Center for Advanced Theological Studies

CATS seeks to prepare women and men for contributing to the global church in a variety of leadership roles, especially as educators, researchers, and other teachers and agents of the church and its mission. CATS programs promote graduate work at advanced levels of scholarship, research, and reflection. This takes place in a diverse community of scholars committed to such study within the context of an ecclesially informed evangelical faith aimed at serving the varied and worldwide body of Christ.

Our Programs

The Center for Advanced Theological Studies oversees the PhD and ThM programs in Intercultural Studies in Fuller’s School of Mission and Theology.

PhD in Theology

THM in Theology

A Focus on Scholarly Community

Each quarter students and faculty have multiple opportunities to meet and discuss ideas. These events are all hybrid so they are available to students both local to campus and those in geographically diverse locations.

Colloquia

Colloquia are events in which our community gathers to engage in dialogue based around presentations made by either students or faculty members. These offer the chance to present an article prepared for publication and can provide some highly engaging debates and collegial critique. They also present the opportunity for students to be exposed to issues that are outside the scope of their own research.

Examples from PhD Students last Academic Year:

Barnabas Lin- A Sickness, Symptom, and Subject of Orthodoxy: Toward Epistemic Justice

Daniel K. Christensen- The Use of Faith as a Persuading Force in Acts 17

Roman Pashurga -"Prayer from the Underground: Pentecostalism and Spiritual Resistance under Early Soviet Rule (1920s-1930s)"

Professional Development Activities

The PhD and ThM in Theology are not only programs of study but also formative both spiritually and professionally. Graduates are likely to teach in a seminary, university, or church setting, to publish, and to lead the strategies of missions or nonprofit organizations. To aid their professional development, in conjunction with the Center for Advanced Theological Studies (CATS), students learn about getting published and finding work. During their programs, CMR students can apply to work as Instructors in Training (IIT), shadowing members of faculty and learning academic life.

Spiritual Formation

Together with the Center for Advanced Theological Studies (CATS), and in collaboration with Fuller’s leading Formation Vocation department, PhD and ThM in Intercultural Studies students are encouraged to integrate their academic learning with their spiritual life and their professional aspirations through coursework and group spiritual direction.

The Payton Lectures

The Payton Lectures are an annual divinity lectureship established in 1948 at Fuller Theological Seminary. They bring prominent scholars from outside the Fuller faculty to campus to explore vital contemporary issues from biblical, theological, and practical perspectives.

2026 topic was Indigenous Joy and Biblical Interpretation. For more, see here

Scholarship From Our Community

Below are a few examples of the publications and ongoing research generated by faculty, students, alumni, and research scholars of the CATS community. Click on any item for more information.