About - Payne Theological Seminary

CHANGING THE FUTURE TOGETHER

If you are ready to not only see a change but BE the change, leading the next generation to find their purpose and divine human potential, Payne Theological Seminary is the place to be!

Our mission to forge leaders for ministry in the African American tradition of liberation, reconciliation, social justice, and the dignity of all humankind is carried out by our faculty who is dedicated to equipping you with knowledge and practical resources to achieve your goals beyond the classroom.

From start to finish, Payne Theological Seminary strives to connect to your calling by expanding your mind and spirit with biblical insight, igniting your heart with a passion for ministry, and preparing you with the practical skills to be an even greater force for good as you advance in leadership.

Philosophy

Vision Statement

To be recognized as a global leader in distance theological education.

Mission Statement

To prepare leaders for ministry in the African-American tradition of liberation, reconciliation, social justice, and the dignity of all humankind.

Core Values

Our values guide all areas of the infrastructure, operations and academics of the institution.

Numbers

750+

Graduated Students

150+

Current Students

127

Years of History

Denominations Present

20+

Faculty

Educational Partnerships

History

Institutional Effectiveness

Degree Retention Rate

Master of Divinity:

83.3%

Alumni Vocational Placement

Master of Divinity:

95.5%

Degree Retention Rate

Doctor of Ministry:

76.1%

Placement Range

Doctor of Ministry:

96–100%

ONLINE DEGREES

100%

Leadership

Our Faculty

Learn more about our core faculty, associate faculty, and adjunct faculty.

Faculty

Our President

Learn more about our President, Michael Joseph Brown, Ph.D.

President

Our Staff

Learn more and access contact information for our staff.

Staff

Accreditation

Payne Theological Seminary is one of only two African Methodist Episcopal affiliated seminaries and the only historically
black seminary to offer fully online courses accredited by ATS.

Payne Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved:

Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Master of Arts in Religious Leadership (MARL)
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

See Statement of Educational Effectiveness

Payne Affiliations

Student Government Association

Alumni

Friends for Payne

African Methodist Episcopal Church

Anderson Ecumenical Institute

Assessment of Student Academic Achievement

Improving Student Learning

The Board of Trustees, faculty and staff affirm that student learning is at the core of our purpose as a seminary.

Educational Partnership

Payne has cultivated partnerships with esteemed academic institutions around the country and globally.

Online Learning

Online learning at Payne Theological Seminary offers alternative modes of instructional delivery for students.

Campus Safety

Payne’s Title IX Coordinator is Dr. Betty Holley. Dr. Holley can be contacted via email at bholley@payneseminary.edu, phone at 937-971-2860, or in person at 1230 Wilberforce Clifton Road, Wilberforce, OH 45429, Main Administration Building, Second Floor.

2024-25
Annual Campus Safety and Security Report

2023-24
Annual Campus Safety and Security Report

2022-23
Annual Campus Safety and Security Report

Title IX

Payne Theological Seminary is committed to assuring equal opportunity to all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, socio-economic status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected group status as defined by law or Seminary policy in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American with Disabilities Act, and other applicable statutes.

Core Values

Excellence

The embodiment of, and the passion for, high standards and that level of achievement that surpasses the envisioned norm and the expected best desired results.

Tolerance

The unreserved acceptance of the universal concepts of love, justice and forgiveness that find expression in the capacity to be inclusive of and open to difference.

Servant Leadership

A responsible steward who serves with care, humility, strength of character and boldness as he/she articulates his/her vision and inspires and guides others toward embracing a higher ideal of the institution’s mission.

Spiritual Formation

An ongoing process of opening one’s self to God’s revelation within an environment that enhances the individual’s growth and transformation and helps one realize his/her divine and human potential.