Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning associated with the Southern Baptist Convention whose stated mission is "to provide theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry." It is one of the largest seminaries in the world and is accredited by the Association of Theological schoolsand also by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award diploma, master's, and doctoral degrees. The school uses the Baptist Faith and Message as its confession of faith (see also [http://www.collegeview.com/college/collegesearch/keyfacts/index.jsp?scid=5000861 the Southwestern Declaration on Academic and Theological Integrity).

History

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The Seminary, established in 1901, was originally an outgrowth of the theological department of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The school's purpose was to provide trained ministers of the Gospel for America's Western frontiers. In 1905, the department became Baylor Theological Seminary with five professors on the teaching staff. The Baptist General Convention of Texas authorized the separation of the seminary from Baylor University in 1907. At that time, the seminary was renamed Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and was given a separate board of trustees. The seminary was chartered by the State of Texas on March 14, 1908, and functioned on the Waco campus until the summer of 1910.

Several Texas cities made bids to host the new and growing institution and the seminary ultimately accepted the offer made by Fort Worth. In 1925, control of the seminary passed from the Texas convention to the Southern Baptist Convention. From the beginning, the major thrust of the seminary has been to provide theological training for "preachers of the Gospel", majoring on a post-baccalaureate program. Since its founding, the school has served approximately 62,000 students.

Southwestern Seminary is currently administered by a 40-member board of trustees serving staggered terms of office. Board members are elected by the Southern Baptist Convention. Trustees elect faculty members and administrative officers. Financial support is derived from the convention's Cooperative Program, endowment earnings, gifts and student fees.

The picture shows B H Carroll Memorial Hall (named for its founding president), which is the seminary's main administrative building.

Student and faculty

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During the fall 2003 semester, Southwestern enrolled 2,887 students (2,138 of which were full-time). 2,782 of these students identified themselves as Southern Baptists, while 105 identified themselves with one of nearly 30 other evangelical groups and denominations. 2,132 students were male, and 755 were female. Approximately 93% of the student body are graduate students. The 2003 fall graduating class included students from 26 states and 16 foreign countries. They earned 17 diploma degrees, 198 master's degrees and 52 doctorates. Students from 48 states, Washington D.C. and 47 countries are currently enrolled at Southwestern.

The full-time faculty includes 88 individuals and there are also 47 part-time faculty members.

The current president is Paige Patterson

Academics

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Southwestern is divided into six schools, The College, The School of Theology, The School of Educational Ministries, The School of Church Music, The Roy Fish School of Evangelism and Missions, and the Harvard School for Theological Studies in Houston, each with its own faculty and degree programs. The school offers 18 tracks of study in areas such as corporate chaplaincy, Islamic Studies, marriage and family counseling, urban evangelism, and social work.

Former seminary President Kenneth Hemphill explained to Christianity Today in 2001 that "We are a conservative, confessional institution, and we have not found that our accreditation has caused us to compromise our biblical convictions." Furthermore, "We have found accreditation valuable in that it provides accountability for the institution and credibility for those looking for graduate theological work. It is important to have standards of quality."^*

Trivia

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The Carroll Independent School District in northeast Tarrant County is named after B H Carroll's son, who would serve as Tarrant County superintendent of schools.

External links

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• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Universities and colleges affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention | Fort Worth, Texas | Seminaries and theological colleges | Universities and colleges in Texas | Universities and colleges in Dallas | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools | Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada