Cumberland
Presbyterian
House of Studies
Come in. Look around. Make yourself at home. This is your house!
Memphis Theological Seminary has a strong historical and theological relationship with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The school was founded for the purpose of training Cumberland Presbyterian pastors and leaders. It carries that DNA today even as a truly ecumenical mission that embraces many faith traditions. It is a heritage we want to hold up. The CPHS affirms this relationship through its specific attention to the formation of students for ministry within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. The presence of the CPHS allows the seminary to promote its commitment to the theological formation of students from the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition more robustly.
The development of the CPHS as a formal organization within the MTS community will give students from Cumberland Presbyterian backgrounds the opportunity to
connect with their tradition intellectually,
relate with others from the church socially,
network with pastors, churches, and denomination leaders professionally.
Over time, the Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies will become a strong bridge to connect students, alumni, and the faith communities of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Together we will build this enduring house upon the rock.
The Core of CPHS
The intent is simple and straightforward: to ensure that Cumberland Presbyterian students at MTS have ongoing theological and practical connections with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as touchstones in their formation for ministry.
“preserve the legacy and pass it forward to the next generation by preparing the church’s leaders”
“recognize and celebrate our deep respect for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church”
“honor the legacy of two intertwined families important to Cumberland Presbyterians and to MTS”
Thank You
The Seminary is grateful to the family of Dr. Colvin Baird and to Dr. Clinton Buck and his family as well as many others who have given to the Baird/Buck Endowment which supports this new initiative. We are sure this will be a helpful enhancement to our school and our Cumberland Presbyterian congregations. We encourage everyone with interest in a vital Cumberland Presbyterian witness to continue to pray and work and give to the Baird-Buck endowment toward the ultimate goal of endowing a chair of Cumberland Presbyterian Studies here at MTS.
The CPHS will
Nurture
Nurture Cumberland Presbyterian students for ministry and leadership in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Highlight
Highlight important events in Cumberland Presbyterian history with the seminary community.
Provide
Provide interaction with Cumberland Presbyterian clergy from across the denomination.
Increase
Increase the sense of Cumberland Presbyterian identity for students and alumni.
Extend
Extend opportunities for continuing education for Cumberland Presbyterian alumni and lay persons.
Offer
Offer ongoing support and resources for the formation of clergy, laity, and congregations.
Promote
Promote curricular offerings in Cumberland Presbyterian studies.
Provide
Provide a conduit for theological excellence from the Christ-centered congregation to the best of Cumberland Presbyterian scholarship.
Important links
901.239.5674
Who Am I?
My name is Michael Qualls, Director of the Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies. I am excited to oversee this path-breaking work. I have been in pastoral ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian church for more than forty years. It is intrinsic to my identity. I look forward to working, playing and growing with many who are called by God to carry forward the torch as you come into and through this house.
