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
