As I read your editorial [“Theological opportunity?” Herald, Dec. 14], I applaud your concerns for greater economy and efficiency in the delivery of theological education through the two theological schools based in Virginia and receiving at least some support through the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Both the John Leland Center and Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond are worthy of support from Virginia Baptists. Your proposal raises some concerns for me. (I am not an alumnus, trustee, or teacher for either institution.)
First, the Leland Center is operating with agency status and is supported in all three giving plans of the BGAV. BTSR only receives direct money from Virginia Baptists through WM2 and indirect support from WM3 through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship national budget. While Leland operates as a BGAV agency, BTSR is a free-standing entity with a national constituency and a national base of support.
Second, I fear that trying to bring BTSR under the umbrella of the BGAV would tend to alienate WM1 churches who may feel this would force them to support an agency that goes against the grain, since they are already supporting six SBC seminaries. WM1 churches are likely to feel they have been denied a voice in this issue.
Third, BTSR and Leland have a very different model of theological education. BTSR has focused on a residential community for spiritual as well as academic development. Leland has established the model of “in-place learning” as a way to prepare future ministers for churches. While there may be some administrative cost duplications, I don't see a lot of program overlap in the two schools. There seems to be a need for both types of programs.
While your drive for efficiency is most commendable, I question the practicality of seeking such a merger or of trying to merge a national school with a regional one.
David E. Roberts, Emporia