Presbyterian House of Studies

Program

United’s Presbyterian House of Studies is designed for students who want to participate actively and meaningfully in Christian ministry and in the renewal of the church within the Reformed Tradition.

Students participate in a rooted Reformed heritage through ministry formation groups and coursework in Reformed theology, history, doctrine, and polity. The House of Studies also provides peer-collaboration toward the successful navigation of ordination candidacy process.

There are a number of courses that are especially appropriate for our Presbyterian students. These include:

  • Reformed History and Theology
  • Calvin and Calvinism
  • Greek I, II
  • Hebrew I, II
  • Presbyterian Polity
  • The European Reformations
  • Foundations for Church Renewal
  • Church Renewal in Christian Tradition
  • Spiritual Disciplines for Renewal
  • Teaching and Learning for Religious Leadership

Ecclesia Reformata, Semper Reformanda ad verbum Dei. “The church reformed and always reforming, according to the Word of God” is the unofficial motto of the Presbyterian Church.

In 2007, United Theological Seminary launched a new initiative in Church Renewal, which embodies this ideal. The Presbyterian House of Studies at United makes this new initiative in Church Renewal available to those who are called to serve within the Reformed Tradition.

Through shared fellowship, ministry formation groups, networking in surrounding presbyteries, and outstanding theological coursework, members of the Presbyterian House of Studies are equipped for deepened Reformed identity and faithful ministry service through ordination candidacy and beyond into ministries of renewal.

This program is open to any United student who has a passion to renew the church and is seeking to work within the Presbyterian Church or the Reformed Tradition.

For more information about the Presbyterian House of Studies, please contact Dr. David Whitford at 937-529-2201 or dwhitford@united.edu.

For Admissions information, please contact: Ms. Linda Rice, Admissions Officer at 800-322-5817 or lrice@united.edu.

Associated Faculty

Tom DozemanDr. Thomas Dozeman, Professor of Old Testament

An ordained Word and Sacrament minister and member of Committee on the Preparation for Ministry of the Miami Presbytery, Dr. Dozeman teaches courses on the Old Testament. Dr. Dozeman is the author or editor of more than 18 books.

David WhitfordDr. David Whitford, Associate Professor of the History of Christianity

A recognized authority on the Reformation and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Dr. Whitford teaches courses on Reformed history, Calvin, and the Reformation for the Presbyterian House of Studies.

Lisa M. HessDr. Lisa M. Hess, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Contextual Ministries

An ordained Word and Sacrament minister and member of Miami Presbytery, Dr. Hess teaches courses in Christian spirituality, religious leadership and practical theology. As liaison to the original task force of Miami and Cincinnati Presbyteries, she also plays a connective role between students’ Committees on the Preparation for Ministry and contextual placements of ministry service.

What People Are Saying

“The professors and classes here at United have a great goal for church renewal and for the Glory of God. In a changing culture and world, the faculty here has a renewed dedication to researching, understanding, and teaching how to recognize how God is moving and reforming the Church today.”

~ Michael Luallen, Master of Divinity student (PCA)

“For the few presbyteries fortunate to have a seminary located within their bounds there grow wonderful opportunities for connection. Such opportunities enrich all aspects of our lives of faith. The Miami Presbytery has enjoyed our relationship with United and through the Presbyterian House of Studies we will be able to expand and strengthen this work together in ministry.”

~ Dennis Piermont, Executive Presbyter, Miami Presbytery (PCUSA)

Merritt Worthen“This is a unique opportunity for students and faculty to learn from one another in a diverse and open environment and gives an opportunity to test and strengthen theological stances and practices within the boundaries of the Reformed Tradition.”

~ M. Merritt Worthen, Master of Divinity student (PCUSA)