School of Theology and Ministry begins its first semester under a new name

On August 1, 2022, the School of religion was officially renamed the School of theology and ministry. 

“The decision was made because the word ‘Religion’ was too vague, both in the academic and world and in the church world . . . the change in name needed to reflect our school’s part of focusing attention on ministerial training,” said Terry Cross, dean of the School of theology and ministry.

Cross was a key figure in rebranding the school and pioneering the mission of practical ministry and applicable theory.

“About a year ago, as dean, I sensed we need to consider some changes in the School of religion,” Cross said. “While the change in August was important, we all agreed that there needed to be some structural changes as well– changes that would bring together the two departments better.”

Since 1997, the School of religion had two different departments: theology and christian ministries. Now, the School of theology and ministry is no longer set up as two separate departments.

Three chairs operate with specific functions, like a leadership team. This team includes Dr. Lisa Long, Chair of Curriculum and Assessment, Dr. Lisa Stephenson, Chair of Religion Core and Benevolence, and Dr. Kevin Nordby, Chair of Integration and Apologetics.

“We wanted to unite the strengths of both departments into making our ministerial training solidly based on biblical and theological foundations along with providing training in the skills necessary to do ministry broadly defined,” said Cross. “We settled on ‘School of theology & ministry’ because it unites these two broader disciplines under one umbrella whose name now reflects what we do.”

The most immediate impact of this shift has been felt by faculty looking forward to consolidating the Theology and Ministry departments.

“I think it’s going to make collaboration easier and interdisciplinary work easier amongst us. So I do like it this way. I also think that people that were selected for those positions are very well suited to them . . . I’m really encouraged and so far, it seems to be working really well,” said Dr. Stephanie Nordby, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Theology.

“They’re using the gifts of those people to do what they do best for the whole school now, instead of one department. So their leadership team is really enhanced. And I think the students will notice that and the rest of campus as well,” said Debbie Murray, provost and vice president of academic affairs.

Social media erupted in summer of 2022 with the news of the School of theology and ministry rebranding. Students were anticipating the new season of the school, even if it is still mistakenly called ‘the SOR.’

“The immediate response from students has been very positive. They love the new name. For the most part, our faculty appreciate the name change as well,” Cross said. 

Murray attributes the successful rebranding to the visionary School of theology and ministry staff: “The leadership in the School of theology and ministry should be highly commended for their work in these efforts. I support their goals. And I really appreciate the success they are already experiencing. So I’m really proud of them.”

“What has been missing from much of our ministerial and theological training is the impact that society has on Christian faith and on the church,” said Cross. “We are planning new courses that will help our students ‘read’ culture and be able to ‘translate’ that into meaningful dialogue in their local communities and churches.” 

The newly rebranded School of theology and ministry is looking forward to cultivating an exciting educational experience for students, according to Cross.

“What we are attempting to do in the [School of theology and ministry] is quite literally on the cutting edge of theological education and, as such, it brings an excitement to the school.”