KANSAS CITY, Mo—At Spring Preview Day on April 11, Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College welcomed more than 200 prospective students and guests, the highest number of prospective students to attend a Preview Day in the institution’s history.
Accompanied by family and guests, participants considering theological education toured campus, met professors and leaders, and gained insight into how Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College can equip them for their calling.
“Preview Day is one of the most important days on our institutional calendar,” said President Jason Allen. “There is no better way for prospective students to come to campus in order to learn what it would be like to be a student at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College. I was very encouraged to have a record number of guests this past Friday, not simply for numbers’ sake, but to see the faces of all the potential students we might get to equip and mentor. There has never been a better time to be a student here.”
Preview Day began with musical worship led by North Oak Collective and a word of welcome from Allen.
Reading from 1 Corinthians 1:18–31, Allen encouraged prospective students, along with their parents and spouses, to consider the decision of where to attend seminary or college as an investment in their calling.
“Whether you are a marketplace-oriented student with local church service in your heart but not at the front of your mind for your future, or whether you are rapidly trying to get to the mission field or the local church as quickly as possible, you should think in terms of calling and investment,” Allen said, adding, “The Christian life is the life of calling. We’re called to Christ. What we will do vocationally comes in the category of calling as well.”
Allen encouraged parents and students to investigate an institution’s beliefs, mission, and culture when considering whether to train there. He highlighted Midwestern Seminary’s purpose to serve Southern Baptist churches and its commitment to four confessional statements that ensure biblical doctrine in the classroom.
Following Allen’s address, President’s Wife and Director of Midwestern Women’s Institute Karen Allen shared about Midwestern Women’s Institute and its programs to equip women for discipleship in their churches and families.
Building on these encouragements, the morning events went on to feature two sessions focused on preparing students for successful theological training.
Donald Whitney, professor of biblical spirituality and John H. Powell Professor of Pastoral Ministry, led a session for master’s and doctoral-level participants, where he gave practical wisdom for investing in one’s spiritual growth amid the demands of seminary and ministry.
Meanwhile, Dean of Spurgeon College Samuel Bierig spoke to prospective Spurgeon College students about preparing to serve God’s Kingdom in any vocational call. He was joined by a panel of current Spurgeon College students for a conversation on cultivating spiritual disciplines in college.
The second half of the morning featured breakout sessions exploring the institution’s academic offerings. Prospective students could choose to hear from professors on subject areas including biblical counseling, worship ministries, business leadership, and graphic design.
Participants could also attend breakouts to learn firsthand about the institution’s cohort communities for each level, including For the Church Cohorts, Global Campus, doctoral studies, Accelerate, and Fusion.
Parents of prospective Spurgeon College students could choose to attend a panel led by Zachary Salsbury, dean of students and student success, to learn more about academic advising and financial aid.
Reflecting on the aim of the morning’s sessions, Vice President of Enrollment Management Hayden Summerhill said, “We’re hoping to help prospective students think through what it looks like to succeed, to be more Christlike, and to be more prepared for their lives and calling on the back end of a degree program at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College.”
The afternoon gave participants a taste of campus life through a Q&A lunch, campus tour, and meet-and-greet with the president.
Participants enjoyed local Kansas City favorite Slaps BBQ while hearing firsthand from current students and staff members about the relationship of campus and local church life.
“We want everyone to be invested and engaged in their local church, and to see the local church operate at its highest function in caring for students. It’s a win in both places,” said Tim Adams, director of student life and events.
Addy Wierck, a second-year communications student at Spurgeon College, shared that a campus event during her first Welcome Week connected her with the local church she now attends.
Reflecting on the spiritual vibrancy of campus, she added, “No matter what degree programs we’re pursuing, we all have one commonality, and that’s our love for the Lord and our pursuit of being for the local church and growing as faithful disciples. It’s a sweet and rich community.”
After lunch, prospective students joined staff and current students to explore campus life firsthand through a tour featuring the chapel, Spurgeon Library, campus housing, and the student center.
To conclude the day, the President and Mrs. Allen hosted guests for an ice cream reception in the Mathena Student Center. Prospective students also had an opportunity to connect with representatives of academic programs, student success, and financial aid to receive answers to any final questions as the day concluded.
Summerhill reflected on the encouragement of the day, saying, “We had the largest Preview Day in Midwestern Seminary history, but the best parts of the day were the quality and excitement of the prospective students. We were blessed to have so many guests, especially of the next generation, who are looking to live their lives for the Church and for the Kingdom.”
To learn more about Midwestern Seminary’s upcoming preview events, visit mbts.edu/preview.
