KANSAS CITY, Mo—Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College hosted Spring Preview Day and Spring Picnic on April 14, welcoming hundreds of participants to its Kansas City campus.
Preview Day attendees met seminary leaders and faculty members, experienced student life through mock lectures and campus tours, and enjoyed one of Kansas City’s popular barbecue restaurants at a catered Preview Day luncheon.
“Preview Day is always one of my favorite days of the year,” said President Jason Allen. “It is a day of excitement where we get to welcome potential students to campus and introduce them to what it is like to study and be equipped at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College. This Preview Day was a great success, and I am very thankful for all who came and for all who helped us pull it off.”
As the day began, participants gathered in the banquet hall for a welcome from institutional leaders. Allen addressed students on what makes Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College unique, reflecting on three specific distinctives: conviction, community, and stewardship. He shared how participants can experience these distinctives not only on Preview Day, but every day as a student at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College.
The President’s Wife and Director of Midwestern Women’s Institute Karen Allen also shared during the welcome event about the seminary’s residential certificate program for equipping women.
Guests were then invited to join one of four mock lectures from Midwestern Seminary faculty members. The lectures were designed to help simulate the classroom experience for prospective students.
Andrew King, assistant dean of Spurgeon College and professor of biblical studies, lectured on the Old Testament; James Kragenbring, assistant professor of business and Christian studies, lectured on economics; Matthew Barrett, professor of Christian theology, lectured on theology; and Joe Allen III, assistant professor of missions, lectured on evangelism and missions.
Following the mock lectures, attendees gathered to enjoy a barbecue luncheon featuring a Q&A with current Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College students.
During the afternoon, staff members led participants on campus tours, featuring a first look at the newly renovated Spurgeon College dormitory. Guests also joined Dr. and Mrs. Allen in the president’s office 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 an event titled, Cohort Convos. During this time, students learned about residential cohort options and online learning platforms designed for student success. Featured Cohort Convos included For The Church Cohorts, Spurgeon College, Fusion, Fusion Masters, Accelerate, Global Campus, and Doctoral Studies.
To commemorate Preview Day, Midwestern Seminary staff members expressed their gratitude by giving gift bags to each prospective student and larger giveaways to select participants.
Vice President of Enrollment Management Camden Pulliam commented on the value of Preview Day. He said, “Preview Day is unique because students and parents not only experience various aspects of the school, but they get to know other students and parents, which builds bonds that may last the rest of their lives, Lord willing!”
Pulliam also invited those considering seminary or college to experience life in Kansas City during Preview Day. “Future students should come to Preview Day because you see all aspects of the school, you meet many professors, and the entire school is prepared to engage your questions.”
He went on to say, “Additionally, because the day is not only geared towards learning about Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College but also towards helping young leaders discover their calling, current ministry leaders should consider bringing groups of young leaders from their churches.”
Spring Picnic
Following Preview Day, guests joined the Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College community for the annual Spring Picnic.
This year’s Spring Picnic featured fun activities for all ages, including the student versus faculty/staff wiffle ball game, free dinner and dessert, an exotic petting zoo, carnival games, live music, giveaways, and more.
Tim Adams, director of Student Life, led the seminary’s efforts to organize another successful and fun-filled evening for all ages.
Reflecting on the importance of events such as these, Adams said, “I think the Spring Picnic is such a welcomed break during the semester. Hosting the Spring Picnic gives everyone the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and gather as a community for fun and fellowship!”
He continued, “Planning and execution for the Spring Picnic falls mainly on the shoulders of our amazing Assistant Director of Student Life, Kristen Lanier. Our Student Leaders also play a vital role in making the execution of the event possible. They are all an amazing bunch of servant-hearted leaders!”
Looking Forward
Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College will host Online Preview Day on May 18. To register for the event, visit Online Preview Day – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (mbts.edu). To learn more about Fall Preview Day, visit Preview Day – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (mbts.edu).
For those interesting 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 or Spurgeon College, visit Apply Now – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (mbts.edu).
