This theological school has a long and distinguished history. Founded in Chicago in 1905, the Seminary was located there until 1994, when it moved to its current location and affiliated with Earlham School of Religion, a Christian graduate theological school in the Quaker tradition.

An educational program is provided with a relevant faith tradition. Rooted in Anabaptism and Pietism, the Church of the Brethren presents a unique combination of practicality and spirituality. Brethren emphasize service, simple living, and the importance of the faith community. Along with the Quakers and Mennonites, the Church of the Brethren is an historic peace church, conscientiously opposed to all war, and intentional about working with peacemaking and reconciliation concerns.

Students are offered opportunities to further refine their field of study through a degree emphasis in Peace Studies or Ministry With Youth and Young Adults. Multiple courses include topics  from non-violence and the biblical story, to peace witness in the Anabaptist/Pietist tradition, to mediating conflict in families and churches, to peacemaking in national and international arenas. Master of Divinity degree emphasized in Ministry With Youth and Young Adults is a completed practicum engaging youth and young adults, and Master of Arts students concentrate their thesis on youth and young adult ministry.

At Bethany Theological Seminary its graduates are prepared for graduate study by completing rigorous, comprehensive and well-rounded undergraduate programs, including course work in language and literature, history, the arts, philosophy, religion, sociology, and psychology, and are competent in the use of English as a spoken and written language.  Graduates acquire theological understandings attentive to the biblical story in its entirety and centered in the witness of the New Testament.  At the end of the studying they will develop competencies in academic reflection and ministry formation necessary for effective ministry, teaching, and other service vocations.

Accreditation
Bethany is accredited by The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.