OUR MISSION

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. exists to offer a range of stimulating, accessible, and affordable online progressive Christian resources for church leaders, faith explorers, pastors, and those discerning various vocations and callings within and outside the church community.

OUR VISION

PATHWAYS responds to the educational needs of an evolving world by continually striving to create innovative, online progressive theological learning and discovery that promote justice, peace and mutual understanding.

Progressive seminaries play a crucial role in educating future pastors, chaplains, activists and faith leaders across diverse ministry contexts. PATHWAYS is a non-seminary approach to progressive theological education that embraces an intersectional approach to support people of color, women and marginalized genders and sexual orientations. Many of our facilitators, course writers and board members are part of other theological institutions including progressive seminaries, but all have practical experience. PATHWAYS Theological prioritizes practical pastoral training, spiritual development, critical thinking, social activism and commitment to transformative theology. PATHWAYS Theological Education is the best kept secret in progressive theological institutions. 

The following description of progressive Christian theology is intended to introduce the PATHWAYS program and help prospective learners assess the fit between their educational needs and the theological orientation of PATHWAYS.

Christian faith is about how to live in loving, healing relationship to God, one another, and all of creation. We look to Jesus’ teaching and life to light our path to God in our uniquely Christian perspective. We affirm that God hears and speaks all languages of faith and values all expressions of faith that give life, light, and hope to the world. God loves and cares for every person, seeking our health and wholeness, extending forgiveness when we fail, and the grace to begin anew each day. We are called to have compassion and love for others; to reach out to those on the margins of life; to seek political and economic justice in the world; and to pray for our enemies.

Progressive Christians cherish the Bible as sacred scripture, a source of inspiration, history, culture, life-transforming narratives, and expressions of the human condition before God. We understand all theology to be contextual; that is, arising from a particular culture, time period, and experience. Thus our faith is expanded and tested as we interact with and learn from other sources and faiths and by new insights from contemporary scientific, social, psychological, and historical research. Our faith journeys are further shaped and informed as we reflect on our experiences, trusting that God welcomes our doubts and questions as well as our devotion and prayers.

The purpose of Christian faith is to follow the Way of Jesus here and now in this world, trusting that God will be with us in life, in death, and in life beyond death. We recognize that there are many interpretations as to how the Word of God—God who is still speaking—is affected in the lives of every human; we thus acknowledge our finitude in contemplating the Mystery whose ways are higher than our ways and thoughts higher than our thoughts.

Affordable

PATHWAYS believes that quality theological education should be available to any who want it. That’s why we provide a cost-effective online theological program accessible to all. 4-week Explorer courses are only $124, 6-week courses just $350, 9-week courses Supervised Ministry courses are $470, and our 12-week UCC History and Polity course is only $625.

Flexible

Because classes are not bound by geography and have a flexible weekly schedule, PATHWAYS courses are able to fit into the rest of your busy life. Courses typically involve weekly readings and discussion in a facilitated online forum, offering practical, open-minded education and a learner-centered environment where participants can bring their own questions and insights.

Accessible

Our courses have between 4 and 15 participants. This allows for deep and productive discussions in the online forum. We know that a small class size allows the participants to develop learning relationships with each other and for facilitators to push participants to a more indepth learning experience.

 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.,
P.O. Box 897
Tucker, GA 30085
Phone:770-569-3384

Partner with PATHWAYS

 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is a nonprofit provider of theological education that is academically rigorous and affordable.   A PATHWAYS education in Ministry Preparation can be completed on-line in three years at a fraction of the price of a seminary education.   Our program is aligned with the requirements for ordination of most mainline Protestant denominations and seeks to work with ordaining bodies to make sure that participants are meeting their goals.   Now is the time to make an inquiry for the future of theological education.  Reach out today to Partner with PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.

Support PATHWAYS Today!

 

PATHWAYS is an innovator in cost-effective, progressive Christian education. We work alongside denominations, regional partners and individuals to make our programs accessible to all regardless of their ability to pay. This commitment to funding begins with each of our supporters. No matter how large or how small the donation, it all goes towards making theological education affordable to everyone who desires to learn.

There is no time like the present to contribute financially to PATHWAYS’ work and mission by making your tax-deductible gift – Today!