Core Values
.
Prayer & Spiritual Growth
No one – lay or ordained – can minister from an empty well. Cultivating a strong interior life is crucial to theological formation. Annual spiritual retreats are fundamental to learning and to practicing forms of prayer that connect students more deeply to God and to one another. Cohort groups commit to pray together regularly. As a community, we share in the Daily Office, Holy Eucharist and devotions during Focus Weekends. In both classes and colloquium groups, students are encouraged to reflect on their spiritual journey throughout their studies.
Faithfulness to Multiple Vocations
God gives us multiple vocations. We believe our roles as child, parent, sibling and/or spouse are of utmost priority, and honoring these vocations at all times gives glory to God. We express the primacy of these vocations with compassion, creativity and flexibility as students navigate the sometimes-competing demands of work, home, church and seminary study.
Co-Teaching and Co-Learning
Every student – regardless of careers or degrees – contributes a wealth of knowledge, experience, and spiritual perspectives to the classroom, creating a rich environment where students learn as much or more from one another as they do from their instructors.
Relational and Collaborative
BKSM’s culture encourages students to develop deep relationships with one another that will nourish them during their studies and sustain them once they graduate. The strength of our student & alumni/-ae relationships strengthens the dioceses they serve.
Honoring the Gifts of All
While the church sometimes falls into unhealthy (and un-Christlike) hierarchical patterns, we honor and celebrate the call, gifts, experiences and knowledge of all students. Future deacons, priests and lay leaders learn and grow together as the Body of Christ. All students contribute fully to classroom discussions, regardless of program.
Affordable & Accessible
Financial constraints are not a barrier to theological formation. Tuition is fixed at a price point that covers the direct costs of instruction, while overhead costs are supported by the generous financial support of our partner dioceses and donors. Generous donors have made scholarships possible. Further, distance and/or ability to travel to Topeka are not barriers to theological formation. Through hybrid learning, students can attend and participate fully in classes.
Fully Support the Mission of TEC: Evangelism, Creation Care, Antiracism
Our programs of study offers courses in each of these three mission-critical areas, and all faculty are encouraged to incorporate these topics into their course design. We are fully committed to being an anti-racist community.
Adopted by the Board of Directors, July 20. 2024.
Prayer & Spiritual Growth
No one – lay or ordained – can minister from an empty well. Cultivating a strong interior life is crucial to theological formation. Annual spiritual retreats are fundamental to learning and to practicing forms of prayer that connect students more deeply to God and to one another. Cohort groups commit to pray together regularly. As a community, we share in the Daily Office, Holy Eucharist and devotions during Focus Weekends. In both classes and colloquium groups, students are encouraged to reflect on their spiritual journey throughout their studies.
Faithfulness to Multiple Vocations
God gives us multiple vocations. We believe our roles as child, parent, sibling and/or spouse are of utmost priority, and honoring these vocations at all times gives glory to God. We express the primacy of these vocations with compassion, creativity and flexibility as students navigate the sometimes-competing demands of work, home, church and seminary study.
Co-Teaching and Co-Learning
Every student – regardless of careers or degrees – contributes a wealth of knowledge, experience, and spiritual perspectives to the classroom, creating a rich environment where students learn as much or more from one another as they do from their instructors.
Relational and Collaborative
BKSM’s culture encourages students to develop deep relationships with one another that will nourish them during their studies and sustain them once they graduate. The strength of our student & alumni/-ae relationships strengthens the dioceses they serve.
Honoring the Gifts of All
While the church sometimes falls into unhealthy (and un-Christlike) hierarchical patterns, we honor and celebrate the call, gifts, experiences and knowledge of all students. Future deacons, priests and lay leaders learn and grow together as the Body of Christ. All students contribute fully to classroom discussions, regardless of program.
Affordable & Accessible
Financial constraints are not a barrier to theological formation. Tuition is fixed at a price point that covers the direct costs of instruction, while overhead costs are supported by the generous financial support of our partner dioceses and donors. Generous donors have made scholarships possible. Further, distance and/or ability to travel to Topeka are not barriers to theological formation. Through hybrid learning, students can attend and participate fully in classes.
Fully Support the Mission of TEC: Evangelism, Creation Care, Antiracism
Our programs of study offers courses in each of these three mission-critical areas, and all faculty are encouraged to incorporate these topics into their course design. We are fully committed to being an anti-racist community.
Adopted by the Board of Directors, July 20. 2024.