Cornerstone Theological Seminary
Over 80 Years Equipping Pastors
On-Campus and Online
Over 80 Years Equipping Pastors
On-Campus and Online
Should a pastor go to seminary?
While we’re biased toward pastors attending seminary, what do experienced, seminary-trained pastors advise?
In a recent survey conducted by LifeWay Research of seminary trained pastors, 96% reported that they would repeat those seminary classes if “they had it to do over again.”
Apart from denominational requirements for seminary degrees, the theological training you receive offers structured learning in areas like biblical studies and languages, theology, church history, and practical ministry skills, with mentors who have already walked the path.
How long does it take to go through seminary?
How long depends in part on your personal goals and the depth of study you wish to pursue. While the time to complete seminary varies from program to program, a typical master’s degree at Cornerstone Theological Seminary (CTS) ranges from 30–45 credit hours. A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the most rigorous at 75 credit hours.
CTS is transfer-friendly, with programs allowing between 65%–75% credit transfers. Check out How to Transfer Credits to Cornerstone for more information.
Can you go to seminary online?
CTS offers affordable online theology degree programs designed for working adults. Flexible scheduling fits your busy life, allowing you to pursue a career at your own pace and budget. Take a look at the Online Seminary Degrees.
How conservative is Cornerstone Theological Seminary?
For over 83 years, Cornerstone Theological Seminary has equipped graduates with an understanding of applied doctrine and effective ministry capabilities to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry preparation. Multi-denominational and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, CTS seeks to develop mature Christian leaders who can hold the line on traditional evangelical values while meeting tomorrow’s ministry challenges.
CTS teaches the entire Bible as God’s Word, emphasizing a biblically faithful, nondenominational approach rooted in a conservative evangelical worldview.
What do seminarians study?
CTS emphasizes a blend of rigorous academics and hands-on ministry experience. Its programs, such as the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), M.A. in Biblical Exegesis, M.A. in Biblical Studies, M.A. in Ministry Leadership, and M.A. in Christian Counseling, are designed to equip students with both theological depth and practical skills for diverse ministry contexts. Students engage in internships, theological studies, ministry residencies, and experiential learning opportunities that apply biblical principles to real-world settings.
What percentage of pastors go to seminary?
A recent survey by LifeWay Research of 1,000 Protestant pastors in the USA showed that 85% attended seminary. Of those with churches in excess of 50 attendees, that number rises to 88%.
As Scott McConnell, associate director of LifeWay Research, notes, “The Bible teaches that qualifications matter, and it goes into great depth about the character qualifications of church leaders.”
What sets Cornerstone Theological Seminary apart from others?
CTS stands out for its affordability, practical training, and multi-denominational community, making it ideal for students seeking accessible, ministry-focused education without denominational constraints. Its balance of cost, flexibility, and real-world preparation appeals to a wide range of evangelical students called into Christian leadership.
The faculty consists of respected theologians and active evangelical seminary leaders with strong regional church networks. They provide mentorship, coaching, and connections for internships and ministry placements, fostering personal and professional growth.
Faculty are also published scholars in Christian worldview and apologetics, enhancing the academic rigor.
FACULTY
Dr. Douglas Groothuis is a Christian philosopher and apologist, serving as the Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University. He has authored twenty books, including the best-selling Christian Apologetics and Fire in the Streets, and is known for his work in defending biblical faith through reason and addressing contemporary cultural issues.
Dr. Jonathan Stevens Marko is an Associate Professor of Philosophical and Systematic Theology at Cornerstone University, where he also serves as associate vice president for academics and dean of Cornerstone Theological Seminary. He is a former mechanical engineer and pastor with a passion for teaching, discipleship, and research, and has published extensively on Jonathan Edwards, John Locke, and theological topics. Dr. Marko has written, Measuring the Distance Between Locke and Toland.
Dr. Michael Wittmer is a Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Cornerstone Theological Seminary, where he has taught since 1996 and serves as Director of the Center for Christian Worldview. He is an accomplished author of several books, including Heaven Is a Place on Earth and Becoming Worldly Saints, focusing on theology and Christian worldview, and is an active preacher and blogger.
MULTIDENOMINATIONAL
Students from 36 denominations, including Baptist, Pentecostal, Reformed, and others, create a diverse yet unified learning environment. This diversity imparts ministry preparation that is respectful of varied theological perspectives while maintaining essential biblical beliefs, fostering humility and critical thinking.
ONLINE OR ON-CAMPUS
CTS Flexible seminary programs offer both online and on-campus formats, making it accessible for students with busy ministry or professional schedules. It is noted as one of Michigan’s more affordable nondenominational seminaries, with transfer-friendly policies for online theology programs (up to 75% of credits for bachelor’s programs and varying graduate-level equivalencies).
ATS & HLC ACCREDITED
Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Cornerstone University—home to CTS—is ranked among America’s best colleges for 2025 by The Wall Street Journal.