LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) — Southern Seminary and Boyce College have marked 2024 as a year of profound impact, innovation, and celebration. From honoring the legacy of the Billy Graham School to advancing accessibility in theological education, these institutions continue to equip gospel ministers for a rapidly changing world. With nearly 6,000 students enrolled and 868 graduates deployed into ministry this year, the mission of training leaders for the church and the Great Commission remains stronger than ever.
30th anniversary of the Billy Graham school
Southern Seminary proudly celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Ministry in 2024. Since its founding in 1994, the Billy Graham School has prepared thousands of students to proclaim the gospel and advance the Great Commission around the globe. At the Fall 2024 Trustee Meeting, Southern Seminary honored this legacy of faithfulness and recognized the school’s unique role in returning the institution to a commitment to biblical fidelity under President R. Albert Mohler, Jr.’s leadership.
The milestone comes with a continued focus on its founding mission to train pastors, missionaries, church leaders, and evangelists who will boldly proclaim the name of Christ all around the world.Southern Seminary introduced significant initiatives to make theological education more accessible to students around the world in 2024. One of these efforts was the launch of a fully online PhD in Christian Studies, designed to provide rigorous academic training without requiring students to relocate. This program allows pastors and ministry leaders to pursue advanced theological education while continuing to serve in their current ministry contexts.
Accessibility in theological education
Another key development was the introduction of the Experiential Modular Program, which combines the accessibility of online coursework with periodic on-campus sessions. This approach ensures students can integrate theological training into their current ministry while maintaining meaningful, in-person connections.
“Southern Seminary is committed to training leaders at both the doctoral and masters level through our newly established Online PhD and our Experiential Modular programs,” said Provost Paul Akin. “By combining academic excellence with practical training, we aim to serve the local church and fuel gospel advance worldwide. Our goal is to prepare ministry leaders to meet the challenges of today with deep conviction and Christ-centered wisdom.”
Recording breaking number of students and graduates
God entrusted Southern Seminary with preparing nearly 6,000 future pastors and ministry leaders for the church this year. Our faculty’s steadfast dedication to biblical truth proved evident in the record 868 graduates sent into ministry this year to serve in local churches, missions, and evangelism across the globe. These graduates are prepared to engage a rapidly secularizing culture with courage, conviction, and faithfulness.
“As God continues to send us students, we continue to grow our graduating classes to record levels. This year, we have deployed a total of 868 graduates to local church ministries and mission assignments around the world. We believe that these students are entrusted to us by God to prepare them for vital ministry in urgent days,” said Mohler.
“Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to train faithful pastors, missionaries, and church leaders who will boldly proclaim the gospel and serve Christ’s church in an increasingly challenging world.”
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