CHALLENGE your assumptions
CHANGE systems and societies
Follow your calling to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, a vibrant community where dynamic learners and leaders from diverse Christian traditions are moved to connect with their calling, challenge their assumptions, and change the world as they become confidently equipped for Christian ministry and service.
Meet Our Community
Flourish in who you are and who God is calling you to be.
What’s New?
![Austin Seminary Approved to Continue to Prepare United Methodists for Ordination]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":1498}])
At its meeting on June 17, 2024, upon recommendation of the Commission on Theological Education, the United Methodist University Senate designated Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary as Approved for Listing for the preparation of candidates for ordination in the United Methodist Church Without Qualification. This decision acknowledges Austin Seminary’s work and commitment to United Methodist theological education.
![The Rev. Ted Foote called to teach pastoral ministry and leadership]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709671342/austin/krozbzez6ghewnc4anx3/TedFoote.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709671342/austin/krozbzez6ghewnc4anx3/TedFoote.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1709671342/austin/krozbzez6ghewnc4anx3/TedFoote.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709671342/austin/krozbzez6ghewnc4anx3/TedFoote.png","width":1080}])
The Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Board of Trustees has called The Reverend Ted V. Foote, Jr. as the new Louis H. and Katherine S. Zbinden Distinguished Chair of Pastoral Ministry and Leadership, effective August 1, 2024.
![Austin Seminary receives grant to integrate climate science with theological education.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":2200}])
Austin Seminary has received a grant of $15,000 from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program to fund a project that integrates climate science with theological education. The grant will support a partnership with Texas Interfaith Power and Light, a Texas Impact project, offering a series of activities for eighteen months at Austin Seminary, where alum Dr. Becca Edwards (MDiv'23) will teach climate science topics and guide discussion on the theological implications of this critical issue.
![ryanarnold]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707253791/austin/busd3mlhhxvdf5ek2tut/ArnoldRyan.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707253791/austin/busd3mlhhxvdf5ek2tut/ArnoldRyan.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1707253791/austin/busd3mlhhxvdf5ek2tut/ArnoldRyan.jpg","width":613}])
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint The Rev. Ryan Arnold as the new vice-president for institutional advancement, effective March 1, 2024.
![Austin Seminary receives $1.2 million grant to strengthen preaching]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1597777320/austin/n0ukdauum6qyhvd1rxkx/Carolyn_Helsel_sq.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1597777320/austin/n0ukdauum6qyhvd1rxkx/Carolyn_Helsel_sq.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1597777320/austin/n0ukdauum6qyhvd1rxkx/Carolyn_Helsel_sq.jpg","width":600}])
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary has received a grant of $1,248,603 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish The Faithful Preaching Project, a new initiative designed to help preachers of small mainline congregations instill deeper faith in their listeners and empower them to live out their faith more fully in worship and in the community beyond their church walls.
![Austin Seminary acquires Progressive Youth Ministry]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693942712/austin/bd13aiut2wnz5icpd6dh/PYMbanner.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693942712/austin/bd13aiut2wnz5icpd6dh/PYMbanner.png","width":300}])
Austin Seminary has acquired Progressive Youth Ministry (PYM), a conference and community of church-based youth workers from across North America.
![Austin Seminary launches 2023–2024 academic year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693929714/austin/fer1avbsiqaed4zahevp/enteringclass23.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1693929714/austin/fer1avbsiqaed4zahevp/enteringclass23.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693929714/austin/fer1avbsiqaed4zahevp/enteringclass23.png","width":600}])
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary welcomed thirty new students on August 28 for their orientation.
![Austin Seminary receives $4.3 million grant to manage the Hispanic Summer Program]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689865716/austin/agbdhrqjktc9lld7fdrf/HSPlogo.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1689865716/austin/agbdhrqjktc9lld7fdrf/HSPlogo.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1689865716/austin/agbdhrqjktc9lld7fdrf/HSPlogo.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1689865716/austin/agbdhrqjktc9lld7fdrf/HSPlogo.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1689865716/austin/agbdhrqjktc9lld7fdrf/HSPlogo.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1689865716/austin/agbdhrqjktc9lld7fdrf/HSPlogo.png","width":2074}])
Austin Seminary has received a $4.3 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the next phase of development of The Hispanic Summer Program (HSP). Through this grant, HSP will open a new office on the Austin Seminary campus.
![Dr. Donghyun Jeong publishes first book]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689691801/austin/ge3brl5jgp4pzggdy4ws/JeongMystery.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1689691801/austin/ge3brl5jgp4pzggdy4ws/JeongMystery.png","width":395}])
Dr. Donghyun Jeong, assistant professor of New Testament, has published his first book, Pauline Baptism among the Mysteries: Ritual Message and the Promise of Initiation (De Gruyter, 2023).
Featured Faculty
![Donghyun Jeong]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1682690019/austin/zvtuss2khxnqv8a97jvg/Donghyun.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1682690019/austin/zvtuss2khxnqv8a97jvg/Donghyun.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1682690019/austin/zvtuss2khxnqv8a97jvg/Donghyun.jpg","width":600}])
Donghyun Jeong
What do you like about teaching at Austin Seminary?
Austin Seminary is a “heuristic” place (from Gk. heuriskō), as students are exploring and deepening their calling, gifts, trust in God, and love for others. Engaging with the diverse student body and faculty/staff, I also continue to grow every day. I feel honored to contribute to this nurturing community through my teaching and service.
![Margaret Aymer]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1566851845/austin/vf0dkwubdn9ewawhzg3m/AymerFeaturedFaculty.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1566851845/austin/vf0dkwubdn9ewawhzg3m/AymerFeaturedFaculty.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1566851845/austin/vf0dkwubdn9ewawhzg3m/AymerFeaturedFaculty.jpg","width":530}])
Margaret Aymer
What would be your superpower?
Well, if I could create one it would be a communication ray, that I would use in situations where people are not communicating clearly. It would create listening bubbles where people would be obliged to put themselves in another's shoes; and it would inject courage and clarity into those who need to speak their truths.
![David Jensen]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1564420258/austin/i4l5mt7gt6n3fcrvchfc/DaveJensen.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1564420258/austin/i4l5mt7gt6n3fcrvchfc/DaveJensen.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1564420258/austin/i4l5mt7gt6n3fcrvchfc/DaveJensen.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1564420258/austin/i4l5mt7gt6n3fcrvchfc/DaveJensen.jpg","width":1000}])
David Jensen
How did you choose your field?
To put it simply: I love theology. I came upon theology almost by chance in college and since then have been captivated by the way that theology, at its best, nurtures attentiveness: to the world, to beauty, to others, and to the mystery of God.