Kairos University
Sioux Falls, SD
About Kairos University
Experience a pioneering competency-based theological education that integrates diverse legacy institutions.
Kairos University stands out as a visionary institution, redefining theological education through its innovative competency-based model and a unique network of integrated legacy partners. This collaborative approach allows students to engage with a rich tapestry of academic traditions while benefiting from a forward-thinking, outcomes-focused curriculum designed for real-world impact. It's a place where tradition meets transformation, preparing students not just with knowledge, but with the practical skills needed to lead and serve effectively in today's complex world.
The university's history is as profound as its present, tracing its origins back to 1858 with the founding of the German Department of the Rochester Theological Seminary in New York. Over the decades, this foundational institution evolved through various names—German Baptist Seminary, North American Baptist Seminary, and ultimately Sioux Falls Seminary—relocating to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1949 to better serve its growing constituency. This deep-rooted history provides a strong academic backbone, celebrating over 160 years of commitment to ministerial training and scholarly pursuit.
The pivotal transformation occurred in 2014 with the launch of the Kairos Project, a groundbreaking competency-based theological education (CBTE) initiative. This project fostered a network of collaborative institutions like Taylor Seminary, Evangelical Seminary, BLI School of Ministry, and Houston Graduate School of Theology, which integrated their programs and expertise into the Kairos framework. In 2021, Sioux Falls Seminary officially became Kairos University, solidifying its role as the sole accredited degree-granting body for this expansive network. Students benefit from an enriched academic landscape, offering diverse accredited programs such as an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, a ThD, and a Doctor of Professional Counseling, all delivered within a globally connected and competency-driven learning environment.
Key Highlights
- ✦Officially renamed Kairos University in 2021, reflecting its innovative collaborative model.
- ✦Traces its institutional heritage back to 1858, boasting over 160 years of history in theological education.
- ✦Pioneered the competency-based theological education (CBTE) Kairos Project, launched in 2014.
- ✦Formed through the successful integration of five legacy partner institutions, including Sioux Falls Seminary and Houston Graduate School of Theology.
- ✦Serves as the sole accredited degree-granting body for its expansive network of global and contextual partners.
- ✦Offers diverse accredited programs, including MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and Doctor of Professional Counseling.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within Kairos University
Sioux Falls Seminary
The originating institution of Kairos University, founded in 1858 and the catalyst for the Kairos Project.
Taylor Seminary
A legacy partner institution successfully integrated into Kairos University's collaborative network.
Evangelical Seminary
A legacy partner whose programs, including the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and ThD, were incorporated into Kairos's offerings.
BLI School of Ministry
A legacy partner institution that merged its programs and faculty into the Kairos Project.
Houston Graduate School of Theology
A legacy partner whose programs, such as the Doctor of Professional Counseling, were integrated into Kairos University's accredited offerings.
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