A Message from the Dean of Graduate Studies

Pursuing theological education at the master’s or doctoral level is no small task. The degrees that we offer in our graduate programs are meant to prepare you for the calling God has placed on your life. Whether God has called you to pastor, take the gospel to the nations, serve on a church staff, or engage in biblically sound counseling; you need to prepare for the work before you. We have designed our graduate degrees to equip servants to walk with Christ, proclaim His truth, and fulfill His mission.

At NOBTS, we believe that being equipped as a servant is central to all callings within Christ’s kingdom. We cannot be the servants we are meant to be without walking with Christ. As you pursue your degree, be reminded that our goal is not just academic. Do not miss the opportunity to grow in your relationship with King Jesus through your coursework. While academic excellence is not our only goal, it is still essential to our mission. That is because we have a message to proclaim! As you study, throw yourself into the pursuit of knowledge in each class you take, trusting that God will use that knowledge in the work to which he has called you. Also, remember to keep sight of the mission God gives us. God has called us to proclaim the gospel of King Jesus to the nations. By grace, God uses us to accomplish this through the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father. During your studies, do not lose focus on the mission to which God has called you!

Our goal is to make our programs accessible to those God is calling to study at NOBTS. We have a variety of course delivery options available to you. I encourage all of you who can do so to study on campus. I also rejoice that those of you who are faithfully staying where God has placed you can be faithful in preparation through our mentoring, FLEX, online, and other delivery options. I am confident that you will experience quality courses and an engaged and talented faculty in whatever format you pursue courses!

If you are a graduate of Leavell College or another Baptist College or university, be sure to ask whether you qualify for advanced credit toward your master’s degree through our Accelerated Program.

I pray that the Lord will direct your steps and bless you richly as you study to show yourself approved for the work to which God has called you (2 Timothy 2:15).

Cory Barnes, PhD

Dean of Graduate Studies