Baptist World Alliance, Baylor University Establish Program at Truett Seminary
Ceremonial signing of program agreement scheduled for July 10 during the Baptist World Congress in Brisbane, Australia
Sunrise over the Powell Chapel steeple at Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary. (Matthew Minard/Baylor University.)
Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-709-5959
Follow us: @BaylorUMedia on X and LinkedIn
Ahead of the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Brisbane, Australia, July 7-12, the Baptist World Alliance and Baylor University announced today the establishment of a Baptist World Alliance Program, the first-ever university-based, graduate-level study center devoted specifically to the study of the life, history and ongoing mission and ministry of the Baptist World Alliance. The BWA Program will be housed at Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary.
“This is an important moment for Baylor University as we give action to our new membership in the Baptist World Alliance. The BWA Program is a natural extension of a common global vision, and it aligns with Baylor’s expanded motto, Pro Ecclesia (For the Church), For Texana (For Texas), Pro Mundo (For the World),” said Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. “We look forward to this program at Truett Seminary and to having the ability with the Baptist World Alliance to impact the world for Christ in even more significant ways in the future.”
“As the Baptist World Alliance and Baylor University celebrate a historic new partnership, we have the opportunity – in the spirit of giving glory to the Lord and in joyful, mutual service – to continue to deepen our relationship through the BWA Program,” said BWA General Secretary and CEO Elijah M. Brown, Ph.D. “The BWA Program at Truett Seminary is the first-ever Baptist program at any Baptist university in the world, and it is an opportunity to study and to serve intentionally this growing family throughout the world, to gain lessons and insights from leaders who are serving in the public square at the highest levels, to offer training and education into the areas of greatest growth and need and to continue to foster a Baptist movement that stretches around the world.”
On July 10, President Livingstone and General Secretary Brown will participate in a ceremonial signing of the BWA Program agreement. During a luncheon hosted by President Livingstone, BWA officials, leaders from the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which also is a member of the BWA, and education and ministerial leaders from across the globe will be on hand to witness this special moment.
The BWA Program will operate at Truett Seminary and stretch across the Baylor Family to offer multidisciplinary, academic and scholarly education, research, support and practical engagement. Anticipated activities include both non-credit and graduate-level certificates for current and future leaders, pastors and students; collaborative learning opportunities including courses, workshops, conferences and seminars; speaking opportunities at Baylor University and Baptist World Alliance events; and support for research and active scholarship. In addition, Baylor University/Truett Seminary will offer seminars leading to a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in collaboration with the John Leland Center for Theological Studies at the BWA global headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.
“As Baylor’s Truett Seminary seeks to impact the world for Christ and the Church, the BWA Program will allow us to build upon a shared passion to enhance ministerial preparedness and leadership skills within an emerging generation of leaders, to foster and support academic research related to Baptist global life and witness and to create programming that will serve in ways that fully support each institution’s spiritual identity and organizational mission,” said Todd D. Still, Ph.D., The Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean and William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures at Truett Seminary.
“The BWA Program will offer a celebration and affirmation of our shared Baptist history, distinctives and ongoing commitments while also providing an array of opportunities for anyone interested in Baptist history, leadership, and research. I am excited to lead Truett into this new endeavor alongside Dr. Brown and the BWA," Still added.
The Baptist World Alliance and Baylor have a long, substantive relationship and share many deep connections. Since the BWA’s founding in 1905, Baylor has participated generally in the BWA through its affiliation with Texas Baptists and directly after Baylor became a full BWA member partner in 2024 – after educational institutions were allowed to join. Truett Seminary’s namesake, Rev. George W. Truett, served as president of the BWA from 1934-39, while the Seminary itself has shared in leadership opportunities through the BWA for years, including the recent Baptist International Conference on Theological Education in Lagos, Nigeria, as well as in certification and continuing education.
With the BWA as the largest global network of Baptists and Baylor as the largest Baptist university in the world, the two entities will continue to work together to embrace a Baptist identity, invest in training and extend God’s call for all people through all disciplines to participate in the mission of God around the world.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.
ABOUT THE BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE
The Baptist World Alliance, founded in 1905, is a fellowship of 266 conventions and unions in 134 countries and territories comprising 53 million baptized believers in 178,000 churches. For more than 100 years, the Baptist World Alliance has networked the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ with a commitment to strengthen worship, fellowship and unity; lead in mission and evangelism; respond to people in need through aid, relief, and community development; defend religious freedom, human rights, and justice; and advance theological reflection and leadership development.
ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
George W. Truett Theological Seminary is an orthodox, evangelical, multi-denominational school in the historic Baptist tradition embedded into Baylor, a Christian R1 University. Truett’s mission is to equip God-called people for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist World Alliance, Truett Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Contextual Witness and Innovation, Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology and Food Justice, Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies (online), Master of Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry, and Ph.D. in Preaching. In addition to a number of distinctive programs, institutes and centers, Truett Seminary also offers joint degrees through Baylor University school/college partnerships in social work, business, law, music and education. Besides its flagship Baugh-Reynolds Campus in Waco, the Seminary also has locations in Houston and San Antonio. Visit the Truett Seminary website to learn more.