Published November 6, 2017
Dr. Lytle Answers Top Questions
CSU’s first seminary courses were offered in 1972 for the purpose of training male college graduates to enter or grow their effectiveness in the field of pastoral ministry. This purpose has expanded, as BBS now offers a number of degrees that are beneficial to a wider set of careers and ministries filled by both men and women.
BBS is well known as a seminary that provides sound and rigorous academic and ministry training. But beyond academics, at its core, a seminary education is a deep study of the unfailing Word of God. Studying the God-breathed message to humanity in a deep way through seminary education is something we believe should be open to all of His children. That’s why women are encouraged to study at Baptist Bible Seminary.
Since change breeds questions, I’ll be happy to answer a few of them here. If you have additional questions, please reach out to me (jlytle@ClarksSummitU.edu)
or Seminary Dean Dr. Lee Kliewer (lkliewer@ClarksSummitU.edu).
Why is this being done now? Why not sooner?
You may have heard the saying, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Consider this tree now planted.
Are we now encouraging women to be pastors?
Of course not. If you know CSU, you know we are committed to the biblical design of male pastoral leadership in churches taught in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
What types of ministries would a woman pursue that may require a seminary degree?
You’ll see women in another article who are successfully engaging in ministry of all kinds. In addition to studying theology for personal growth, women (and men!) can become better equipped to accurately handle the Scriptures as part of many other careers. Just a few of these would be:
- leading Bible study
- developing church and school curricula
- counseling
- speaking
- teaching
- writing and editing books
- translating the Bible
Why educate women in higher theology if they’re not going to be pastors?
Exegesis based in capable use of biblical languages, perceptive grasp of the nuances of theology and understanding of the biblical text are skills required in many ministries. These skills are not limited to pastoral calling. Where would the Ephesian church have been if Priscilla and her husband Aquila had not explained the way of God more accurately to Apollos? Studying the Bible—through a seminary or not—is not only an academic pursuit; it’s a command from God to all people, both male and female. Seminary gets the study process moving more quickly!
What programs are open to women?
Women are welcome to pursue any of the five master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees offered at BBS. The programs are customized to fit the ministries they are in or will be entering.
Is this simply a move to boost enrollment?
No, but I hope it has that effect. More graduates from BBS means more people sharing the gospel responsibly and teaching the truth thoughtfully across the United States and around the world. The seminary already has a healthy enrollment, and we expect it to continue to grow as God leads people to BBS who are passionate about studying deep theology and ministry.
When can women begin enrolling?
Women are welcome to apply at any time at Discover.ClarksSummitU.edu. Incoming students can enter any of the five eight-week master’s degree sessions offered online throughout the year, or they can pursue a doctoral degree in an enhanced online format.
Dr. Jim Lytle (’77, ’81, ’84) is a three-time CSU alumnus and the
university’s 10th president
