Columbia Theological Seminary, a renowned institution preparing leaders for ministry and mission, entered a pivotal stage of its brand journey in 2018. From the start, Relish has been a trusted partner in strengthening Columbia’s visual identity—from refreshing its Center for Lifelong Learning catalog and producing engaging videos to curating photography that authentically reflects campus life.
By 2025, Columbia sought to align its messaging and identity with the evolving needs of the church and world. Relish stepped in with a comprehensive brand audit, helping unify communications across departments and distill Columbia’s essence into one resonant idea: Faith and Scholarship in Motion.
Columbia’s story was strong, but their messaging was fragmented. To amplify their voice and unify how they showed up, Relish led a brand positioning initiative designed to clarify what the Seminary stands for today—and where it’s headed next.
Columbia’s communications reflected a deep legacy but lacked a unifying narrative that could bridge tradition with contemporary relevance. Different departments operated with varying tones and visual styles, diluting the Seminary’s impact.
Relish guided Columbia through a True North brand audit process, uncovering a shared narrative and message platform that centers the institution’s ethos: Faith and Scholarship in Motion. This platform articulates Columbia’s role as rooted yet responsive—a seminary that moves with intention, courage, and love.
The “Faith in Motion” identity is now Columbia’s anchor for all internal and external communications, ensuring every message, from admissions to advancement, reinforces a cohesive brand story.
To amplify Columbia’s voice across audiences, we developed a practical toolkit designed to help faculty and leaders show up as thought leaders with clarity and consistency. The toolkit equips subject matter experts with messaging prompts, content guidelines, and ready-to-use templates—making it easier to translate complex theological insights into accessible, brand-aligned communications. By standardizing how expertise is shared, the toolkit ensures Columbia’s “Faith and Scholarship in Motion” identity carries through every blog post, article, and speaking engagement.
Relish partnered with Columbia to create a refreshed photography library that captures the energy and authenticity of campus life. From classroom discussions and chapel moments to community gatherings, the images highlight Columbia’s diverse, dynamic community in action. The result is a versatile collection of visuals that reinforces the Seminary’s brand across print, digital, and social channels—bringing the campus ethos to life with every shot.
