Theological Education
A MINISTRY OF THE FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION
"Making Theological Education Accessible for All”
Through a Partnership with:
(Click on the names below to read more.)
Florida Southern Baptists can choose from many state colleges and universities for undergraduate work and six outstanding seminaries for theological education. However, many Florida Baptists desire to continue their education while remaining on the Florida mission field. A partnership between the Florida Baptist Convention, The Baptist College of Florida, New Orleans Theological Seminary and Seminary Extension SBC was established to offer these persons quality theological education to better serve Florida Baptist churches.
While seminary education is a prerequisite to ordination for many denominations, it is not required to serve or to be ordained in Southern Baptist churches. Consequently, more than half of the pastors of Southern Baptist churches are not seminary trained. Many of these pastors are married with families and cannot uproot their families to move to a campus. Others are committed to the Florida ministry setting where God has placed them and do not have a peace about leaving. Consequently, the traditional approach to theological education alone is no longer sufficient.
The Florida Baptist Convention and this educational partnership recognize the importance of making theological training accessible for these untrained pastors and other ministers in close proximity to their church ministry settings. Accredited theological training is available in three languages and within a two-hour drive of almost every Florida Baptist.
This Florida partnership is committed to equipping leaders to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandments through the local church and its ministries. The partnership in Florida offers theological education through extension centers and online classes as a means of fulfilling the mission of equipping leaders for those unable to attend a main campus.
Ministry Degrees Offered throughout Florida
Florida Baptist vocational ministers or lay leaders who desire accredited ministry studies have many opportunities for study throughout the state. Degree programs are offered in three languages and at seven sites across the state. Courses are offered through these partners at the diploma, certificate, associate, bachelor and graduate levels. Listed below are these educational opportunities:
Diploma level classes: Students may take courses through Seminary Extension that lead toward a diploma in an area of ministry in preparation for service. These courses do not carry academic credit on the bachelor or masters levels. Seminary Extension does have some courses designated as ACE courses which carry bachelor level credit.
Certificate level classes: Students with a high school diploma or GED may pursue an eight-credit hour church leadership certificate through the Baptist College of Florida or Leavell College of NOBTS. Students may earn a certificate by taking eight classes in biblical teaching, pastoral ministry or church planting. Certificate hours may be transferable into an associate degree program.
Associate level classes: In North and Central Florida, an Associate of Divinity degree may be earned at extension centers in Pensacola, Jacksonville and Orlando through The Baptist College of Florida. In areas south of I-4 corridor, students may earn an Associate in Christian Ministry degree through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s Leavell College centers in Brandon, Hialeah and Fort Lauderdale.
Bachelor level classes: Bachelor degree programs are offered at several sites. A Bachelor of Arts degree may be pursued at extension centers in Pensacola, Jacksonville and Orlando through The Baptist College of Florida. The Bachelor of Christian Ministry degree may be pursued at extension sites and centers in Hialeah and Fort Lauderdale through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s Leavell College.
Master level classes: Students with earned bachelor degrees from a regionally accredited institution can work towards the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Christian Education through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in Pensacola, Graceville, Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami.
Doctoral level seminars: Professional doctoral degrees are offered by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for students who have earned a master of divinity or a master of arts in Christian education.
To decide which program of study might be right for you, contact:
Dr. Jimmy Dukes, BCF and NOBTS, at 407-514-4412
Dr. Charles Harvey, BCF and NOBTS, at 407-514-4412
Dr. Ed Scott, Baptist College of Florida, at 850-415-0564
Dr. David Lema, South Florida, at 305-888-9777
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