Preparing Baptist Leaders for Mission and Ministry

In July, the Baptist World Alliance and Baylor University announced the establishment of a Baptist World Alliance Program, the first 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 (BWA). 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.”

The BWA Program will offer multidisciplinary 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 and BWA events; and support for research and active scholarship. In addition, 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.

In support of the new BWA Program, a $2.5 million gift from alumni Susan, B.A. ’66, and Lee Bush, B.B.A. ’64, of Athens, Texas, has established the Lampsato Endowed Chair of Baptist World Missional Engagement and the Lampsato Endowed Fund at Truett Seminary. The Lampsato Chair will provide leadership and programmatic support, leading research and scholarship efforts through the program and supporting its outreach efforts. The Lampsato Endowed Fund will offer additional dedicated funding to support the Lampsato chairholder’s research and work, as well as efforts and events related to the program.

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 in the BWA through its affiliation with Texas Baptists, and Baylor became a full BWA member partner in 2024. 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 certification, continuing education and the recent Baptist International Conference on Theological Education in Lagos, Nigeria.

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 to participate in the mission of God around the world.