Formal Education Opportunities for Minsiters
For Ministers Pursuing Degrees
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary: for those interested in pursuing a Master's Degree, SWBTS now allows the substitution of at least 3 years of ministry exemplary experience for the required bachelor's degree, and all classes for Master's Degree are offered online, and students from the Abilene-Callahan Baptist Association will receive a 50% discount.
Contact Tim Rhoades, Admissions Counselor, SWBTS
Email
(817) 921-8509
Abilene Christian University, Graduate School of Theology: offering Masters and Doctors degrees in ministry (in person and online), and a new Graduate Certificate in Practical Ministry, with online courses available.
Abilene Christian University Website
Hardin-Simmons University, Logsdon School of Theology: offering a Bachelor's Degree with a Christian Studies Major, preparing graduates with a strong foundation in Scripture, and preparing them at a basic level for ministry through the church. This major also equips students for more advanced study in a graduate program.
Cohort Opportunities
Strong Big Country Pastor Cohort
Developed by Kevin Abbott, Director of Pastoral Health Networks with Texas Baptists, this is a cohort for area pastors in the Big Country.
With coaching and monthly meetings (held at Hardin-Simmons University), this 5 month journey begins February 17 and concludes with a retreat for pastors at Buena Vista, Colorado (August 2-6). Topics are led by a variety of special guests: 1) Lifelong Leader Development, 2) Coaching Skills, 3) Knowing Yourself, 4) Leading Change, 5) Mental Health in Ministry, 6) Rest/Soul-Care/Community/Lots of Fun (in Colorado!).
Costs are covered by Texas Baptists, except for 6 Books for each session and the travel to and from Colorado Springs. Don't let cost prohibit your participation; funds are available with the ACBA to help.
To register (indicate "Abilene Cohort"):
How can you make sure Sunday School/Small Group leaders are focused on disciple-making more than just information transfer or feel-good fellowship? Bring them to:
Discipleship Collective
Saturday, August 8
9:00 am-12:00 pm
First Baptist Church
1333 N 3rd St, Abilene
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This year’s focus on excellence in teaching will provide practical disciple-making help for leaders of kids, teen, and adult groups. There’s also a discipleship roundtable for pastors and ministry directors to help you develop your disciple-making ministries and hear what’s working for others. |
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Event: 2026 West Central Texas Emergency Preparedness Conference (WCTEPC).
When: Thursday, September 10th, 2026.
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Attendee Registration Check-In: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM).
Where: Brownwood Event Center Complex / 601 E Baker St, Brownwood, TX 76801
Cost: $50 (Lunch and Refreshments will be included to all registered conference attendees)
Questions: Contact Jason Kelton: jkelton@westcentraltexas.org
