Empowering emerging and established leaders to reimagine ministry and shape the future of the church together.
The DSF Collective
The DSF Collective is a vibrant community of faith leaders, scholars, and seekers united by a shared commitment to spiritual growth, justice, and transformative ministry. Rooted in the mission of Disciples Seminary Foundation (DSF), the Collective brings together learners, alumni, and partners who are reimagining what faithful leadership looks like in today’s world. Through collaboration, reflection, and action, we cultivate spaces where voices are empowered, callings are affirmed, and the Spirit moves freely — shaping ministries that embody love, inclusivity, and hope for all.
About DSF
DSF is a faith-based organization dedicated to preparing and supporting leaders for ministry within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and its ecumenical partners. Established to strengthen theological education and nurture spiritual formation, DSF partners with accredited seminaries to provide academic resources, financial support, and community connections for students pursuing ministry. Through its commitment to diversity, justice, and inclusive leadership, DSF plays a vital role in equipping individuals to serve faithfully and effectively in churches, communities, and the wider world.
The DSF Certificate
The DSF Certificate Program – Pastoral Leadership in a Divided World is a one-year, ten-course online program designed to equip lay leaders, emerging ministers, and pastors with the theological depth and practical skills needed for ministry in today’s complex world. Currently offered in English and Spanish (and open to expanding language offerings, particularly among our NAPAD communities, based on interest and need), the program reflects DSF's commitment to inclusive, multicultural, and accessible theological education. Participants engage in courses that explore faith and vocation, Scripture, theology, church history, pastoral care, preaching, stewardship, and ethics, all through the lens of building bridges in divided communities. Each course follows a flexible three-week guided learning structure with a fourth week of group conversation via Zoom, allowing participants to study from anywhere while connecting in meaningful dialogue. Learners may complete all ten courses to earn the Certificate in Pastoral Leadership in a Divided World, or may take individual courses for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to support ongoing growth and development. Whether you’re discerning your call, strengthening your ministry, or seeking renewal, the DSF Certificate Program offers a transformative path toward faithful leadership grounded in hope, justice, and community.
The educational requirements for commissioning and/or ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) can be met via two separate tracks, an apprentice track and a seminary track. In either track, the expectation is that candidates for ordination or commissioning demonstrate competency in 16 areas of ministerial practice. (Click here for the list). The DSF Collective Certificate Program assists candidates in acquiring the competencies necessary for ministry.
If you are considering ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), you should first contact your regional minister. They will discuss the process for commissioning and/or ordination in your specific region.
Scholarships are available for both the entire Certificate Course and individual courses.
The DSF Certificate Courses
Group-based Learning
On-Demand Learning
Course One
Leadership Development - Expressing an Inclusive, Anti-Oppressive Vision for the Church and How to Make it Happen (January 2026)
Taught by Sandhya Jha
Explore what it means to embody liberative leadership in the church by confronting biases and oppressive structures while cultivating practices that promote inclusion, justice, and faithful collaboration within and beyond the congregation. (Aligned with Competency Areas 4, 6, 9)
Course Two
Faith, Identity, Community, and Calling (February 2026)
Taught by José Francisco Morales Torres
In this course, we will explore why you have enrolled in this program. What brings you here at this point in time? This course will provide a time of vocational discernment and exploration of discipleship and values. How do you understand faith? What does it mean to feel called to ministry? Does your calling feel more individual or communal, and what might be the difference? What questions and concerns do you bring with you? (Aligned with Template for Ten Personal Qualifications)
We want everyone who wants to take our courses to be able to do so!
We have financial assistance available to those who need it!
DSF is committed to supporting students who are answering the call to ministry and theological education. We believe that financial limitations should never prevent someone from pursuing their vocation or deepening their faith journey. That’s why DSF offers scholarships for our courses — helping to make theological education accessible, inclusive, and equitable. These scholarships reflect our ongoing commitment to nurturing diverse leaders who will serve the church and the world with wisdom, compassion, and justice.
