About Us

The mission of The Newbigin Seminary Project is to provide theological, cultural, and spiritual formation for men and women interested in a wise and engaging missional impact in an increasingly secularized culture. Located in the most secular city in the United States - San Francisco - Newbigin features a faculty of scholar-pastors experienced in navigating the terrain of church planting in urban centers, church revitalization, social justice and mercy, lay theological training, pastoral care and counseling, and more. Our programs cater to the diverse range of needs within the church today.

The Newbigin Seminary Project exists in partnership with City Church of San Francisco, a church of the Reformed Church in America. City Church is an urban congregation of more than 1500 regular attendees existing in multiple sites and reaching the diverse population of San Francisco. It was planted in 1997 by Fred Harrell.

Current Programs and Resources

The Newbigin Seminary Project provides a wide array of opportunities for training and growth to a broad group of people.

• The Newbigin Fellowship caters to local Bay Area lay people. It is a nine-month journey into Christian theology, spirituality, and community in order to equip the next generation for wise and faithful Kingdom engagement in the city. The Newbigin Fellows are men and women in their 20's and 30's who are in business, media, the arts, law, finance, and more. Our 2009-2010 class features 17 fellows from the Bay Area.
• Open Forum is a Bay Area event featuring lectures, performances, and onstage conversations with writers, artists, musicians, and leading thinkers. Featured guests are asked to articulate the important ideas and relevant viewpoints that inform their work and creative process. Open Forums are offered in hope that all who attend will be enriched and challenged by the distinctive perspective that faith can add to our lives. Past guests include N.T. Wright, Barbara Bradley-Haggerty, Bart Ehrman, Francis Collins, and others.
• Pastoral and Church Revitalization opportunities are offered to pastors and churches across the world and in a variety of ways, but primarily through seminars, discussions, and courses offered both onsite in San Francisco and in key locations through the United States.

Looking Ahead - The Newbigin Seminary Project Vision

The Newbigin Seminary Project seeks to expand its reach as a resource to the Reformed Church in America and beyond by preparing men and women for ministry through graduate theological education, professional development, and spiritual formation. Our goal is to:

• Develop church leaders who are built and prepared for mission to urban and/or secular centers
• Be a center for Church renewal and revitalization
• Build the skills and knowledge of leaders to prepare them for "live" ministry
• Provide ongoing training for the missionary encounter of the Church
• Offer significant opportunities to revitalize the laity
• Serve a diverse constituency