The presence of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School is the result of an affiliation initiated in 2016 between Yale Divinity School and the former Andover Newton Theological School, with permanent affiliation established in 2023. The shared purpose of this partnership is the support of ministerial preparation in historically congregational churches, in keeping with Andover Newton’s mission: “Deeply rooted in Christian faith and radically open to what God is doing now, Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School educates inspiring leaders for faith communities.” At YDS, Andover Newton carries out that mission by guiding students to explore a sense of call to ministry in congregations through a series of integrative educational experiences that help them craft a ministerial identity and set of competencies for effective service to God, church, and community.

Andover Newton offers a nondegree diploma to students who wish to prepare for ministry in locally governed faith communities. The seminary’s key partners are the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches USA, two denominations with particularly strong traditions of congregationally based polities. However, students from all congregational traditions, or who want to learn about ministry under the auspices of such traditions, are also welcome. Students who intend to enroll in the Andover Newton program are invited to express their interest when they apply for admission to the YDS Master of Divinity program, although M.A.R. students with a previous M.Div. equivalency and S.T.M. students are also invited to consider participation. Students enroll in the program by registering for the fall introductory colloquium, attending Andover Newton session during Before-The-Fall Orientation, and meeting with Andover Newton’s dean to create a plan for learning.

The components of Andover Newton’s program include peer-learning-oriented colloquia, a travel seminar, denominational polity, specific courses in leadership at and beyond YDS, and internship expectations that exceed those of the M.Div. program. Adaptable and adjustable diploma program expectations emphasize competencies over courses, where students must pursue growth in the following ministerial arts, which they can attain in differing ways: integration, community building, compassion and justice, discernment, leadership, and spirituality. More information is available to students at https://andovernewton.yale.edu.

In addition to its diploma program, Andover Newton welcomes all members of the YDS community to become involved in its courses and activities. Except for introductory colloquia, all YDS students are invited to participate in any of Andover Newton’s educational programs. Emmaus, Andover Newton’s weekly worship experience held on Thursday evenings when classes are in session, is ordinarily open to the entire Yale community as well as neighborhood friends.