Calvary's Summit Christian Leadership Center to begin hosting tax and leadership seminars in local church this year

Starting this year, the Summit Center will begin scheduling tax and leadership seminars in local churches nationwide. Led by highly experienced experts, the Summit Center brings the seminary's training and consulting ministries directly to local churches across the nation.

Summit Center leaders Ron Clark and Nick Yzzi travel to churches for one- or two-day seminars to teach pastors and other church leaders how to draw up strategic plans, interact effectively as a team, and operate the church's finances efficiently and with integrity.

Calvary's Summit Center is an important component in the seminary's mission to train local church leaders, says Sam Harbin, Calvary's president. "Local church leadership has never been an easy task, and today's regulatory environment makes it all the more challenging. Add to that the sentiment shared by many Bible college and seminary graduates: 'Preach a sermon? No problem. Minister to a dying saint? No problem. Help your leaders articulate and adopt a five-year strategic plan? Big problem. Where do you start?'" Calvary's Summit Christian Leadership Center is designed to address these concerns.

Click here for more information about the Summit Center.

Seminar Leaders

	Ron Clark Director, Summit Christian Leadership Center 20-year career in human resources, simulation design experience with large-scale training projects, including New York University's Stern School of Business's Management Simulation Project
	Nick Yzzi Director of Consulting, Summit Christian Leadership Center CPA, church administrator of Calvary Baptist Church for 19 years, IRS tax auditor for six years, tax manager for a region CPA firm for nine years, frequent speaker at regional CPA conferences

(Posted January 16, 2008.)

Armed Forces Chaplains Board designates Calvary as an approved RMP-producing institution

The United States Armed Forces Chaplains Board on October 31st, 2007, designated Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary as an official RMP-producing (Religious Military Personnel) institution, effective for all graduates between July 5, 2005, and July 6, 2010.

Designation as an RMP-producing institution allows graduates of Calvary who pursue a chaplaincy career in the United States military to be recognized as coming from an approved educational institution.

(Posted November 2, 2007.)

Calvary approved as Pennsylvania Act 48 continuing education provider

Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary is an approved Act 48 provider under the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The seminary is now able to report students' coursework toward the continuing professional education requirements of Pennsylvania's Act 48 teacher certification guidelines. Pennsylvania certified teachers are encouraged to see whether studies at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary might be an appropriate fit for their continuing education interests.

Read Act 48 here: http://www.pde.state.pa.us/teaching/lib/teaching/act48.pdf.

(Posted August 3, 2007.)

30 graduate in May 2007 Commencement

Thirty students graduated from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary on May 19, 2007. Graduates included nine students from the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program, three from the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program, 16 from the Master of Divinity program, and two from the Master of Theology program.

Dr. Sam Harbin provided the commencement challenge to the class of 2007, drawing upon the theme of lifeguarding. His message may be downloaded in MP3 format here.

(Posted June 11, 2007.)

The seminary has published its 2007-2009 catalog. The catalog may be viewed here.

The new catalog includes flexibility adjustments to the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program and an updated Master of Theology program which allows students to complete all course requirements in one academic year and write the Master of Theology thesis while serving in their place of ministry.

(Posted March 23, 2007.)

New alumni website published

A new alumni website has been started. In addition to providing a central, secure location for publishing the alumni directory, the website's alumni forum section allows the seminary's growing alumni community to share prayer requests and praises, post ministry opportunities, and discuss topics of relevance to the alumni family. CBTS graduates are encouraged to register.

(Posted March 19, 2007.)

2007 National Leadership Conference

Calvary Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary hosted the 13th annual National Leadership Conference, centered on the theme, "Changeless Truths for Changeless Times: Unity and Uniqueness in a Pluralistic World." Nearly 600 participants were in attendance, including 89 visiting college students and 101 seminary students.

The general session speakers at the February 2007 conference were the following:

• Kevin Bauder, President, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Plymouth, Minnesota
• Dan Brooks, Pastor, Heritage Bible Church, Greer, South Carolina
• Dave Doran, Pastor, Inter-City Baptist Church, President, Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, Allen Park, Michigan
• Doug Finkbeiner, Professor, Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
• Ron Jones, Assistant Pastor, Faith Baptist Church, Sellersville, Pennsylvania
• Stephen Jones, President, Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina
• Tim Jordan, Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Chancellor, Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
• Doug McLachlan, Pastor, Fourth Baptist Church, Chairman of the Board, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Plymouth, Minnesota
• Mike Redick, evangelist ministering in Southeast Asia

Audio recordings of conference workshops and general sessions are available through the Calvary Baptist Church bookstore.

(Posted March 19, 2007.)

Calvary welcomes new staff members

Three individuals, including one faculty member, have joined the Calvary staff this fall.

Mr. Peter Radford has been appointed to the seminary faculty this year as Instructor in Old Testament. Mr. Radford, a Calvary graduate who is actively exploring options for Ph.D. studies, has served for six years an assistant pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Orefield, Pennsylvania, with special responsibilities for youth and music. Mr. Radford plays an active role in the music ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. In addition to his classroom role, he will assist the seminary in recruitment and development.

Mr. Ron Clark has joined the seminary staff as the director of Summit Christian Leadership Center, a specialized training extension of Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary dedicated to the development of leadership skills for successful ministry. Mr. Clark brings a rich blend of experience from the corporate world with a focus on the use of simulation environments in leadership traning.

Mrs. Mandy McLain was appointed as Financial Aid Director, replacing outgoing director Mrs. Lucy Burggraff. Mrs. McLain's background is in the facilitation of government benefits for senior citizens.

(Posted September 26, 2006.)

Faculty speaking schedule now available online

Visit http://seminary.cbs.edu/content/staff/speaking.asp to view listings.

(Posted September 7, 2006.)

Middle States invites CBTS to self-study

The Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education voted in June to invite CBTS to begin self-study.

The June 22, 2006, invitation cites a Spring 2009 timeframe for the Commission's evaluation team visit.

The self-study process engages the seminary in the production of a document which describes and assesses the seminary in detail. An important part of the self-study is a review of the seminary's educational goals and an analysis of how well it is achieving those goals. The Commission evaluation team will review the self-study document during their potential Spring 2009 campus visit.

(Posted July 7, 2006.)

Calvary graduates 32 in 2006 commencement

CBTS graduated 32 students in five degree programs at its 27th graduation service held on May 20, 2006.

Graduates came from the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Theological Studies), Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Theology, and Doctor of Ministry degree programs.

A message to the graduates was delivered by Dr. Warren Vanhetloo, the seminary's first dean.

(Posted July 7, 2006.)

Custom diploma frames now available

CBTS has partnered with Church Hill Classics to make available to the seminary community diploma frames featuring the seminary name and seal at a special price. The frames may be purchased directly from Church Hill Classics at
1-800-477-9005 or by visiting the CBTS segment of their website at http://www.diplomaframe.com/schools/Cbts.

(Posted April 20, 2006.)

2006 commencement and presidential inauguration ceremony speakers announced

Dr. Warren Vanhetloo will present the challenge to Calvary's graduates at the seminary's 27th commencement, scheduled to be held Saturday, May 20, 2006, at 10 a.m. Dr. Timothy Jordan will present the keynote address at the inauguration service for Dr. Sam Harbin, Calvary's fourth president, on Sunday, May 21, 2006, at 6 p.m.

Dr. Warren Vanhetloo (pictured at right) was the seminary's founding dean and for many years served the seminary as professor of systematic theology.

Dr. Timothy Jordan is the seminary's chancellor and was Calvary's second president. He is the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Lansdale, PA, and teaches pastoral theology at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary.

(Posted March 30, 2006.)

Presidential search completed

The seminary Board of Trustees, at the December 2005 meeting, voted unanimously to recommend Dr. Sam Harbin as the next president of CBTS.

Dr. Harbin officially assumed his new responsibilities on January 15, 2006. Dr. David Burggraff will continue teaching for Calvary, balancing a full load of classes at CBTS on Monday and discharging his reponsibilities as Vice President of Clearwater Christian College on Tuesday - Friday.

Dr. Harbin will continue to minister in the classroom, teaching three courses during the spring semester. He plans to speak regularly in the chapel program as well.

Prof. Mark Farnham will assume the role of chaplain, and Dr. Doug Finkbeiner will resume leadership of the Doctor of Ministry program.

Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary authorized to grant Title IV federal financial aid

Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary was authorized to grant Title IV federal financial aid on August 30, 2005, by the U.S. Department of Education. Calvary's Title IV school ID number (also known as an OPE ID number) is 03899300. Calvary's Office of Financial Aid, staffed by Mrs. Lucy Burggraff, manages all federal financial aid transactions.

In addition to making the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit available to CBTS students, the seminary's Title IV authorization allows graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents to apply for federal assistance through the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. The program offers both subsidized federal loans (in which the government pays interest on loans until graduation) as well as unsubsidized federal loans (in which students are responsible to pay interest accrued before graduation). Graduate students are not eligible for federal grants, such as the popular Pell Grant program available to undergraduate students. All graduate students are considered independent for purposes of financial aid; parental data is not required.

Students who wish to be considered for these need-based funds must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note, and the CBTS Federal Family Education Loan Entrance Interview Form. Consideration for need-based funds is not automatic. All forms are available in the Office of Financial Aid.

After the FAFSA is processed, a Student Aid Report (SAR) providing a financial need analysis of the information submitted by the student is sent both to the student's home address as well as to the Office of Financial Aid. Students use their copy of the SAR to check the form for accuracy, and the school uses its form to determine eligibility for financial aid. If financial aid is awarded, a Financial Aid Award Letter is issued to the student.

The federal government issues loans once per semester by sending the seminary the student's financial aid award. After receiving this money, the seminary applies the appropriate amount to the student's school bill and sends the student the credit balance remaining on the account after all bills have been paid.

Geraldine Vanhetloo with the Lord

Mrs. Geraldine Vanhetloo, wife of former CBTS Dean, Dr. Warren Vanhetloo, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, December 2, 2005, after a prolonged struggle through multiple physical difficulties. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 6, in Fennville, Michigan.

Alumni and friends who wish to contact Dr. Vanhetloo may do so by e-mail at .

(Posted December 7, 2005.)

E. R. Jordan celebrates 80th birthday

Dr. E. R. Jordan, Calvary Baptist Church's first pastor and the founding president of Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, celebrated his 80th birthday September 25, 2005. Dr. Jordan's son, Timothy R. Jordan, succeeded him as senior pastor in 1986.

Dr. Jordan, or "Chief" (as has sometimes been called by friends), continues in faithful ministry at Calvary Baptist Church despite several physical limitations. He has recently published one book, an autobiographical work titled simply "Chief", and is currently underway on a second.

(Posted October 12, 2005.)

Presidential search underway (click here to read the announcement)

(Posted August 25, 2005.)

CBTS 2006 Israel trip announced

Registration for the seminary's 2006 Israel study tour closes on October 29, 2005. The 15-day trip is led by Dr. Gordon Lovik and Dr. Jeff Tuttle and is coordinated through the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies. The study tour is scheduled for January 7-21, 2006, and will cost $2,399 with departure from New York City. More information about the tour is available on the tour web page.

The study tour may be counted for a limited amount of academic credit. For more information about taking the course for seminary credit, contact the registrar.

(Posted August 15, 2005.)

New librarian and church history instructor hired

Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary has selected Mr. George M. Coon to fill the position of Director of Library Services. The post was previously held by Mr. Joseph Fleener, who is moving on to pursue further studies.

Mr. Coon brings with him six years of teaching experience and five years of pastoral ministry, both as a youth pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and as an assistant pastor in Toronto, Ontario. He has finished his coursework and has begun his dissertation for a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from the University of Toronto's Wycliffe College with special emphases on Augustine, Aquinas, and Barth. Previous to moving the Lansdale area, Mr. Coon coordinated Calvary's courses at the Toronto teaching site, taught Research Methods and facilitated several other courses.

(Posted August 15, 2005.)

Sermon messages available online
Visit the chapel messages page to listen to recent chapel messages.

(Posted March 4, 2005.)

Calvary hosts 2005 National Leadership Conference
Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary and Calvary Baptist Church hosted the 2005 National Leadership Conference focusing on the theme, "Real World Ministry."

Seventy-one workshops and eight general sessions featured focused on a number of ministry issues, ranging from theology and preaching to crisis counseling and christian education.

Learn more about the 2005 NLC here.

(Posted March 4, 2004.)

2004-2005 catalog available online
The 2004-2005 catalog, updated to include the two new Master of Arts degrees and Candidate for Accreditation status, is available online in either PDF format or (for the first time) HTML format.

Click here to be taken to the catalogs page for more information.

(Posted October 28, 2004.)

Two new Master of Arts degrees approved by PA Department of Education
Two new Master of Arts degrees, the Master of Arts (Theology) and the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, were added to CBTS’s degree offerings September 3rd when the Pennsylvania Department of Education granted CBTS provisional approval to grant the degrees. The three-year provisional approval to grant the degrees is the standard means by which the Department of Education awards degree-granting approval for new degrees and allows the seminary to begin granting the new degrees in the 2004-2005 school year.

The two degrees provide greater flexibility to the CBTS degree offerings by opening up a shorter, 36-credit program to those seeking formalized study in scripture and greater effectiveness in lay ministry. Previously, a student would need either to take courses in Special Student status (without seeking a degree) or pursue the standard 96-credit Master of Divinity degree.

Dr. Steven Horine directs the Master of Arts programs and is assisted in this role by Dr. Sam Harbin.

View the the Master of Arts degree information.
Download the Master of Arts brochure.
View the the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree information.
Download the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry brochure.

(Posted September 13, 2004.)

Candidate for Accreditation status granted by MSCHE
The Commission on Higher Education of Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools acted at its sessions on June 23-24 to grant Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary Candidate for Accreditation status.

Candidate for Accreditation is a status of affiliation with a regional accrediting commission which indicates that an institution has achieved recognition and is progressing toward, but is not assured of, accreditation. It has provided evidence of sound planning, seems to have the resources to implement the plans, and appears to have the potential for obtaining its goals within a reasonable time.

Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 2624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267) 284-5000.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education for accrediting activities in the Middle States region, which includes the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

(Posted June 29, 2004.)

25th Commencement Exercises
Calvary's 25th class graduated on May 15, 2004. The 25th class included seven Master of Divinity students, two Certificate students, and one Doctor of Ministry student.

In their testimonies, students announced a variety of pursuits following their graduation, including camp ministry, pastoral ministry, missions, and teaching.

The commencement speaker was Pastor Bruce Tuttle, missionary to the Ukraine.

(Posted June 23, 2004.)