Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary will begin to offer courses leading to the Master of Divinity degree at both its Houston and San Antonio locations, beginning in the fall 2021 semester.
This development grows out of recognition of the significant need of ministers who want the theological education curriculum and preparation provided by the Master of Divinity degree, seminary officials said.
“Both current and prospective students, as well as Truett alumni and other friends, have repeatedly asked when we might be able to bring our respected and rigorous Master of Divinity degree to those who enroll at our Houston and San Antonio instructional sites,” Dean Todd D. Still said. “I am pleased to share with all who might be interested that it is our intention to do so by the fall of this year.”
Truett Seminary’s 87-hour Master of Divinity aims to train leaders for the 21st century church and world by equipping students through theological and biblical reflection, spiritual formation, lifelong learning, ministry service, and cross-cultural awareness and appreciation, he noted.
The San Antonio location has received approval from the Association of Theological Schools and is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
‘Great news for the church’
By providing the opportunity to pursue the Master of Divinity degree in Houston and San Antonio, Truett leaders said they hope to offer access to the high-level training and instruction indispensable to Christian ministers and leaders.
“The Master of Divinity is the best preparation for pastoral ministry and the most robust graduate foundation for any ministry. Baylor’s George W. Truett Seminary is, in my view, the healthiest place to prepare for ministry in Texas—solid theologically, unapologetically committed to the life of the church, and deeply committed to Christian service in the world,” said Steve Wells, pastor of South Main Baptist Church in Houston.
“For Truett to offer the M.Div. in Houston and San Antonio is great news for all the churches whose ministers can now train in two of the great cities of our state. It is also great news for the church as this premier seminary and degree take residence in cities with such unique vision and situation. My heart-felt thanks to all those who dreamed this dream and forged its reality.”
Leslie Hollon, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, called the announcement “great news for the many men and women called to vocational ministry who live in South Texas and the Hill Country.”
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“Without having to move away from their homes, jobs and families, an affordable, world-class degree in ministry is now within their reach,” Hollon said. “In turn, this opportunity will also strengthen churches both in Texas and around the world.”
‘Equip God-called people for gospel ministry’
Courses in Houston and San Antonio are taught both in person and online by faculty from the seminary’s Waco campus, as well as by local pastor-scholars and qualified practitioners. Students are able to complete mentorship requirements close to home and are able to take advantage of ministry opportunities unique to their cities.
“Baylor’s Truett Houston is not only the perfect blend of academics and ministry, it is also a superb mix of scholarly professors, pastors, and students,” said Thomas Jones, current Truett in Houston student. “Now that the M.Div. will be offered in Houston, there is great excitement among students because we can now pursue and complete this degree where we live, work, and have families.”
According to the Association for Theological Schools, “The purpose of the Master of Divinity degree is to prepare persons for ordained ministry and for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings.”
As Truett constantly strives to serve, equip, and encourage the church, it is incumbent upon the seminary to provide the best theological training possible for Christian ministers and leaders, Still emphasized.
“What is true of Baylor in general is true of Truett in particular: We are Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana. To offer what many congregations, denominations, and organizations regard to be the standard degree for theological and pastoral training not only at our main campus in Waco but also at our campuses in Houston and San Antonio signals our ongoing, unwavering commitment to our mission, namely, to equip God-called people for gospel ministry in and alongside the church by the power of the Holy Spirit,” Still said.
“Baylor’s Truett Seminary is profoundly grateful for and deeply indebted to each and to all who have supported and will undergird this strategic initiative. We yearn to instruct and to serve well those whom have been called by God and are seeking to serve the Lord.”
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