A new seminary seeks to prepare students for ministry in a divided church and society by integrating interdisciplinary theological education with organic farming in rural Virginia. Sophia Theological Seminary is currently accepting applications for its inaugural class that will begin…
Voice from the past: Tom Graves’ 1991 speech accepting BTSR presidency
With the passing of Baptist educator and pastor Tom Graves this week, our friends at the Virginia Baptist Historical Society located the following transcript of an acceptance speech given by Graves on Jan. 31, 1991, when he was named president…
BSK seeks input on youth and children’s ministries
Baptist Seminary of Kentucky is conducting an online survey to determine how it can best serve congregations seeking ministers for youth and children’s work. In recent decades, churches increasingly have been filling these positions with individuals from within the congregation…
Bless your heart for producing professionals and satisfied saints when radical prophets are needed
A recent webinar with my alma mater made me realize theological schools and the church face the same challenge today: How to be risk-takers in a world that only values stability. Let me say upfront, I’m not someone you’re likely…
The historical significance of ETBU acquiring B.H. Carroll Institute
The landscape of Baptist theological education is changing yet again, with news that one of the freestanding seminaries created out of the Southern Baptist Convention schism of the late 20th century is merging with one of the oldest Baptist schools…
Lilly Endowment launches initiative to strengthen Christian preaching
The Lilly Endowment has made the first 32 grants in a new project to “help Christian pastors strengthen their abilities to proclaim the gospel in more engaging and effective ways.” A news release from the Indianapolis-based endowment explained: “The ultimate…
For first time, M.A. enrollment equals M.Div. enrollment at U.S. seminaries
After more than a decade of significant instability, enrollment in America’s accredited theological schools has found some stability, although the degree programs being pursued continue to shift and more schools are shrinking than growing. These are the findings of a…
The present crisis for church staff
Churches in America have been living amid rapid change for several decades now, accelerated like a dive on a roller coaster by COVID. Previously, much of our attention has focused on institutional change and challenges, the big picture of congregations…
Becoming a ‘midwife of grace’ — an interview with Molly Marshall
At age 12, Molly Marshall’s pastor asked if she’d ever considered working with young people as a career option. She thought to herself, “Well of course I haven’t, I am one!” Two years later, at age 14, while at a…