The twelfth semester of classes offered by Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, began this month. Since September 2005, we have provided 32
classes in Murfreesboro and students have had access to a number of online
classes. Four students have received the
Master of Divinity degree and two more will complete their degrees this
semester.
This effort has had its challenges, but the strategy of
offering theological education for women and men who are already involved in ministry
in their local contexts is making a difference for a number of ministers, their
families, and their churches. This would
not have been possible without the involvement of a number of persons and
organizations.
First, Molly Marshall and the leadership of Central
Seminary. During a time of financial challenge,
President Marshall has been willing to undertake this innovative and risky
effort to provide the support needed by churches and ministers. We have learned much in this process and have
had the freedom to make the necessary changes to continue this worthy effort.
Second, Michael Smith and the leadership of First Baptist
Church in Murfreesboro. Mike and Phil
Potratz, the minister of Christian formation, as well as other staff and lay
leadership have gone out of their way to provide the facilities and services
that are so necessary to hosting seminary classes. This has also benefited the church as a
number of members have become lifelong learners by taking seminary classes and
three church members have pursued degrees.
Third, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the
Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
Initially, TCBF provided the services of their coordinator (me) to serve
as volunteer site director as well as financial support. Terry Maples, current TCBF field coordinator,
and Judy Fryer, administrative coordinator, continue that tradition of support. Terry Hamrick, CBF’s coordinator of missional
leadership, has provided advice, encouragement, and found financial assistance
for the work.
Fourth, gifted teachers both from the faculty at Shawnee
and local adjunct instructors. Eight of
the faculty and staff at Central have taught classes in Murfreesboro, requiring
both travel and weekend investment of their time and energy. We have been fortunate to identify 12
excellent adjunct faculty members from middle Tennessee to teach everything
from Christian Heritage to Homiletics.
Many are ministry practitioners who bring knowledge and experience as
well as enthusiasm to the task.
Finally, and most important, the students.
Their commitment and enthusiasm make the effort worthwhile. All are involved in church ministry in some
way, either as volunteers or staff ministers (full or part-time). Many have “real” jobs during the week ranging
from medical professional to law enforcement officer. Most have family commitments. Despite all of this, they come to class on
weekends ready to engage in the process of theological formation. They are an extraordinary group of
individuals.
This is one of the ways that theological education must
be offered in the future if graduate theological institutions want to serve the
churches and those called to ministry.
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