Tag: Advancement

Featured Post

September 18, 2026

United Launches National Search for Its Next President

The Position Profile and Application Are Now Available Today, the Presidential Search Committee, on behalf of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, is opening the national search for the seminary’s next leader. This comes after the July announcement of Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall’s 2027 retirement following six transformative years of institutional growth and expansion. United’s next president will helm a dynamic school with a student body that has more than doubled in size in just ten years; a world-class faculty of artists, scholars, and theologians; and a diverse and interreligious student body preaching in pulpits, ministering in ICUs, leading nonprofits, and organizing for the common good. In a message shared with the United community, trustee and committee chair Rev. Dr. Kenneth V. Daniel (’81) describes the committee’s work in concert with executive search firm Isaacson, Miller (IM) to help “the seminary step into the next chapter of United’s mission and ministry.” Describing the ideal candidate, Dr. Daniel writes, “We are seeking an engaged leader who will join our mission to inspire creative scholarship, advance innovative pedagogy, develop leaders of distinction, and move the school forward to increased sustainability and global impact.” As of today, the public profile of the President’s role, as well as the application, is available to prospective applicants. Additionally, the public is invited to nominate individuals for consideration by the Committee. The application is linked on an official landing page that features Dr. Daniel’s note and a list of the committee members and their affiliations. The committee includes trustees as well as current and former faculty, student, staff, and alum representatives. Each faithfully brings their experiences to bear on their assignment. Dr. Daniel urges qualified leaders from myriad backgrounds to consider applying, writing, “Leaders from interfaith and ecumenical traditions, academic disciplines, relevant professional and denominational roles, and innovators in educational practices are invited to consider this unique opportunity.” Visit the link below to learn more, nominate a candidate, or submit your application. Apply or Nominate a Candidate About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Search Committee Contact Grace Pennings Guenthner (’26) Administrative Assistant, Presidential Search Committee pssearch@unitedseminary.edu

Read More >

July 22, 2026

Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and the MN Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC) are delighted to offer a one-day workshop on congregational fundraising, a partnership made possible by a denominational grant. On Saturday, November 7, registration starts at 8:30 AM, and the seminar begins at 9:00 AM. Cultivating Generous Congregations maps the new landscape of religious giving and stewardship and provides tools to build a culture of generosity unique to each congregation’s needs and challenges. As the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving says about the training: “We invite you and your ministry team to participate in a seminar experience that could change the way you and your congregation approach giving and generosity. Cultivating Generous Congregations (CGC) is an interactive seminar offered… in partnership with denominational or network organizations, demonstrating how pastors and ministry leaders can unearth and energize congregational generosity by exploring the significant and necessary steps to creating lasting cultural change within a congregation. Interactive segments of CGC explore theology, the role of adaptive leadership, fiscal transparency, and the importance of donor care, with action steps to impact the exploration and experience of generosity for both laity and clergy. This course can be tailored for many faith traditions or demographics.” According to The Lake Institute, this seminar will help participants: rethink their role in church/meeting finances; become better stewards of their donors’ gifts; and awaken an ongoing spirit of generosity within their communities. Registration To learn more or ask questions, contact Rev. Wendy Vander Hart, Generosity Officer, via email or by phone at 612.465.7181. For questions related to United, contact Ryan Currens, United’s Institutional Major Gifts Officer. You can learn more about the course and the Lake Institute here. > Access the Institute’s Cultivating Generous Congregations Flyer here. > Who Should Attend? This event is designed for pastors and church leadership. Whether you are an ordained minister, deacon, elder, or lay leader, we welcome all members of a congregation’s pastoral staff and leadership team. Cost Registration is $200 per UCC team of 3–6 people, including the pastor. The reduced course fee is made possible by grant funding. Registration costs $245 per non-UCC congregational team of 3–6. Teams should include at least one pastor and at least two church members. For any team that has more than six members, each additional member will be charged $50. Venue This event is being hosted at the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Click here for directions and parking instructions. >

Read More >

February 25, 2026

Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and the MN Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC) are offering a one-day workshop on congregational fundraising, a partnership made possible by a denomination grant. Cultivating Generous Congregations maps the new landscape of religious giving and stewardship and provides you and your team with tools for building a culture of generosity unique to the congregation’s needs and challenges. As the Lake Institute says about the training: “We invite you and your ministry team to participate in a seminar experience that could change the way you and your congregation approach giving and generosity. Cultivating Generous Congregations (CGC) is an interactive seminar offered… in partnership with denominational or network organizations, demonstrating how pastors and ministry leaders can unearth and energize congregational generosity by exploring the significant and necessary steps to creating lasting cultural change within a congregation. Interactive segments of CGC explore theology, the role of adaptive leadership, fiscal transparency, and the importance of donor care, with action steps to impact the exploration and experience of generosity for both laity and clergy. This course can be tailored for many faith traditions or demographics.” According to The Lake Institute, this seminar will help participants: rethink their role in church/meeting finances; become better stewards of their donors’ gifts; and awaken an ongoing spirit of generosity within their communities. Registration Register at this link. To learn more or ask questions, please contact Rev. WendyVanderHart, Generosity Officer, via email or by phone at 612.465.7181. For questions related to United, please contact Ryan Currens, United’s Institutional Major Gifts Officer. You can learn more about the course and the Lake Institute here. > Access the Institute’s Cultivating Generous Congregations Flyer here. > Who Should Attend? This event is designed for pastors and church leadership. Whether you are an ordained minister, deacon, elder, or lay leader, we welcome all members of a congregation’s pastoral staff and leadership team. Cost Registration is $150 per team of 3–8 people, including the pastor. The reduced course fee is made possible by grant funding. Venue This event is being hosted by United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Click here for directions and parking instructions. >

Read More >

November 4, 2025

Holiday Gathering with Current and Former Trustees

Join Us for a Holiday Gathering with Current and Former Trustees You and your spouse/partner are invited to a special holiday gathering for current and former members of United's Board of Trustees on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Attendees will enjoy remarks from Dr. Demian Wheeler, Acting Dean and Sophia Associate Professor of Religious and Theological Studies, and updates on United from President Molly T. Marshall. We will have a brief program beginning at 2:15 PM. This year's gathering will be held at the home of Julie and Charlie Zelle in Minneapolis. When Saturday, December 6 1:30–3:30 PM Brief Program at 2:15 PM Where Home of Julie and Charlie Zelle 28 Park Lane Minneapolis, MN 55416 Can’t join us in December? Send your regrets to Andrew Fox at afox@unitedsmeinary.edu. RSVP below by Tuesday, November 25.

Read More >

March 18, 2025

United Methodist (UMC) Gathering at United

Note: Registration for this event is closed. You are invited to a United Methodist (UMC) gathering at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, happening onsite and online. This is an auspicious opportunity to gather in community, participate in worship, honor three of United’s UMC elders, and share lunch. Our preacher for worship will be Rev. Gloria Roach Thomas (’98), featured in United's Fall 2024 Issue of VOICES. During lunch, we will ask how United can support you, and offer a brief update on United’s work. United and the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church have a dynamic relationship, realized daily through the work of alums and friends. In roles that include pastoral ministry, conference leadership, chaplaincy, volunteers, and academia, there are many ways in which we are tied closely together. United’s formal institutional connection to the MN Conference of the UMC has deep foundations, particularly in and through the leadership of three beloved former members of United’s faculty. As part of our gathering, we will honor these UMC elders in the United community: Rev. Dr. Christie Cozad Neuger (’80), Professor Emerita of Pastoral Counseling and Pastoral Theology (1992–2005) Rev. Martha Postlethwaite, Chaplain and Professor of Spiritual Formation (1992–2014) Rev. Dr. Wilson Yates, President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion, Society, and the Arts (1967–2005) We're also delighted to share the names of our Event Hosts: Rev. Marva Jean Hutchens* (’80) Rev. Kenton V. Johnson (’78) Rev. Sally Howell Johnson (’95) Rev. Robert Kopp (’06) Rev. MaryAnne Korsch* (’16) Judy Lange* Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay (’99) Rev. Katie Matson-Daley (’19) Rev. Michelle Miller (’06) Rev. Ruth Phelps (’85)    *denotes member of the event planning committee Registration for this event is now closed. Schedule 11:00 AM Gathering Time and Tour of Space (Optional) 11:30 AM  Chapel • Onsite and Online 12:00 PM Honoring United's Institutional UMC Elders • Onsite and Online 12:15 PM Lunch and Conversation • Onsite 1:15 PM Sending Forth • Onsite Register  

Read More >

October 23, 2024

Holiday Tea with Current and Former Trustees

Join Us for a Holiday Tea with Current and Former Trustees Hosts Elizabeth Macaulay (’99) and Cooper Wiggen invite you and your spouse to a special holiday tea for current and former members of United’s Board of Trustees on Saturday, December 7, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, with a short program at 2:15 PM. Attendees will enjoy remarks from faculty member Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, associate professor of Christian Ethics and Social Transformation supported by the McVay Endowment and the director of the Social Transformation program; updates on United from President Molly T. Marshall; reflections from Grace Guenthner, a student in our MA in Eco-Justice program; and holiday music led by trustee Jeanne Cotter.  This year, the gathering will be held in The Ministry House (425 Groveland Avenue) at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.  When Saturday, December 7 1:30–3:30 PM Brief Program at 2:15 PM Where The Ministry House 425 Groveland Avenue at Hennepin Avenue UMC Minneapolis, MN Host Committee Elizabeth Macaulay (’99) and Cooper Wiggen David and Jeanne Anderson Mary Farrell Bednarowski and Keith Bednarowski Kathi Austin Mahle (’78) and Steve Mahle Kita McVay (’96, ’09) and James Wm Johnson Jack and Marty Rossmann Karen Smith Sellers (’76, ’13) and Dick Sellers Wilson Yates Can’t join us in December? Send your regrets to Andrew Fox at afox@unitedsmeinary.edu, and be sure to save the date for a virtual gathering for current and former Trustees on February 20, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM CT. RSVP below by Tuesday, November 26.

Read More >

©Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved