“Even though we are an institution of the Presbyterian Church…rooted and grounded in the Reformed tradition, there are Roman Catholics and members of other denominations who are finding a place to be here.”

A Presbyterian missions volunteer, a Reformed minister and a Catholic deacon walk into a cafeteria …

It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it’s actually a testimony to a recent transformation at Princeton Theological Seminary, which celebrates its 200th birthday in two years.

Never too old to change, the Presbyterian-founded seminary’s School of Continuing Education recently changed its name to the School of Christian Vocations and Missions. The change reflects a new direction in promoting unity through diversity, while better equipping clergy and lay leaders of all denominations to serve the Body of Christ.

“We reconstituted the ministry of this place on just two things: the continued formation and renewal of church leaders, particularly pastors but including laity, and secondly, lifting up the lives of congregations,” said Charles Kalmbach, the director of the School of Christian Vocations and Missions.

“Even though we are an institution of the Presbyterian Church and even though we are rooted and grounded in the Reformed tradition, there are Roman Catholics and members of other denominations who are finding a place to be here, where they can be informed and grow and advance their own ministry,” added Raymond Bonwell, the school’s director of programs. “We can cross both pulpit and pew in a priesthood of all believers.”

The new name and focus is in response to a survey the seminary conducted 18 months ago to address church needs, Kalmbach said.