Memphis City Seminary
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In Your City.

For Your Ministry.

 
 

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.


 
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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.

 
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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.

 
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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.

 
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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 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

  • Male to Female
  • Male to Female

Student to Professor Ratio

  • Student to Teacher
  • Student to Teacher

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
This is the number of churches, not the number of students.

Degree Program Representation

  • MDiv
  • MA
  • Certificate
  • Non-Degree Seeking
  • MDiv
  • MA
  • Certificate
  • Non-Degree Seeking

Student Achievement

For further information regarding employment, graduation, and retention rates, see our last three 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: 2022-2023, 2021-2022, 2020-2021, and 2019-2020. For further information from THEC, visit this page on their website and navigate to Memphis City Seminary.


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


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