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.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Institutional Commitment to Diversity
Founded in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Payne Theological Seminary is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse academic and spiritual environment. This commitment is grounded in our historic mission to prepare African American and other leaders for ministry rooted in liberation, reconciliation, social justice, and the affirmation of the dignity of all humankind. Informed by our Africentric perspective, Payne Theological Seminary recognizes diversity as essential to theological education and ministerial formation. We affirm the sacred worth of every person and strive to reflect this in our institutional practices, pedagogy, and community engagement. Diversity at Payne encompasses, but is not
limited to, race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, age, ability, socioeconomic status, nationality, sexual orientation, and religious perspective.
Guiding Core Values
The Seminary’s commitment to diversity is undergirded by its core values:
*Excellence – We pursue the highest standards of academic and ministerial preparation through inclusive practices that reflect the fullness of God’s creation.
*Tolerance – We embrace difference with love, justice, and forgiveness, fostering a culture of openness and respect.
*Servant Leadership – We model leadership that uplifts, listens, and advocates for equity, shaped by humility and prophetic vision.
*Spiritual Formation, Growth, and Transformation – We cultivate an environment where all persons can grow in faith, self-understanding, and community through the recognition and celebration of diversity.
Institutional Practices
As a theological institution shaped by the historic struggle for freedom and justice, Payne Theological Seminary integrates its commitment to diversity into all areas of institutional life. This includes:
*Recruitment and retention practices that support a diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
*Curricular offerings that engage diverse theological, cultural, and social perspectives.
*Community engagement and worship that reflect a wide range of experiences and expressions.
*Policies that uphold equity, accessibility, and mutual respect for all members of the Seminary community.
Conclusion
Diversity is not peripheral to Payne’s mission—it is central to our identity and vision for theological education. Through this commitment, the Seminary prepares students to engage faithfully and effectively with the theological, ethical, and societal challenges of an increasingly diverse world, both locally and globally.
