Letter from the President

Keith Anderson · President

In 2011, we declared a new name for our school that enunciates our identity in two ways. The Seattle School for Theology and Psychology tells people where we are and what we do. We are located in Seattle, a port city with a culture and brand all its own. Our Seattle Strategy is one of the things I’m most proud of – we are seeking to create a missional footprint in this place. And from this place, to train and deploy therapists, pastors, artists, and leaders into neighborhoods, communities, and other places all around the globe. Theology is first in our name because it declares our ballast in honest faith in Jesus and the kingdom he announced.

We strengthened our work at every level this year. We added local board leadership and strengthened our national board with gifted people from business and higher education. We also created a Seattle Advisory Council with leaders from business, not-for-profits, and the church. They are helping us connect to our neighbors in this city. We launched The Allender Center for Trauma and Abuse in a new beta program to equip experienced therapists with the Seattle School brand of teaching about trauma and abuse. We strengthened our student enrollment process by learning more about the science and art of relational recruitment. We applied for and received a $300,000 grant to build an infrastructure for not-for-credit certificate programs beginning with a certificate in Leadership in the New Parish – teaching leaders how to listen to changing congregations, neighborhoods and communities.

Identity in the Intersections

We reviewed and strengthened existing academic programs in two of our three Master’s degrees and are finishing work on a changed degree that we will call a Master’s in Theology and Culture.

You see, we are growing up as an organization – we are asking questions about a long-term future and continuing to declare our identity in the intersections of theology and psychology, business and education, ministry and the arts, as we offer programs for credit and as we commit to the development of leaders, therapists, artists and pastors in all sectors of the marketplace.

Thanks Be to God

I hope you see how rich 2011 has been for The Seattle School and I hope you sense the momentum within the walls of our building at Elliott and Wall. We are grateful; we know ourselves to be people who are dependent on God. As you read our story, please join us in saying, “thanks be to God.”

Keith Anderson

President, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology