Central Seminary

Following the death of President Dana in May 1945, the Board of Directors elected Dr. William W. Adams (pictured) as the next President in September of that year. A recognized New Testament scholar and dynamic leader, Adams guided the Seminary through a period of growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the Department of Religious Education experienced significant expansion.

In 1948, to help meet the needs of this growing field of ministry, Dr. Jack B. Fellows was hired as Professor of Religious Education Administration. Dr. Fellows launched an ambitious program that emphasized radio ministry, dramatics, and church recreation—innovative areas of outreach and education for the time. President Adams recognized the opportunities ahead, writing, "There is a whole new continent to be conquered in this area."

In the 1940s, and 1950s, Central Seminary demonstrated a forward-looking spirit, expanding its educational programs and exploring new methods of ministry in a changing world—an adaptability that has continued to characterize the Seminary, as it remains responsive in its methods of teaching, program offerings, and curriculum design.

Church facilities are a hot topic of conversation for many congregations. Unused space, funding needed maintenance, updating technology, and more. It's a lot to think about and the Antioch Center at Central Seminary is here to help.

Join Jim Michel for a free zoom gathering where he will help participants rethink how we use our church spaces and facilities. Michel serves as a Building and Capital Services Advisor for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he partners with congregations on building assessment, capital planning, fundraising, and financial strategy.

June 4, 2026 7:00 pm (CT), Virtual

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/I6pJRvcaQeavCqdhGO1kFg

In the 1940s, the seminary operated an “Extension Center” ministry that brought theological education directly to churches and small communities across Missouri and Kansas. One of these schools, the Kansas City Baptist Bible School, met every Tuesday night for 30 weeks at Bales Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri (pictured). Two seminary professors taught each evening and were paid $1 per night. The program was designed for “preachers who could not attend the seminary and lay people who wanted to increase their efficiency.” Alvin G. Hause served as dean of the school, and Esther Haler was secretary.

Extension centers rotated locations from year to year, including Monett, Marble Hill, and Charleston, Missouri, as well as Iola, Kansas. These schools helped provide theological education to people who otherwise had little access to formal training.

One remarkable detail from the 1946 reports is that both African Americans and whites enrolled in the program — something historically significant in the Midwest during that era.

The vision behind the Extension Center was captured in this statement: “With hundreds in this vast area needing to be trained and unable to attend any school, it would be little short of a tragedy, if Central didn’t make provision to help them.”

Making theological education accessible, local, affordable, and community-centered is embedded deeply into Central's DNA!

You may have attended the Antioch Center's first session on creative uses for church facilities. It's an important topic and we want to keep the conversation going!

Jim Michel will lead a free webinar helping participants rethink how we use our church spaces and facilities. Michel serves as a Building and Capital Services Advisor for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he partners with congregations on building assessment, capital planning, fundraising, and financial strategy.

June 4, 2026 7:00 pm (CT), Virtual

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/I6pJRvcaQeavCqdhGO1kFg

Central Seminary held its first commencement on May 28, 1903. There were only two graduates. Looking back at that small beginning, we celebrate the longevity of our seminary and its current vitality as gifts from God.

On Saturday, May 16, our 124th Commencement celebrated the Class of 2026! The 73 graduates studied across our programs earning the following degrees: Diploma in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Christian Care and Counseling, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry. They are citizens of nine countries: Canada, China, Spain, Haiti, Myanmar, South Korea, the United States, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Central’s commitment to global theological education is very much evidenced by our 2026 graduates!

Last chance to register for the Antioch Center’s third Congregational Learning Session on May 21, 2026. "Mental Health Struggles in Congregational Life: What Do We Do?" is free and open to lay leaders, church members, and pastors.

Led by Rev. Jermine D. Alberty, M.Div., BSB/M, this 90-minute interactive session explores mental health challenges in congregational life, calling faith communities to respond with intention, compassion, and structure.

Learn more and register here: https://www.cbts.edu/events/mental-health-struggles-in-congregational-life-what-do-we-do/

In the ancient world, the well was a unique gathering place that provided life-sustaining water. Not only life-giving water was found at wells, but they were also the social networking hub of their day. They were places where relationships were formed, conversations took place, ideas created, and bonds renewed.

This year, our alums are invited to The Well, our annual alumni retreat. One-day, in-person, Atchison, Kansas.

Learn more and register here: https://cbts.networkforgood.com/events/99006-the-well-alumni-retreat-2026?hid=MjQyMjM4NTQ=&utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_4625250

Today is an important day. Our graduates are celebrating their hard-earned and well-deserved academic achievements with family and friends.

While they celebrate, we turn our attention to supporting current and future students. Our goal, made possible by you, is to provide them with an exceptional theological education without the burden of overwhelming debt.

Central's 125th Anniversary Scholarship Campaign has a goal of $125,000. But the goal isn’t just a number.

It represents real people. Real callings. Real impact.

Your gift today doesn’t just support one student—it fuels a cycle of generosity, leadership, and care that will carry forward for years to come.

We are so close to helping so many more students—but we can’t get there without you.

Please make your gift today and help us cross the finish line!

https://cbts.networkforgood.com/projects/296930-125-years-of-grace-2026-scholarship-campaign

Congratulations! We celebrate you today!