Eden creates United Methodist House of Study

A United Methodist "House of Study" will be opened at Eden Theological Seminary under the direction of the Reverend Carl Schenck, senior pastor of Manchester United Methodist Church. The program is part of the Seminary's strategic plan, which calls for Eden more intentionally to be come a school serving an ecumenical community.

While not a literal house, the UM House of Study at Eden will serve to provide a focused connection for United Methodist students. In addition, it will serve as a pilot for houses of study for other denominations.

"I am very excited about this appointment," said the Reverend Dr. David Greenhaw, president of Eden. "I am certain it will strengthen our relationship with the United Methodist Church, greatly assist our Methodist students and forward Eden’s Mission to serve the church. It is also an important step for the Seminary as we continue to develop our strategic plan initiative to establish similar programs for other denominations served by Eden. I am also very pleased that it will be led by the Reverend Schenck; he is an outstanding teacher, pastor and leader."

Carl Schenck, an adjunct faculty member at Eden, will begin his directorship effective July 1, 2010. His responsibilities will include teaching the courses he has been teaching in Methodist studies, working with Eden's admissions office to increase enrollment of United Methodist students, working with the advancement office to raise funds from United Methodists churches and members, encouraging a community of support for United Methodist students, and ensuring strong relationships between Eden and the University Senate of the United Methodist Church. He will also work to strengthen Eden’s ties to the churches of Pan-Methodism. 

Eden Theological Seminary is a graduate school preparing women and men for ordained and lay Christian ministry. Founded in 1850, Eden has approximately 220 students representing as many as 18 denominations. Eden is one of seven seminaries of the United Church of Christ.