Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO
Quick Facts
“For the Church”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Rapidly growing seminary dedicated to serving the church, preparing leaders for global impact.
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) is a dynamic institution with a clear mission to serve the church by equipping men and women for ministry. Since its official founding by the Southern Baptist Convention, MBTS has been committed to biblical education and fostering discipleship. It's particularly known for its remarkable growth in recent years, transforming into one of the fastest-growing and largest seminaries globally under current leadership.
Established in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1958, MBTS began with a modest start of six faculty members and 136 students. A significant turning point came with the installation of President Jason K. Allen in 2012, who spearheaded a revitalization focused on the enduring vision, "For The Church." This commitment underscores every aspect of the seminary's academic and institutional renewal, aiming to strengthen local churches through robust theological education.
Academically, MBTS is firmly guided by the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, requiring all faculty and administration to affirm its precepts, ensuring a consistent theological foundation. While students are required to be Christians, they are not bound by the same affirmation, fostering a broad yet biblically centered learning environment. The "For The Church" vision extends to student life and resources, including a dedicated website and an annual national conference featuring renowned speakers, enriching the learning experience beyond the classroom. The seminary's significant enrollment growth, from 1,107 to over 3,000 students in just five years, speaks to its increasing appeal and effectiveness in preparing the next generation of Christian leaders.
Key Highlights
- ✦Officially founded by the Southern Baptist Convention on May 29, 1957.
- ✦Experienced rapid growth, almost tripling its size in five years, becoming one of North America's fastest-growing seminaries.
- ✦Enrollment surged from 1,107 students in 2010–2011 to surpassing 3,000 students by 2017–2018.
- ✦Operates under the clear "For The Church" vision, emphasizing theological education's role in strengthening local congregations.
- ✦All faculty and administration are required to affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, ensuring doctrinal consistency.
- ✦Hosts an annual "For The Church" national conference featuring internationally recognized speakers like Matt Chandler, David Platt, and Russell Moore.
- ✦The historic Vivion farmhouse, integral to the original donated property, now serves as the official residence for the seminary's presidential family.
Timeline
Leadership
via WikipediaData from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0
Find Scholarships at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search