by Tammi Ledbetter and Sharina Smith

BOLIVAR, MO --It’s a unique partnership between two institutions of higher education—one offering a master’s degree in business administration and the other tasked with theological education, but it makes perfect sense to both schools that share a common goal of preparing students with a Christian worldview.

“It is now possible for someone to pursue a Southwest Baptist University MBA on the campus of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, with the latter institution being contracted to teach nine credit hours that would apply toward SBU’s degree,” explained Academic Dean Thorvald Madsen of MBTS. 

The Aug. 14 agreement gives students at Midwestern Seminary the option of completing the Master of Divinity or doctorate simultaneously with the MBA.  Prospective students in the Kansas City area who are interested in the MBA only also may enroll in courses taught at the seminary in Kansas City and through online courses taught at SBU in Bolivar, Mo.

“This agreement provides a unique opportunity for business professionals in the Kansas City area to pursue additional education, and for students who are preparing for the pastorate and bivocational ministry,” added SBU Associate Provost David Whitlock. “Furthermore, this MBA integrates business and management with a biblical worldview.”

According to Shelly Francka, MBA director for SBU, “The MBA provides a valuable tool for the minister as well as the business professional seeking to advance in his or her career.  We are discovering the MBA opens up many doors in countries typically off-limits to traditionally prepared missionaries.  Because so many are seeking expertise in free enterprise and entrepreneurship, someone with an MBA is welcomed in otherwise closed societies,” she explained.

Students in the MBA program at SBU also can take additional specialized training in either pastoral leadership, which requires nine course credits or ethics which requires 10.  Upon completion, the additional training would be recognized by a certificate from MBTS.

SBU’s University Relations Vice President Stanton Norman added, "The MDiv/MBA degree provides the business community an opportunity to receive training in the construction of a Christian worldview.  The Midwestern faculty will provide business professionals seeking the graduate level degree with an education that is both biblically grounded and theologically conservative.  I am confident that this program will adequately prepare those students in the program to engage the business world with the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Whitlock and Norman each have addressed the integration of a Christian worldview in preparation for a business-related vocation in the book A Noble Calling: Devotions and Essays for Christian Business Professionals, which Whitlock edited with SBU Provost Gordon Dutile.

"Too often, individuals who have been called to practice their gifts and talents in the field of business and professional life sense that to serve God they ought to be doing something more directly involved with the church. Many successful business leaders, upon coming to faith in Christ or upon renewing their interest in God’s Word, struggle with whether or not they should enter vocational ministry,” Whitlock added.

While recognizing that God calls some from among business professions into such vocations, Whitlock said, “I am convinced that many simply haven’t realized the full potential of where God has placed them. God’s people assigned to duties in corporate board rooms, offices, on sales forces, and in entrepreneurial ventures, are among His most treasured ministers and have the potential to have a wider impact and larger influence than most full-time pastors and ministers."

Norman said, “The agreement demonstrates that partnerships between Baptist seminaries and universities can offer quality educational programs that effectively educate students for excellence in their respective professions as well as train them for successful ministry in their vocational callings.”

Midwestern faculty will teach courses in such areas as “Logic and Critical Thinking,” “Christian Ethics,” “Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management,” and “Workplace Ministry and the Law.”  

Taking part in the signing ceremony were SBU President C. Pat Taylor and Midwestern Seminary President R. Philip Roberts, along with Madsen, Whitlock and Francka.

For more information on the new program contact Shelly Francka at 1-800-326-1921 or 417-328-2000 or go to www.SBUniv.edu/mba.

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