By Dr. Phillip Attebery, President
The Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary’s personnel work hard to help our students prepare for making disciple makers. We do this by providing accredited theological education, equipping individuals for Christ-centered service and leadership, meeting the educational needs of BMA churches and ministries (along with others who are committed to the authority of Scripture), and serving as a center for critical thought and research that is nurtured within a doctrinal and historical BMA context.
Three goals top our list for 2026:
• Enhancing our virtual presence — Since more than 90% of our students engage in online studies, we hope to enhance our virtual presence with an improved website, student information system, and learning management system. We look forward to a top-notch Virtual Campus and Virtual Classrooms.
• Creating the Buddy Johnson Chair of Great Commission Studies — Since salaries make up most of our expenditures, we hope to create the Buddy Johnson Chair of Great Commission Studies to provide perpetual income for meeting the salary of our Professor of Church Ministries.
• Increasing enrollment from BMA churches — Since we are “the BMA Seminary,” we hope to see increased enrollment from members of our BMA churches. This should result in training much-needed pastors to fill vacancies in our pulpits.
Throughout 2026, it would be wonderful to have faithful prayer support from those who believe in our mission. Although we have many needs, personally, I would most appreciate prayers for wisdom and courage. I hope to make decisions that future seminary leaders will be grateful for while staying true to the original intent of our school’s founding fathers and God’s will.
Please pray for BMA Seminary to experience increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. Such increases will help us equip disciple-making leaders and go a long way toward meeting our financial obligations.
I can write confidently that each member of BMA Seminary’s administration, faculty, and staff is eager to work with and encourage our BMA churches and departments during the new year. Thanks in advance for your prayers!
