Admissions > President's Welcome

Is God Calling You?

In Psalm 139 the poet asks God, “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?” God pursues us persistently, and this ultimately is comforting, for it is our Creator who knows us best, who “formed our inmost parts.” The God who has “written all our days” also has dreamed for each of us a plan perfectly fitted for our own talents and gifts. God calls us—and is calling someone even now—to use those gifts in service to Christ’s church.

Traditionally, Presbyterians have insisted that gifts for church leadership be developed through theological education: our denominational seminaries provide unequalled instruction and training. As a pastor and now a seminary president, it thrills me to see our gifted students arrive on the Louisville campus and then begin the process of becoming good pastors, counselors, and teachers —servant leaders equipped to help the people of God make theological and biblical sense out of our troubled but exciting world.

We train pastors who are lifelong learners and who assume personal responsibility for integrating classical theological knowledge with the skills and practices of congregational ministry. We challenge our students to live compassionate lives that are congruent with the gospel, taking seriously the commission of Jesus to spread the good news of salvation, justice, love, and mercy. In the skilled hands of our outstanding faculty, students are stretched, nurtured, and cherished as persons who are, in Paul’s words, “stewards of the mysteries of God.” I invite you to join us.

As you are discerning God's call, I pray with you...

Almighty God, in Christ you pursue us with grace, lovingly capture us in your mercy, and set us free for humble service. Life-giving Spirit, you give each of us gifts for ministry; your purposes stir our souls and give our lives meaning. O Christ, give us courage to respond willingly to your call, relying always on your guidance, strength, and protection.

Dean K. Thompson
President