ABHMS Center for Continuous Learning gains affiliate status with Association of Theological Schools
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 08/31/2026)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) Center for Continuous Learning (CCL) has been granted Affiliate status with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), a milestone that recognizes the CCL’s growing role in theological education and positions the center for deeper collaboration with theological schools across North America. ATS member schools approved the action during the association’s 2026 Biennial Meeting.
Affiliate status is available to organizations that do not grant degrees, but which have a substantial interest in theological education. Although not members of the ATS, affiliates are encouraged to attend as non-voting participants in association meetings and to engage with members through service on committees.
“Becoming an ATS affiliate affirms our place within the theological education community and creates new opportunities to strengthen partnerships with ATS member schools,” said Rev. Rebecca Irwin-Diehl, Ph.D., director of the CCL. “We look forward to learning from the association while contributing our experiences in continuing theological education.”
ABHMS Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray congratulated Irwin-Diehl and the CCL team on the achievement, calling it “significant recognition” their work to equip faith leaders and laypersons within and beyond the American Baptist family.
ABHMS established the CCL in 2021 to expand access to educational opportunities beyond the traditional classroom for clergy, chaplains, lay leaders, and others seeking to explore or deepen their call to discipleship and leadership. The CCL offers live and self-paced courses, cohort-based learning, webinars, and other experiences at accessible fees and on flexible schedules.
From the outset, the CCL has explored how it might complement the work of seminaries—serving both as a gateway for people considering formal theological education and as a continuing education resource for graduates seeking to remain current in ministry practice, leadership, and discipleship. As the CCL’s relationships with American Baptist–related theological schools evolved, affiliate status with ATS emerged as a natural next step.
The CCL’s application was supported by letters of endorsement from three ATS member schools with which ABHMS and the center have established relationships: Berkeley School of Theology, Central Seminary, and Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University.
“As someone who has benefited greatly, both personally and professionally, through education at ATS member schools, I’m honored by the support of these academic partners,” Irwin-Diehl said. “I look forward to sharing the work we are doing at the Center for Continuous Learning with a community of scholars and thought leaders committed to preparing and supporting the next generation of God’s people.”
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, ATS is a network of more than 280 graduate schools of theology in the United States and Canada representing a broad range of Christian traditions and Jewish theological education. The association promotes the improvement and enhancement of theological schools for the benefit of communities of faith and the broader public. Organizations holding affiliate status have a substantial interest in theological education but operate outside the Association’s traditional membership structure.
The affiliation comes as theological education continues to adapt to changing patterns of ministry and emerging vocational pathways, Irwin-Diehl explained. The CCL’s flexible approach to learning—including real-time and on-demand courses, with online and hybrid formats—allows the center to respond to the continuing formation needs of people serving in congregations, chaplaincy, and other ministry settings.
Among the benefits accruing to the CCL as an ATS affiliate, Irwin-Diehl noted opportunities to engage ATS research and emerging practices, participate in biennial meetings, and contribute through committees, task forces, and other forms of collaboration. Irwin-Diehl also plans to strengthen relationships with ATS member schools and other affiliates to better develop programs responsive to the changing landscape of Christian vocation and ministry.
To learn more about the CCL and explore its educational offerings, visit the center online. More information about the Association of Theological Schools is available on its website.
About ABHMS
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.