Mercer Certificate in Baptist Studies
A Non-Degree Program for Laity and Clergy
 

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Sponsored by The Center for Baptist Studies (CBS), Mercer University

Walter B. Shurden, Executive Director, The Center for Baptist Studies

Bruce T Gourley, Associate Director, The Center for Baptist Studies

Wil Platt, Associate Editor, The Baptist Studies Bulletin

Comments on the Baptist Studies Certificate Program

Bob Setzer, Jr., Moderator (2004-05), National CBF, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Macon, GA.

        Like many Baptist clergy, I never had a seminary course in Baptist history and identity. My learning has been "on the job" training.  The Mercer certificate program gave me an opportunity for systematic reading and study in our Baptist heritage. The experience was richly informative and I highly recommend it

Steve Street, Coordinator, CBF of Mississippi

       The Baptist Studies program connected the dots for me between the historic values of Baptist and their relevance to issues today.  As a state CBF Coordinator, I plan to use the program as a springboard to help other freedom-loving Baptists to connect the dots. 

        The readings were wide-ranging overviews.  The written responses were not only read but also given timely feedback by seasoned faculty.  Mercer is once again offering a great service to Baptist life. 

Rita Thompson, Central, Gray, GA.

“Growing up in a Baptist Church, I never had a course in Baptist History and never knew my valuable heritage. The Certificate program filled in gaps of my Baptist heritage. Every Baptist would benefit from knowing their heritage as I learned it from the Certificate program.”

Rick Eisel, Macon, GA.

“I found the historical perspectives gleaned during the program to be invaluable--indeed, vital--to truly understanding what it means to be a real Baptist.”

David Black, VA.

"The Baptist Studies course through was extensive, challenging and inexpensive--had I taken the equivalent class on-site here in rural VA, I'd have spent about $300 more and had to commute a long distance. My essays were read promptly and email replies were extremely detailed.  My local seminary, the John Leland Institute of Arlington, VA, is accepting the Mercer class in lieu of their regular undergrad course in Baptist Studies."

Patty Templin, VA.

"The Baptist Studies program is an exceptional value literally as well as figuratively.  It offers renewal, enlightenment, and encouragement at a time when it is difficult to be Baptist.  Completing the study allows me to say, again, I am proud of my Baptist heritage/identity; and YES, it is worth preserving and passing on to the next generation of Baptists."

Kathy Blackmon, LA.

Participating in the Mercer Certificate in Baptist Studies program was a tremendous blessing to me.  Tracing my religious heritage back for over four hundred years made me truly appreciate the sacrifices that courageous, Godly, men and women made through the years so that I can enjoy real freedom of religion today.

Connie Jones, Macon, GA.

"There has never been a more critical time for laity to have a clear vision of what it means to be Baptist and to live out that vision in

the local church. So the Center for Baptist Studies' certificate program is a very timely and much needed resource offering.  Taking this course has re-connected me to Baptist history and principles and empowered me as a lay leader."

William C. Vinson, III, Knoxville TN.

I was energized by the information gained about the struggles of early Baptists to formulate the principles around which we base our beliefs, and at the same time alarmed at some of the current trends way from those hard fought for freedoms.

I was amazed at the personal reviews and comments given by the Mercer staff in responding to questions, concerns and course submittals.  I expected a formal, impersonal approach to an "on-line" course and ended up feeling like I had new friends with which to network in the future.

I feel I have a much better understanding of where we came from as Baptists and also a much stronger response to those that are unknowingly weakening the fragile freedoms which define us.

Sonya Milam, Macon, GA.

"Information learned is proving to be invaluable as I continue my pilgrimage of figuring out what in the world this thing called being Baptist really means."

"if I can do it (completing this course), anyone can"

"a must do for all church staff and lay leadership........"

"great resource for those wanting to teach their children about our heritage."

"great resource for those wanting to teach their children about our Baptist heritage and continuing our tradition for future generations"

 "time and money well spent!"