An Extraordinary Program

A Legacy of Leadership

In 1894 a group of Disciples leaders envisioned the possibilities of graduate theological education at a major university. They decided to establish a fellowship program at the new University of Chicago rather than a separate denominational school, and to endow student learning rather than a separate faculty to teach. Their actions created an extraordinary residential scholarship program that continues today.

Scholars of the Disciples Divinity House are offered the finest preparation for vocations of ministry and scholarship. They earn their degrees—MDiv, MA, or PhD—at the University’s Divinity School. Significant financial support enables them to immerse themselves in their studies and to dedicate themselves to making a difference through their ministry and scholarship.

Scholars are also extended a legacy of leadership. House alumni/ae have been pioneers in ecumenism, biblical and theological scholarship, and in community leadership and organizing. They have attended to the realities of life before God with keen ethical, intellectual, and aesthetic sensibilities. Today alumni/ae serve congregations from coast to coast and in the heartland: Oklahoma, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois. Others are leading scholars, professors, chaplains, ecumenists, and agents of change. (Pictured above: DDH participants in the 2022 Kirkpatrick Conference).

Scholars are challenged and equipped to continue this legacy: to press for excellence in ministry and scholarship, to pursue community and shared humanity with passion and intelligence, and to be catalysts for the vitality of life, work, and worship before God.