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The Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT) is an evangelical Christian organization based in Oak Park, IL with the stated mission of assisting pastor theologians with “the study and written production of biblical and theological scholarship for the ecclesial renewal of theology and the theological renewal of the church.”

Background and Goals: The organization was founded in 2006 by Gerald Hiestand and Todd Wilson, originally with the name The Society for the Advancement of Ecclesial Theology. Ecclesial theology, as described by Hiestand, is:

a theological project born in an ecclesial context, driven by an ecclesial agenda, and prosecuted by ecclesial thinkers; not merely theology about the church--but theology for the church.

The Center believes that many pastors are either ill-supported to contribute to the theological formation of the broader church, or not expected to do so at all, given the majority of theological scholarship being produced by professors in seminaries and universities.

The Center’s offices and symposia are hosted at Calvary Memorial Church, in Oak Park, IL. Symposia are held for two Fellowships, groups of roughly 20 pastor theologians who gather to discuss a theological text with a noted theologian. At symposia, Fellows also solicit feedback on personal projects.

Past Symposia:

2008: “Resurrection and Pastoral Ministry” Theological Consultant: Scott Hafemann of St. Andrews

2009: “The Identity of the Pastor Theologian” Theological Consultant: Doug Sweeney of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

2010/2011: “The Drama of Doctrine” Theological Consultant: Kevin Vanhoozer of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

2011/2012: “Cultural Transformation and the Church” Greg Thompson of Trinity Presbyterian Church

2012/2013: “A Theology of the Body” Peter Leithart of Trinity House Institute

2013/2014: “Christian Theology and Market Economics” Stephen Grabill of The Acton Institute

2014/2015: “Liturgies and Christian Discipleship” James K.A. Smith