I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Theodore T. Turman, president of the Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS) in Detroit. We talked about his first year leading the seminary and the big celebration coming up this November.
Dr. Turman shared how his first year has been all about listening, learning, and connecting. “When you step into a new space,” he said, “you take time to build trust and understand what makes it special.”
Under his leadership, ETS continues to thrive—offering theological education that’s accessible, inclusive, and rooted in Detroit’s diverse faith community. As Dr. Turman reminded me, “You don’t have to be a preacher to study theology. We have alumni serving as chaplains, nonprofit leaders, and even professionals in creative spaces.”
Faith in Action: Dr. Turman on ETS’s Legacy and Upcoming Gala
And now, it’s time to celebrate. The ETS Annual Gala happens Thursday, November 14th at the Henry Hotel in Dearborn. Doors open at 6 p.m., and this year’s event honors two incredible community leaders:
- Marty Fischhoff, Director of Community Engagement at Detroit PBS, for his work highlighting local stories.
- Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard, beloved radio personality and scholar, for her decades of service in gospel music and education.
“It’s a night to recognize those who build bridges across faith traditions and strengthen our community,” Dr. Turman said.
Tickets are $150, and proceeds directly support ETS’s mission to equip the next generation of leaders. You can grab yours at etseminary.edu.
Listen to our full conversation below!
Image Credits: Ecumenical Theological Seminary
