During the 2025-26 school year, Calvin Theological Seminary will celebrate its 150th anniversary—a remarkable milestone in its longstanding commitment to preparing ministry leaders who are biblically faithful and contextually effective.
“As we look back with gratitude to God on these 150 years, we also look ahead with purpose,” said CTS president Jul Medenblik.
CTS’s strategic plan centers on four key themes to guide the seminary into the future: a compelling invitation, holistic learning journeys, organizational excellence, and cultivating abundance.
“These focus areas will guide staff and students as we respond to the evolving needs of the church and world—offering theological education that is thoughtful, practical, and deeply rooted in the Reformed tradition,” Medenblik said.
A Compelling Invitation
At Calvin Seminary, Reformed identity is not only central to what the school is, but shapes everything it does. From faculty scholarship and student formation to publishing and outreach, CTS is committed to clearly and confidently sharing the distinctiveness of its theological vision.
“Our invitation to the global church and the curious believer alike is to come learn, grow, and serve with us,” Medenblik explained.
Past and present CTS faculty are leading voices in their disciplines. Some of their recent work has explored Puritan history, the Beatitudes, intertextual connections between Isaiah and the Old Testament, and John Calvin’s use and understanding of the Old Testament. These academic contributions are not reserved for fellow scholars, but are woven into the classroom and shape how students learn to preach, teach, and lead. They also are reaching beyond the classroom, being featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Christianity Today.
CTS’s degree programs emphasize faithful biblical exposition, theological depth, and contextual literacy. Whether in a local church, nonprofit organization, or cross-cultural setting, graduates are equipped to serve with integrity and clarity.
The seminary recently launched The Forum, a digital platform featuring articles, podcasts, events, teaching series, and other resources designed to equip people for life and ministry in their unique contexts. Through The Forum, the work of CTS faculty—including some of their in-class content—is available to everyone for encouragement and training. Rooted in Scripture and prompted by real-life questions, The Forum invites people to engage deeply with questions of mercy, justice, faith, and formation wherever they are.
Holistic Learning Journeys
CTS student experiences aren’t confined to the classroom either. “Calvin Theological Seminary is committed to walking with students every step of the way—from application to graduation and beyond,” Medenblik said. “Our strategic goals place a renewed emphasis on mentoring, flexible learning formats, and lifelong learning.”
Mentorship is a hallmark of the Calvin Seminary experience. Through in-context learning in churches and nonprofits, spiritual direction from trained practitioners, and meaningful relationships with faculty and staff, students are supported academically, spiritually, and vocationally.
CTS also recognizes that instruction must be offered in many formats. Hybrid programs such as the Master of Divinity program blend online coursework with two intensive in-person weeks each year, allowing students to remain in their home contexts while pursuing seminary training. CTS also offers stackable certificates in areas such as Christian leadership and training for commissioned pastors in the CRCNA, enabling students to engage theological education at a pace and depth that meet their needs.
“Learning doesn’t end at graduation,” Medenblik said. “Through the Lifelong Learning program and The Forum, pastors, ministry leaders, and laypersons alike can continue growing in wisdom, resilience, and theological depth. Whether through workshops, learning cohorts, or ongoing digital content, Calvin Seminary is committed to supporting leaders for a lifetime.”
Organizational Excellence and Cultivating Abundance
As Calvin Seminary looks forward to the next 150 years, it does so with a focus on creating living spaces for in-person students and celebrating God’s blessings over the past 150 years.
A new apartment building directly across from Calvin Seminary’s campus on Burton Street SE in Grand Rapids, Mich., is expected to open in late 2025. This building will feature 46 apartments of different sizes and will include communal gathering spaces, a playground for children, and other features meant to promote community building for in-person students. CTS also anticipates celebrating its 150th anniversary with alumni and friends around the world during a yearlong celebration. To receive more information on these celebrations, visit calvin.edu/150 or follow Calvin Seminary on social media.
A Shared Calling
As Calvin Theological Seminary looks ahead to the next 150 years, its strategic plan reflects more than institutional priorities. It embodies a renewed calling to serve the church with theological depth, spiritual formation, and faithful leadership. Grounded in Reformed identity and guided by four strategic themes, faculty are preparing leaders for a world in need of clarity, conviction, and hope.
“Whether you’re a prospective student, longtime supporter, church leader, or someone just discovering us, there’s a place for you in this journey,” Medenblik said. “Together, we are nurturing a community where the gospel is lived, taught, and proclaimed in every context and corner of the world.”
About the Author
Leah Jolly, Calvin Theological Seminary