A Master of Theological Studies Program in Healing and Community Formation
APRIL 11, 2025
McCormick Theological Seminary announces the launch of the Sacred Memory Cohort (SMC), a transformative two-year Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program meticulously designed to cultivate a robust formational foundation for ministry.
Emphasizing the critical importance of healing and the cultivation of communal bonds, this program employs a distinct pedagogical framework. This framework is based on the understanding that authentic leadership and effective ministry are deeply connected to a thoughtful engagement with personal and collective heritage as fundamental sources of knowledge. The SMC moves beyond traditional theological approaches by fostering the development of innovative interpretative lenses for ministerial practice, empowering participants to access and critically consider enduring wisdom traditions. This engagement provides a valuable means for developing contextually relevant responses to the complex social challenges of the contemporary world. The curriculum is intentionally structured to facilitate the integration of introspective reflection, spiritual inquiry, and the wisdom gleaned from ancestral knowledge as key components of theological understanding and ministerial leadership.
At the heart of the Sacred Memory Cohort lies a profound concept: Sacred Memory. This refers to the deep wellspring of philosophies, theologies, social ethos, practices, and behaviors rooted in ancient wisdom. These enduring principles have historically informed social order, socialization processes, and the core values that shape communities. Understanding and engaging with Sacred Memory transcends mere academic inquiry; it constitutes a vital pathway to healing and restoration.
Sacred Memory offers a vital theoretical framework for understanding and addressing historical and ongoing injustices within the Christian church, holding profound significance for Black Christian communities in particular. It provides a critical lens for comprehending the enduring impact of historical wounds, reclaiming suppressed narratives, and envisioning a more just and equitable future. Beyond this, Sacred Memory serves as a robust model for restorative justice applicable to indigenous peoples whose collective memory and historical narratives have been marginalized or distorted, leading to the obscuring of their rich and valuable histories. The practice of Sacred Memory enables the remembrance, reclamation, and reassertion of the veracity of lived experiences, empowering communities to resist cultural and historical erasure and to draw upon the strength of their ancestral foundations. In its essence, the active and intentional work of remembering and restoring wholeness in the face of historical and systemic fractures allows us to connect with ancestral wisdom, fostering the resilience, strength, and clarity needed to engage our present reality and contribute to a more healed and just world for generations to come.
The Sacred Memory Cohort is structured to guide participants in this essential work, cultivating leaders who minister with the transformative power of remembrance and restoration.
Key Programmatic Features and Outcomes:
Build a strong foundation for ministry focused on healing and repair: Equip yourself with practical tools and theological frameworks to address trauma and foster wholeness in individuals and communities.
Explore opportunities for deep personal and spiritual growth: Engage in a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual deepening that will enrich your life and your ministry.
Uncover a unique approach to theological studies incorporating ancestral wisdom: Learn to connect with and draw upon the knowledge and insights of those who have come before you.
Develop innovative strategies for ministry and community building: Cultivate creative and effective approaches to leadership and community engagement rooted in ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding.
Develop competency in restorying as a vital research method and a powerful tool for ministry within the public sphere: Learn to critically analyze narratives and use storytelling as a means of healing, justice, and community transformation.
Flexible Learning with Immersive Connection: Benefit from the accessibility of remote or distance learning for the majority of coursework, enhanced by one mandatory travel immersion component for deeper connection and experiential learning.
The SMC is designed to be more than just a degree program; it's an enriching and empowering experience that will serve as a valuable gift to you and the unique ministry context you are called to serve.
Ready to Explore Your Calling to Heal?
If you are seeking a theological education that honors your whole self, connects you to the wisdom of the past, and equips you to build a future of healing and justice, we invite you to learn more about the Sacred Memory Cohort. We are now welcoming individuals to indicate their interest in participating in the 2025 Sacred Memory Cohort by completing a brief registration form at: https://www.mccormick.edu/sacred-memory-cohort.