Theological education classes set to start in August

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Fall theological education classes will now be offered at the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

Both the Baptist College of Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary will call the new Jacksonville Extension Center home as it becomes a center of theological education in Northeast Florida.

The extension center relocated this summer within the city from the Florida Baptist Convention’s property in San Marco to the First Baptist Church location downtown.

“This will be a great opportunity for a great church to impact Southern Baptist life through theological training,” said Charles Harvey, associate director of the Florida Baptist Convention’s Theological Education and Distance Learning Department. “The pastor at First Baptist Church, Mac Brunson, is very excited about the opportunity to be a center of ministerial training.”

Previous to this, the church had begun training its leadership through the Biblical Ministry Certificate program.

Degree programs offered will be the Associate, Bachelor, and Masters.

Florida theological education classes begin the week of Aug. 18. Centers are set up strategically around the state to allow every person the opportunity for educational training for ministry. Online courses have been set up to allow students to not only attend classes but to study via the internet at The Baptist College of Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

“It is not too late to take advantage and sign up,” said Harvey. “Florida Baptists have every opportunity through Southern Baptist programs while staying in Florida.”

Certificate programs are being set up throughout the state. Churches and associations are utilizing the opportunity by providing theological education to those called into special ministry and the membership of churches.

The Church Leadership Certificate program offers multiple certificates to train and develop leaders for service in the church. This program is designed as a springboard for students to move forward in theological education. The courses are transferable into the associate degree at The Baptist College of Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. To take advantage of this program, call Charles Harvey at 407-514-4412 or email him at charlesharvey@flbaptist.org.

The Florida Baptist Convention is committed to offering quality theological education within range of every person in the state. Listed below are the offerings for the Fall. For further information, please call 407-514-4412.