More About BTS
BTS is theologically Reformed, evangelistic in focus and committed to the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture. The seminary strives for academic excellence, through a program of instruction which is practical and useful for effective ministry. BTS maintains relationships with several seminaries overseas and is intentionally engaged in global missions.
BTS Graduate - Wayne Owen, M.Div. |
The BTS faculty is composed of pastors and others in full-time ministry who serve the seminary on an adjunct basis. Classes are held in existing Church facilities in the Birmingham area and at extensions around Alabama. These two unique features combine to produce practical theological training at a cost of less than 20% of the national average for seminary tuition. The faculty and student body represent a remarkable ethnic and denominational diversity. |
The BTS student body is composed of lay leaders interested in learning more about theology and individuals called to full-time vocational ministry. Classes are offered in the evenings, early mornings and by distance education. Most BTS students take classes on a part-time basis, and many students are already serving churches as full-time or bi-vocational pastoral staff members.
BTS is a member of the Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries (ARTS). ARTS is a growing accrediting association comprised of graduate institutions that hold to the doctrines of the Reformed faith. For more information about ARTS, visit their website by clicking here.
Credits from BTS have been accepted at several evangelical institutions subject to the policies and degree requirements of each school. The student who expects to receive a degree from an institution other than BTS should write for specific information concerning applicability of work taken at BTS. Several major seminaries have been willing to either accept transfer credit from BTS or recognize a BTS degree as the prerequisite for pursuing a more advanced degree.
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) has granted BTS full academic credit for Bible coursework. This extends to continuing education units as well. The appropriate credit for continuing education units will be granted by ACSI based upon transcripts provided by the applicant seeking certification.
In 2006, Birmingham Theological Seminary became an “affiliate institution” of the Association for Biblical Higher Education. ABHE, formerly known as The Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, (AABC) of Orlando, Florida, is recognized by the US Department of Education as an accrediting governing body. The “affiliate status” will now allow BTS to take advantage of the many programs and services that the Association provides. This allows BTS to be included on the Association website and be listed in the ABHE Directory, along with the opportunity to network with like institutions, gain additional assistance working toward the accreditation process and have access to the consulting services of ABHE. |
BTS Graduate - Dr. Faye White, MABC, D.Min.
|
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has adopted an internship program which must be completed prior to ordination which is in addition to the Master of Divinity degree. The BTS M.Div. curriculum is structured to accommodate this additional requirement. Many BTS graduates have pursued and obtained ordination in the PCA.
The curriculum has been designed to fulfill the requirements of the uniform curriculum of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). The Theological Education Committee of the PCA's General Assembly has approved the program. Thus graduates of BTS are eligible for ordination in any presbytery of the PCA.
BTS Graduate - Brett Vebber, MABS |
In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, BTS offers the following Master degree programs: Apologetics, Biblical Conflict Resolution, Biblical Counseling, Biblical Studies, Inter-Cultural Studies, and Ministry. BTS also has a Certificate of Missions degree for the student entering a mission field which requires advanced training but not as complete as the Master of Inter-Cultural Studies. The Certificate of Biblical Counseling has been added for those desiring the counseling training without the full course credit. Details of these programs are supplied in this catalog. Any course is open to qualified persons with or without academic credit. |
Although based in Birmingham at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham Theological Seminary (BTS) conducts courses at several other locations. Within Birmingham many courses are taught at the Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College and Household of Faith Church. The Montgomery Extension courses are taught at Trinity Presbyterian, Young Meadows Presbyterian and Eastwood Presbyterian churches, and in Tuscaloosa classes are held each semester at the First African Baptist Church. Classes are held in Huntsville at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and in Dothan at Westwood Presbyterian Church.
Our Mission
Providing sound Biblical and practical theological training to equip leaders for Christ’s Church.
BTS is theologically Reformed, evangelistic in focus and committed to the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture. The seminary strives for academic excellence, through a program of instruction which is practical and useful for effective ministry. BTS maintains relationships with several seminaries overseas and is intentionally engaged in global missions.
The BTS faculty is composed of pastors and others in full-time ministry who serve the seminary on an adjunct basis. Classes are held in existing Church facilities in the Birmingham area and at extensions around Alabama. These two unique features combine to produce practical theological training at a cost of less than 20% of the national average for seminary tuition. The faculty and student body represent a remarkable ethnic and denominational diversity.
The BTS student body is composed of lay leaders interested in learning more about theology and individuals called to full-time vocational ministry. Classes are offered in the evenings, early mornings and by distance education. Most BTS students take classes on a part-time basis, and many students are already serving churches as full-time or bi-vocational pastoral staff members.
Our Vision
Producing leaders for Christ’s Church who are becoming spiritually mature as evidenced by effective ministry.
Our Hymn
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Martin Luther) |
