Christian Theological Seminary Celebrates 100th Anniversary:
A Century of Faith, Justice, Affirmation, and Innovation
Christian Theological Seminary is proud to announce the celebration of its 100th anniversary during the 2024-2025 academic year. This milestone marks a century of dedication to theological education, social justice, and community leadership.
Since the opening of the Butler School of Religion in 1924 which would later become Christian Theological Seminary, CTS has offered theological education to “all students on an equal basis,” including women, students of color, and those of varied theological worldviews. The institution was established with a commitment to the abolition of slavery and has consistently championed equality and respect for the dignity of all humankind. This commitment to inclusivity has been a cornerstone of CTS’s mission and vision. Over the last 100 years, CTS has evolved into a beacon of inclusivity and social justice, establishing a role as a leader of progressive and diverse theological education.
Christian Theological Seminary has a long history of pioneering theological education that aligns with its mission of inclusivity and social justice. In 1968, CTS launched its Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program, becoming one of the first seminaries in the United States to offer this advanced professional degree, emphasizing practical ministry skills alongside academic rigor. The seminary continued to break new ground in 2016 with the launch of its PhD program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric, the first of its kind, reflecting CTS’s dedication to elevating the voices and traditions of African American preachers. These milestones, along with the ongoing commitment to admitting students of diverse backgrounds and theological perspectives since the 1920s, highlight CTS’s role as a trailblazer in theological education.
In its first 100 years, Christian Theological Seminary has been at the forefront of integrating counseling education with theological training. In 1959, Lowell Colston was appointed to the faculty to establish a counseling program, assisted by Sue Cardwell in the 1960s and 70s. Since the establishment of the Pastoral Care and Counseling programs in 1971, CTS has consistently advanced the field of mental health and counseling education. The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) degree program was accredited in 1993 and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of accreditation. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MACMHC) degree program provides training in additional modalities for students. CTS has provided rigorous training for professional counselors, equipping them to address complex emotional and psychological needs. The CTS Counseling Center, opened in 1967, continues to serve the public by offering accessible counseling services and a hands-on training environment for students and graduates. This commitment to counseling education and services underscores CTS’s holistic approach to ministry and leadership, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside spiritual growth.
CTS has also become a central convener of like-minded citizens and organizations through the Faith & Action Project. Since 2017, the Faith & Action Project has worked to mitigate poverty and address systemic social justice issues by holding conferences open to the public, fostering coordination and collaboration to leverage community impact, and providing grants to nonprofit organizations working to break the cycle of poverty.
Over the years, CTS has drawn visits and speeches from pioneering leaders and historic voices such as Martin Niemøller, Eberhard Bethge, Duke Ellington, Fred Rogers, James Cone, Madeleine L’Engle, Robert F. Kennedy, Phyllis Trible, Cornel West, Marjorie Suchocki, Rev. William Barber, II, Bryan Stevenson, and Desmond Tutu. These figures joined CTS’ diverse and renowned faculty in contributing to the seminary’s rich history and ongoing commitment to addressing contemporary issues through faith and scholarship.
Centennial Celebratory Events
To commemorate this significant milestone, CTS will host four special centennial events throughout the academic year:
October 10, 2024
CTS Alumni Day: This event will include virtual and in-person experiences exploring the theme “Making an Impact in the Age of Misinformation.” The event features keynote speakers and panels discussing the importance of self-care and integrity in leadership amidst polarization. Alumni and current students will engage in storytelling sessions that highlight CTS’s incredible history.
November 14, 2024
CTS Centennial Chapel featuring Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins: A special chapel service with former President and General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins preaching, celebrating the seminary’s 100-year legacy of faith and service.
February 6, 2025
CTS Talks: John Green: A TED Talk-style presentation by New York Times best-selling author, digital creator, and Indianapolis resident John Green, who will discuss the intersection of public life and religious impact, sharing insights on human rights and community well-being drawn from his extensive experience as an advocate, engaged citizen, and entrepreneur.
May 31, 2025
CTS Summer Fest: A culminating community celebration to honor a century of CTS’s impact and celebrate the start of the next 100 years.
Christian Theological Seminary invites alumni, students, and the community to join in these centennial celebrations, reflecting on the seminary’s rich history and looking forward to a future grounded in faith, justice, and innovation.
As CTS celebrates this historic milestone, the seminary remains committed to forming disciples of Jesus Christ for church and community leadership to join God’s transformative work in the world. The seminary looks forward to the next 100 years as an academic learning community that bears witness to God’s liberative, restorative, and life-affirming message.
