Examining The History And Future of Liberty’s School Of Divinity

The School of Divinity was built on this focus: “Training Champions for Christ to come alongside the local church in its quest to fulfill the Great Commission.”

Liberty University’s school of Divinity, has blossomed since the university’s start in 1971, offering 44 bachelor’s degrees, 44 master’s degrees and 14 doctorate degrees. Dr. Ed Hindson, now the Dean Emeritus, who has worked for Liberty University over 40 years, recounted the growth of the School of Divinity.

“We transitioned from overhead projectors (to) PowerPoints,” Hindson said, commenting on changes at the school. “There’s an immersive room where seven cameras can project an image on an entire wall, and recently the university has switched to using Canvas (for scheduling, communicating and planning classwork).”

Though technical changes in the classroom, Hindson emphasized the lack of change to the school’s mission and the consistent foundation of the biblical and theological commandments of God. 

During his time as the Dean of the School of Divinity, he focused on finding the most qualified faculty he could. He wanted them to energize and foster growth in students. His other priority, which is still a large focus of the school, was to provide scholarship opportunities for students. 

“The cost of college is expensive, and with how much it’s increasing there’s been a lack of students choosing undergraduate degrees in religion not only at Liberty, but at all schools,” Hindson said.

Adhering to the mission statement, the school continues to look for ways to open doors for students called to ministry. 

In the recent years, the school has partnered with many churches and organizations to create ministry opportunities for students while helping spread the love of Christ into the mission field. Hindson said the school partners with around 50 different organizations.

“One of them is the Southern Baptist Convention which was held earlier this year,” he explained. Many students from the school attended the convention to find opportunities. 

The school hopes to partner with more in the upcoming years. The School of Divinity has ushered over 10,000 pastors, 5,000 missionaries and countless teachers into the world since the beginning of the school in 1971.

One of these pastors is Brad Robertson, who completed his Master of Arts in Religion- Church Ministries Degree through Liberty’s School of Divinity. 

“I feel that the quality and integrity of the faculty of Liberty’s School of Divinity sets them apart,” Robertson said. “They helped to inform my head and form my heart with their teaching and shepherding.”

Whether through adding new degrees, increasing outreach, finding encouraging staff or through making college affordable, the School of Divinity has plans to share the gospel according to the riches of God’s grace provided to Liberty University.

Emma Arbuckle is a News Reporter.