Central Seminary

Central Seminary Central Seminary prepares leaders for seeking God, shaping church, and serving humanity & all creation. Central Baptist Theological Seminary

Central has been located in the Kansas City area since 1901 and has students in 30+ states and 11 countries. Vision:

A global Christian community in which all people belong, thrive, and embody faith in action. Mission:

Central prepares leaders for seeking God, shaping church, and serving humanity and all creation. At Central We Value:

COMMUNITY - We build authentic relationships and deep connec

tions among students, faculty, staff, alumni, board members, partners, and all friends of Central. We gather to worship and pray. We come together to celebrate our successes and tackle our challenges. We are open and honest. We collaborate and convene, knowing that we can achieve our shared vision by aligning our goals and leveraging our unique strengths. EMPATHY - We are compassionate and caring. We listen, learn, and connect. We celebrate difference, seek to understand each other, pursue justice in the world around us, and put our faith into action. We practice humility and kindness, and strive to create spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and equitable. GROWTH - We are lifelong learners who crave growth, strive for excellence, and seek to serve God. We look for opportunities to challenge ourselves, build new skillsets,
and expand our ways of thinking. We pursue knowledge through study and
experiential learning. We believe all people are made in the image of God and
can develop to their full potential with passion, determination, and support. TENACITY - We lead with courage, faith, and hope in the face of uncertainty. Our
adaptability and resourcefulness empower us to be innovative and creative. We
dream big and take action to pursue purposeful transformation in ourselves and
the world around us.

Prairie Baptist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas celebrated with Central Seminary today as together we remembered and g...
09/06/2026

Prairie Baptist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas celebrated with Central Seminary today as together we remembered and gave thanks to God for 125 years of welcoming students and equipping them to serve faithfully!

Central Seminary began hosting student gatherings for women ministers in 1985. These gatherings fostered friendship, men...
09/05/2026

Central Seminary began hosting student gatherings for women ministers in 1985. These gatherings fostered friendship, mentorship, and a shared commitment to answering God's call. The women pictured here, along with many others not shown, helped pave the way for future generations of women ministry leaders.

Front row: Heather Entrekin; Mercy Gonzalez-Barnes; (Unknown); Kathie Metcalf Sharp; Mary Ann Albrecht Sharp
Second row: Nancy Snyder Killingsworth; Martha Bushman; (Unknown); Sandra Heizer (deceased)
Third row: Alice Gaum Shae; Bob Heizer; Vera Goodman (deceased); Soozi Whitten Ford
Back row: Denise Tebbenkamp; (Unknown); (Unknown)

Do you recognize anyone in the photo, especially the unidentified individuals? We'd love to hear your memories and help preserve this important chapter of Central Seminary's history.

Technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives, including how we worship, communicate, disciple, and serve our commun...
09/03/2026

Technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives, including how we worship, communicate, disciple, and serve our communities. While new technologies present remarkable opportunities for ministry, they also raise important theological, ethical, and pastoral questions.

This five-week certificate course is designed to help pastors, church leaders, and ministry practitioners thoughtfully and faithfully integrate technology into their ministries.

Beginning September 29, 2026 for 5 weeks on Tuesdays, at 7:00 pm CT. - $125 registration fee

Explore certificates and register here: https://antiochcenter.cbts.edu/course/technology-and-faithful-innovation-in-ministry

Join us for an engaging Zoom gathering with Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religiou...
08/31/2026

Join us for an engaging Zoom gathering with Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. In the session we will explore what a practiced religious freedom looks like and how it can contribute to a pluralistic democracy. She will point to examples of advocacy against rising Christian nationalism in public schools and threats to free and fair elections, giving actionable ideas for faith leaders to engage in some of today's most pressing challenges.

Thursday, September 17 at 12:00 - 1:00pm (Central time).

Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/OfAuHzitQdCnrrCfK0e7Ow

Long before online learning became commonplace, Central Seminary was already exploring new ways to make theological educ...
08/29/2026

Long before online learning became commonplace, Central Seminary was already exploring new ways to make theological education accessible.

In September 1989, Central launched a pioneering pilot program in long-distance learning that combined two-way audio and one-way video technology. Using videotaped lectures and live dialogue through telecommunications provided by AT&T, students were able to engage with faculty from a distance while remaining connected to the classroom experience.

Among the professors leading this innovative educational venture was Dr. David Wheeler, who helped bring theological education beyond the walls of the seminary and into new learning communities.

This early experiment in distance education reflected Central's enduring commitment to innovation, accessibility, and preparing leaders for ministry wherever they are called to serve.

Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri celebrated with Central Seminary today as together we re...
08/23/2026

Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri celebrated with Central Seminary today as together we remembered and gave thanks to God for 125 years of welcoming students and equipping them to serve faithfully!

As Central Seminary celebrates 125 years of preparing leaders for ministry, we remember the people whose generosity enri...
08/22/2026

As Central Seminary celebrates 125 years of preparing leaders for ministry, we remember the people whose generosity enriched life on campus in lasting ways.

In November 1981, Fred and Anne Pillsbury gave Central a beautiful new Allen Computer Organ, believing that the Allen organ they had donated in 1961 was becoming obsolete and worn. Their gift dramatically enhanced the quality of music in chapel and worship for generations of students, faculty, and visitors.

The delivery itself became a memorable event. It took eight strong men to maneuver the organ through the Administration Building lobby, while President Dean Nelson provided moral support and helped direct traffic. During an impromptu concert, Fred played several hymns and explained how the new organ worked, noting that its computer technology allowed the instrument to produce a fuller, richer sound. When his explanation became a bit technical, Anne lovingly reminded him not to get carried away. She then drew laughter from the crowd with her memorable remark that she had married Fred "for a better organ."

The 1981 organ was only part of the Pillsbury family's extraordinary commitment to Central. Over the years, the Pillsbury family donated three organs and one piano in addition to financially supporting the seminary, leaving a lasting imprint on the life of the Central community.

We give thanks for the Pillsbury family and all those whose generosity has strengthened the seminary's mission. Their gifts remind us that the seminary's story has always been shaped by faithful friends who invested in future generations of ministers and leaders.

Happy 125th Birthday, Central Seminary!Yesterday, we celebrated 125 years of God's faithfulness with cake, fellowship, a...
08/21/2026

Happy 125th Birthday, Central Seminary!

Yesterday, we celebrated 125 years of God's faithfulness with cake, fellowship, and stories from members of the Central community whose lives have been shaped by this remarkable institution.

Our celebration included memories shared by Warren Smith (MDiv 1969), Terry Rosell (Faculty, 1999-Present), Melissa Newberry (MDiv 2003), and Rakmi Shaiza (MDiv 2004).

Central's story began on August 20, 1901, when the original charter of Kansas City Baptist Theological Seminary was executed in Kansas City, Kansas. For the last 125 years, God has called, equipped, and sent leaders to serve churches and communities around the world, and we at Central are so grateful to be part of this continuing story of faith, learning, and service.

We are also grateful for all who have been part of Central's journey and look forward to what God has yet to do through this sacred calling.

Stress and burnout are two of the most misunderstood psychological problems that face pastors, pastoral staff, and churc...
08/21/2026

Stress and burnout are two of the most misunderstood psychological problems that face pastors, pastoral staff, and church leaders. Join us for a free online learning session about how to understand it, avoid it, and recover from it.

August 27, 2026 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. (CST)

Presented by Dr. F. Michael Grubbs, Assistant Professor of Counseling at Central Seminary and a Christian Counselor and Coach at The Lyndon Center in Kansas City. With over 40 years in pastoral and counseling ministry, he has encouraged many in their walk towards freedom and the abundant life Jesus Christ offers.

REGISTER at https://antiochcenter.cbts.edu/learning — NOTE: To register, you will be asked to create a free account on the Antioch Center at Central Seminary learning platform website. With this account, you will be able to access courses, view additional resources, and participate in discussions boards.

Join us Thursday on campus to celebrate 125 years of theological education, mission, and ministry. On August 20, 1901, t...
08/19/2026

Join us Thursday on campus to celebrate 125 years of theological education, mission, and ministry. On August 20, 1901, the charter was signed to establish what is now Central Seminary. 125 years later, let’s gather for some refreshments, fellowship, and a short program.

Thursday, August 21, 2026
4:30pm – 6:00pm (CT) with a short program at 5:30pm
8620 W. 110th Street, Suite 200
Overland Park, KS 66210

Please RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdV0TeHeyoMZq8BVczTw63Atrkfk-GUjd1fLhwQzq_ltJgfoQ/viewform

125th anniversary event details and opportunities at www.central125.com

Address

8620 W. 110th Street
Overland Park, KS
66210

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(913)6675700

Website

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