Academy, Abbey, Apostolate®

Students in a Soulcare group meet for prayer | photo by Kailee Powers

The interplay of scholarship, spiritual edification, and service defines our unique vision for educating both undergraduate and seminary students — all informed by our Wesleyan heritage that joins "knowledge and vital piety" as a means of changing the world.

Academy

SPU is known for its rigorous yet supportive academic environment. Whether you are an undergraduate or a seminary student, you will learn in close collaboration with faculty colleagues from many disciplines across the University. Our professors are outstanding biblical and theological scholars who value academic excellence, research, and teaching in service to the church, and have a deep Christian faith.

Abbey

In the School of Theology, we stress accountable discipleship, and provide opportunities for you to worship and fellowship in intentional Christian community. Our purpose is that you and your professors will be formed more and more in the image and likeness of Jesus Christ.

Apostolate

The School of Theology is also an “apostolate” — a place of sending forth. As a student, you will participate in service activities (acts of mercy and justice), especially with the poor. And you will sometimes find yourself stretched beyond your comfort zone — for the sake of the gospel — through urban or global multicultural experiences. In the School of Theology, prayer, and service provide you with the seedbed for scholarly study, vocational exploration, and preparation for leadership in the congregation, the campus, and the classroom.

“Unite the pair so long disjoined;
Knowledge and vital piety;
Learning and holiness combined,
And truth and love let all men see
In these, when up to thee we give,
Thine, wholly thine, to die and live.”
Charles Wesley
Seminary students gather at Camp Casey | photo by Vita Nova

Beyond the Classroom

Seattle Pacific Seminary’s incoming students gather at Camp Casey on Whidbey Island as part of a retreat-based intensive course where they study and practice historic spiritual disciplines.