Our Culture and Commitments
Phillips Theological Seminary is:
- A graduate school that is open to clergy candidates, laity, and seekers with questions;
- A knowledgeable, progressive faculty;
- A diverse ecumenical community, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ);
- A place to explore what “the way of Jesus” means that is distinct in this part of the U.S;
- Leaven in our geographical and social contexts, offering leadership education for biblically and theologically responsible, compassionate, justice-oriented Christian practice;
- An educator of ministers serving in more than 20 denominations as chaplains, congregational leaders, justice advocates, ministry entrepreneurs, counselors, and more;
- Home to an outstanding, hospitable library;
- A series of vital conversations in which participants are often transformed.
All right here in America’s heartland.
Identity statement:
Phillips Theological Seminary offers theological education dedicated to learning the way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital congregations, communities, conversations, and the public good.
Mission statement:
The seminary’s mission is to learn and teach how to be: attentive to God; responsible biblical and theological interpreters; faithful individuals, congregations, and communities acting with God to transform the world.
Engaged Diversity
Board of Trustees Commitment to Engaged Diversity
The Board of Trustees of Phillips Theological Seminary believes that the Reign of God as announced by Jesus Christ is open to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic class. This theological belief is the basis of the seminary’s non-discrimination statement, and it is also the basis for the seminary’s efforts to embrace and engage diverse persons in service of the mission of God, and specifically in service of the mission entrusted to this seminary. The Board of Trustees is committed to recruiting, educating, and engaging trustees, faculty, staff, and students with the range and depth of gifts, skills, and perspectives to move Phillips to become more of the community God calls the seminary to be. To this end, the Board will actively recruit a pool of candidates that reflects the diversity necessary for the ongoing work of the seminary, as well as to resource new strategic directions the Board may choose.
Seminary’s Non-Discrimination Statement
Phillips Theological Seminary accords equal rights and privileges to all members of the Seminary community. In the administration of its policies and procedures related to admissions, financial aid, academic programs, and hiring, the Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Seminary’s Commitment to Disability Access
Phillips Theological Seminary is committed to providing equal access to its programs of graduate professional education for all qualified students with learning, physical, medical, or psychological disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Accordingly, the seminary aims to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability to ensure their access and participation in Seminary programs.
For more information on Disability, please see Academic Resources/Disability
Seminary’s Commitment to Supplier Diversity
Phillips Theological Seminary is committed to developing mutually beneficial relationships with small, minority-owned, women-owned, diversity based, disability-owned, disadvantaged, veteran owned and local business enterprises. The Supplier Diversity Policy is the seminary’s initiative to create opportunity for suppliers to market their products to the seminary and to encourage Phillips Theological Seminary to offer opportunities to such suppliers.
In 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s diversity business council, Mosaic, honored Phillips with its highest rating as an employer with an inclusive workplace culture.