RICHMOND — As Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond begins operations at a new location, friends and supporters will have an opportunity to tour the new campus Oct. 17, when the seminary hosts an open house for the public.
The 22-year-old seminary’s new location at 8040 Villa Park Dr. is about four miles north of the campus on Richmond’s Northside which had housed the school since 1997. The relocation completed a process begun in March 2011, when trustees approved the sale of the seminary’s campus and eventual move, both to broaden BTSR’s mission and to achieve financial stability.
The open house is set for Thursday, Oct. 17, from 3-6 p.m.
Baptist Theological Seminary is embracing its future, says president Ron Crawford.
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“We’re doing what any new home owner would do once the furniture is in place and the boxes are put away,” said BTSR president Ron Crawford. “We’re inviting friends and neighbors over. There’s been a lot of discussion over the past year about the future of our school — where we’re going and how our new facility will reflect the vision of the school. Well, that future is here, and we want to share our story with the community.”
Administrators said BTSR’s new 17,000-square-foot, technologically-rich educational environment embodies the seminary’s values and mission, as well as its vision for the future of theological education. The chapel stands at the center of the facility, with classrooms and offices built around it. The lounge, where students and faculty gather to fellowship and eat lunch, is across the hall from the chapel.
“This design captures the spiritual centeredness of our students and school,” says Crawford, “and it emphasizes the role collaboration plays in how we approach education. We’re preparing students for ministry and leadership in the 21st century, so our facility should contribute to that goal.”
Tiffany Pittman, the school’s director of admissions, said the open house and a student Preview Day on Oct. 18 are ideal opportunities for supporters and prospective students “to visit our new campus and meet various staff, faculty, and students.”
“I will be happy to visit with anyone interested in our degrees programs,” said Pittman. “Any potential BTSR students are also invited to attend our Preview Day. This provides an opportunity to taste seminary life by walking in the shoes of a student. They’ll have the opportunity to visit a class, eat lunch with current students and faculty, and hear about our degree programs and financial aid options. Faculty and students will be available to answer questions about the classroom experience and the curriculum.”
BTSR recently launched a $1 million matching gift campaign called Forward Together, designed to help the school create and sustain a cutting-edge educational facility. With $500,000 pledged toward the $1 million goal, every dollar contributed in the form of an undesignated gift will be matched by a dollar from those who have already pledged their support. Donors may choose to make designated gifts to the campaign which will equip classrooms with everything from WhiteBoard technology and announcement monitors to chairs and desks. Naming opportunities are also available.
“We’re not just leaning into the future,” says Crawford. “We’re embracing it. Are we excited about our new home in Villa Park? Absolutely. One of the reasons we’re hosting this open house is so that we can share our excitement with our community of friends. We feel extremely optimistic about the role our students and graduates will play in shaping the future as they serve others around the world.”
BTSR was organized in 1989 and classes began in 1991 with 32 students. Currently it enrolls more than 140 degree-seeking students and has more than 650 graduates serving around the world. Both the Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship support the seminary.
David Hogge is an editor and writer living in Richmond.