Southeastern Seminary professors bring the classroom to Virginia churches

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Southeastern Seminary and the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia partnered last week to provide pastors and church leaders throughout Virginia with seminary-level training close to home.

“Seminary for a Day with the SBCV was an excellent opportunity for pastors to be refreshed on biblical, theological, and missional themes that are relevant for their local church ministry,” shared Benjamin Quinn, associate professor of theology and history of ideas at the seminary, who led one of last week’s training sessions in Danville, Virginia.

Supplying biblical and theological training to Virginia churches, Southeastern sent five of its faculty to teach throughout the week on topics related to pastoral ministry, biblical theology, and the task of the Great Commission. This four-day initiative offered local church leaders the opportunity to connect with and learn from seminary professors at six locations throughout the state.

“The vision of Seminary for a Day is to take seminary-level equipping and training to churches in every region of the Commonwealth,” noted John Sharp, director of church engagement and mobilization for the Virginia convention. “It flows from the heart of the SBCV to come alongside every local church and pastor to help them engage the lost and make disciples among their neighbors and the nations.”

“The SBCV and SEBTS share this common vision of coming alongside the local church to encourage and equip Christian leaders,” added Sharp. “Our shared value of the authority of Scripture and the teaching of biblical truth facilitates a beautiful partnership for this to take place.”

As a Great Commission seminary, Southeastern is committed to ministry preparation in partnership with the local church. By equipping students and church leaders with biblical and theological training, the school aims to strengthen local churches to hold fast to God’s word and cultivate a disciple-making culture that mobilizes Christians to live on mission. That is why Southeastern was delighted to partner with the SBCV in these strategic training efforts for local church ministry.

“I always enjoy leaving the proverbial ivory tower and connecting with people who are laboring in gospel ministry at the street level,” shared George Robinson, professor of global disciple making at Southeastern, who also taught during one of last week’s events.

“I had the opportunity to connect with over 50 pastors and church leaders from southeastern Virginia and talk about creating a culture of evangelism and disciple making to lead their churches in being on mission with God,” recounted Robinson. “I’m truly grateful for this partnership with the SBCV.”

Designed to give local churches time to learn from and interact with professors, the Seminary for a Day initiative also offered professors an opportunity to encourage and hear from church leaders about their everyday ministry challenges and opportunities.

“It was refreshing for us as professors to understand better the on-the-ground realities and challenges facing pastors and church leaders today,” commented Quinn. “I pray more of these events emerge, allowing professors and pastors to work more closely together for the further equipping of the saints for the work of ministry.”

Events like the Seminary for a Day initiative foster a vital connection between the seminary and local churches, enabling the school to tailor resources and training for church leaders in various ministry regions. Southeastern looks forward to ongoing partnerships with the Virginia convention and other state conventions, which offer exciting opportunities to work together in equipping local churches to fulfill the Great Commission.

To find out more about how Southeastern can partner with your church, association, or convention visit sebts.edu/churchleaders.