Beeson Divinity School was born in early 1988. Lauded as an experiment in theological education, we were the first interdenominational divinity school at a Baptist university in the United States. Even with a generous endowment by Ralph Waldo Beeson and a visionary founding dean in Dr. Timothy George, those who began the school believed that “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). From the start, then, we were founded squarely on prayer and deep faith in the God who holds the future.
By the grace and mercy of God, Beeson has quickly become one of the best seminaries in the world. It is superbly designed to offer rigorous academics in a godly community of servants of Jesus Christ and His church. I cannot think of a better place to grow in discipleship, Christ-like maturity and fruitfulness in ministry than here.
Significant anniversaries like this one give us the occasion to remember the past and to peer into the future.
We remember those people who labored to get Beeson off the ground to become a training place for ministers of the gospel. We remember God’s faithfulness in bringing us faculty, staff and students. We remember with gratitude Mr. Beeson’s endowment, which made Hodges Chapel, faculty chairs and student scholarships possible. We remember faculty, staff and alumni who have now gone on to be with the Lord.
In 35 years, there have been many changes. Our buildings have changed. Our faculty and staff have changed. We’ve even changed deans! Several of our degree programs and curricula have changed. Our marketing and communication materials have changed. Our technology has changed.
But what has not changed in 35 years are our convictions.
Beeson’s mission is still to train God-called men and women for ministry in the church of Jesus Christ. We remain steadfast in our Christian convictions expressed in the authoritative Word of God as taught and proclaimed throughout the best of church history. We also remain convinced that the best model for theological education is in-person, face-to-face, with a great deal of mentorship, fellowship, corporate prayer and worship. These convictions are rooted in our commitment to the Lord and the service of His people.
And yet conviction without charity is, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “a noisy gong or clanging cymbal.” Thus, we at Beeson Divinity School are still committed to loving one another well and treating each other with respect even in our disagreements.
Conviction and charity—these two words best encapsulate the Christian, covenanted community that is Beeson Divinity School. These have been the characteristics of Beeson since 1988, and these are the characteristics we will continue to carry into the future.
Speaking of the future, and while I have you on the line, let me share with you a word about a few of the things we think the Lord is leading us to do in our next season of service to His people.
During the past two years, we have hired three outstanding new faculty members: Dr. Gordon Bals, who teaches pastoral counseling; Dr. Josh Chatraw, our new Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and Cultural Engagement; and Dr. Jonathan Linebaugh, our Anglican Chair of Divinity. They have quickly become beloved members of our community. All are planning great new classes and preaching and teaching off campus as well. Please look them up online, invite them to your churches and be blessed like we are with their ministries.
During the next several months, we’re launching three new degree programs: a PhD for pastors in “Theology for the Church” (the first research doctoral program in Samford’s 182-year history); a ThM that will function both as an on-ramp for PhD students and a capstone degree for those who have MDivs but want more classes in Bible, theology and ministry; and an MA in Christian Counseling, which will prepare students for ministries on church staffs and in Christian clinics. Please help us spread the word.
This year we’re also engaged in a regular review of our MDiv program. And we’re hiring two new Hebrew and Old Testament professors. Please keep these items in your prayers!
One of my goals as dean is to reduce the cost of a Beeson education while maintaining our high academic and spiritual standards. If the Lord will enable it, I’d love to move us toward a day when we offer full-ride scholarships to most students at Beeson. We ask our students to make sacrifices that many other seminaries do not require, namely that they move to Birmingham to prepare for ministry with us in person and that they make their time with us their full-time job. Again, we believe that in-person theological education is the best way to prepare for pastoral ministry. Our scholarship goal is truly ambitious. We’ve made large strides toward this goal this year. But much remains to be done. Please pray with and for us as we raise more money for our students.
If any of this excites you, would you prayerfully consider partnering with us in the Lord’s work at Beeson? You can do so by praying, attending events, sending us students and giving. Drop me a line at dsweeney@samford.edu or visit our website.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Please pray with us that God will use our labors to develop this school for His glory. Thank you.
Douglas A. Sweeney, Dean