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Equipping Leaders for Gospel Ministry
Memphis City Seminary advances the kingdom of God by educating, equipping, and mobilizing Christ-like leaders for effective gospel ministry.
A Seminary for Memphis
WHY MCS?
MCS provides a comprehensive, contextual, affordable, and accessible theological education for students to follow our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully and earnestly for a lifetime of ministry.
comprehensive
MCS believes in holistic, lifelong theological education and offers degree programs in preparation for ordination and ministry leadership. These degree programs integrate specific instruction aimed at four interconnected goals: Knowledge, Character, Skills, and Vision.
contextual
With professors and courses involved in the ongoing needs of our cultural moment, MCS prepares its students for Christian ministry in and with local churches in Memphis. We are a diverse institution reflecting Memphis’ denominational, socio-economic, and ethnic makeup, eager to highlight theological contributions from around the world.
Affordable
Because of the economic difficulties facing much of Memphis, graduate-level training is out-of-reach for most ministry leaders. To meet this challenge, MCS keeps its tuition well below typical seminary costs by mobilizing organizational resources and building institutional fundraising.
accessible
To lessen the impact on bi-vocational pastors or full-time workers, our classes utilize in-person and online formats so each can be accessed in Memphis with no travel to other cities. Class intensives, online classes, and library resources are integrated into all MCS degree programs.
Overview
Click below for a one-page overview of our seminary.
One important component of spiritual revival and church revitalization is theological renewal. This is precisely what Memphis City Seminary makes available to every qualified citizen in the Mid-South, by offering masters-level courses taught by excellent professors.
Sandy Willson
Interim President, The Gospel Coalition
Memphis City Seminary has been instrumental in equipping me for ministry. I have been challenged academically, encouraged in the learning community, and empowered by the faculty to bear witness to the Kingdom of God both in the city of Memphis and in the world at large. I don't think it gets any better than this!
Denny Catalano, MDiv Graduate
Student Achievement
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Exegetical Paper: This paper measures the student’s ability to grasp the key components of a Reformed approach to Scripture.
Target: Our aim was an 80% average for all students.
Results: MDiv and MA students averaged 88% on this assignment.
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Homiletical Performance: This sermon measures a student’s performance/ability to meet the expectations for preaching.
Target: Our aim was an 80% average for all students.
Results: MDiv and MA students averaged 92% on this assignment.
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Comprehensive Exams - Comprehensive exams are required for two departments for the MA (exegetical and practical), and four departments for the MDiv (historical, exegetical, systematic, and practical). The student’s ability to identify, list, and recall information is measured.
Target: Students have unlimited attempts to pass the exam with a 75%.
Results: Though students can take these exams as many times as needed, the grades below reflect their first attempts.
Theology exam - 94%
Bible exam - 94%
History exam - 94%
Ministry exam - 96%
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Field-Based Ministry Formation Workbook: This workbook contains feedback from mentors and community members on the student's ability to perform the required competencies. This workbook also serves as the equivalent of a capstone and a portfolio of compiled student work that includes student reflection on their achievement of the required competencies.
Philosophy of Ministry Paper: Upon completing the internship and mentorship requirements, a contextualized writing project of 15-20 pages must be submitted as a capstone to the program. This paper allows the student to reflect and apply based on what they’ve learned. This project allows the student to contemplate, arrive at, and articulate a self-evaluation and their beliefs about ministry.
Results: All recent graduates submitted completed field-based workbooks and philosophy of ministry papers.
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At the August 2024 graduation, MCS awarded the following students with outstanding achievement awards.
Academic Excellence Award: Hilary Denny and Elizabeth Lambe
Barnabas Leadership Award: Christy Edney and Philip James
Celester Davis Endurance Award: Michael Thomas and Brandon Cordle
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In 2023, MCS had 8 students complete the Certificate of Biblical Studies, 1 student complete the MA in Biblical Studies, and 2 students complete the Master of Divinity.
In 2024, we had 4 students complete the Certificate of Biblical Studies and 2 students complete the Master of Divinity.
Of the students who have completed the Certificate program, 11 have continued into MA or MDiv programs and 1 has transferred out.
Institutional Effectiveness
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For the reporting year that spans July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, we had 81 students overall. 31 students were in the Certificate Program, 25 were in the MA, and 25 were in the MDiv.
Demographics:
52% of MDiv Students were Caucasian, 28% were African American, 12% were Hispanic, and 8% were other/unknown. 76% were male and 24% were female.
76% of MA Students were Caucasian, 16% were African American, and 4% were Hispanic. 64% were male and 36% were female.
77% of Certificate Students were Caucasian, 22% were African American, 61% were male, and 38% were female.
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100% of our August 2023 graduates are successfully placed in ministry contexts consistent with their degree program aims.
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Recruitment: We added 19 new students in the 2022-23 reporting year and 11 new students in the 2023-24 reporting year.
Retention: In the 2022-23 reporting year, we did not maintain a 90% retention rate. In the 2023-24 reporting year, we did maintain a 90% retention rate.
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For further information regarding employment, graduation, and retention rates, see our last several years of data from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). For a direct link to annual statistics, click the respective year in the following list:
For further information from THEC, visit this page on their website and navigate to Memphis City Seminary.
Student Demographics
Current Students in Ministry
- Currently Engaged in Vocational Ministry
- Preparing for Vocational Ministry
- Currently Engaged in Vocational Ministry
- Preparing for Vocational Ministry
Male to Female Ratio
Student to Professor Ratio
Ethnic Diversity
- White: 54%
- Black: 38%
- Hispanic/Latino: 5%
- Other: 3%
- White: 54%
- Black: 38%
- Hispanic/Latino: 5%
- Other: 3%
Percentage of Denominations Represented
- Non-Denominational
- Baptist
- EPC
- PCA
- Disciples of Christ
- COGIC
- Non-Denominational
- Baptist
- EPC
- PCA
- Disciples of Christ
- COGIC
Degree Program Representation
- MDiv
- MA
- Certificate
- Non-Degree Seeking
- MDiv
- MA
- Certificate
- Non-Degree Seeking
Affordable Tuition
MCS is committed to helping you complete your debt-free divinity degree.
I have really enjoyed my time at MCS. The classes and professors challenge me both academically and spiritually. Even though I have only been enrolled in MCS for a year, my knowledge of God and His word has grown immensely!
Brad Morrow, MDiv Student
Memphis City Seminary provides a healthy and constructive environment for theological education. The students are eager to grow in their knowledge of Scripture and to apply biblical truths to their lives and the lives of others. They have a heart of ministry.
Peter Lee
Professor of OT, Dean of Students, Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington, D. C.
undergraduate Institutions
A sample of institutions where our students completed their undergraduate degrees.
Filled with godly leaders, orthodox teaching, and a strong desire to equip local leaders, Memphis City Seminary is a terrific place to study. I recommend this institution to those looking to learn in the city and for the city.
Benjamin L. Gladd
Professor of NT, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS
I have appreciated the diversity of MCS. The classes generally have been made up of people from a variety of ages, ethnicities, occupations, churches, and neighborhoods. This brings a unique type of in-class discussion that has been very beneficial.
Chris Devine, MABS Graduate, Second Presbyterian Church Sports Director
One of the most beneficial parts of the educational experience with MCS is regular contact with professors and pastors. The theological training we are receiving is not limited to the classroom, but the professors help us apply it to our current ministry contexts!
Chase Presson, MDiv Student
I’m on an assignment where God has graced me to Pastor the Singles and Young Adults community at Hope Church Memphis! This amazing blessing prompted me to pursue my M.Div. at Memphis City Seminary! For me, I want everything that God has for me and I believe my journey with MCS will position me to receive all that He has for me!
Rickey Fondren, MDiv Student
MCS has been the perfect opportunity for me to be trained in practical Christian theology, all while getting to continue doing vocational ministry. I have yet to find a better outlet to receive such quality theological training at such an affordable price.
Nik Weber, MDiv Student