With a goal of providing degree options which cultivate a Christian lifestyle, offer instruction in classical theological disciplines, and develop the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary for women’s ministry, Midwestern Seminary introduced two women’s ministry concentrations on May 31.
In another academically-related move, the school named a new director of its residential Ph.D. program known as “The Residency.”
Women’s Ministry Concentrations Announced
Beginning immediately, students studying at Midwestern Seminary for a Master of Divinity degree can earn a concentration in women’s ministry, and those working toward degrees through the Midwestern Training Network can obtain a Master of Theological Studies with an emphasis in women’s ministry.
“The main impetus for Midwestern Seminary in offering these degree concentrations is to more fully serve the local church, specifically in the area of women’s ministry,” said President Jason Allen. “If our goal is to develop and maintain strong local churches, then that means we must properly educate and train members for service in each distinctive ministry within the church.
“Women have long-served vital areas within the local church and played key roles in spreading the gospel. These concentrations will afford them the opportunity to develop their God-given spiritual gifts and abilities to an even fuller extent.”
While each student will work through the traditional core courses for a M.Div. or a MTS degree, the new concentrations will focus on specific practicum courses related to women’s ministry. These include courses such as a Biblical Womanhood Practicum, Women’s Ministry Internship, Women’s Discipleship Practicum, Women’s Evangelism and Missions Practicum, and Age Group Ministry.
In all, the M.Div. with Women’s Ministry concentration will take 90 credit-hours to complete and the MTS with Women’s Ministry Emphasis will be a 45-credit hour degree.
Speaking to the new women’s ministry concentrations, Provost Jason Duesing noted, “The addition of focused avenues of study for women’s ministry is something we’ve been working to add to Midwestern’s programs for several semesters.
“I am thankful for the team of students, faculty, and deans that worked to provide input and recommendations that are seen in these new concentrations. Midwestern Seminary is a wonderful place for women to receive training for the church.”
To register for the M.Div. with Women’s Ministry concentration or the MTS with Women’s Ministry Emphasis, visit mbts.edu/womensministry.
Strachan Named Director of The Residency
In other academic news, Midwestern Seminary announced that due to the significant growth within its Doctoral Studies Program, Owen Strachan has been named director of The Residency, Ph.D. program.
Strachan, who will officially assume the role on August 1, also serves as associate professor of Christian theology and director of the Center of Public Theology.
“At Midwestern Seminary, we’re seeing unprecedented growth in our Doctoral Studies Program, including our residential Ph.D. program, The Residency,” Allen said. “I can’t be more pleased to announce Dr. Owen Strachan’s oversight of this vital track of study.
“Dr. Strachan, as a mentor to this next generation of Christian academicians, will inject great energy and expertise into the lives of these students. They, in turn, will come away from here on a trajectory of study that qualifies them specifically for a future in theological education or Christian higher education, which will, in turn, benefit the local church as well.”
The Residency, which began in the fall semester of 2017, is intended to provide students an experiential context of campus life for immediate application of their academic training. The program serves Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) students who have the freedom to pursue their degree within the community of Midwestern Seminary’s Kansas City campus.
Allen noted that the program combines the best aspects of the American Ph.D. program and the traditional United Kingdom doctoral model by merging independent advanced theological research with cohort-based mentorship and oversight by adding regular, intensive engagement with faculty and other theological leaders within the everyday rhythm of the unique on-campus ministry culture of Midwestern Seminary.
Strachan noted that God is moving in an incredible way at Midwestern Seminary, especially in the school’s Doctoral Studies Program, and he’s ready to take the program’s reins.
“I am beyond excited to lead the Residency,” Strachan said. “In an age when many seminaries are paring their residential programs, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Allen, MBTS is investing in personal ministry training with a vengeance.
“This is what I’m in it for: to train churchmen, leaders, pastor-theologians, and scholars for the over-spilling glory of God. We will have numerous facets of the Residency to announce in coming months. For now, I can say that we will feature theological discipleship, regular mentoring, select teaching and publishing opportunities, and a spirit of unfettered exultation in the life of the Christian mind for the church’s upbuilding.”
Midwestern Seminary’s Provost, Jason Duesing, lauded Strachan’s selection to lead The Residency, saying, “Having Dr. Strachan give attention now to The Residency, Ph.D. Program is like having Steph Curry on hand to coach your college basketball team. For these students to have regular access to a theologian like Dr. Strachan, who is critically engaged in his field, is an educational experience that few have in some of the most well-known Ph.D. programs.”
For students interested in learning more about The Residency at Midwestern Seminary, visit mbts.edu/theresidency, or contact Mindy Akright in the Doctoral Office at makright@mbts.edu.
