Building the future of theological education together.
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About us
Formed in 2025, the Florida Cooperative of Theological Schools (FCTS) aims to strengthen theological education and ministry formation in South Florida by resourcing schools and programs accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and related entities.
We envision a sustainable cooperative ecosystem that empowers partner institutions to prepare the region’s future ministry leaders through shared staffing, innovative Clinical Pastoral Education, ecclesial-educational partnerships, and faculty networking.
FCTS was launched with initial funding from a Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant and currently has a diverse group of regional cooperating partners: Amoris Christi, Barry University’s Department of Theology and Philosophy, Knox Theological Seminary (KTS), Palm Beach Atlantic University Graduate School of Ministry (PBA), Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary (SVDP).
Strategic Priorities
Shared Staffing
We believe we are stronger together. Many independent schools have had to reduce their personnel to a minimum. Meanwhile, embedded institutions often depend on shared university staff who have limited capacity and lack specific experience in theological education. By implementing a shared staffing model, we are bolstering recruitment, fundraising, marketing and strategic planning on behalf of the entire regional ecosystem, ensuring long-term sustainability for all participants.
Innovative Clinical Pastoral Education | The Boisen Agency for Pastoral Formation
We are launching a dedicated agency to provide low-cost, innovative Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and field placements. Utilizing a unique 16-week rotation model, students and pastors will gain invaluable, diverse experience across healthcare, congregational, and community settings.
Ecclesial-Educational Partnerships | The "Houses" Initiative
To ensure students receive tradition-specific mentorship and certificates, we are establishing ecclesial-educational partnerships known as "Houses." Each House will be led by an academically qualified director from within that tradition and maintained by a robust network of full-time and adjunct faculty.
Faculty Networking | Symposiums & Imaginariums
We are creating a space of encounter by giving faculty the space to be inspired, connect, rest, and innovate. We host one-day "Symposium" events every fall and spring at different cooperators’ campuses, alongside multi-day summer "Imaginarium" retreats at Amoris Christi.