The Ten Pillars Vision Expands
“Our outstanding faculty will now have the ability to provide ministry preparation in a seminary setting that is based in Houston and is specifically geared for the ministry needs of this great city.” – Robert B. Sloan, Jr., President
Houston Baptist University recently announced the formation of Houston Theological Seminary. Classes for Houston Theological Seminary will begin this fall semester on HBU’s campus, other campuses, as well as online. Students will be able to participate in these classes in multiple ways by pursuing their Master of Divinity degree or by attending in a not-for-credit capacity.
“HBU has long emphasized the importance of ministry preparation, and we are pleased to add the Master of Divinity to our other graduate programs. Our outstanding faculty will now have the ability to provide ministry preparation in a seminary setting that is based in Houston and is specifically geared for the ministry needs of this great city,” said President Robert Sloan.
The seminary will feature innovative programs designed to train pastors for the needs in the 21st century. Resourcing distinguished experience of local church leaders and the unique and diversified scholarship of professors, ministry programs at Houston Theological Seminary will be distinctive and reflect scholarship highly applicable for ministry. “We are excited about the opportunity to impact our community and nation for Christ through the training of ministers in an educational setting where students will have excellent theoretical and practical experiences,” said HBU Provost Cynthia Simpson.
Houston Theological Seminary and the Master of Divinity program will feature professors internationally known for their research and teaching. Dean of The School of Christian Thought Dr. Craig Evans, is the John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins. Dr. Evans’ primary teaching focus is New Testament and background to the New Testament. He has published more than 600 scholarly studies, including more than 70 books. Among the first classes to be offered in Houston Theological Seminary will be Dr. Evans’ course on defending the Bible.
Degrees offered through Houston Theological Seminary will include Master of Arts degrees in Apologetics, Biblical Languages, Christian Leadership, Theological Studies, and the Master of Divinity. Programs will be offered both for graduate credit and in a not-for-credit format across Houston, and will vary depending on the campus. Among the locations, Houston Theological Seminary will be offering classes at the Woodway campus of Second Baptist Church.
Dr. Ben Young will serve as the director for those individuals pursing the MDiv at the Woodway campus. Young is an author, speaker, and associate pastor at Second Baptist Church where he preaches each week at a contemporary worship service. Ben has written six books including his most recent release, “Why Mike’s Not a Christian: Honest Questions about Evolution, Relativism, Hypocrisy, and More.”
HBU has a long, reputable history of theological excellence and has faithfully followed its mission of providing a learning experience that instills in students a passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence as a result of its central confession, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Since the beginning, the study of Christianity has been part of HBU’s curriculum. For more information about the programs offered visit HC.edu/HTS and you can apply for graduate programs at HC.edu/grad or call 281-649-3383.
