APPLYING FOR THE CONGREGATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
General Requirements
Every student admitted to the CFTS program must meet certain requirements to gain entrance and to satisfactorily graduate from the program. Central to acceptance is your intention to serve in an NACCC approved ministry upon completion of your degree.
Entrance Requirements
Along with an application form, the following must be submitted:
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Evidence of the completion of a bachelor’s degree, with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
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Transcripts of other college, university or seminary work
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Copy of your acceptance letter to an ATS accredited seminary
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Proof of membership in an NACCC church
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Letter of recommendation and sponsorship from the church of which you are a member
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Statement of support from your pastor
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Reference letters
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A signed consent for a background check
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A signed statement of your intent to enter an NACCC approved ministry upon graduation with the understanding that if a CFTS student withdraws from the program or accepts a call to a non-NACCC church, scholarship and grant monies previously awarded will be donated back to CFTS.
Additionally, you must be enrolled in seminary at least half time and complete your degree requirements in five years or less.
Upon submission of the required application and information, an interview with the Dean and with the board of directors will be scheduled. The directors may waive existing requirements or make additional requirements when accepting students. All applicants are encouraged to discuss recommended seminaries with the Dean prior to formal enrollment.
Program Requirements
Once you are accepted to the CFTS program, you are obligated to participate in the educational programs provided by CFTS. The cost of these obligations is borne by CFTS program. Those obligations include:
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Completion of the directed study in Congregational History and Polity
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Participation in the Congregational History and Polity Seminar with submission of a graduate-level research paper
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Completion of the equivalent of a 1000 hour Supervised Ministry practicum
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Participation in three CFTS sponsored seminars other than the History and Polity Seminar
Additionally, you must:
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be enrolled in an ATS accredited seminary on at least a half time basis, in an M.Div or CFTS Board approved degree program.
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maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
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submit transcripts of your seminary course work
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be willing to undergo testing for suitability for ministry if requested by the Dean and/or share results of similar tests required by your seminary
How to Apply
We would be delighted to receive your application to the CFTS program. All applications are filled out and submitted on line. Please contact the Dean for a user name and PIN. Note: Once your access is enabled, you will have three months in which to complete and submit your application. After that, your application will be considered invalid.
Acceptance
All applications are subject to the review of the board of directors of CFTS. A personal interview with the board is part of the application process. Applications received before April 1st will be considered by the board of directors at their June meeting. All other applications will be reviewed at the convenience of the board. Interviews will be scheduled by the board only after applications have been received in full. The final decision for acceptance is made by the board of directors with input from the Dean.
Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about the CFTS requirements, please call the Dean. There is some flexibility to accommodate special student circumstances.
For More Information. Contact the Dean:
Rev. Dr. D. Elizabeth Mauro or Marie Steele, assistant to the Dean
Center for Congregational Leadership 1-800-262-1620 x1614
320 South Main Street 269-749-7245
Burrage Library
Olivet College
Olivet, Michigan 49076
1-800-262-1620 x1613
269-749-7228
Fax 269-749-7290