An M.Div. Program for a Baptist Student

Princeton's got a long history.
Do they allow Baptist's in Princeton's cemetery?

Rob

 

Micah, welcome. Let me begin by apologizing for the slings and arrows you'll be receiving by some of the statements you made as earnest points of qualification. You've done nothing wrong, but some around here will not be kind. I'm sorry for that. That said...

I hope that you are encouraged in your pursuit. What a wonderful thing to be considering seminary. If you're specifically looking for a Baptist background school, two I would recommend, given your theological perspectives, would be Truett (which is right there at Baylor) or Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. Both have reputable faculties and are fine schools. Diversity in education is a good thing so maybe Truett isn't the best fit.

I would also recommend Gordon-Conwell Seminary or, if you're really into travel, Regent Seminary in Vancouver. Obviously you'll want to stay away from the 6 SBC seminaries, and I would also say to stay away from Dallas Theological Seminary since it isn't as charitable as you're hoping for in this search.

A few thoughts on the seminaries you've listed:
Duke Divinity - A fine school, though Presbyterian (I think...or Episcopal.) If you can get in, and desire to do a PhD somewhere reputable, Duke is an outstanding addition to your CV. Perhaps doing an MDiv and ThM there would be most helpful. It is not high on Baptist distinctives though, so that might be an issue.

Mercer Seminary at Macafee - I don't know much about Mercer, but I do know if you're looking for a moderate Baptist seminary this one fits the bill. Between it and Beeson, though, I would choose Beeson.

Princeton Seminary - A solid, historic seminary with the most rigorous program of the bunch. It is Presbyterian (the Log College and all) but very charitable. If you could get in here, and do a quick ThM at Duke after the MDIv, you'd have an outstanding background to begin PhD work.

Fuller Theological Seminary - (I don't know if you meant to keep this together with the one below) Fuller is transitioning from a good seminary to a marginal one imho. I don't recommend it for many because of the increasingly hard left positions of their faculty and leadership. Fuller used to be a great seminary, but it is sliding. Maybe someone else can say a good word about Fuller, but I cannot do it anymore.

Greater Theological Union in San Francisco - I'm unaware of this seminary and cannot offer any good insight.

Candler Seminary at Emory - Candler is a good place, though Methodist, but it is almost too far left to be of any help for a seminarian like yourself. Nice campus and a wonderful theological library, but the program has never impressed me much. The faculty seem too interested in scholarship to the lack of investment in future ministers.


Well I hope that helps. As a note on my background, I am a pastor at a church and have been in vocational ministry for some time now. I have an MDiv from a SBC seminary and a PhD from an Ivy League divinity school. While I don't consider myself theologically moderate (and reject the moniker of liberal that some give me around here...lol) I am charitable towards those who find space to disagree over certain theological issues while enjoying agreement on the essentials.

 

Duke is Methodist.

 

That's right, good catch. Thanks!

 

Wake Forrest and Vanderbilt come to mind.