The Theological Seminary St. Chrischona (TSC) announced sweeping changes to its operations, emphasizing its core mission of theological education, restructuring real-estate holdings and reaffirming a strategic partnership with the Institute for Community-Orientated Continuing Education (IGW).
Under a long-term plan dubbed “TSC 2040,” the seminary will phase out most external conference and guest operations and sell several properties on Chrischona Berg to reduce debt and prioritize educational work. The shift is aimed at positioning the institution sustainably for its 200th anniversary in 2040, according to Swiss evangelical portal Livenet.ch.
Officials said the seminary’s subsidiary, Chrischona Campus AG, will largely end its external guest operations by fall 2026 after years of financial losses. Internal events such as academic functions, the annual Inspiration Day for older adults and concerts by the TSC choir will continue.
TSC has already sold several buildings on Chrischona Berg, including “Haus zu den Bergen” and the Women’s Residence, on Parcel 1263, according to a Jan. 8 announcement. The buyer, Wallhof AG, a Basel-based real-estate company, plans to build rental apartments. The purchase contract was notarized on Dec. 23, 2025. Part of the proceeds will be used to retire most of the bank mortgages that have strained finances. Despite the sale, TSC and Chrischona Campus AG will continue using the properties in 2026 under an interim-use agreement, meaning current tenants and scheduled events will not be immediately affected.
“We ourselves were unable to further develop these properties,” said Werner Sturm, chairman of Chrischona Campus AG’s board. “We are therefore all the more grateful that we have found new neighbors who share our values and will shape them. With the proceeds, we will now significantly reduce our bank mortgages. This greatly relieves our work and confirms us on the path we have taken.”
The real-estate strategy is part of broader changes under TSC 2040, which aims to streamline operations and focus resources on theological instruction. As part of that effort, the seminary will retain ownership of only those buildings directly tied to education, including the conference center, student residence, Eben-Ezer Hall and St. Chrischona Church.
Leaders said the refocusing effort has widespread support within the seminary community. Christian Haslebacher, chairman of Viva Church Switzerland, a church network with roots in the Pilgermission St. Chrischona, endorsed the renewed emphasis on training people to understand and communicate the gospel, saying the strategy returns focus to the institution’s historic vision.
The seminary’s commitment to education also extends through a strategic alliance with its longtime partner, IGW. In late 2024, TSC and IGW agreed to merge under an overall management structure known as TSC-IGW, although they said both brands and sponsoring associations would remain distinct. The partnership is designed to leverage complementary strengths — with IGW’s experience in dual theological study programs and TSC’s emphasis on immersive on-campus community education — and expand offerings including master’s and continuing education programs. 
“This merger is an investment in theological education for the benefit of the Kingdom of God,” said TSC Rector Dr. Benedikt Walker in 2024 when the agreement was finalized. 
TSC leaders said the combined TSC-IGW Academy, launching in spring 2026, will bundle continuing education offerings and extend the seminary’s educational reach.
Founded in 1840 as a mission training institution, TSC is one of Switzerland’s oldest evangelical theological seminaries and has educated thousands of students over its history. 
