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Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary

Discussion in 'Baptist Colleges & Seminaries' started by mjohnson7, Jan 28, 2013.

  1. mjohnson7

    mjohnson7 Member

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    How is MABTS's PhD program regarded with regard to rigor, academic quality, etc?

    I know their policies on divorce, etc. Please don't rehash that. Just would like some insights into the "academy's" general perception of them.
     
  2. Crabtownboy

    Crabtownboy Well-Known Member
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    Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary Accrediation

    Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the recognized regional accrediting body in the eleven U.S. Southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master, or doctoral degrees. Information on the status of Mid-America's accreditation may be obtained from the Commission on Colleges by calling 404-679-4500 or by writing to the SACS home office, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA, 30033.

    In addition, the Northeast Branch is also accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and registered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York. The Master of Divinity degree is registered with the Board of Regents as the Master of Divinity in Divinity (HEGIS #2301.10). The Certificate Program is registered with the Board of Regents as the Certificate in Ministry Preparation (HEGIS #5623.00). The Associate Program is registered with the Board of Regents as the Associate of Applied Science in Pastoral Ministries (HEGIS #5623.00).
     
  3. mjohnson7

    mjohnson7 Member

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    Thank you, but I understand accreditation, and copying and pasting the fact that MABTS is accredited by SACS does not answer the question I asked. Yes, I am aware they do not hold ATS accreditation, nor is their a likelihood that they'll pursue it anytime soon.

    Does anyone know how they're regarded in the academic community and I'll add the Southern Baptist community at large?
     
  4. 12strings

    12strings Active Member

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    I'm not sure, but Mid-American is not a southern Baptist Seminary...Midwestern is.
     
  5. Greektim

    Greektim Well-Known Member

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    Think it is associated w/ the Tennessee branch of the SBC. So it is SBC but not 1 of the 6 funded by the convention.
     
    #5 Greektim, Jan 29, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2013
  6. mjohnson7

    mjohnson7 Member

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    Oh come on fellas.....no, Mid-America isn't SBC with regard to being supported by cooperative dollars, but per their faculty requirements, faculty must be members in good standing of "Southern Baptist churches". Dr. Allison founded MABTS when liberalism still permeated the big six to be conservative, biblical educational resource to SOUTHERN BAPTIST churches.

    In that sense it is Southern Baptist. 95% of its grads minister in SBC churches.

    Please, everyone, assume that I know they have SACS accreditation and that they are not "technically" Southern Baptist and just answer the question I asked.
     
  7. 12strings

    12strings Active Member

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    oops, sorry. I didn't know this...I just know what the "6" are...sorry for the mis-information.
     
  8. mjohnson7

    mjohnson7 Member

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    12Stings, I apologize if I came across harshly. I was quite frustrated with some other things when I replied. Thanks for trying to help.
     
  9. 12strings

    12strings Active Member

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    No problem...I guess my only helpful answer would be that, after attending SBTS and working in an SBC Church in Southern Indiana for 5 years, I've never heard anything either good or bad about this seminary.
     
  10. Greektim

    Greektim Well-Known Member

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    Lemme ask this, what area of their PhD program are you wanting to study under? For example, I didn't see much in the NT department, at least not by way of faculty.

    Then look at their faculty and see how they stack up. Is there inbreeding going on (just check... oh yeah, most of their faculty got their MDiv and PhD from MABTS)? Are they well published in journals and books? Do they have a reputation outside of their own school? And don't be afraid to ask the school themselves. Choosing the right PhD program is not something taken lightly over a quick survey on the internet. It may take years before someone narrows dissertation topics as well as choosing the best place to study.
     
    #10 Greektim, Jan 31, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 31, 2013
  11. mjohnson7

    mjohnson7 Member

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    Greektim, thank you for the insights. Clearly, MABTS is a seminary that uses its own grads overwhelmingly often (especially when considering their size). I know that is a very valid concern.

    What are your thoughts for it for someone whose desire really is the pastorate (practical theology or historical theology) but feels pastors need more rigor i.e. scholar/pastor?
     
  12. Greektim

    Greektim Well-Known Member

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    If that is your desire (and that is a very noble one that I greatly appreciate), then their program might be right up your alley. It seems a bit shorter than most despite the number of credits they require. There is really only 8 major/minor seminars (4 credits each) along w/ a 16 credit dissertation and a few research seminars. So it is quite manageable.
     
  13. mjohnson7

    mjohnson7 Member

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    Greektim, thank you for the insights.
     
  14. Marooncat79

    Marooncat79 Well-Known Member
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    I was at Mabts from 86-89, and still know many of the faculty. Most of the info here is correct. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will tell you.

    I will say that when I went to MABTS that I really needed a school like MABTS.

    There are some good things about it

    Bill

    Romans 5:1
     
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