The CENTRAL Wisconsin seminary site has now effectively CLOSED. The availability of the M.Div. curriculum through online delivery makes the site unsustainable.
But the value of the site to ABC Wisconsin and to the state more generally remains. For about 15 years, the seminary site provided the opportunity for rigorous theological education in a context of supportive fellowship. The 31 graduates who currently serve both locally in Wisconsin and across several other states are a testament to the good work that occurred here.
Below you can read a brief history of the site and its contribution to the life of American Baptists (and other good church-folk) in Wisconsin.
History
CENTRAL Wisconsin seminary site began in 2005 as a response to a perceived need for accredited theological education from a Baptist perspective in the Milwaukee/SE Wisconsin region. In partnership with Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kansas, American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin established a seminary site housed in the region offices, offering classes on a weekend schedule to accommodate working students. Providential relationships, most prominently Housing Ministries, and strategic partnerships built upon these humble beginnings to the point that in 2009-2010 the site gained full “degree-granting” status from the accrediting agencies. This status meant that students could take the full curriculum from skilled local faculty who also happen to be ministerial practitioners in the area – all from the Region offices in Elm Grove. In May 2019, we celebrated our 10th graduating class bringing the total number of graduates to 31. Graduates have served and are serving in a variety of ministry positions: Pastor, Minister, Christian Education Minister, Men’s Ministry Coordinator, National Park Ministry Chaplain, Hospital Chaplain, Vacation Bible School Curriculum Writer, and Early Childhood Educator.
(a longer, more detailed history is in the works)