We are excited to announce a new partnership with Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS). I am a two-time graduate of DTS, and the draw was its unique commitment to expository preaching. In fact, I have been deeply shaped by its motto “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2). For years, a group of us would pray for each other before teaching opportunities. I still remember those early Sunday morning texts from DTS classmates encouraging me to “Preach the Word!”
In case you are unfamiliar with DTS, the seminary was founded in 1924 and originally called Evangelical Theological College. It has a distinct premillennial and dispensational theological tradition. Rather than offering the traditional MDiv, DTS is committed to the ThM program. As a result, ThM graduates are able to devote more time to the biblical languages, studying every book of the Bible, and taking up to five systematic theology courses. Notable alumni include Chuck Swindoll, Howard Hendricks, and Tommy Nelson.
DTS is the fourth largest seminary in the country, trailing only Liberty Seminary, Southern Baptist Seminary, and Midwestern Baptist Seminary. The school enrolls over 2,600 students and attracts many from around the world. Several of our international church planters and former cohort participants – including Sundeep Malickal and Joseph Kaka – are DTS graduates.
The Send Network has developed a partnership with DTS in which students in the Send Network pipeline can receive a reduced tuition rate. The Denton Baptist Association was able to build on that partnership to help our Church Planter Cohort participants receive seminary credit for cohort participation. Our prayer is that DTS will become a pipeline for brothers to attend the cohort and then plant churches in Denton County.
I have worked closely with Dr. Mike Balbier to establish this partnership. He is the Dean of Distance Education and Church Partnerships and an Adjunct Professor of Bible and New Testament Greek. Dr. Balbier shared, “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Send Network and the DBA because both organizations are already investing in the front lines of ministry through church planting, leadership development, discipleship, and shared commitment to the transformative nature of theological education.”
Dr. Kevin Gandy, Assistant Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership, is working directly with our planters to receive DTS credit. Dr. Gandy values the partnership for the shared pathways it creates, recognizing that it allows for church planters to receive theological training while serving faithfully on the field.
When I asked Dr. Balbier about his prayers for our new partnership, he said he is praying that leaders “see their need for theological and leadership training and that the Lord continues to keep leaders faithful in their ministries and families.” I am delighted about this new partnership. I pray that we are a blessing to DTS and that DTS becomes a pipeline to see more churches planted in Denton County. Please drop me an email if you would like to know more about our DTS partnership.