As we strive to start 2,000 new congregations by 2020, the ordained leaders for those churches will pass through seminaries. Disciples seminarians are an important part of the church, and HELM works in partnership with seminaries across the country to provide networking opportunities and additional resources.

The primary way we minister to and with seminarians is the Seminarians Conference. Registration for the 2011 Disciples Seminarians Conference will be open to all M.Div. students who have completed a year of study. Scheduled for March 31-April 3 in Nashville, Tenn., the conference will give seminarians opportunities to meet other new Disciples leaders and learn how the church can help them and the congregation or organization they lead to minister faithfully and effectively. The conference is sponsored by Disciples general ministries and organized by Higher Education & Leadership Ministries. Traditionally, travel stipends are available to students. Information about the Seminarians Conference will be available later this fall.

Each fall HELM contacts all seminaries accredited by the Association of Theological Schools to gather a list of Disciples seminarians. While many schools are able to provide updated mailing addresses, collecting this information is growing harder as schools implement student privacy laws.

Another way to stay in touch is to subscribe to our seminarians listserv. It offers updates on class offerings, general denominational news, special events, and other opportunities. To subscribe, visit http://www.helmdisciples.org/listserv/.

"Disciples Seminarians" is the official Facebook group for Disciples seminarians.