A rapidly growing Southern Baptist seminary in Kansas City offering graduate and undergraduate theological education.
MBTS offers master's degrees (M.Div., M.A., M.T.S.) and professional doctorates (D.Min., D.Ed.Min., Ph.D. in Biblical Studies) accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and Higher Learning Commission. Spurgeon College provides undergraduate degrees in ministry, missions, theology, leadership, counseling psychology, and philosophy, including an Accelerate program combining B.A. and M.Div. in five years. The seminary offers online education through the Online You program and specialized tracks including Korean and Spanish language options for doctoral degrees.
The 220-acre campus in northern Kansas City features the Daniel Lee Chapel (1,000 seats, dedicated 2014), the Spurgeon Center and Library (housing Charles Spurgeon's personal collection acquired from William Jewell College in 2006), residential dormitories and apartments, and the 40,000 sq ft Mathena Student Center (opened Fall 2018) with gymnasium, fitness center, cafeteria, and study facilities. The seminary also operates the Sword & Trowel Bookstore on campus.
Established in 1958 with six faculty and 136 students, MBTS was founded to serve Southern Baptist churches. Under President Jason K. Allen's leadership beginning in 2012, the seminary became one of North America's fastest-growing theological institutions, nearly tripling enrollment by 2017–2018. The institution's vision emphasizes 'For The Church,' reconnecting theological education to local church support and strengthening.
The seminary requires applicants to be Christians but does not mandate affiliation with Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Faculty and administration must sign statements affirming this doctrinal document. The institution received a Title IX exception in 2016 permitting religious-based discrimination policies. Trustees are exclusively elected by the Southern Baptist Convention.