CENTERED ON CHRIST’S MISSION TO TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION
2024 STRATEGIC PLAN
NOW IN ITS SEVENTH DECADE OF MINISTRY,
Covenant Theological Seminary remains centered on Christ’s mission and joyfully committed to training the next generation of pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders. We are thankful to God for the stewardship vested in us by the Presbyerian Church in America and exult in God’s grace, which has sustained our more than 4,800 graduates who serve in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries.
The challenges facing institutions of higher theological education have never been more daunting. Covenant has not been immune. A decade-long decline in the MDiv degree program has most affected students seeking to become pastors. If we are to bridge Covenant’s strong legacy to a vibrant future, these challenges must be faced directly and require fresh and innovative responses. The 2024 strategic plan is focused on negotiating these challenges.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Informed by Covenant’s institutional identity and the current aforementioned challenges, Covenant has identified six strategic priorities essential to institutional health, alignment with our vision, and overall impact on our students and the wider church.
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Focus Area 1: Recruitment and Marketing
Focus Area 2: Admissions Pipeline Management
Focus Area 3: Student Retention
Focus Area 4: Post-Graduate Engagement
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Focus Area 1: Engage in Loca Mission (Domestic and St. Louis)
Focus Area 2: Create a Diverse, Hospitable, Intercultural Environment
Focus Area 3: Engage Global Mission Partners
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Focus Area 1: Student Development
Focus Area 2: Departmental Oversight
Focus Area 3: Co-Cirricular Environment
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Focus Area 1: Relationships with PCA Agencies and Committees
Focus Area 2: Communication
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Focus Area 1: Assessment
Focus Area 2: Practices
Focus Area 3: Model
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Focus Area 1: Budgetary Model
Focus Area 2: Program Financial Performance
Focus Area 3: Full-time, Residential Focus
Focus Area 4: Campus Development
Focus Area 5: Financial Aid
Focus Area 6: New Capital Campaign
STRATEGIC PLANNING Committee
Dr. Thomas C. Gibbs, President
Melanie Wood, Executive Assistant to the President (ex-officio)
Rev. John Chung, Vice President of Enrollment
Ken McDonald, Sr. Director of Business Development
Mark McElmurry, Dean of Students
Dr. Brad Matthews, Dean of Faculty
Dr. Robert Kim, Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Planting
Prof. Jessie Swigart, Dean of Academic Administration
Dr. Dan Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology
Dr. Robbie Griggs, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
Dr. Jay Sklar, Vice President of Academics
Jason Robey, Vice President of Business and Finance
COVENANT SEMINARY BY THE NUMBERS
773
Students in
2023-2024
Master of Divinity ……………………………………….. 201
Master of Arts in Counseling …………………….. 102
Master of Arts (Biblical & Theological Studies) …………………………………………………………………..……. 103
Doctor of Ministry ……………………….………………… 82
Other ………………………………….…………………………. 285
27%
of students are people of color
5%
are international Students
50%
are from the PCA
6%
are former RUF interns
41%
are Women
4813
Total Alumni
20
Full-Time Faculty
3
Endowed Professorships
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
As we boldy plan for the future at Covenant Seminary, the biblical priority of raising up the next generation of pastors and ministry leaders has never been more important to our institution. To learn more, download the full strategic plan in PDF format.
