This fall, Liberty University will begin a fresh season of ministry and theological training as we launch the Liberty Theological Seminary. Many will recall that a “seminary” is not new to Liberty University. In 1973, under the leadership of our founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary held its first classes at Thomas Road Baptist Church. Liberty has continually trained leaders for the church and its sending ministries through its seminary programs for over 50 years.
While there may be many reasonable questions as to the meaning and timing of this launch, the single most important question is: Why do we need a seminary?
Since Genesis 3, God has been working out His redemptive plan in a fallen world. That is the Gospel story. Knowing Him is the most transformational relationship any human being can have. However, our culture continues to run from that Gospel story and foster ideological worldviews opposed to the Gospel we are called to proclaim. The body of Christ has been commissioned to make disciples and, in that, prepare all Christians to live out a Christian worldview. Transformation of our culture, churches, families, and nation will start as Christians faithfully obey God’s command to disciple the nations. It is because of this need for transformation training that we are launching Liberty Theological Seminary. We need a new breed of leaders who understand the culture and how the church can lead each city and community to respond to the Gospel story. The designation of “seminary” more accurately reflects the purpose of our school, which is training men and women for leadership ministry positions.
Liberty Theological Seminary, housed under the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, is committed to sending out leaders committed to the Gospel and its power to transform our culture, churches, families, and nation one person at a time, one family at a time, one church at a time.
Liberty Theological Seminary will echo the original heartbeat of the university’s early seminary program by placing a high priority on biblical exegesis, cultural insight, and practical leadership application. Students will be trained not only in the foundational truths of the Christian faith but also to practically apply those truths in today’s culture of chaos and uncertainty. We have adopted a three-fold framework that will support every aspect of our seminary training:
Biblical Exegesis
We will prioritize doctrinal fidelity by holding up the absolute authority of Scripture with its infallibility and inerrancy. This commitment ensures that students receive a solid biblical foundation for their calling. It also equips students to avoid distortions and confusion by accurately interpreting God’s Word.
Cultural Insight
Students will be equipped to navigate social issues, ethics, and various moral dilemmas from a biblical perspective. They will be coached on seeing reflections of God’s original design for humanity and learn to lead others toward His original plan for their desires. Students will learn how to engage skeptics, atheists, and adherents of other worldviews and provide reasoned answers that articulate the Gospel effectively.
Practical Leadership Application
We will equip our students with practical skills — counseling, leadership, management, and pastoral care. As biblical expositors, students will unpack biblical truths as they remain faithful to Scripture and relevant to the lives in their congregations. Our graduates will emerge ready to shepherd God’s people effectively, having served in apprentice-style training while completing their degree.
We need a seminary. We need Liberty Theological Seminary to train leaders who will impact churches, communities, and the world. Our commitment to doctrinal integrity, cultural engagement, and ministry preparation ensures that graduates can stand firm in their faith and effectively proclaim the Gospel. For the pulpit, for the mission field, for academia, Liberty Theological Seminary stands firm in advancing God’s kingdom.
Dr. Troy Temple is dean of the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity and a professor of theology and family ministries. His research and writing interests include Christian leadership, church ministry, and theology, which align with his passion for the local church. Since 1990, he has served in local church ministry as a pastor, church planter, and leadership trainer.
