Prominent evangelical seminary cuts staff

[gb93433]

Posted on Jan 15, 2009 | by Staff LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)--Southern Baptist

Theological Seminary, in response to the national economic downturn, has reduced its administrative staff by 35 positions: 20 full-time and 15 part-time, effective Jan. 30.

Each person will receive a severance package, including placement assistance, according to a Jan. 15 news release from the seminary.

The rest of the story is at http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29663

 

[preachinjesus]

Always sad to see this regardless of the institution.

These are times that are indeed difficult for us all.

 

[gb93433]

Always sad to see this regardless of the institution.

These are times that are indeed difficult for us all.

There are some who benefit though. Actually all should benefit to a degree. Hopefully materialism and credit abuse will come to die.

When I started the business I recently quit, it was during a time when unemployment was huge and inflation outrageous. However it was the best time for me in terms of business. I did a lot of work for rich people and they buy things during tough times.

People who are highly skilled will have work when others do not. Times like this tend to bring out those who have sought to do their best. It brings out those who are great employees and leaders and put down the complainers.

 

[TomVols]

I lost my staff position at SBTS in the mid 90s. This kind of thing happens a lot.

 

[LeBuick]

I would think the alumni would step up somehow?

 

[gb93433]

I would think the alumni would step up somehow?

Who stepped up when Dr. Klouda was told to leave SWBTS simply because she was a woman?

 

[Plain Old Bill]

Seems to me these 35 men need to sit down and figure out where they are going start their new seminary. Lemonade.

 

[TomVols]

These people are likely support individuals, so they wouldn't start a new seminary.

 

[tank1976]

These people are likely support individuals, so they wouldn't start a new seminary.

That may be true, but it was a good idea. :thumbsup:

 

[Jerome]

"nearly $6 million new Welcome Center. The new building will incorporate a large Alumni Room, welcome center and lounge with theater, and a new cafeteria. The structure will be the formal entrance for visitor’s on campus with a columned circular driveway and a domed roof whose profile will form a new logo for the school."

 

[gb93433]

"nearly $6 million new Welcome Center.

Ever notice how little most began with and how good of a job they did until they had much more and then floundered.

 

[TomVols]

Buildings & budgets have always been a benchmark of seminaries. That didn't start with Mohler, trust me. The Honeycutt Center at SBTS was considered a waste by some, but you didn't dare question that regime at SBTS. Now, that same ilk throw stones at Mohler if a box of paper clips is purchased.

 

[TomVols]

That may be true, but it was a good idea. :thumbsup:

Nah. Then again, a very good seminary in East TN would be a good idea, though SBTS has an extension campus in the southern part of metro Knoxville.

 

[gb93433]

What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use -- men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men -- men of prayer.

--E. M. Bounds

 

[dan e.]

I would think the alumni would step up somehow?

after all that money I ALREADY paid them?!!! You're crazy!

 

[Revmitchell]

Who stepped up when Dr. Klouda was told to leave SWBTS simply because she was a woman?

Really? Seems like you could make a more honest statement.

 

[gb93433]

Really? Seems like you could make a more honest statement.

Enlighten us. Correct my dishonesty then.

 

[StefanM]

I would think the alumni would step up somehow?

Seminary alumni, with a few prominent exceptions, generally don't have resources to donate much to their alma mater.

The economic downturn is hurting churches, too. The pastors of these churches may also be facing salary reductions, etc.

 

[gb93433]

Seminary alumni, with a few prominent exceptions, generally don't have resources to donate much to their alma mater.

The economic downturn is hurting churches, too. The pastors of these churches may also be facing salary reductions, etc.

The average salary of a starting pastor is much more than a starting professor at the seminary with a doctorate.

 

[StefanM]

The average salary of a starting pastor is much more than a starting professor at the seminary with a doctorate.

It doesn't mean that a pastor is going to have any significant funds to give back to the school. Some can, but others may not have the resources. Pastors often have to cover their own health insurance, retirement, and provide for their families.

Seminaries generally don't have the luxury of having alumni as VPs of Fortune 500 companies or as successful doctors or lawyers.