Leadership Institute Upcoming Courses and Events

Upcoming Events:

Author Event: Andrew Taylor-Troutman (April 10, 2025)

Upcoming Special Courses:

The Black Teaching Tradition and the Legacy of Proclamation in the Black Church (May 6 – June 10, 2025)

Stranger No More (June 3 – July 8, 2025)

క్రైస్తవ విశ్వాసానికి దిక్సూచి Creeds and Confessions (June 5 – July 10)

Healing Haunted Histories (Postponed until Fall 2025)

Upcoming Pathways and Christian Education Certification Courses

Pathways: Church History (Apr 22 – May 20, 2025)

Pathways: Mission & Evangelism (Apr 28 – June 2, 2025)

Pathways: Worship & Sacraments (May 1 – June 5, 2025)

CEC: Religious Education Theory and Practice (May 13 – June 5, 2025)

Upcoming Womanist Leadership Institute Courses:

2025-2026 WLI courses coming soon.

Upcoming Book Clubs:

Up Against a Crooked Gospel: Black Women’s Bodies and the Politics of Redemption by Melanie Jones Quarles (June 3 – June 24, 2025)

View our Events Calendar

Thanksgiving for the Life and Legacy of Pope Franc

Thanksgiving for the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis

With deep respect and solemn gratitude, we mourn the passing of Pope Francis—servant of Christ, shepherd of compassion, and tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized. His witness to the Gospel was marked not by grandeur but
by humility; not by power, but by love. In a world often torn by division, he reminded us that mercy is at the heart of God’s mission.

Pope Francis embodied a faith that listens, weeps, and walks with others. His prophetic call to care for creation and to lift the voices of the vulnerable will echo through generations.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” —Matthew 5:9

We give thanks for his life and legacy. May he rest now in the eternal embrace of the One he so faithfully followed.

— Dr. Jacqueline E. Lapsley, President
Union Presbyterian Seminary

Union Presbyterian Seminary student Mel in action

Union Presbyterian Seminary student Mel in action this Easter! During Children’s Time at Welborne UMC (Tuckahoe), Mel read The Monster at the End of This Book and helped kids connect Grover’s fear to Mary Magdalene’s worry when she found the empty tomb. A beautiful reminder that even when things seem scary or uncertain, resurrection hope is just around the corner.

Many other Union students and faculty were also in action this Easter—preaching, leading worship, and serving their communities across the country.

#UPSeminary @welborneumc

Sprunt isn’t just lectures—it’s a space to r

Sprunt isn’t just lectures—it’s a space to reconnect, reflect, and move together.

This year’s breakout groups feature Union’s world-class faculty like Melanie Jones Quarles, Frances Taylor Gench, Alphonso Saville, Josh Morris, Becky Davis, and Karen-Marie Yust, leading sessions that inspire and challenge.

You can also join the reUnion Choir, singing at both opening and closing worship, and made up of students, alums, faculty, staff, and friends. Prefer movement? There’ll be groups for walkers, runners, yogis, and more.

Come for the lectures. Stay for the community. Register now at the link in bio.

#UPSeminary #Sprunt25

Blessings from Union Presbyterian Seminary on this

Blessings from Union Presbyterian Seminary on this Easter! ✝

#UPSeminary

#UPSeminary President Jacqueline “Jacq” Lapsle

#UPSeminary President Jacqueline “Jacq” Lapsley preached at White Memorial Presbyterian Church on April 6, offering a powerful word to the congregation.

She was joined by Rev. Lee Hunter (MDiv ’23), pastoral resident, and Rev. Dr. Christopher Edmonston (MDiv ’99), senior pastor and our board chair!

We're grateful to see Union’s leadership and alumni actively serving across the church.

@whitememorialnc

Union Presbyterian Seminary mourns the passing of

Union Presbyterian Seminary mourns the passing of the Rev. Dr. Brian Albert Gerrish (1931–2025), Distinguished Service Professor of Theology, who died peacefully in Mechanicsville, VA, on April 14 at age 93.

A brilliant scholar, gifted teacher, and retired minister of the PC(USA), Dr. Gerrish shaped generations through his ministry and theological work. He taught for over three decades at the University of Chicago before joining Union, where he continued to mentor with wisdom and grace.

President Jacq Lapsley shared: “How grateful we are to God for the impact Professor Gerrish had on so many lives at Union and elsewhere, for his life, and for his witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

We give thanks for his legacy.

Details regarding a memorial service will be announced in due course.

A few Union Presbyterian Seminary faculty, staff,

A few Union Presbyterian Seminary faculty, staff, and students recently swung out some of their end-of-semester stress at TopGolf! Shoutout to Dr. Sam Adams (3rd from the left) for organizing the outing on the community FB page.

#UPSeminary

Join us at the 2025 Sprunt Lectures as we honor Dr

Join us at the 2025 Sprunt Lectures as we honor Dr. Angela Sims, Distinguished Alum and President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.

A prophetic voice in theological education and justice work, Dr. Sims has dedicated her career to empowering students and communities through scholarship, leadership, and advocacy. Her work continues to challenge and inspire, and we are proud to recognize her as this year’s Distinguished Alum.

Celebrate with us and be part of a gathering that uplifts the voices shaping the future of the church.

Registration is required to attend. Learn more and register at our link in bio.

#UPSeminary #Sprunt25