Graduate Theological Foundation
| Established | 1962 |
|---|---|
| Mission | Theological continuing education |
| President | Kendra Elizabeth Clayton |
| Location | Mishawaka, Indiana, Mishawaka, Indiana, United States |
| Website | gtfeducation.org |
The Graduate Theological Foundation (GTF) is a nonprofit interreligious institution of higher learning centered in Mishawaka, Indiana. Unlike traditional residential theological schools, the foundation focuses on continuing educational opportunities for practicing ministry professionals, administrators and academics who want to pursue advanced degrees while retaining their current position. Students and faculty reside around the world, and scholarly work takes place through onsite, online and distance learning engagement. Students are eligible to earn bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in a variety of theological disciplines. Faculty members come from a broad spectrum of faith backgrounds, and many also serve on the faculty of established colleges and universities, including the University of Oxford, with which the Foundation has a continuing education affiliation through the Oxford Theology Summer School.
The Graduate Theological Foundation was founded in 1962 in the wake of the Second Vatican Council. The Conference on Religious Development was commissioned to foster growing ecumenical relationships between Catholic and Protestant communions. The foundation emerged from a variety of residential programs held by the conference in Madison, Connecticut.
At first the foundation was formed as a traditional continuing education center for practicing clergy, with a retreat model incorporating individuals or small groups working with creative curriculum, full on-site student residency and a dedicated faculty. At the urging of students and faculty for more flexible educational opportunities, the foundation created a new program requiring only part-time residency.
Over the years the foundation has evolved into a self-directed education model designed to be responsive to the 21st century needs of ministry professionals across the globe. Students and faculty engage through online, distance and onsite learning methods. The foundation has scholarly partnerships with academic institutions around the world where graduate degree students may complete their course work.
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