John W. Rawlings School of Divinity announces plans for new Liberty Theological Seminary

Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity has announced it will launch the Liberty Theological Seminary in the Fall of 2024. The seminary will house the School of Divinity’s current master’s, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs.

With a new distinction as a seminary, the graduate programs will echo the original heartbeat of the university’s early seminary program in teaching students not only the foundational truths of the Christian faith but also the best way to practically apply those truths in today’s culture of chaos and uncertainty.

“With the launch of the Liberty Theological Seminary under the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, we will double down on biblical and theological training that understands the context of a complex culture and how God’s people carry out the Great Commission to see untold millions come to the saving knowledge of Jesus and be discipled to follow Him,” said Dean Troy Temple. “This is a great door of opportunity.”

The third floor of the Freedom Tower will be converted to host students and faculty of the seminary. In addition, the seminary will have a dedicated website in addition to the school’s undergraduate site.

Temple said the new seminary is intended to better enable graduate students to connect with local churches for apprenticeships as well as provide further financial assistance to these students through additional scholarships.

“Liberty University is committed to Training Champions for Christ. The Liberty Theological Seminary will continue that mission and thoroughly equip a new breed of ministry leader for what’s next,” Temple said. “Since 1973, Liberty has continually trained leaders for the church and its sending ministries through its seminary programs.”

He said the seminary plans to reenvision its Master of Divinity and doctoral programs in the future.

These changes will be seen in both residential and online degree programs.

“Liberty University remains dedicated to ensuring that its students receive excellent academic instruction and exceptional ministry experience through local churches and Christian organizations,” Liberty President Dondi Costin said. “Through the Liberty Theological Seminary, students will be better equipped to incorporate the core foundations of the Christian faith into their ministries and, in turn, serve and disciple the next generation of Champions for Christ.”

“The introduction of the Liberty Theological Seminary demonstrates yet another way in which the university is continually strengthening its academic offerings while adhering to our original mission,” said Scott Hicks, Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “This change is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff who strive to meet students’ needs and impact the world for Christ.”

The John W. Rawlings School of Divinity remains the world’s largest school for religious studies and ministerial training. A member of the Association of Theological Schools, the School of Divinity stands on a solid, biblically-based foundation and a firm commitment to conservative evangelical theology.