By Dr. Philip Attebery, President
BMA Seminary’s stated purpose has remained relatively unchanged since the institution’s beginning. The purpose includes four areas of focus — accredited theological education, equipping for leadership roles, supporting educational needs of BMA churches and serving to nurture the historical and doctrinal character of BMA churches.
• Accredited Theological Education — The Seminary provides accredited theological education for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree-seeking students. The Seminary also offers certificate programs. Although many seminaries claim to be accredited, it is important to know that all accreditors are not equal. “Recognized” accrediting agencies ensure that institutions provide a quality education to their students and maintain honest practices for handling finances.
BMA Seminary is indeed accredited by recognized agencies. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has approved the Seminary to offer degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels previously listed. The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools has approved each of the Seminary’s master’s degrees for accreditation. Your Seminary’s administrators, faculty, staff and trustees work diligently to maintain recognized accreditation as intended by our stated purpose.
• Equipping for Leadership — Equipping individuals for Christ-centered service and leadership roles is a priority for BMA Seminary. Such equipping has typically been directed toward preparing men for pastoral roles. Today, both men and women, pastors and laypersons, can complete courses of study in evangelism and disciple-making. They can also take courses in education and counseling.
BMA Seminary is unique in what it offers for those seeking to fulfill the Great Commission. The heart of Christ’s Commission is to make disciples. Your Seminary takes this seriously, along with its commitment to the authority of Scripture. Following Christ’s biblical model for making disciples, BMA Seminary equips disciples who can equip other disciples by using what they learn from BMA Seminary. By focusing upon spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, worship, giving, witnessing, serving and leading, the Seminary actively equips believers.
• Supporting Educational Needs of BMA Churches and Agencies — Although the Bible does not command Christ’s followers to attend a seminary, it does promote the value of learning (Prov. 2:1-5) and instructs believers to study diligently so that they might rightly divide the Word of truth (II Tim. 2:15). Some churches see the need for educated church members, pastors and deacons. BMA Seminary can help by offering members opportunities to take individual courses for personal enrichment or to seek an entire degree.
To help the needs of churches, BMA Seminary makes courses available through several learning formats. Students can attend the main campus for courses that meet just once a week. Some of these courses are also available for students to join virtually. Students can take intensive summer courses. Students can also take courses online. Such courses have weekly deadlines but allow students to work on them when it is convenient throughout each week of the semester. In fact, each of BMA Seminary’s degrees can be earned 100% through distance education. Please pass along this information to those in your congregation who are interested in learning more about the Bible, Theology, Church History, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Disciple Making, Missions, Teaching or Counseling.
• Nurturing Doctrinal Character of the BMA — As an institution of higher education, BMA Seminary, by nature, serves as a center for critical thought and research. Beware of higher education programs that advertise “no research required.” BMA Seminary professors are well-credentialed with their advanced academic degrees; however, each one knows that there is no end to learning from God’s Word.
Only one accredited theological seminary exists with a focus upon the BMA’s historical and doctrinal character. As you know, it is the BMA Seminary. Seventy-five years ago, our association’s founding fathers were motivated by certain biblical principles. Faithfulness to those principles remains more important than ever. Even other Baptist organizations are lowering their commitments to sound biblical principles related to doctrine and associational practices. BMA Seminary intends to stand firmly for our association’s stated doctrinal positions as revealed in Scripture. Therefore, we offer opportunities for anyone seeking a biblically-based education.
• Seminary Personnel — You may be interested in knowing that the Seminary’s former president, Dr. Charley Holmes, will continue serving BMA Seminary as director of Development. Please invite him to attend your church or local association with information on how you can provide for the Seminary. Dr. David Hellwig, Professor of Biblical Studies, is serving as our newly elected vice-president/dean. He is available for consultation with prospective students and is eager to advise them regarding educational opportunities with BMA Seminary.
• Seminary Sunday — One of the most effective ways you can help BMA Seminary students is to participate in Scholarship Sunday on May 18, 2025. Although we attempt to offer one of the most affordable seminary educations in the world, students can still benefit from your financial assistance. Your gifts could be supporting your future pastor, a future missionary or a future lay leader.
• Thanks! — We cannot fulfill our purpose or help your church without your prayers and financial support. Thanks for all you do. We also have a desperate need for you to pray for laborers and encourage prospective students to consider the BMA Seminary. It would be my honor to visit your church or association to promote the Seminary’s work as we prepare for our association’s next 75 years of ministry. Indeed, thanks for your support and encouragement of the BMA Seminary.
Recommendations
Affirmation of the proposed 2025-2026 budget
Affirm appointment of President Philip Attebery
Each church observe Sunday, May 18, 2025, as Seminary Scholarship Sunday with special prayer for our graduates and receive a special scholarship offering to support the training of future ministers and missionaries on that Sunday.
2025 Academic Calendar
• Summer 2025 registration ends May 2
• Fall 2025 registration is Aug. 4-8
• Fall 2025 classes begin Aug. 11, 2025 (First eight-week session), Aug. 18 (Regular Semester) and Oct. 13 (Second eight-week session).
Visit bmats.edu to apply for admission. The deadline for Fall 2025 scholarship applications to be turned in is Friday, July 25, 2025 Call 800-259-5673 to make an appointment for advising with the Dean’s Office.
