--including more than 35 professors in residence and nearly 140 adjunct and visiting professors--comprises men and women from a variety of denominations, recognized leaders in their academic fields. The school's professors maintain worldwide involvement--throughout the U.S. and in other countries such as Finland, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Italy, Czech Republic, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, Kenya, and Korea. They conduct research and workshops, teach university seminars, preach at denominational assemblies, and speak at international conferences and university commencements. These faculty members, internationally known and published, also maintain an attentive interest in Fuller students both academically and spiritually. Continuing to learn even while they teach, the school's professors model Christian service in their own involvement with local churches and wider volunteer ministries with groups ranging from gang members to hospital patients to Hollywood entertainers.
Academic Program
James Butler, Old Testament professor, describes the School of Theology this way: "We're a traditional seminary with a strong curriculum, doing traditional things well, but we're also sensitive to how the Spirit is leading the Church into new forms and new areas of engagement and service in the world." Within its comprehensive approach, the school offers a broad spectrum of courses--more than 175 each year. Students receive a solid grounding in biblical studies, increase their theological understanding and spiritual discernment, and acquire pastoral and other ministerial skills. At Fuller, professors and students alike find a place where they not only can seek answers to questions, but can wrestle--individually and communally, through both study and dialogue-with the big issues of faith, life, and calling.
Ministry
Beautiful, complex Los Angeles, with its profusion of people and cultures, supplies a range of opportunities for urban and intercultural ministry. Fuller's supervised field placements extend even beyond Los Angeles, to more than 200 churches, missions, and parachurch organizations throughout the world. As students explore their spiritual gifts and complete their education at Fuller, they follow God's leading into an array of positions. Most graduates from the School of Theology serve in roles as pastors, teachers, or lay ministers at churches of almost every denomination--throughout the U.S. and the world. Less typical ministerial paths have included director of an inner-city mission, church planter in Eastern Europe, missionary researcher, army chaplain, banker, forensic specialist, and director of a Christian theater troupe.
Specialized Centers and Programs
As a reflection of the relevant and innovative culture within the School of Theology, students will find that there are several centers, institutes, and programs that specialize in particular areas. The African American Church Studies Program equips leaders for the African American Church, parachurch, and academy. For those students interested in theology and the arts, The Brehm Center is an innovative space for creative integration of worship, theology, and the arts in culture where faculty, visiting scholars, and world-class artists investigate the theory and practice of artistic ministry. The Center for Advanced Theological Studies (CATS) prepares men and women for ministries as teachers and educators, promoting theological scholarship through the ThM and PhD degrees. Providing useful support for youth workers at the local church and parachurch levels, The Center for Youth and Family Ministry translates research into practical resources, such as books, audio resources, and curriculum. It also has created the Certificate in Urban Youth Ministry. For over 30 years, The Hispanic Church Studies Program has provided curriculum that responds to specific needs of the Latino church and community, developing pastors and leaders in the Latin community and offering master's degrees entirely in Spanish.
The School of Theology seeks a curriculum which aims at excellence and combines breadth, depth and balance. It is grounded in the Scriptures, the sure and solid authority of our faith, and is concerned with efforts to express faith in a coherent system of truth. It reflects understanding of the traditions of the past, and shows awareness of the needs of the present and the future, preserving what is genuine within the historic experience of the church while being open to what may be new by Christ's Spirit.