Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies

02/04/2026

Today we gathered for our final Heritage Day at Memphis Theological Seminary — a day full of stories, laughter, memory, and deep gratitude.

This place has shaped minds, formed friendships, and called so many of us more deeply into God’s work in the world.

We honored the past, celebrated the present, and trusted the Spirit with whatever comes next.
Heritage isn’t just history — it’s people, prayers, and the quiet ways God keeps showing up.

Grateful to belong to this pioneering, welcoming, faithful community. ❤️

02/02/2026

Reminder, friends! 🌿

Our Heritage Day Celebration is tomorrow at Memphis Theological Seminary — and it’s not too late to RSVP!

Come celebrate the stories, traditions, and people who’ve shaped our church family through the years. There’ll be good food, good memories, and even better company. ❤️

01/21/2026

12/26/2025

Merry Christmas to you and yours, from all of us at Memphis Theological Seminary!

12/17/2025

Hello friends,

Below is a reassuring message from Dr. Qualls, for the purpose of making sure our precious constituents have the clarity they need:
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By now you are informed of the recommendation for the seminary to close. This is heartbreakingly sad news for many of us who were nurtured in this valued educational community. I am thankful for the transparency and leadership of Dr. Jody Hill through very troubled waters. I want to hurry to bring a word of reassurance and clarity directly related to the Program of Alternate Studies.

Having been alongside for much of the painstaking decision-making I’m reluctantly resigned to the fact that the best way forward responsibly is outlined in the board’s recommendation. MTS and PAS have had a meaningful relationship for more than forty years! That is a good run in anyone’s book. We can be grateful for the enduring legacy of transformation which MTS leaves. But none of us should run ahead of the process. It remains the decision of the larger Cumberland Presbyterian Church to act on the proposal of the Board of Trustees and the special GA Committee appointed last June. The delegates of the General Assembly on January 23rd will weigh-in and, through them, the church will act.

While some things are unclear, our immediate path forward is not. The closure of MTS should not affect PAS severely other than the obvious loss of a campus and infrastructure that has provided a home base since its inception in 1984. Across all quarters of the church, there is recognition that PAS is critical for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In the immediate future nothing will change. All current courses, schedules, and academic expectations remain fully in place. There are no changes to PAS programming at least through the Summer Extension School in July, 2026. Students should continue with their studies as planned and with confidence.

Of course, it is not simply business as usual. We want to affirm that we are taking next-steps. We are proactively engaging, together with denominational partners and presbytery leaders, in thoughtful, faithful planning for the long-term sustainability of the Program of Alternate Studies. We are carefully discerning next steps with prayer. Current conversations reflect our shared commitment to steward PAS responsibly so that it can continue serving students, churches, and the wider Cumberland Presbyterian mission for years to come. Not everything will be known by the time we get to the called meeting, January 23rd, and that’s okay. The PAS Advisory Council will convene, as soon as practical, to consider new directions warranted by the General Assembly’s actions.

We embrace the changes with confidence in a stable future for this vital ministry. In this season let us be mindful of the message echoing across the centuries. The one spoken to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, a group of shepherds, and to all people. It is simply, “Do not be afraid.” We remain deeply grateful for the resilience and faith that define this community. Thank you for your trust, your patience, and your continued investment in this program and in one another.

If you have immediate concerns or questions, please reach out. I’ll do my best to answer.

With gratitude and steady hope,

Rev. Dr. Michael Qualls

Director, Program of Alternate Studies

07/28/2025

06/25/2025

BUCK SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED
Ronda Matlock Buck has established the "Rev. Dr. Clinton Buck Scholarship for PAS. This scholarship pays all the tuition of a student for the duration of their educational journey and is awarded based on a number of factors including need and promise of ministry usefulness. The first awardee was Harold Benns who graduated in 2024. The second is Courtney Twisdale who is progressing towards graduation. I am happy to announce that the third recipient this year is Evan Butler from Cumberland Presbytery in Kentucky.

Evan and his wife, Hannah, along with two daughters, Harper and Maya, will soon be moving to Owensboro (KY). He has been called to be the Stated Supply of Owensboro CP Church. Ministry has surrounded Evan since he first drew a breath. His father, Rev. Dr. Jim Butler, and three uncles, Rev. Dr. Joe Butler, Rev. John Butler, and Rev. Gary Whiworth--all CP ministers. So, naturally wanting to find his own niche, Evan did NOT intend to be a minister. He became a school teacher instead…even got a Master’s degree in education. Nonetheless, as often happens, as he tried to map a life-plan he could not escape the persistent sense that God was calling him to vocational ministry. His mother’s death in the Fall of 2023 was the precipitating event that led him to surrender to this call. His vision for future ministry looks like serving and growing the local church beyond just the four walls. Says Butler, “I am a firm believer that we have to meet people where they are and not just expect them to come and see. Whether it’s meeting in coffee shops, handing out water to people on a hot day, or creating systems to serve all the poor and powerless, we must do as Jesus did and meet those in need where they are.”

PAS allows Evan to pursue education toward ordination while continuing to serve and grow in the local church. He likens this model to what he did when getting his “Master’s in Teaching” WHILE teaching. So he applauds a healthy mixture of classroom education and on-the-job training, the praxis model that PAS employs. Concerning the scholarship he writes, “Knowing Dr. Buck’s legacy, I am truly honored to receive this scholarship. Going into the ministry has been a call on my life for many years and receiving the Dr. Clinton Buck Scholarship is a strong encouragement for me” With the blessing of God, it will bear fruit far into the future.

ABOUT THE BUCK SCHOLARSHIP FOR PAS: Dr. Buck dedicated his life to theological education. He served the church and the seminary in many capacities for decades. He recognized the critical niche filled by the Program of Alternate Studies in supplying the means of preparing for ministry to those who have suitable gifts but are hindered from a traditional path to ordination. Let us give thanks to God who continues to call and equip those who will lead us in making disciples of all nations.

06/19/2025

A beautiful day of fellowship, faith, and shared purpose! 🌟

Memphis Theological Seminary was honored to host a joint luncheon with Bethel University and Cumberland Youth and Family Services. Guests enjoyed a wonderful meal and a robust panel discussion featuring MTS President, Dr. Jody Hill; Bethel University President, Dr. Perry Moulds; and CYFS President & CEO, Courtney Banatoski - along with shared messages from MTS VP, Dr. Michael Qualls and Rev. Trey Suey.

In the heart of the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition, we gathered in the spirit of unity, grounded in our shared commitment to valuing our diverse and unique callings, as we follow Jesus together — our unifying center. 💛✝️

02/04/2025

MTS Celebrates our Cumberland Presbyterian Heritage

A special chapel service will highlight this heritage on Tuesday, February 4th, at 11:10 am. This date is historically recognized as the birthday of the denomination in 1810. From the humble beginnings in Dickson County TN, faithful hearty servants spread the good news across the rugged American frontier. We will mark their story which is our story. Rev Dr. George Estes, beloved and renowned CP minister, will deliver the sermon titled, “Pioneer.” We will conclude with singing “Whosoever Will”, a hymn that captures the heart of these first generation leaders bent on taking the gospel wherever possible!

The service is open to all. If you are near and wish to join in Hamilton Chapel please do. You may also join online on the seminary’s page or by following this link:
Zoom link:
Topic: MTS Chapel
Time: 11:10am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84911686873

Meeting ID: 849 1168 6873

Happy Birthday Cumberland Presbyterians!

Sponsored by the Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies of Memphis Theological Seminary.