ETSS has emphasized mission since its founding in 1951. Courses in spirituality were added because both an alumni survey and unsolicited phone calls pointed to a desire for courses to enrich spirituality "over and over again," according to Snodgrass.

Inaugural courses are "Holy Whodunits: Religion as Portrayed in Contemporary Murder Mysteries," taught by author and retreat leader Debra Farrington; "The Desert Mothers: Spiritual Practices from Women of the Wilderness," with teacher, writer and spiritual director the Rev. Mary C. Earle; and "Consumerism against Christianity," taught by Robert Elzy Cogswell, teacher and poet.

Spring 2009 courses are on transitions, Thomas Merton and the penitential psalms. Ideas for future course offerings include "Alcoholism: The Pastor's Role in Recovery."

Each seven-week course can be audited or taken for Continuing Education Units. Tuition is $175 per course.

ETSS enrolls 105 students in M.Div. and M.A. degree programs.