About Good Shepherd Old Catholic Theological Seminary

At Good Shepherd Old Catholic Theological Seminary, we are devoted to cultivating faithful servants of Christ who are equipped to lead, teach, and shepherd in the fullness of the Old Catholic tradition. Our seminary is more than a place of academic instruction; it is a sanctuary where prayer, study, and spiritual formation converge. Here, the mind is sharpened, the heart is shaped, and the spirit is nurtured in harmony with the timeless truths of the Church. Our mission is not merely to impart knowledge, but to form ministers whose lives reflect Christ’s love, wisdom, and integrity in every sphere of service.

A Heritage Rooted in Faith

Good Shepherd Seminary is grounded in the rich heritage of the Old Catholic Church, which maintains fidelity to the early Church’s apostolic faith while engaging thoughtfully with the world around it. We honor centuries of liturgical practice, theological reflection, and pastoral care that have been preserved and transmitted through the generations. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that students grasp not only the doctrines of the Church but also the lived experience of faith, rooted in prayer, sacraments, and communal life. By connecting tradition with contemporary challenges, we empower our students to serve effectively in diverse ministries without compromising doctrinal integrity.

Our heritage also emphasizes the value of discernment and conscience, inviting each student to engage critically and faithfully with theology while embracing the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We encourage students to explore Scripture, Church history, and theology deeply, while always anchoring their inquiry in prayerful reflection and pastoral concern. The richness of the Old Catholic tradition provides a framework for holistic formation that integrates intellect, character, and devotion.

Our Formation Philosophy

We believe that theological education is most effective when it engages the whole person. Our formation philosophy is centered on three pillars: heart, mind, and spirit.

By uniting these three pillars, Good Shepherd Seminary ensures that every graduate embodies a holistic vision of ministry—one in which theological knowledge, pastoral skill, and spiritual maturity converge to create faithful, effective, and compassionate leaders.

Academic Excellence and Practical Ministry

Our seminary is committed to academic excellence without losing sight of practical ministry. We understand that effective service in the Church requires both knowledge and skill. Our curriculum combines rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on pastoral experiences, internships, and supervised ministry. Students are exposed to diverse contexts, from parish life and sacramental leadership to social outreach and community engagement, equipping them to navigate the complex realities of ministry in the modern world.

The integration of academic study and practical formation ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of those they serve. Whether administering sacraments, counseling individuals, teaching catechesis, or leading worship, they do so with confidence, integrity, and fidelity to Church teaching.

Our faculty are not only scholars but also seasoned pastors and spiritual guides, committed to mentoring students as they grow into their calling. They model the qualities we seek to cultivate: humility, discernment, compassion, and excellence. This close relationship between faculty and students creates an environment of mentorship, accountability, and mutual growth

Spiritual Life and Community

Community life is central to formation at Good Shepherd. We believe that the experience of living and learning together in a faith-centered environment shapes character, builds relationships, and fosters accountability. Daily worship, shared meals, and collaborative projects cultivate a sense of belonging, unity, and purpose. Students learn to support one another in faith and ministry, developing the interpersonal and pastoral skills essential for effective leadership in the Church.

Spiritual life is nurtured through prayer, retreats, spiritual direction, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Our seminary chapel is the heart of our community, where students gather for daily liturgies, private prayer, and communal reflection. This pattern of worship and devotion forms the foundation of their ministry, ensuring that their leadership is rooted in Christ and animated by the Holy Spirit.

In addition, students are encouraged to engage in service projects and outreach programs that allow them to practice pastoral care in real-world contexts. These experiences deepen their understanding of human needs, social justice, and the practical application of theology, creating well-rounded ministers who are responsive to their communities.

Ecclesial Identity

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Theological Seminary is an institution of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church, an autocephalous Old Catholic jurisdiction in Nigeria. The Seminary participates in the wider communion of the Charismatic Old Catholic Church while retaining full academic and administrative autonomy.

We share in the Church's mission of forming hearts, minds, and spirits in the light of Christ, in fraternal cooperation with sister jurisdictions worldwide.

Euro–Afri Educational Partnership

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Theological Seminary participates in the Charismatic Old Catholic Church’s Euro–Afri educational partnership in collaboration with the European Center for Peace and Development (ECPD), affiliated with the United Nations Peace University.

Through this cooperation, the seminary shares in a global network of theological and peace-oriented education that bridges Europe and Africa. This partnership fosters academic exchange, mutual recognition of studies, and the development of clergy and lay leaders who embody both intellectual depth and pastoral compassion.

By engaging in this Euro–Afri initiative, Good Shepherd Seminary strengthens its mission to form ministers who serve Christ’s Church across cultures and continents — in truth, peace, and the light of the Gospel.

Commitment to Orthodoxy and Charity

At Good Shepherd Seminary, fidelity to Church teaching is inseparable from a commitment to love and charity. We equip students to defend and transmit the faith with clarity and confidence while modeling Christ-like compassion in every interaction. Our graduates are trained to speak the truth with gentleness, uphold moral and doctrinal integrity, and navigate the challenges of ministry with wisdom and humility.

Charity extends beyond pastoral care to include engagement with the broader society. Students are encouraged to understand cultural, social, and ethical challenges, enabling them to minister effectively while fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and understanding. By integrating orthodoxy with compassion, our seminary forms leaders who are both firm in doctrine and generous in service.

A Beacon for Those Called to Serve

Inspired by our motto, “We shine the light of Christ,” Good Shepherd Seminary aims to be a beacon for all who feel called to serve, learn, and lead within the Body of Christ. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a desire to grow in faith, deepen their understanding of the Church, and commit themselves to lives of pastoral service. Every calling is nurtured with care, discernment, and intentional formation, ensuring that each student is equipped to fulfill their vocation with purpose and devotion.

We take seriously the responsibility of forming leaders who will shepherd congregations, teach the faithful, and uphold the integrity of the Church. Our graduates carry the light of Christ into every context they enter, guided by the wisdom of sacred tradition and strengthened by a life of prayer and service.

Looking Forward

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Theological Seminary is committed to evolving with the needs of the Church while remaining anchored in tradition. We strive to provide an educational and spiritual environment that responds to contemporary challenges, embraces new opportunities for formation, and nurtures leaders capable of transformative ministry. Our vision is to continue being a place where faith, intellect, and service converge, producing graduates who are fully prepared to meet the demands of the Church and the world with wisdom, courage, and unwavering devotion.

Through ongoing formation, mentorship, and community engagement, we seek to inspire a new generation of shepherds who will guide the faithful, uphold truth, and illuminate the path of Christ for all who follow Him. At Good Shepherd, tradition meets purpose, scholarship meets spirituality, and calling meets preparation—creating a seminary where every aspect of formation points to one goal: the glory of God and the edification of His Church.