{"id":65,"date":"2021-01-14T15:42:31","date_gmt":"2021-01-14T21:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/education-programs\/congregational-foundation-for-theological-studies\/"},"modified":"2023-07-05T10:24:10","modified_gmt":"2023-07-05T15:24:10","slug":"congregational-foundation-for-theological-studies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/education-programs\/congregational-foundation-for-theological-studies\/","title":{"rendered":"Congregational Foundation For Theological Studies (CFTS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The Congregational Foundation for
\nTheological Studies<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"NACCCC<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Our Purpose<\/h5>\n

To support seminarians in their educational quest for leadership in churches and ministries of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. Graduates of the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies (CFTS) are uniquely prepared to meet the challenges of today’s churches through the vibrant traditions and practices of the Congregational Way.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

About the Program<\/h5>\n

Congregationalism has a long and honored tradition of a well-rounded, educated clergy. Seminary training at an accredited institution is the preferred way for ministerial candidates to receive such an education. CFTS was established by the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) in 1961 as an alternative to founding its own seminary, investing in people rather than brick and mortar. Recognizing that no one seminary can provide Congregational churches with the variety of leaders and theological viewpoints needed for ministry in our diverse congregations, students attend seminaries that are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and engage in Congregational studies and experiences through CFTS.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"\" Requirements & Applications<\/a><\/strong> \"\" \u00a0Financial Support<\/a><\/strong> \"\" Directed Study<\/a><\/strong> \"\" \u00a0Support CFTS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Program Overview<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Steps to Earning a Degree<\/h5>\n
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A Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) is the recognized degree for pastoral ministry and usually requires three years of full-time study for completion. Many of those entering ministry today are second or third career people with familial responsibilities. Consequently, it is common for students to take four or five years to complete their Master’s degree. Many do so while in the employ of a church. For those who have not yet earned the prerequisite bachelor’s degree, several ATS seminaries allow individuals to work on a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree concurrently. This usually requires one or two additional years of course work, depending on the amount of uncompleted undergraduate work at the time of enrollment in seminary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Answering God\u2019s Call to Ministry<\/h5>\n
The challenges of ordained ministry are enormous, but so are the rewards. Talent, dedication, commitment, and a sense of calling are the most important ingredients for a successful seminary experience. CFTS will challenge students academically, nurture them spiritually, and give them the opportunity for a promising future in Congregational ministry while attending the accredited seminary of their choice.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Girl<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Group<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Application Requirements<\/h5>\n
A person wishing to apply to CFTS must provide evidence of acceptance to an American Theological School accredited seminary. The student must already possess a Bachelor’s degree (in any area of study) and be pursuing a Master of Divinity degree (or equivalent) with the intention to enter ministry in an NACCC Congregational church.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Foundation<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Requirements and Applications<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Requirements and Application to CFTS<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
General Requirements<\/h5>\n
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 the intention to serve in an NACCC approved ministry upon completion of the degree.<\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Entrance Requirements<\/h5>\n
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Along with an application form, several official documents providing evidence of church membership and involvement, educational background, and the support of the church and its leadership for the pursuit of seminary education must be submitted, along with letters of reference and completion of a consent form to enact a background check. All of these items are detailed on the application.<\/p>\n

Additionally, one must be enrolled in seminary at least half time and complete one\u2019s degree requirements in a timely manner. The CFTS Committee and\/or Director of Programs may waive existing requirements or make additional requirements when accepting students. All applicants are encouraged to discuss recommended seminaries with the Director of Programs prior to formal enrollment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Program Requirements<\/h5>\n
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Once accepted to the CFTS program, one is obligated to participate in the educational programs provided by CFTS. The cost of these opportunities is borne by the CFTS program. Those include:<\/p>\n