Incoming Lamoni Campus Graceland students for Fall 2023 –

Pay Your Deposit
×
Search
Academics

Community of Christ Seminary

Change the world by learning Graceland’s responsible and transformational theological interpretation.

The Power of Faith

The Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University is shaped by a strong dedication to creating a place of belonging for all people, not just those who look, think and live the way we do. Backed by a solid foundation grounded in Christianity, we believe that faith should be inclusive and welcoming — and we teach all of our courses and concentrations through the lens of this perspective.

toggle sub navigation
header pattern
Community of Christ Seminary Mission

The Community of Christ Seminary’s mission is to educate and prepare — through prayerful scholarship, teaching, service and mentoring — faithful, creative and discerning leaders for ministries in congregations, church and the world.

“Seek ye diligently, and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning even by study and also by faith.” — Doctrine and Covenants, 85:36

“ Seminary Students Say It Best
Seminary changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. It provided me with the opportunity to build meaningful and cherished friendships with classmates from across the world and helped me discover who I am as a disciple and how I can use the gifts and talents God has given me to make a difference in my congregation, my community, and in the world. I am forever grateful for this experience.
Ashley Sebree '20 Meteorologist Master of Arts in Religion
header pattern
“ Seminary Students Say It Best
The MAR program at the Community of Christ Seminary helped me to find that “who am I?” and “what is god’s purpose for me?” I am grateful to God for helping me complete this program and witnessing my authentic discipleship in my congregation, family and in society.
Isaac Bennet Joshua '18 Minister Master of Arts in Religion
header pattern
“ Seminary Students Say It Best
My seminary experience was life-changing. It challenged me, inspired me, and permanently altered how I see and move through our world. The faculty members and program design create a community culture that encourages exploration of both individual and communal beliefs and supports learners every step of the way.
Jami Smith '20 Educator Master of Arts in Religion
header pattern
header pattern
Our Commitment

The Community of Christ Seminary is committed to:

  • Prayerful scholarship and teaching that are in critical and creative dialogue with the traditions of church, culture and university;
  • The interaction of theoretical and practical learning in the classroom and other formal contexts of learning as well as in church and relevant public settings;
  • An approach to curriculum, teaching and the seminary’s community life that enhances and integrates the intellectual, personal, professional and spiritual growth of students;
  • The preparation of the Christian leaders for mission through ministries of proclamation, justice, peace and reconciliation in religious, educational, political and public settings;
  • A proclaiming community of faith and learning inclusive of women and men who are diverse in ethnic, economic, social and national background;
  • Educational context and educational goals that are ecumenical and global and honor the indigenous peoples of the world;
  • A dynamic relationship of research, consultation and learning with local church congregations and denominational jurisdictions at all levels.
header pattern
Master of Arts Programs Online

Master of Arts in Religion (MAR)

Designed for bi-vocational and professional ministers, Graceland’s Master of Arts in Religion is a 34 semester hour graduate program with three different concentrations in Christian Theology, Spiritual Leadership, Peace and Justice. All three of these concentrations provide a unique blend of religious theory and practical studies with a strong focus on biblical studies, Christian history and theology, leadership, peace and justice.

Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation (MAPST)

Graceland’s Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation is a 34 semester hour graduate program that aims to develop personal and moral integrity for students, which is essential in the public work of peace and justice. By pairing foundational theological and scriptural courses with formational, contextual, and practical academic studies, students can deepen their experience and understanding of peace, social change, and justice work

Explore These Programs
header pattern
Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM)

A collaborative partnership with Graceland University, Community of Christ, and others housed and hosted in Graceland University’s Community of Christ Seminary.

CIMM offers non-credit bearing continuing education units (CEU’s) that focus on priesthood development, leadership development, and theological education. These CEU’s do not lead to a degree.

Explore and Register for Courses through CIMM
Meet Our Faculty
Zac Harmon-McLaughlin
Zac Harmon-McLaughlin Dean of Community of Christ Seminary, David and Betty Nipper Dean Chair View Bio
David Anderson
David Anderson Faculty Associate View Bio
Jared Beverly
Jared Beverly Faculty Associate View Bio
Anthony Chvala-Smith
Anthony Chvala-Smith Associate Professor of Religion, Paul E. Morden Seminary Chair of Religion View Bio
Charmaine Chvala-Smith
Charmaine Chvala-Smith Seminary Chaplain, Focus Session Coordinator View Bio
Matt Frizzell
Matt Frizzell Faculty Associate View Bio
Katie Harmon-McLaughlin
Katie Harmon-McLaughlin Faculty Associate View Bio
Brittany Longsdorf
Brittany Longsdorf Faculty Associate View Bio
Barbara Walden
Barbara Walden Faculty Associate View Bio

News From the Seminary

Stay up to date on all news and events happening at Graceland.

All News

Faculty

Chvala-Smith Article Published

March 13, 2023

Learn More

Press Release

Graceland University Announces Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission

August 11, 2022

Learn More

Faculty

Steve Glazer at Leister, UK Online Interfaith Forum

February 14, 2022

Learn More

Press Release

Seminary Launches New Master’s in Peace and Social Transformation

February 8, 2022

Learn More

Faculty

Chvala-Smiths Guest Commentators on Podcast Series

October 5, 2021

Learn More

Faculty

Chvala-Smith Offers Paper at National Council of Churches Event

August 27, 2021

Learn More
header pattern
Our Independence Campus

Our Masters of Arts in Religion program gives students the option to complete their courses 100% online or with a face-to-face focus session at the Community of Christ Temple at our Independence, Missouri campus during the course’s fourth week. This campus is conveniently located just ten miles outside of downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Independence Campus
Contact Us

Learn more about our graduate seminary degree programs.

Questions?

Our Contact Info
contact icon

Jamie Presler, Admissions Representative

contact icon
contact icon 816.423.4676

Community of Christ Seminary
1401 W. Truman Road
Independence, MO 64050

Apply Tuition Visit