Turner Theological Seminary

Framing Our Story: The Pathway to #ELEV8 the House of Turner

Turner Theological Seminary

Framing Our Story: The Pathway to #ELEV8 the House of Turner

By Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE

Member, Turner Theological Seminary Strategic Planning Committee

Turner Theological Seminary (TTS) began as a department of Morris Brown College in 1894.  The name of the institution was approved in 1900 in honor of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, the resident Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and senior bishop of the denomination at that time.  The Seminary remained on the campus of Morris Brown College until 1957, when the trustees acquired 557 Mitchell Street. The Trustee Board of Morris Brown College, under the leadership of Bishop William Reid Wilkes, Sr., authorized Turner Theological Seminary to become a founding constituent of the Interdenominational Theological Center in 1958.  Since then, the Seminary has been strategic in its approach to thriving under its motto, “For a Prepared Ministry.” 

Under the sage leadership of the Board of Trustees of Turner Theological Seminary, including Turner Board of Directors Chairman Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and President/CEO Dr. Ammie Davis, Turner Theological Seminary notified the Interdenominational Theological Center on March 25, 2024, of the seminary’s intent to pursue accreditation in response to ITC filing for financial exigency. The seminary has leveraged its relationships, community skills, networking, and leadership to chart an independent future immersed in academic excellence and fiduciary responsibility to the institution, the alums, and future generations. 

Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees began to utilize the strength of its board members and community relationships to chart a new destiny for the beloved seminary.  The TTS Board of Trustees carefully and extensively deliberated to determine that pursuing an independent path aligns best with the school’s mission, long-term strategic goals, and vision for theological education.  In June of 2023, the TTS Board of Trustees approved a feasibility study to pursue accreditation with TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) and ATS (Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada) to be accredited.  By October 2, 2023, the Board of Trustees approved Turner Theological Seminary to pursue accreditation.  

The pursuit to become a fully accredited institution requires a multilevel approach and restructuring to achieve the final goal.  To that end, in December of 2023, Turner Theological Seminary hired two consultants, Dr. Keoina Middleton (TRACS Consultant) and Wesley Peachtree Group (Financial Consultants), to aid in meeting the current and future needs of the seminary.  Prior to charting this new destiny, Turner Theological Seminary distinguished itself in preparing faith practitioners.  Turner Theological Seminary prides itself on its ability to navigate the intersection of academia, practical ministry, societal influences, and technological advancements; however, if the institution is to serve the present age, the necessity to innovate in all areas is paramount.  

Since hiring the consultants, the Turner Theological Seminary has achieved small wins with significant impact. In April of 2024, the GNPEC (Georgia Non-Postsecondary Education Commission) approved Turner Theological Seminary to provide programs of study in theology, divinity, religious education, and ministerial training. In May of 2024, the Turner Theological Seminary Strategic Planning Committee was organized.  The committee is tasked with reviewing the Seminary’s mission and vision, identifying key strategic goals and actions, and taking what President/CEO Dr. Ammie L. Davis states is a “faith and historical journey with Turner.”

Keen and measured leadership has proven to be one of the hallmarks of Turner Theological Seminary.  On June 17, 2024, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees approved a new contract and title for five years for Dr. Ammie L. Davis as the President and Chief Executive Officer.  The Reverend James A. Plenty, Ed.D., was hired as the Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.  The institution has also added another consultant, Dr. Bettye Holley, who will serve to consult the Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees as the institution seeks accreditation through the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).  Turner Theological Seminary is happy to report that the TRACS accreditation application is being finalized for submission by July 15, 2024.

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson said, “The Sixth Episcopal District of the [African Methodist Episcopal] Church and its community have a longstanding historical relationship with Turner Theological Seminary and will continue to support Turner now and into the future. Turner provides a culturally unique theological experience that is vital for the life of the church and society. We stand with Turner Theological Seminary and Dr. Ammie L. Davis as they adapt to the ever-changing theological landscape in the world.”

“We will #FINISHSTRONG,” said Dr. Davis. “Turner remains financially solvent and envisions becoming more vital with a liberating and transformational approach to theological education and social justice.  Turner’s history and impact on African Methodism are significant, and we must preserve, pursue, and promote our legacy.” 

Turner Theological Seminary believes the best and brightest days are still ahead.  The institution plans to continue its thriving certificate program, providing academic training and certification to nontraditional students.  The course has already been set for the Turner Theological Seminary to enroll graduate-level students for the 2024-2025 Academic Year, and the institution anticipates its first graduation in May of 2027.  Despite the various hurdles, ups and downs, and ultimately wins and losses, Turner Theological Seminary shines as the gold standard in theological education.  The pathway toward elevation has been set, and Turner Theological Seminary is prepared to cultivate leaders in academia and the world.

Turner Theological Seminary is located at 702 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30314. To contact Turner, visit www.turnerseminary.org or connect via 404.527.0080 (Office) or 404.527.4687 (Fax).