Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 17:2 (Fall 2020)
Article: The NOBTS And Leavell College Of Tomorrow: The Future Of Theological Education
Author: Norris C. Grubbs

JBTM 17:2 (Fall 2020) p. 327

The NOBTS And Leavell College Of Tomorrow:
The Future Of Theological Education

Norris Grubbs, PhD

Norris Grubbs is provost and professor of New Testament and Greek at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Theological education has undergone fundamental changes in recent years, and the pace of change seems to increase year by year. In light of these changes, no one can responsibly predict exactly what theological education will be like in 25–50 years. However, based on the heritage of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) and Leavell College and the initiatives we have begun, we anticipate that the future NOBTS (and perhaps most successful seminaries) will have several key characteristics. Every successful institution has to be driven by its mission, and that will be just as important in the future as now. In addition, successful seminaries will likely be more urban and ethnically diverse, provide flexible learning opportunities, find ways to deal with rising costs, develop partnerships with churches and other educational institutions, and provide more efficient pathways to the traditional degrees.

A Foundation For The Future

Every institution has to deal with an ever-changing environment. NOBTS recently experienced presidential change when Dr. Jamie Dew became the ninth president of our School of Providence and Prayer in June 2019. Successful institutions face challenges with the mission in mind. Dr. Dew led us to articulate the NOBTS and Leavell College mission statement in these words: “NOBTS and Leavell College prepare servants to walk with Christ, proclaim His truth, and fulfill His mission.” The seminary and college will be guided by this mission as we face the future. Each word in this statement was chosen prayerfully and carefully. Everything we do or decide not to do will be decided in part by it. Let us examine the new mission statement in greater detail.

We exist to prepare servants. In Matthew 20, the mother of James and John came to Jesus, bowed down, and requested that he

JBTM 17:2 (Fall 2020) p. 328

would let her sons sit on his right and left in the kingdom. When the other disciples heard about it, they were angry, presumably because they wanted the place of honor (20:24). Jesus responded by teaching the disciples about the nature of his kingdom and the importance of being a servant.

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your ...