Three Baptist seminaries are among more than 30 ranked by a think tank for making significant impacts on the world.
The Center for Faith and Service cooperates with divinity schools, churches, denominations and other organizations to create programs integrating faith and service.
For four years it has provided a ranking of schools called Seminaries that Change the World.
Making the list this year are Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology and the Wake Forest University School of Divinity.
They join high-profile institutions like Columbia Theological Seminary, Duke Divinity School and Yale Divinity, among others.
The schools on the list demonstrated they are successfully integrating faith and service and inspiring students to engage in justice and service work, the center said.
“In addition to demonstrating their commitment to integrate service and justice with faith and theological exploration, schools are required to make a commitment to work together to advance our common goal,” the organization said. “Together, we hope to connect and infuse theological education with service and social justice work, and to collectively challenge stereotypes and break down barriers to theological education.”
In a statement released online, Central said the recognition reflects its commitment to offering courses, programs and other opportunities for students to embrace social justice and service work while enrolled at the seminary.
Jeff Willetts, the dean at McAfee, said the principles celebrated by the list match the school’s dedication to train and equip transformational leaders for the church.
“This recognition demonstrates that McAfee’s vision for ministry preparation comports with the world’s need in a dynamic and ongoing way,” Willetts said in a statement released by McAfee.