Baptist theological seminary at Baylor University emphasizing moderate theology and ministerial education.
George W. Truett Theological Seminary was officially chartered on March 2, 1991, and began operations in August 1993 as part of Baylor University. Initially housed in the First Baptist Church of Waco's B.H. Carroll Education Building, the seminary opened its convocation on August 28, 1994, with 51 enrolled students. The seminary was established during a period of conservative leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention, but Baylor's board of regents and trustees deliberately avoided requiring faculty to sign documents affirming scriptural inerrancy, positioning Truett Seminary as more accepting of moderate theology.
The seminary offers theological education leading to ministerial degrees. The inaugural class graduated in May 1997. The institution moved to its dedicated campus building in January 2002, which features three stories of classrooms, a courtyard, and the Paul Powell chapel. Starting in May 2006, the seminary began holding its own graduation ceremonies rather than participating in general Baylor University commencement exercises.
The seminary is located in the northwestern corner of Baylor University's main Waco campus, seconds from Interstate 35. The dedicated seminary building, completed in 2002, includes classroom space, administrative offices, faculty areas, a courtyard, and the Paul Powell chapel.
The seminary has had five deans since its founding: Robert B. Sloan (1994–1995), J. Bradley Creed (1996–2000), Paul Powell (2001–2007), David E. Garland (2007–2015), and Todd D. Still (2015–present). Notable faculty include Roger E. Olson, Foy Valentine Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics.