CTS was founded by abolitionists as part of North Western Christian University in 1855. North WesternChristian University became Butler University in 1877; in 1958, CTS became a freestanding institution. The Disciples and CTS share a long history of encouraging unity among Christian denominations and other faiths. In 2017 Butler University purchased about of the CTS campus; Butler renamed its new land Butler South. CTS retained approximately on the west end of the parcel, and holds a 100-year lease to space on the campus, including parts of the seminary, chapel, library, and counseling building. CTS continues as a freestanding institution located on the Butler campus.
Student life
The CTS Student Association represents the entire student body and includes the Black Student Caucus, Hispanic/Latino Association, and Affinity. Students meet regularly for prayer and fellowship, and are active in community events, including protests and vigils. More than 30 denominations and religious traditions are represented by CTS students. Students plan and manage weekly chapel services. They enjoy the many cultural and educational events hosted at CTS.
Academics
Christian Theological Seminary offers four graduate degree programs, three joint degree programs, a Doctor of Ministry program, and a PhD program. These comprehensive degree programs provide professional and theological preparation for vocational callings, which may include pastoral leadership, counseling and family therapy professions, and nonprofit or government roles.
Campus
Christian Theological Seminary is located on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis within walking distance of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The main building, a mid-century "pre-Gothic" building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes that opened in 1966 and two historic mansions on the campus were purchased by Butler University in 2018. The CTS campus is housed in the North wing of the building and the CTS Counseling Center is housed in one of the historic mansions on the most southern end of the campus. CTS is also home to the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program and the Faith & Action Project.
Library
The Christian Theological Seminary Library contains more than 210,000 volumes as well as over 1,300 current periodical subscriptions. Microfilms, audio-visuals, manuscripts, and special materials on the Restoration movement are available to scholars. The CTS Library is also home to the Congregational Resource Center, a resource library that contains videos, curriculum, denominational resources, and Vacation Bible School resources that are available on loan to pastors and leaders of local congregations. The CTS library also houses the Writing Center.
