GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Atlanta, Georgia the school of the prophets
GAMMON Theological Seminary Profile The Trustees of Gammon Theological Seminary (GTS), located in Atlanta, Georgia announce the search for the 16th president to follow the leadership of Dr. Albert Mosley who has faithfully served the office since 2011. Gammon works in collaboration with the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), a consortium of five predominately African American seminaries in Atlanta and the largest free-standing African American theological school in the United States. It has been described as one of the most successful ventures in ecumenism and a major center of progressive theological thought. Dr. Edward Wheeler serves as president of the ITC and the members of the consortium include: Charles H. Mason Theological Seminary (Church of God in Christ) Gammon Theological Seminary (United Methodist) Morehouse School of Religion (Baptist) Phillips School of Theology (Christian Methodist Episcopal) Turner Theological Seminary (African Methodist Episcopal) Students that are not affiliated yet desire to matriculate at the ITC are enrolled in the Harry V. and Selma T. Richardson Ecumenical Fellowship program.
HISTORY 1883 to Present In 1869, Gammon Theological Seminary had its beginning as Gammon School of Theology, a department of Religion and philosophy at Clark University. In 1872, Clark Theological Seminary opened with twenty-six Students. Then in 1883, Gammon Theological Seminary opened with the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1958, Gammon became the United Methodist constituent of a consortium of six historically African American theological schools, named the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). Gammon/ITC is a co-educational, professional graduate school of theology with historical roots in the United Methodist Church. Its faculty engages in rigorous scholarship, academic discipline, and significant research in the service to churches and communities throughout the world. It is a world s premier resource center for scholarship and social justice. The consortium offers an interdisciplinary course of study in holistic educational environment. The institution also has a long-standing tradition of ministers as scholars in preparation for preaching, teaching, and church leadership in both church and society. The institution s curriculum consists of: 1) Biblical Studies and Languages, 2) Philosophy, Theology, Ethics and Church History, 3) Persons, Society and Culture and 4) The Church and its Mission. Degree programs include the following options: Master of Divinity Master of Arts in Christian Education Master of Arts in Church Music Master of Divinity and Public Health Doctor of Ministry Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Gammon Theological Seminary, a historically African-American institution, in partnership with the Interdenominational Theological Center, is to recruit, support and educate pastors and leaders for the United Methodist VISION STATEMENT The vision of Gammon Theological Seminary is to educate and equip persons, called by God, to be prophetic leaders for the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. MOTTO Light, Freedom, Truth, be ever these our own; Light to seek the Truth, Freedom to make it known; Our work, God s work, our will, His will alone.
ACCREDITATION & AFFILIATIONS Gammon/ITC is fully accredited and was reaffirmed in 2015 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and in 2016 by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States. Gammon is a member of the Atlanta Theological Association, and maintains cross-registration of course work with Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Clark Atlanta University, Columbia Theological Seminary and Morehouse School of Medicine. ITC is a member of the United Negro College Fund and has affiliations with the Robert Woodruff Library and the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education. STRENGTHS & REPUTATION The founder of Gammon Theological Seminary, Reverend Elijah Gammon, envisioned the school of the prophets in 1883. His vision was to create a school in the south that would serve as the central training ground for Methodist clergy. Such a vision had its impetus in Southern realities of racism. The vision sustained Gammon and its leaders as they sought to transform lives by the renewing of minds and spiritual formation. Leadership at Gammon challenged the city of Atlanta s formidable segregationist establishment, marked by racial segregation, social disparity and attempts at spiritual brokenness. The seminary continued to identify and train leaders who would speak truth to power while simultaneously serving as a voice for the voiceless. Throughout its history, Gammon seminarians have determined that they would labor until justice would roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Another major strength of Gammon is its faculty whose foci include scholarship, discipline, research, counseling, and service. A few of its most distinguished professors of theology include Jacquelyn Grant, Randall C. Bailey, Riggins Earl, Daniel Shin and Edward P. Wimberly. The seminary has produced three retired bishops and three active bishops in the United Methodist Church. Retired bishops include Bishop Melvin Talbert, Bishop Alfred Norris and Bishop James King. Active bishops include Bishop James Swanson, Bishop Jonathan Holston and Bishop Sharma Lewis. An array of alumni serve as pastors, superintendents, conference leaders, general agency directors and other institutional leaders. The Gammon Center for the Study of Religion and Race support the seminary in being a premier resource for Black Church scholarship and faith-based solutions to spiritual and socio-economic challenges confronting local communities and the world. The center consists of three major structural components which include: Damascus Road Experience, Encounters (retreats) and the Racial Justice Institute. The Atlanta location is a major strength for the seminary. The Atlanta University alone costs of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the Interdenominational Theological Center among at least twenty-five other institutions of higher learning. An abundance of historical and cultural centers enhance the Atlanta ethos. Some include the Woodruff Arts Center, the Woodruff Library, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center, and the Martin Luther King Center. The Mercedes Benz Stadium and SunTrust Park are new professional sporting arenas among other stadiums and event centers. A Revitalization Project is underway with the goal of restoring historical essence and vitality to West End Atlanta along Ralph Abernathy and Joseph Lowery Boulevards. Since 1973, ITC has published The Journal of the Interdenominational Theological Seminary, an annual academic journal dedicated to the advancement of theological education. The Press also publishes books, including seven volumes of the Black Church Scholars Series.
The relationship between Gammon and the ITC presents contextual opportunities and challenges. Since 1958, Gammon has sustained its mission as an accredited United Methodist institution of theological education. It maintains its status as the only predominately Black seminary among the thirteen seminaries within the denomination. Since 1958, however, Gammon has essentially transferred its operational status to the ITC consortium as an interdependent partner. Gammon provides housing, financial aid, and recruitment services for its students while maintaining only one building on the campus. Pastoral care, student concerns and student assistance are services inherent to Gammon students and provided by Gammon. The President-Dean directs administration and services directly related to the Gammon building. He or she also manages relationships with United Methodist agencies, churches and leaders. OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES For Gammon s President-Dean The ITC s Deans Council consists of five presidentdeans who provide curriculum and instructional leadership commensurate with the objectives of the consortium. Institutional leaders and trustee boards of all five organization have clarified the segregation of duties and responsibilities of each affiliate seminary. There is strength in numbers as each seminary reconciles differences towards the sustained collaborative success of ITC. Faculty, staff and student life are shared responsibilities. Each President-Dean must necessarily make institutional advancement and student recruitment a top priority. The programs of ITC have recently been enhanced significantly by a Lily grant. Technology is a primary tool used in researching beyond traditional time and geographic boundaries to reach prospective students. Frequent upgrades are necessary in maintaining cutting edge communication. Students also need a high level of internet technology in maintaining various basic functions pursuant to student life: registration, class curriculum, billings, and general student information. The role of Black pastors serving cross-racial appointments presents an opportunity for the seminary. Internships and cultural sensitivity training must be enhanced while simultaneously training and equipping clergy leaders to serve in traditional settings. The new leader of Gammon will have a role to play in addressing opportunities and challenges while working within the environment of ecumenical diversity on the ITC campus.
The Search Committee will use the following criteria in the review of candidates seeking the noted position: Academic credentials appropriate to seminary education with earned degrees from accredited institutions. Proven experience and resourcefulness in financial management, including fundraising, balanced budgets, investments, financial aid and physical properties. An in-depth understanding of United Methodist Church structure and polity, especially with its Agency of Discipleship and Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Understanding of Gammon s unique history and its significant partnership to the Interdenominational Theological Center and connection to the broad scope of United Methodism. A track record of administrative leadership in church or institutional settings, as well as experience in theological education. Ability to actively recruit and increase enrollment of United Methodist students with academic prowess and leadership potential; who are guided, trained and deployed into ministerial opportunities. A collaborative spirit and high esteem for stakeholder relationships, especially that of Gammon and the Interdenominational Theological Center. ATTRIBUTES OF CANDIDATES GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY the school of the prophets APPLICATION PROCESS Candidates must electronically submit a cover letter (MS Word or Adobe) that addresses the presented profile by the Search Committee, along with a comprehensive resume, nomination letters as desired and five references (including US mail address, email addresses and phone numbers) to Gammonpresident@agbsearch.com. The Search Committee will have access to all applications as Dr. Jim Davis, AGB Search Consultant, assists the Committee in this endeavor. Applicant materials should be presented by October 18, 2017. Please inquire by email or phone to the Search Consultant at jdavis@agbsearch.com or phone 540-539-9415. Additional information is available at www.gammon-itc.org or www.itc.edu Gammon Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.