About Us

Mission

The mission of the Common Ground Seminary is to openly facilitate informed and educated dialogue and spiritual growth by offering a variety of free seminar-style courses for all who come to the table.

George Washington Carver—a man of great faith—once remarked, "If I know the answer, you can have it for the price of a postage stamp; The Lord charges nothing for knowledge, and I will charge you the same." We at the Common Ground Seminary agree. Knowledge should be free and open to the everyone, and we aim to provide as many people as possible with the opportunity to experience real education (from the Latin word educere, meaning "to draw out from within"), as well as a chance to have their voices heard.

Maybe you're interested in seminary, but like so many of us you are unable because of time or financial constraints. Maybe you've become disillusioned with "mainstream" American Christianity, and you're looking for something different. Perhaps you're unsure if a theological education is for you, and you'd like a place for open dialogue. Or maybe you're someone who doesn't even believe in God, and you are looking for a community of Christians that don't seem flat-out crazy.

We're all looking for something.

Whoever you are, the Common Ground Seminary is for people like you.

Our courses are primarily for people actively seeking serious Christian discipleship in the way of Jesus of Nazareth. But we are open to anyone, regardless of faith (or lack thereof), race, gender, or sexual orientation. The Common Ground Seminary is meant to cultivate meaningful dialogue and community anywhere we can. We learn through conversation.

If you'd like to learn a little more about us, contact us for further information.

Influences

The concept of CGS was inspired by grassroots seminary projects such as the Alternative Seminary in Philadelphia, the Seminary of the Street in Oakland, CA, and the People's Seminary of Burlington, WA. The hope of Common Ground is to provide a similar means of theological education for fellow prospective students, seekers, and armchair philosophers in the Midwest.

Though we are a diverse group of folks from backgrounds both deep and wide, we have been inspired primarily by theological concepts and movements such as:

—Liberation theology

—Rhetorical Biblical Criticism

—Non-violent Resistance traditions (including the works of Leo Tolstoy, Gandhian ethics, and the "Peace Churches" such as the Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and the Religious Society of Friends)

—Gender equality and LGBT theology

—The Social Justice movement

Pedagogy and Course Style

Our "teachers" serve primarily as discussion facilitators; ordinary folks who have areas of expertise in which they feel compelled to share. At the Common Ground Seminary, we feel that a teacher should be more than an engineer of ideas—they should ultimately be students with and of their students.

The ultimate aim for students at the Common Ground Seminary is not an accredited degree, but a broadened perspective, a deeper understanding of Judeo-Christian faith and practice, and a closer spiritual relationship with Jesus the Christ. However, for those who are so inclined, a certificate of completion will be available at the end of each course.

Our "classes" are typically discussion-based seminars, and often involve gathering together for discussion over coffee, or a potluck dinner. The concept of meeting over a meal is important: as a pastor and friend of ours once remarked, "The feet of two enemies are rarely seen under the same table." We at the Common Ground Seminary—students and teachers alike—are friends, travelers on a journey, fellow pilgrims on the road. When we break bread (or, say, drink coffee) together, we are acknowledging our commitment to encourage and support one another as we explore more profoundly what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Though primarily informal in our methods, Common Ground seeks to blend scholarly study with organic, grassroots learning. Our courses might focus on a single book or commentary, or even a few works by different scholars; we recognize the necessity for variety and balance in our sources and study. We have a list of some of our favorite books and scholars on our Suggested Reading page.

We humbly invite you to be a part of this educational seminary experience designed for the people by the people.