KANSAS CITY, Kan. (ABP) — Central Baptist Theological Seminary has filled two cabinet-level positions — one with a husband-wife team who will serve as dean and the other with a former administrator of the seminary.
Dean and Lisa Allen will share a newly created position as dean and vice president for administration. For the past five years, Dean Allen has been dean of the faculty and vice president for academic administration at Andover Newton Theological School, a non-denominational seminary in Newton Centre, Mass. The couple are co-pastors of Weston Baptist Church in Weston, Mass.
Both received masters degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and doctoral degrees from Boston University.
The Allens succeed Molly Marshall, who recently was elected president of the seminary.
Also George Townsend has been hired as vice president for finance and operations at the Kansas City, Kan., seminary. He was vice president for business administration at Central from 1995 to 1997. Recently he has served as interim executive for a number of non-profit organizations in the Kansas City area and as an adjunct professor in the business department at Avila University in Kansas City, Mo.
Townsend will assume some of the duties filled by Connie McNeill, former chief operating officer, who left for a similar position with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Atlanta.
Marshall expressed her confidence and joy at the coming of the Allens, as well as the return of Townsend.
“I am so pleased that Dean and Lisa would embark on this journey with Central Seminary at this propitious time,” said Marshall. “They bring wonderful gifts, energy, imagination and a deep vocational commitment to theological education.”
Likewise, Marshall said, Townsend brings “a rich background” in business and management. “I asked George to join the cabinet because I believe he has the expertise and vision to do what is needed at Central at this promising time,” she said.
Central Baptist Theological Seminary, founded in 1901, is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, USA. In recent years, it also has developed a relationship with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, which provides the school financial support.