Creative Writing and Public Theology Focus
Join the Next Creative Writing and Public Theology Cohort
The next cohort is anticipated to begin in June 2024.
Engage your theological imagination and craft your public voice through creative writing! The Doctor of Ministry program invites students into a community of inquiry that accepts the unfinishedness of both theology and creative writing. During this hybrid program, you will explore the fluid dimensions of faith and the complexities of your vocational context with your cohort, our faculty, and the reading public. At the end of your coursework, you will write a publishable manuscript that engages your vocational context in conversation with your coursework. You will also produce a statement of vocation in public theology and offer a public reading and discussion of your creative work.
What is the Creative Writing and Public Theology Focus like?
In the very heart of all theological writing is what Rowan Williams calls “an essential restlessness in the enterprise of Christian utterance.” As a result of the ongoing nature of our faith, we are always searching for bright new ways to communicate in churches, seminaries, and wider society about our life with God. Our sharing of these illuminating theological voices is more crucial than ever for our public sphere, which is in need of fresh, prophetic insights. In response to this need, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has developed this D.Min. program at the lively intersection of creative writing and public theology. The next Creative Writing and Public Theology cohort is anticipated to begin in June 2024, focusing on the theme, Burning Hearts: Faith, Place, and Theological Imagination.
How is this curriculum shaped?
The program features two types of courses. The first are practical Craft of Writing workshops, led by professional writers and editors and focused on expanding creative writing skills in a variety of genres, including blogs and podcasts, poetry and literary non-fiction, children’s literature, memoir, and journalism. In addition to the craft workshops, the program features Theological Content courses, taught by working theologians; these relate creative writing to ministry, spirituality, theological reflection, the prophetic tradition, and the Bible. Discussing publishing practices and offering public reading of participants’ works are regular highlights during the course of study.
When and where do the classes meet?
The Theological Content courses are held in person at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa., and St. Petersburg, Fla., during alternating one-week blocks of time in January and June. These are followed by 10-week online workshops dedicated to the Craft of Writing in different genres. The next Creative Writing and Public Theology Focus cohort is anticipated to begin in June 2024.
Courses May Include
- Exploring Voice, Faith, and Place in Ministry through the Theological Imagination
- Voices: Exploring a Sense of Faith and Place in Ministry
- C. S. Lewis: The Bible, Storytelling, and Theological Imagination in Public Theology
- Storytelling for Times Such as These
- Religion and Experimental Poetics / The Sacred and the Profane
- Creative Writing and Spirituality
- Online Craft Workshops on
- Memoir
- Poetry
- Literary Journalism
- Short Stories
- Writing for Children
- Blogs, Podcasts, and Radio Shows
- Manuscript Writing
LEARN MORE ABOUT PITTSBURGH SEMINARY’S D.MIN. PROGRAM
Connect with the Doctor of Ministry Office to learn more about our next Creative Writing and Public Theology cohort. We'd love to have you join us! Apply now to reserve your space in a future focus. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
