Scholar Programs

The Thompson Scholars program brings together pastors and other church leaders with an interest in evangelism to the seminary campus each spring. 

This annual seminar is designed to prepare evangelism leaders for the future. Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins, Peachtree Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth, serves as director. 

This program includes this annual seminar, and supports the development of courses for basic and advanced degree students. Like the annual seminar, this course work focuses on the church’s evangelistic mission in the rapidly changing context of North America and across the globe. 

Who Should Attend? 

The program is designed for clergy serving in congregations and other settings of ministry, Christian educators, lay pastors, judicatory staff, and other leaders fully involved in the life of the church engaged in evangelism and the annual topic under consideration. 

The seminar is offered by general registration or by application, depending on the program focus and scope. Should space be an issue, preference may be given to participants who have not participated in previous Thompson Scholar seminars. 

Program Structure 

The seminar takes place over 2-3 days, generally Tuesday through Thursday or Friday. Dr. Watkins and other leaders design a learning experience that draws on the knowledge and expertise of the leaders and participants alike. Seminar costs are underwritten by the Thompson Scholars Endowment.

The Guthrie Scholars Program is a learning opportunity offered each fall on an application basis. Guthrie Scholars are invited to the campus to pursue a topic of their choice that engages a pressing issue of the church from a Reformed perspective. Housing and meals on campus are covered by the seminary. This program is underwritten by a fund established in honor of Shirley Guthrie, Professor Emeritus of theology.  Guthrie Scholars can schedule times with CTS faculty for discussion.

Applications for the 2026-2027 will be accepted August 1 through November 1, 2026.

Who should apply? 

The program is open to clergy serving in congregations and other settings of ministry, Christian educators, lay pastors, judicatory staff, and in  other leaders fully involved in the life of the church. 

Program Structure 

While on campus, selected participants will pursue their research projects.  They may meet with other Guthrie Scholars to discuss their projects and what they are learning, thereby creating a collegial context in which to think about their areas of concern. 

The Center for Lifelong Learning staff arranges for applicants to meet with a faculty member whose areas of expertise coincide with their interests.  The week includes opportunities to worship on campus as well as time for personal reflection and recreation. 

About Shirley Guthrie 

In 1958, Shirley Guthrie – a young pastor from Texas with a doctorate from the University of Basel in Switzerland – came to teach at Columbia Theological Seminary. Generations of students, ministers, and others learned Christian theology from Guthrie, across five decades of teaching. 

A master of explanation, Guthrie imparted a theology that was Christian, with distinctive Reformed emphases. Students and readers of his books encountered a powerful, providential God, who – in Guthrie’s memorable phrase – “isn’t out to get anybody.” 

Guthrie’s leading themes in teaching, as in life, were Christian unity amidst human diversity, God’s love and justice, and the need for sinful human beings to learn forgiveness after the example of Jesus Christ. 

The Guthrie Scholarship, named in his honor, offers the opportunity to spend concentrated time engaging the question: What does it mean to be the Church, and embody the Gospel? 

Contact lifelonglearning@ctsnet.edu for more information, or Click HERE to apply.