KANSAS CITY, Mo – Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College hosted Fall Preview Day on November 4, welcoming a record-breaking number of prospective students and guests on its Kansas City campus.
During the day, attendees met seminary leaders and faculty members, experienced student life through mock lectures and campus tours, and enjoyed one of Kansas City’s most beloved barbecue restaurants at a catered Preview Day luncheon.
“Preview day is always one of my favorite days on the calendar each semester,” said President Allen. “To get to welcome prospective students, show them what it would be like to study at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College, introduce them to our incredible faculty, and answer their questions about theological education is a profound privilege that we take very seriously.”
After a welcome from Vice President of Enrollment Management Camden Pulliam, Allen addressed prospective students on the vision of the seminary and college. He reflected on God’s kindness to the seminary during his ten years in Kansas City and expressed the continued desire to remain for the Church and for the Kingdom.
Mrs. Karen Allen also shared the heart behind the Midwestern Women’s Institute, explaining how this residential program is designed to equip women to serve their families, churches, and communities by providing them with ministry training, spiritual encouragement, and biblical fellowship.
Guests then participated in one of three mock lectures to help simulate the classroom experience for prospective students.
Todd R. Chipman, associate professor of biblical studies and dean of graduate studies, led the first lecture option focusing on New Testament studies.
Jason S. DeRouchie, research professor of Old Testament and biblical theology, led the second lecture option focusing on topics within the Old Testament.
Charles W. Smith, Jr., assistant professor of Christian leadership and senior vice president for institutional relations, led the third lecture option focusing on missional leadership.
Following the mock lectures, attendees gathered to enjoy a Kansas City barbecue luncheon featuring a Q&A with current Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College students.
Prospective students were then grouped together according to degree interests and toured the campus. On the campus tour, guests visited the president’s office and sat down with Dr. and Mrs. Allen to hear more about the seminary and ask questions in a more personal context. College students met with Dean Sam Bierig to discuss their potential degree options and student life experience at Spurgeon College.
Before concluding the day, guests gathered in classrooms for the Cohorts and Pastries event. During this time, students learned about residential cohort options and online learning platforms designed for student success. Cohorts included Accelerate, FTC Cohorts, Fusion, Worship Ministries, and more.
To close the event, Midwestern Seminary staff members expressed their gratitude to all attendees by giving gift bags to each student. To commemorate their Preview Day experience, select individuals also received larger giveaways.
After a day filled with conversations with prospective students, Pulliam commented on the importance of Preview Day, explaining how it helps these students experience Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College “behind the scenes.”
“What an honor to host a record number of attendees at Fall Preview Day,” he said. “This year’s Fall Preview included a new element where we grouped students according to potential cohorts they could join after becoming students at Midwestern Seminary or Spurgeon College. These cohorts included meetings with Fusion leaders, athletics coaches, the Accelerate Director, FTC cohort leaders, and many more.”
He went on to say, “It’s a delight to see so many of our staff and faculty involved, whether through cohort times, mock lectures, or a variety additional settings. Through months of planning and coordination, it is such a joy to come alongside the entire staff on this day. We’re seeing a new generation of men and women come to campus who desire to be trained and equipped for local church ministry and for kingdom advancement in different areas of the marketplace.”
Finally, Pulliam encouraged future students considering the seminary and college to experience life in Kansas City during Preview Day.
He said, “For students who have yet to attend a Preview Day, I would strongly encourage them to come, as this is the best day to see and observe all that the seminary has to offer, and to get a taste of how the Lord might work in one’s life at a place like this. Students often come to preview day and walk away with a new understanding of what a seminary community looks like, and even how the Lord might use them in the future.”
Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College’s next Preview Day is scheduled for the spring semester on April 14. For more information or to register for Spring Preview Day, visit Preview Day – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (mbts.edu)
For those interested in learning more about degree programs at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College, visit Academics – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (mbts.edu)
To apply at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College, visit Apply Now – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (mbts.edu)
