Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

the opportunity not only to take courses unavailable at Austin Seminary, but also
to take some courses in Spanish.
Austin Seminary also offers cross-registration with Austin Graduate School of
Theology located a few blocks from campus on the southern edge of The University
of Texas at Austin.
The University of Texas at Austin, virtually across the street from the Seminary,
represents a valuable resource of an entirely different kind. Students have ready
access to many facets of the life of this great university and enjoy the cultural and
recreational benefi ts it offers as well as the privilege of electing, with the approval
of the academic dean, graduate-level courses for seminary credit.
Finally, Austin Seminary has been a member of Austin Area Interreligious
Ministries, an interdenominational, interreligious agency for mission in Austin,
since its inception. The Seminary continues to maintain a close working relationship
with this organization, and its varied programs and projects provide students with
numerous and valuable opportunities for both learning and service.
THE COLLEGE OF PASTORAL LEADERS
“The glory of God is humanity fully alive,” wrote St. Irenaeus, the second century
theologian and pastor. Most pastors today would agree. But it is hard to inspire the
glory of God among humanity when pastors themselves feel less than fully alive.
The demands of leadership and administration, of church confl ict and pastoral care,
of meetings and programs and business as usual can deplete pastors emotionally
and spiritually.
The College of Pastoral Leaders, a program at Austin Presbyterian Theological
Seminary funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., provides pastors and
other church leaders opportunities, personal resources, and fi nancial assistance to
deepen their spiritual lives, to discover resources for emotional support, and to
increase their knowledge and understanding in the pastoral arts through membership
in learning cohorts (i.e., small groups of pastors who covenant together for mutual
support and professional development). As members of these learning cohorts
and fellows of the College of Pastoral Leaders, pastors have the opportunity to
design their own learning goals and strategies, in consultation with the director of
professional development. Learning cohorts can also apply for fi nancial assistance
to help them pursue their learning strategies. The College makes available to its
learning cohorts personal resources such as spiritual directors, educators, counselors,
psychologists, and other experienced pastors. The College also sponsors an annual
conference, led by nationally recognized church leaders and scholars, to address
concerns of congregational ministry and church leadership identifi ed by fellows
of the College.
The College offers pastors with at least three years in a ministry a chance to
embrace the practice of lifelong learning in the context of supportive long-term
relationships with colleagues. Whether pastors are seeking to make a healthy start
in ministry, to fi nd refreshment at midpoint or renewal prior to retirement, this
program is dedicated to sustaining pastoral leadership in congregations. The College
is particularly committed to providing resources and educational opportunities to
pastors in Hispanic contexts.
Inquiries should be directed to the principal of the College of Pastoral Leaders
at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
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COLLEGE OF PASTORAL LEADERS