Funding your PC(USA) seminaries

Give to the Theological Education Fund

Individuals can help fund your seminaries, too!

eleven seminaries are funded through two giving programs: the Theological Education Fund (1% Plan) and the Theological Schools Endowment Fund.

Voluntary contributions from congregations to the Theological Education Fund (1% Plan) and contributions and/or bequests made by individuals to the Theological Schools Endowment Fund are the only sources of denomination-wide funding for theological seminaries related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Our Seminaries: A Great Treasure

The Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick

by the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick
Former Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

We have always known that the seminaries related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are centers of theological depth for the preparation of a new generation of ministers and church leaders. We are discovering much more than that these days.

Along with colleagues from the General Assembly Council (GAC), Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, and Committee on Theological Education, GAC Executive Director Linda Valentine and I have embarked on a fascinating journey of dialogue and conversation with the leaders of each of our seminaries. We are now about halfway through that journey. It has been a wonderful experience to discover and rediscover what a treasure we have in our theological institutions. Read more about these seminary visits.

May 2, 2006

Stronger support for seminaries urged

After 20 years, Theological Education Fund is far from every-church goal

by Toya Richards Hill

LOUISVILLE — Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)-related Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary manages to educate and equip up-and-coming church leaders without owning a single building.

Its dean, the Rev. David Wallace, also figures out how to raise the $800,000 needed annually to meet the seminary’s $1.2 million budget.

“Each year I’m on pins and needles, wondering whether or not I’m going to meet that budget,” he said during a recent meeting of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Council (GAC). Read the whole story.

Invest in the future of our denomination

One of the continuing strengths of the Presbyterian Church is a competent ministry, well-educated in the Reformed Tradition. Your seminaries provide pastors, educators, missionaries and chaplains for the work of Christ's church. They also offer continuing education programs for those seeking on-going renewal of spirit and competence for ministry. By sharing together in financial support of our theological schools, we affirm our church's historic roots and assure leadership for our church in the years to come.

Your denomination's seminaries are funded through a two-part system consisting of the Theological Education Fund (1% Plan) and the Theological Schools Endowment Fund.

Give to the Theological Education Fund (TEF) 1% Plan

Each congregation makes a voluntary contribution of 1% of their local operating budget (all monies expended for current operation of congregations as reported in the General Assembly Minutes, Statistical Reports, Part II, Line 25). Some churches are not able to begin at a full 1% and adopt more modest goals, such as one-fourth or one-half of 1%, and set a goal to increase that percentage each year until full 1% participation is achieved. This gift to the Theological Education Fund is the congregation's proportionate share for the education of present and future ministers and church educators. The Theological Education Fund is the only source of denomination-wide financial support received by your seminaries.

Support the Theological Schools Endowment Fund (TSEF)

Individuals may support the entire theological education enterprise through gifts and bequests. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation manages this fund with income to be used in support of our seminaries. [Read more about the TSEF]

Your congregation can participate in the TEF 1% Plan

We know budgets are already tight when your session makes its proposal based on priorities set for your congregation's work and witness to the gospel. Your congregation can begin with a commitment of less than 1%. Even a small contribution to the TEF is an important investment in the development of future leaders for your congregation and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

No need to redirect other mission funds

The 1% Plan is not intended to redirect funds currently given for mission. Your congregation's additional commitment to the 1% Plan is based on your understanding of the urgent need for preparing future church leaders. A commitment to fund theological education is essential to the future of our church.

The 1% Plan supports theological education across the PC(USA)

The only way to provide financial support for all of your PC(USA) seminaries and students is by contributing to the 1% Plan. The plan is intended to support all of our schools, therefore, you are asked not to designate your commitment. However, this plan does give your congregation the opportunity to support particular schools and seminary students over and above your budget commitment to the Theological Education Fund (1% Plan).

Begin budgeting your congregation's contribution today

Start today! Include the Theological Education Fund in your congregation's annual budget planning process. But don't wait until next year to give. Make a symbolic gift now and join the thousands of congregations already committed to preparing future leaders for the church of Jesus Christ through the Theological Education Fund (1% Plan).

Give today!

Send your contribution with checks and accompanying paperwork clearly marked: Theological Education Fund, account #TE999999 through the regular channel used by your church when sending funds for General Assembly causes.

Alternately, you may also send your contribution directly to:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Theological Education Fund
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

COTE implements a funding formula for 11 seminaries

The Committee on Theological Education (COTE), with thirteen members elected by the General Assembly plus a representative from each seminary, oversees the distribution of the TEF (1% Plan) money and makes the allocations annually. Eleven seminaries receive funding according to a formula agreed upon by COTE. The formula provides each school with a fair share of the funds, taking into consideration such factors as numbers of degrees granted, the number of Presbyterian students and other special needs.

The Office of Theological Education, an office of the General Assembly Council, manages the promotion and fair distribution of the Theological Education Fund monies.