The student body, faculty, and staff at Brite Divinity School are interracial, international, and ecumenical. While the largest numbers of students at Brite are Disciples and United Methodists, more than twenty different denominations are represented in the student body. Faculty and staff are active members in over ten different denominational/religious bodies. The ecumenical spirit is also strengthened by Brite’s membership and participation in the Council of Southwestern Theological Schools embracing eleven Protestant and three Roman Catholic institutions. Selected students and faculty members from COSTS schools have participated in inter-seminary courses on a variety of topics, including an intensive experience in interfaith dialogue. COSTS institutions continue to explore further possibilities of regional and sub-regional cooperation.
Faculty and students are engaged in local, state, and national ecumenical organizations and programs. With the support of the faculty, local churches, and judicatory leaders, Brite offers formal and informal programs that connect with various denominational and faith traditions.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Disciples Formation program prepares students to lead in ministry by assisting in the ordination process, providing personal and professional support and engaging students in the larger denomination. Directed by a member of the Permanent Faculty, programs offer opportunities for students to develop their theological stance and pastoral identity.
Baptist Studies Program
The Baptist Studies Program is an integral part of the Divinity School. Designed to meet the special interests and needs of Baptists, this Program offers graduate courses in Baptist history, thought, and polity and provides opportunities for Baptist students in field settings in Baptist churches, worship, and other community experiences. Special lectures and workshops by Baptist professors and ministers enrich the seminary experience of Brite students. A limited number of student scholarships are provided by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship to support Cooperative Baptist Fellowship M.Div. students.
Episcopal Studies Program
The Episcopal Studies Program at Brite Divinity School provides a continuing Anglican/Episcopal presence within a broadly ecumenical theological school. The program offers a community of learning, worship, and fellowship within the Brite Community. Our graduates will be trained to serve effectively in ordained and lay leadership positions in the Episcopal Church.
Metropolitan Community Churches
Brite Divinity School is a recognized partner school of the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). MCC students preparing for ordination may complete their required coursework at Brite and receive advising in the ordination process.
Presbyterian Studies
The Presbyterian Studies Program supports Presbyterian women and men who are in the process of discerning a call to ministry. By mentoring, providing a Reformed and Presbyterian focus, and enriching Brite’s work through relationships with the presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, as well as Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the Program seeks to prepare students to meet all constitutional requirements for ordination or certification to ministry in Presbyterian congregations. The Program embraces students in all degree plans, but focuses primarily on those preparing for professional ministry in local churches as pastors or directors of Christian education.
United Church of Christ
Students from the United Church of Christ tradition will find courses at Brite Divinity School that support their pastoral identity and formation within this denomination. In addition, Brite has several graduates who are leaders within the United Church of Christ, and who serve as informal mentors for students.
United Methodist Studies
The University Senate of the United Methodist Church has approved the Divinity School to teach United Methodist students. The courses taught at Brite in United Methodist history, doctrine, mission, and polity–which are required for ordination in the United Methodist Church–have been officially approved by appropriate denominational offices. With the assistance of the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, students preparing for deacons’ ordination may meet UMC expectations with either the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry or the Certificate of Theological Studies.
