ABSTRACT
The current network of Disciples theological schools began as departments of religion, then evolved into graduate divisions of Disciples colleges. Disciples seminaries and divinity schools did not actually realize autonomy until the 1950s, even though they encouraged the recognition of professional ministerial credentials in the 1920s and were instrumental in the formation of the American Association of Theological Schools in the late 1930s which established a process for standardized accreditation. As a result the histories of most seminaries are contained in the histories of the colleges with which they were affiliated. The exception is Dwight Stevenson’s outstanding book on Lexington Theological Seminary written for that school’s centennial. It is noteworthy, however, that Colby Hall’s analysis of Texas Christian University and Frank Marshall’s three volumes on Phillips University explain in detail the interrelatedness of the liberal arts colleges and the Bible colleges.
