Certificate in Living Theology
Reconstruct a Theology That You Can Live With
12 months
3 immersive courses
2 listening labs
The stories that shape how we see God—and how we live in response—are always contextual. The Certificate in Living Theology is a one-year graduate-level program that invites you to explore the historical, cultural, and social formations of Christian theology within a deeply relational learning community.
This one-of-a-kind program brings together interactive seminars, interdisciplinary readings, and psychologically-informed Listening Labs. You’ll examine the breadth of ways Christology, Ecclesiology, and Theological Anthropology have been understood by Christians across geographies and history, while reflecting on your own context, calling, and community. This program is designed for seekers, scholars, and spiritual leaders who long to engage theology not as abstract theory, but as a living, healing, and liberative practice.
What is a Listening Lab?
At The Seattle School, we believe that good theology should lead to beautiful, transformative change in both individuals and communities. But that’s so often not the case, and large gaps exist between belief and lived experience.
Listening Labs are designed to bridge that gap. These spaces invite students to slow down the automatic psychological patterns that shape everyday interactions. By doing so, students learn to listen more deeply—not only to others, but also to what’s unfolding within themselves. This intentional slowing creates sacred space for presence, discernment, and the movement of the Spirit, opening the door to connection and lasting transformation.
In this 12-month certificate program, you will:
- Participate in live, interactive sessions with leading scholars and practitioners
- Gain tools to differentiate diverse theological perspectives, connecting them to the cultural factors they relate to
- Engage in weekly Listening Labs to pay attention to what’s happening in yourself and others in response to learnings, inviting the Spirit to illuminate new possibilities
- Explore liberative and socially aware approaches to theology that resist colonizing frameworks
- Construct new life-giving theological ideas and language shaped by your story, vocation, and relationships
What if theology wasn’t something you mastered, but something that changed you? If you feel drawn to theology that listens—to God, to your neighbor, to your own story—this course of study may be your next faithful step.
Meet your distinguished instructors
Dedicated to reimagining theological education through the lenses of gender, language, and liberative pedagogy.
Lauren Sawyer
Affiliate Faculty Meet Lauren Sawyer
Committed to reimagining communal practices and leadership in following Jesus—rooting faith in real places, everyday neighbors, and shared narratives that confront oppression and cultivate God’s Shalom.
Dwight J. Friesen
Professor of Practical Theology
Meet Dwight Friesen
Committed to innovating church models towards inclusion and collaboration.
Joel Kiekintveld, PhD
Affiliate Faculty, Listening Lab Leader
& Common Curriculum Coordinator Meet Joel Kiekintveld
FAQs
When is the application deadline?
- Priority Deadline – Oct 15 (All applications submitted by October 15 will receive a tuition waiver of $900 off the certificate program.)
- Final Deadline – Nov 15
What is the class schedule?
| Winter | TCE 537: Christology in Historical Context | Wednesday 12:30-2:30pm PT |
| Winter | IDS 520: Listening Lab I | Wednesday 3:30-5:00pm PT |
| Spring | TCE 538: Mission & Faithful Presence | Wednesday 12:30-2:30pm PT |
| Spring | IDS 521: Listening Lab II | Wednesday 3:30-5:00pm PT |
| Fall | TCE 546O: Constructive Theology | To Be Scheduled |
Detailed course schedules & descriptions can be found here.
What is the total program cost?
Apply before October 15 for Early Bird pricing:
$337/month or $4,050 total
Apply after October 15 for General pricing:
$412/month or $4,950 total
How much time do I need to dedicate to this certificate?
Participation and presence are central to the learning experience in the Certificate in Living Theology. In order to successfully complete the Certificate, students are required to attend at least 80% of each class. We recognize that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and our faculty will work with you as best as possible. However, consistent attendance is a top priority for your formation and for the learning community as a whole.
For non-credit certificate students, completing assignments outside of class is optional.
Do I need to have previous theology experience or be a pastor to take this course?
No previous theology experience is required. We have participants from all different backgrounds, but this is also a great fit for pastors who have outdated theological training that would like a deeper dive into fresh and expansive theological frameworks.
Can I receive graduate credit?
Yes – please contact admissions@theseattleschool.edu for more information
I did the Certificate in Scripture & Society in 2025. Do I take the Listening Lab again as part of this Certificate?
Yes, Listening Lab is one of the places we invite you to put into practice what you are learning in the classroom. This is a small-group experience that comes alongside your learning and gives you the opportunity to practice new skills in real time.
Ready for the next step?
Request more information about the Certificate in Living Theology. We’ll send you everything you need to know in order to begin your journey.