Princeton Theological Seminary to Host Inaugural Convocation and Dedication of the School of Christian Vocation and Mission

PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Princeton Theological Seminary's School of Christian Vocation and Mission, formerly the Center of Continuing Education, today announced that on Tuesday, October 19 at 1:00 PM, it will host its inaugural convocation in celebration of its new name and discerned call to Christian ministry. The event, "Church, Seminary, and People: Vocation and Mission," marks the official dedication of the re-named continuing education program, which is designed to help participants apply theological, ethical, and biblical study to today's church and world.

"Princeton Seminary's continuing education program has a strong and valued heritage," said Charles Kalmbach, director at the School of Christian Vocation and Mission. "The new name reflects our renewed commitment to being a life-long partner and support for pastors and lay leaders in increasingly challenging times. We spent over a year talking to hundreds of leaders in the church, multiple denominations, seminaries, and people in the pews. Now we have a new sense of our ministry and how we can contribute to the 21st century church in the 21st century. This event will highlight what we learned and explore the role of seminaries in a changing world."

A distinguished group of scholars and noted church leaders will speak at the convocation event including: Craig R. Dykstra, Senior Vice President for Religion at the Lilly Endowment; Barbara G. Wheeler, Director of the Center for the Study of Theological Education at Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City; and Ernest Kimmel, retired Stated Clerk for the Presbytery of New Brunswick. Professor Cleo LaRue and Rev. Gabriel Salguero will join the three featured speakers on a panel moderated by Iain Torrance, President of Princeton Theological Seminary.

Seating is limited, but the event will also stream live online. For more information or to RSVP for in-person or online attendance, please visit http://www.ptsem.edu/convocation or call 609-688-1933.

About Princeton Theological Seminary

Princeton Theological Seminary was founded in 1812 as the first seminary established by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. It is the largest Presbyterian seminary in the country, with more than 500 students in six graduate degree programs. Since its inception, Princeton Seminary has graduated thousands of alumni/ae with over 10,000 currently serving the world church in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit http://www.ptsem.edu/

About The School of Christian Vocation and Mission

The School of Christian Vocation and Mission is the repurposed continuing education department of Princeton Theological Seminary. Building on its 70-year legacy, the School of Christian Vocation and Mission offers educational programs, ranging from one hour to one week, for the general public, with a focus on those serving in the church. Regular instructors include members of the seminary's faculty and experienced ministers who blend theological, ethical, and biblical teachings with the tools needed to apply each subject in today's church and world. In the 2009/2010 academic year, the School of Christian Vocation and Mission offered more than 60 educational events at 10 different locations for nearly 2,400 ministers and lay leaders of many denominations. For more information on program schedules or the school's meeting and lodging facility for on-site events and retreats, visit: http://www.ptsem.edu/cvm

SOURCE Princeton Theological Seminary