Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Baptist Studies Program
The Baptist Studies Program at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) is an organization of Baptist students enrolled at the Lutheran Seminary in Columbia, SC. The Baptist Studies program has as its purpose: offering courses in Baptist History, Theology and Worship; providing a connection between students and Baptist churches; providing financial support as well as fellowship for Baptist students training for the ministry.
The Baptist Studies Program came into existence in 2003 with the joint initiative of the CBF of South Carolina and the president of the Lutheran Seminary due to the need for Baptist Theological Education in South Carolina and the seminary’s desire to expand its ecumenical outreach. Dr. Ginger Barfield (PhD, Duke) was elected as the first head of this program, to be the first teacher/mentor to Baptist students in this small (180 students) but excellent theological seminary associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Dr. Barfield is supported by a Baptist Studies Steering Committee, two of whose members in 2008-09 are FBC Greenville members: Furman Hewitt and Vaughn CroweTipton.
The population of 4 Baptist students in 2003 has grown to 18 in 2008 and will undoubtedly continue to grow due to the convenient location in the center of South Carolina. Dr. Barfield is highly respected by the LTSS faculty and staff, and in 2007 was named as Registrar and Assistant to the Dean in addition to her responsibilities with Baptist students. With little program overhead, most donations to the Baptist Studies Program go directly to much needed student aid.
Contact information:
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
4201 North Main St., Columbia, SC 29203-6499
(803) 786-5150, (800) 804-5233