“There’s nothing quite like a professor with a few splinters in his hands; a teacher who knows the pain and pleasure of serving the Lord in the fields of ministry…This is why there’s a strong bond between Shepherds Theological Seminary (STS) and a vibrant, growing church,” said Stephen Davey, President of STS. Dr. Davey’s thoughts, included in his introductory letter to the STS course catalog, are at the heart of the vision that led to the founding of a seminary at Colonial Baptist Church. In 2003, after applying to the President of the University of North Carolina, STS received the authority to confer degrees in religious education. Since that time STS has shared a home on the campus of Colonial.

Dr. Larry Pettegrew, Executive Vice President and Dean at STS, said, “serious mentoring and training in the disciple making process” are distinctives that set apart an education at Shepherds. As a result, faculty members are not only committed to theologically conservative academic excellence, but are themselves experienced shepherds. (STS Catalog 8) “Dr. Davey felt we at Colonial, with all of our blessings, were obligated to do more to fulfill the Great Commission by training pastors, teachers and missionaries,” said Dr. Pettegrew.

Being part of a local church provides many opportunities for students to participate in local ministry while pursuing their academic degrees. Students serve at Colonial as ABF teachers, Evangelism Explosion instructors, and in a variety of other leadership areas. “The seminary belongs to the Lord, first, and Colonial, second,” said Dr. Pettegrew. The Colonial family can encourage STS students by praying for them, encouraging them in the areas where they serve, and making them aware of employment and housing opportunities.

Currently, about one third of Shepherds students are full time and come to Shepherds from around the country. There are also a number of part time students and students who audit classes. Students can earn an Associate of Church Ministry degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree, or one of two master degrees: Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling, Biblical Literature or Christian Ministry.

The process of becoming a fully accredited degree-granting institution is detailed and usually takes several years. Shepherds began pursuing accreditation through Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and was granted candidate status in April 2008. “Candidates have five years [to achieve various standards] before being granted full accreditation Shepherds did it in eighteen months,” said Dr. Pettegrew. Such an accomplishment is virtually unheard of and was humbling news for the leaders and faculty of the seminary when it was received in September 2009.

What’s next for the flourishing seminary with which we share a home? With full accreditation, the number of full time students continues to grow. Shepherds is committed to creating unity within the growing student body and expanding the offering of day time classes. One way unity will be encouraged is through student chapel times. Dr. Dave Burggraff, now a familiar face to the Colonial family, serves as Chaplain for Shepherds. Shepherds also continues to recruit top students and faculty to further the mission of “equipping servant leaders for life.”

For more information on Shepherds, visit www.shepherdsseminary.org.