Williams Baptist University (WBU) has announced a partnership designed to help pastors in Arkansas earn certificates in ministerial training through a flexible, accessible program.
WBU President Dr. Stan Norman signed the agreement on Tuesday, October 20, alongside Jay Parks, Director of Pastor Training Schools. The signing took place during the Arkansas Baptist State Convention meeting in Rogers. The two-year course of study will be hosted at various locations around the state and will provide instruction in theological and ministerial topics.
“This program is for those who feel called to pastor churches but are not at a place in life where they can pick up, move to Walnut Ridge, and work toward a bachelor’s degree,” said Norman. “We will be working hand-in-hand with Pastor Training Schools to set up cohorts all around our state to provide the education these men need to minister more effectively.”
The Pastor Training Schools program, which originated in Mississippi, currently enrolls 300 students and offers evening classes to accommodate adult learners. The curriculum covers areas such as spiritual formation, hermeneutics, homiletics, Old and New Testament studies, theology, pastoral ministry, evangelism, church revitalization and planting, and discipleship.
“We are so excited about the Lord opening doors in Arkansas through our partnership with Williams Baptist University to equip full-time pastors, bi-vocational pastors, or men who are exploring a call to ministry,” said Parks. “We look forward to locking arms with local pastors throughout Arkansas to identify and equip God-called men for the churches across the state.”
Officials expect to launch the first cohorts in Arkansas by March. Those interested in participating or forming local groups can contact Dr. Brett Cooper at WBU via email at bcooper@williamsbu.edu or Jay Parks at Pastor Training Schools at jayp@pastortrainingschools.org.
The partnership aims to make theological education more accessible to pastors and ministry leaders who otherwise might not have the opportunity to pursue formal training.