The CMLT Update

Greetings to you,

Graduation is a significant milestone that symbolizes dedication, perseverance, and the culmination of hard work. It is a time of celebration, not only for the students but also for their families, faculty, and staff who have been part of this transformative journey. As we gather to acknowledge achievements and the unwavering support that has paved the way, we are filled with both joy and a tinge of nostalgia. The pride in witnessing the positive impact these graduates will have on the world is immense, yet there is a hint of sadness as we bid farewell to this chapter and embrace the unknown of what lies ahead.

Each year, as new students join our community and embark on their academic journey, the speed at which graduation approaches never fails to amaze. The intellect, honesty, and enthusiasm that our students bring to the CMLT community are truly remarkable and serve as a testament to the strong bonds formed here. As we navigate these transitions together, we are reminded that endings are just the beginning of new and exciting chapters waiting to unfold.

The next opportunity to start a new chapter will be with CMLT's session of courses beginning on June 24, 2024. I invite you to the excellent and wide array of offerings including Ecumenism, Spiritual Development, Communications, and Disciples History and Polity. If you know someone who may be ready for this experience, forward this information to them or connect them with me.

I look forward to talking with you about our offerings or ways we can help meet your goals.

Blessings for your days,

Leslie LeSieur

Senior Director, Phillips Center for Ministry and Lay Training

leslie.lesieur@ptstulsa.edu

918.270.6471

During Phillips' commencement ceremony, we celebrated Bob Simpson and Cody DeMint as they both received their Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment are a wonderful addition to our CMLT Alumni community. Congratulations!

Breaking Ground on Emerging Vision

We've officially broken ground at the site of our upcoming student housing! A part of our ongoing “Emerging Vision” campaign, this building project will provide gathering space, short-term lodging to our students, guests of Phillips, and like-minded groups who also have gifts to share with our community and the world. Learn more at https://ptstulsa.edu/emerging-vision/

Annual Library Survey

It's your turn to have your say about how we are serving you and how we might improve. We really count on your completely anonymous feedback to help us!

Just click on this link to submit your feedback: https://ptstulsa.libwizard.com/f/LibrarySurvey2024

24/25 Session 1 Course Offerings

June 24 - August 18, 2024

Registration Deadline: June 10, 2024

Spiritual Development

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Kris Tenny-Brittian

The purpose of this course is to establish and maintain spiritual disciplines that lead to personal growth and help others develop a rich spiritual life.

The online course is from June 24-August 18, 2024. The price of the course is $100. Click here to register.

Disciples History and Polity

Instructor: Rev. Jeff Gill

This course will present an overview of the history and practices of the Stone-Campbell movement as foundational to its current forms of Disciples worship, missions, and ministry: denominationally, ecumenically, and culturally.

*Please note this course week runs from Sunday-Thursday. The start date for class will be June 23rd.

The online course is from June 24-August 18, 2024. The price of the course is $100. Click here to register.

Communications

Instructor: Kurt Gwartney, MDiv, APR

Students in this course will discover tools and techniques for understanding the need for media literacy and developing their own media literacy skills. They will also explore the theological underpinnings of the use of digital media in the sharing of the church’s message. Students will be challenged to demonstrate effective use of communication tools in ministry through a practical project.

The online course is from June 24-August 18, 2024. The price of the course is $100. Click here to register.

Ecumenism

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr.

Christian unity is a gift of God to the whole church. The ecumenical movement is the vehicle through which diverse church bodies live out their unity in spiritual, biblical, and practical manners. In this course, we will probe the biblical urgency behind ecumenism, discuss its theological and historical meanings and implications, and consider the links between the ecumenical movement, Christian faithfulness, and movements for social justice and inclusion. Education and Leader Development

The online course is from June 24-August 18, 2024. The price of the course is $100. Click here to register.

24/25 Session 2 Course Offerings

August 19 - October 13, 2024

Registration Deadline: August 5, 2024

UCC History and Polity

Instructor: Rev. Margot Pickett

This course will explore the history, theologies, polity, practices and ethos of the United Church of Christ in order to provide an understanding of its structure, ministries, and mission commitments. The course will include an exploration of denominational identity, hidden histories within the denomination, emerging trends within the UCC, and more.

The online course is from August 19-October 13, 2024. The price of the course is $100. Click here to register.

Evangelism

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Bill Tenny-Brittian

Evangelism in the North American context has "lost it's luster" in many respects. Because faith is considered a "private" matter, many in our churches and parishioners have foresworn to simply let it be … no faith-sharing for them. And yet, this stands in complete contrast to Jesus' great commission to go and make disciples of all nations (people groups).

The Evangelism course is not simply an online study about evangelism. Rather, it is an eight week training course that will give you the tools to evaluate and articulate your own theology of evangelism and to exegete both your community's and your congregation's culture in order to design and lead effective evangelism efforts

The online course is from August 19-October 13, 2024. The price of the course is $100. Click here to register.

Overcoming Conflict

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Kris Tenny-Brittian

The purpose of this course is to explore congregational conflict: how to recognize, identify, and analyze it so that students will be able to develop strategies that will allow them to relevantly and practically intervene, confront, neutralize or negate, and use it.

The online course is from August 19-October 13, 2024. The price of the course is $100. Click here to register.

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible

Instructor: TBA

This course is for persons preparing for ministry outside a degree program (or who are interested in learning more about the Hebrew Bible). Students will learn about the historical backgrounds of these texts as well as the process of their composition and canonization. The biblical materials will be approached from an academic/critical perspective with insights into how they can be used in different ministerial contexts.

The online course is from August 19-October 13, 2024. The price of the course is $100. Click here to register.

Catch Up with Phillips on the Road

Phillips staff, faculty, alum, and students are hitting the road. Make sure to look for us at an assembly or event near you. You will find us at Wild Goose Festival July 11-14, NAPAD July 17-20, and assemblies in Kentucky, Mid-America, Kansas, GKC, and more during summer and fall.

Are you planning to attend any other great events? Let us know, we would be excited to join you too.

Come Work at Phillips

We are hiring. Exciting job opportunities await you at Phillips Theological Seminary!

Manager of People and Culture - The Manager of People and Culture plays a critical role in shaping the culture and success of Phillips Theological Seminary by providing leadership and expertise in all aspects of human resources management. This includes attracting and retaining top talent, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, and contributing to the overall strategic goals of the Seminary. The Manager of People and Culture must understand and promote the connection between human resources functions, student learning, and institutional effectiveness outcomes. With support and oversight from the Associate Vice President of Operations, this position is responsible for benefits and payroll operations, employee recruitment, employee record keeping, policy development, labor relations, legal compliance issues with Title IX and Title VI, and employee engagement.

Director of Alumni/ae Relations - Join the Advancement Office as the Director of Alumni/ae Relations. The full-time position’s work is focused primarily on building and cultivating relationships and giving with Phillips alumni/ae. This individual will provide vision, leadership, and oversight of the Alumni Association board of directors and its committees. In addition, they will develop and execute plans to engage Alumni Association and Alumni Association Board in annual giving and Phillips capital campaigns, as well as activities for affinity groups.

Share your news with us!

Have some news that you would like to share about yourself or your colleagues? If so, please send that information so we may share your news with the wider CMLT community! Send an email to Leslie LeSieur at leslie.lesieur@ptstulsa.edu. You can always reach us by phone at 918.270.6471. We love to hear from you!