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Eden is one of seven seminaries of the United Church of Christ (UCC). UCC students make up the largest single denominational group at Eden. In recent years, another fast-growing body of students comes from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Presently Disciples students are the third-largest denominational group on campus.
- •In every setting of the two churches, UCC members and Disciples are serving Christ side by side.
- •There are now more than 30 “federated” congregations affiliated with both denominations
- •It is now common for Disciples and UCC ministers to serve congregations of the other denomination.
- •The Common Global Ministries Board, formed by the UCC’s Wider Church Ministries and the Disciples’ Division of Overseas Ministries, unites the international mission work of the two churches.
UCC Students and Faculty at Eden
As the largest single student group, UCC students at Eden enjoy both the benefits of a large group of cohorts at a Seminary steeped in their religious tradition (learn more about Eden’s history) and the interaction with an ecumenically diverse student body. Eden’s faculty includes ordained and lay scholars from the United Church of Christ—scholars who are active in the church in all levels of the denomination.
UCC students in the Master of Divinity program are eligible for the Heritage Tuition Grant, which provides 50% of their tuition. In addition, Eden regularly facilitates search and call events that bring together students and conferences seeking pastoral leadership for their local churches.
UCC Offices at Eden
UCC students at Eden also enjoy the close ties with the Missouri Mid-South Conference, whose offices are located on the Eden campus. This makes possible an array of formal and informal interactions, shared events and other opportunities.
Disciples at Eden
To honor the growing UCC/Disciples partnership, Eden has made a commitment to encourage and support Disciples students preparing for leadership in their church.
- • Disciples students at Eden receive the same financial support as UCC students in the form of the Heritage 50% Tuition Grant.
- • An average of 25-28 Disciples of Christ members from different regions are typically enrolled in the degree programs or are taking classes at Eden Theological Seminary.
- • Twelve area Disciples churches serve as field education sites for Eden Seminary students.
- • Eden Theological Seminary is playing a key role in preparing ministers to serve Disciples congregations.
- • The work of Disciples students at Eden is supported by The Disciples at Eden taskforce, a group of area Disciples and Eden community members inspired by what is already happening and by what can happen as they work together with a shared vision.
Disciples Offices at Eden
The offices for the Southeast Gateway Area (SEGA) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Mid-America are located in the Schultz Building on the Eden Campus. This helps to create a strong connection between the Area Minister, the Reverend Dr. Penny Ross-Corona, and Disciples students. Dr. Ross-Corona and SEGA staff members regularly meet with students to help them explore their call to ministry and to give counsel regarding the search and call process.
The SEGA office provides a hospitality area where Disciples students are invited to meet, relax and enjoy snacks and conversation. The SEGA hall also includes an office where students may meet with the Disciples Chaplain on campus. The Disciples Chaplain is a local pastor volunteering pastoral time with students.
Other Disciples activities
The Disciples at Eden Task Force has provided a number of activities and services for Disciples students at Eden:
- • Fall gatherings of Disciples pastors and elders to welcome Disciples seminarians.
- • Disciples Stole Camp to explore call to ministry and particularities of ministry in Disciples congregations.
- • A Chaplain to Disciples students.
- • Scholarship for seminarians to attend General Assembly.
- • Scholarship and transportation for students to attend Disciples Seminarians Conference.
- • Support for a student to go on the Week of Compassion Seminarians trip to Bosnia.