Theological Education for Leadership (TEL)

Can I do this? It’s a question we frequently hear from students entering the TEL program. Many have full-time jobs, some are changing careers, while others are facing substantial life transitions. What unites them is a sense that they are all called to deeper service. TEL was created to meet them where they are and equip them with the tools to answer that call. We offer a flexible approach to learning. Students will work with experienced university instructors and encounter a compassionate community that provides a safe space to grow and explore. TEL has been a program of Pacific School of Religion for almost 40 years.

Many TEL students go on to pursue higher theological education, achieving seminary degrees. Others find unexpected avenues to serve their communities.

Who We Are:

TEL programs provide progressive, accessible Christian theological education year-round through special courses and seminars for clergy, laity, and spiritual seekers from diverse racial/ethnic communities. TEL fosters a strong and supportive community environment while enabling participation at a distance through online learning.

What We Offer: 

All of TEL’s offerings are multicultural and intersectional in design and focus, and are structured to allow students to be engaged at the level that works for them. A carefully selected curriculum of online experiences can be engaged individually, or combined as part of a certificate program. While rich in context and perspective and taught by instructors with years of academic and leadership experience, these offerings do not require graduate-level engagement.