Program Of Alternate Studies

Reminder, friends! 🌿

Our Heritage Day Celebration is tomorrow at Memphis Theological Seminary — and it’s not too late to RSVP!

Come celebrate the stories, traditions, and people who’ve shaped our church family through the years. There’ll be good food, good memories, and even better company. ❤️

Hello friends,

Below is a reassuring message from Dr. Qualls, for the purpose of making sure our precious constituents have the clarity they need:
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By now you are informed of the recommendation for the seminary to close. This is heartbreakingly sad news for many of us who were nurtured in this valued educational community. I am thankful for the transparency and leadership of Dr. Jody Hill through very troubled waters. I want to hurry to bring a word of reassurance and clarity directly related to the Program of Alternate Studies.

Having been alongside for much of the painstaking decision-making I’m reluctantly resigned to the fact that the best way forward responsibly is outlined in the board’s recommendation. MTS and PAS have had a meaningful relationship for more than forty years! That is a good run in anyone’s book. We can be grateful for the enduring legacy of transformation which MTS leaves. But none of us should run ahead of the process. It remains the decision of the larger Cumberland Presbyterian Church to act on the proposal of the Board of Trustees and the special GA Committee appointed last June. The delegates of the General Assembly on January 23rd will weigh-in and, through them, the church will act.

While some things are unclear, our immediate path forward is not. The closure of MTS should not affect PAS severely other than the obvious loss of a campus and infrastructure that has provided a home base since its inception in 1984. Across all quarters of the church, there is recognition that PAS is critical for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In the immediate future nothing will change. All current courses, schedules, and academic expectations remain fully in place. There are no changes to PAS programming at least through the Summer Extension School in July, 2026. Students should continue with their studies as planned and with confidence.

Of course, it is not simply business as usual. We want to affirm that we are taking next-steps. We are proactively engaging, together with denominational partners and presbytery leaders, in thoughtful, faithful planning for the long-term sustainability of the Program of Alternate Studies. We are carefully discerning next steps with prayer. Current conversations reflect our shared commitment to steward PAS responsibly so that it can continue serving students, churches, and the wider Cumberland Presbyterian mission for years to come. Not everything will be known by the time we get to the called meeting, January 23rd, and that’s okay. The PAS Advisory Council will convene, as soon as practical, to consider new directions warranted by the General Assembly’s actions.

We embrace the changes with confidence in a stable future for this vital ministry. In this season let us be mindful of the message echoing across the centuries. The one spoken to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, a group of shepherds, and to all people. It is simply, “Do not be afraid.” We remain deeply grateful for the resilience and faith that define this community. Thank you for your trust, your patience, and your continued investment in this program and in one another.

If you have immediate concerns or questions, please reach out. I’ll do my best to answer.

With gratitude and steady hope,

Rev. Dr. Michael Qualls

Director, Program of Alternate Studies

🌟 PAS Graduate in the Pulpit!

We’re proud to share that Rev. Steve Jones, a graduate of the Program of Alternate Studies, is serving as Moderator of the Nashville Presbytery.

Here he’s preaching from Luke 10 — “Are You a Neighbor?” — reminding us all that faith finds its truest form in compassion and connection.

As our PAS summer courses come to a close, we pause to give thanks — above all, to God, whose grace carried us through this season of growth and community. ☀️🌿📚

To our dedicated instructors: thank you for sharing your wisdom and walking with our students in faith and scholarship.

To our students: your commitment, curiosity, and openness brought life to every classroom and table.

To our hardworking staff: your behind-the-scenes care and tireless support made each day possible — from meals to logistics, your service was a quiet foundation for everything we accomplished.

Together, we have not only studied, but lived the call of Christ — to follow Him as one body, supporting and encouraging one another along the way.

With gratitude and hope, we send everyone forward, renewed in purpose and united in mission.

We are sad to report that after a short illness one of our PAS family members, Chuck Nelson, has gone to be with our Lord. Chuck was from Texas and attended Summer School in 2012. Chuck was a very busy person. He helped start many different community groups, worked in prison ministry, and served as pulpit supply. He took voice and piano lessons to be a better praise leader. He wanted to do evangelism work, and was hoping to be of value to God, his denomination and family. He figured he would be 104 before he would retire. At that time he would sell the airplane he was hoping to have and purchase a hang glider to soar to the highest height he could reach. Please keep his wife Phyllis and family in your prayers.

Pictures from graduation.

Saturday, July 12 was the first day of classes for PAS 2025. It was also graduation day for those that have completed the program.

Our 2025 graduates are: Andy Coffey, Sherri Davis, Sarah McCormack, and Trey Suey.

To our graduates we are so glad to have been a part of your journey, and we look forward to watching what great things God has planned for you.

Welcome to PAS Summer School 2025