KANSAS CITY, Mo—Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College welcomed 225 prospective students and guests to campus for Spring Preview Day on April 12, a new record for Spring Preview Day attendance.
At Preview Day, guests considering degrees at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College toured campus, met President Jason Allen and other key leaders and faculty members, and learned firsthand about the institution’s programs for theological training.
“It was very encouraging to welcome so many prospective students to campus for Preview Day,” said President Jason Allen. “Our Preview Day events are one of the best ways for prospective students and parents to get to know who we are, what we believe, and why Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College are truly remarkable places to study.”
Preview Day began with a word of welcome from institutional leaders and musical worship led by Midwestern Seminary’s North Oak Collective band.
In his welcome, Allen noted the seriousness of one’s seminary or college decision for the future of one’s ministry. He offered three distinctives that ensure the soundness of training afforded at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College: confessional faculty, missional commitment, and cheerful campus culture. Allen also noted that Midwestern Seminary’s faculty are contractually bound to four confessional statements that guarantee students receive an education guided by the truth of God’s Word.
Following Allen’s address, President’s Wife and Director of Midwestern Women’s Institute Karen Allen shared about Midwestern Seminary’s certificate programs for women. The Midwestern Women’s Institute provides community-based theological and biblical training for women, both on campus and online.
During Preview Day’s morning events, participants explored classes, degrees, and cohorts through an array of breakout session options, including a mock lecture taught by Jason DeRouchie, research professor of Old Testament and biblical theology.
Other programs highlighted included biblical counseling, worship ministries, and athletics, all led by key faculty and staff from those areas.
Parents of prospective Spurgeon College students were invited to attend a Q&A panel to learn more about the institution’s initiatives for student success. Zach Salsbury, dean of students and director of student success, moderated the panel, which featured representatives from the offices of Financial Aid, Student Life, and Advising and Student Success.
Additional breakout sessions offered attendees an inside look at degree-specific cohorts.
Guests considering a residential master’s degree heard from a panel of For The Church Cohort leaders about cohort options including Shepherds Fellowship, Biblical Studies, Fusion Master’s, and Women in Ministry and Scholarship. Other featured cohorts included doctoral studies, Global Campus for prospective online students, and the choice of Accelerate, Fusion, or Marketplace cohorts for prospective Spurgeon College students.
Camden Pulliam, senior vice president of Institutional Relations, reflected on the various breakout sessions and the faculty and staff leading them. Pulliam shared, “If a student or parent comes to Preview Day, they will see and hear a love for Jesus and His Church that is contagious.”
The afternoon events gave participants a taste of campus life through a Q&A lunch, campus tour, and meet-and-greet reception in the president’s home.
Participants enjoyed local Kansas City favorite Slaps BBQ while hearing a panel of current students share about their experience at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College. Panelists highlighted the ways they have seen the institution’s For the Church and For the Kingdom mission lived out through caring campus community, professors’ investment, and opportunities for local church involvement.
Commenting on the most enjoyable part of his time at Midwestern Seminary, panelist and master’s student Evan Woodall shared, “There is something really fun about working alongside students who are passionate about God’s Word and talking to professors who are passionate that their students know the Word, love the Word, and grow in their love for God. I leave each class excited for ministry.”
The campus tour highlighted amenities including the Daniel Lee Chapel, Mathena Student Center, Spurgeon Library, and recently renovated undergraduate dormitory.
To conclude the day, the Allen family invited all Preview Day attendees and guests to their home at the Vivion House.
Pulliam noted that welcoming and connecting prospective students to their future professors is one of the joys of Preview Day. “Essentially the entire campus—faculty, staff, and even students—stops their normal schedule and gives their attention to prospective students.”
He went on to say, “We regularly hear Preview Day attendees say they knew from afar that Midwestern Seminary loved the Church, but now they know it personally after meeting everyone here.”
To learn more about Midwestern Seminary’s upcoming Preview Day events, visit mbts.edu/preview.
