Central Baptist Theological Seminary: Academic Freedom in America’s Heartland

During the past year, many Southern Baptists looking for academic freedom in theological education have turned to Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas.

Founded in 1901, Central always has provided a home for responsible intellectual inquiry where Baptist distinctives are held dear. In the 1950s, the school became affiliated with the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A.

In 1993, the institution called long-time American Baptist pastor Thomas E. Clifton to be its ninth president. A dynamic and creative leader, Clifton early recognized a strong link theologically and programmatically with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

In May 1994, while reaffirming Central’s covenant with the American Baptist denomination, Clifton led the school’s board of directors in a vote to express “full support” of the CBF. They also approved the same 15 percent reduced tuition rate for CBF students that American Baptist students receive at the seminary.

In November 1994, the directors amended the school’s bylaws to state that 49 percent of the board’s membership is open to members of other denominations, including the CBF. They also approved a motion stating: “We affirm the growing relationship between Central Baptist Theological Seminary and the CBF and our sense of a common theological heritage. We want to make clear our interest in theological students from CBF churches and financial support to assist in their education.”

Central already has drawn from the CBF to fill board positions, as well as to employ new faculty and administrative staff at the seminary. In addition, many students who are members of CBF churches are now enrolled.

“For any Baptist looking for quality theological education in the Midwest,” Clifton said, “Central stands ready, as we have since 1901.”

Molly Marshall, formerly on faculty at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, joined Central Seminary last summer as visiting professor of theology, spiritual formation and worship. The great-granddaughter of an American Baptist missionary, Marshall described the atmosphere at Central as “open-minded, ecumenical and poised to welcome the 21st century.” She said Central is the site of a “great family reunion between American Baptists and moderate Southern Baptists.”

Elaine Brown, president of the 1995-96 student association at Central and a member of CBF-supportive Holmeswood Baptist Church, Kansas City, Mo., said she chose to attend Central Seminary “because of its openness to women. Everyone here respects my call to ministry and no one tries to change that call.” Brown is a member of the editorial advisory board of Baptists Today, a national newspaper for moderate Baptists.

In November 1995, the executive board of the national Baptist Women in Ministry organization “affirmed and accepted” an invitation from Central to relocate their offices to the seminary’s Kansas City campus. On May 16, the move will be complete and a reception will be held on campus to celebrate this new addition to the seminary community.

Several former Texans have made their home at Central. They include Gayla Sherman, vice president of development and public relations, who is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin; James Hines, academic dean and professor of religious education, who previously was associate professor of religion at Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Texas; Mike Graves, associate professor of homiletics, who is a former pastor of Lone Camp Baptist Church near Fort Worth, Texas; and Larry McKinney, regional director of development and institutional research, a graduate of Texas Tech University in Lubbock whose ancestors established McKinney, Texas.

August 1996