Knox Theological Seminary
 | |
| Type | Evangelical Seminary |
|---|---|
| Established | 1989 |
| Chairman | Clark Cochran |
| Location | Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA |
| Affiliations | Association of Theological Schools |
| Website | http://www.knoxseminary.edu |
Knox Theological Seminary is an independent, evangelical seminary founded in 1989 by Dr. D. James Kennedy. The school offers "Christ-centered, gospel-driven, and mission-focused" ministry training at its residential facility in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and through its Internet campus, Knox Online.
History
Named after the Scottish Reformer John Knox, Knox Theological Seminary was founded in 1989 by Dr. D. James Kennedy (1930–2007), the senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Kennedy wanted to build an institution that would teach and equip men and women to become pastors, teachers, evangelists, and lay workers who would fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and impact culture in every area. The goal, he said, was to train ministers who will "stand for truth without compromise and have a zeal for evangelism."[1]
The school graduated its first class in 1993 and was granted accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools in 2003.[2] Knox obtained ATS approval in 2012 to offer two Master's degree programs (Biblical and Theological Studies, Christianity and Culture) entirely online. Knox Seminary was a subsidiary of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church for the first 24 years of its existence but became an independent free-standing institution under the exclusive governance of its own board of directors on July 1, 2013.
Academics
Knox’s 35 full-time, adjunct, and visiting instructors give students enrolled in its four degree programs instruction designed to "train the mind and nurture the heart."[3] The Knox faculty includes Gerald Bray, Distinguished Professor of Historical Theology; Bryan Chapell, Distinguished Professor of Preaching; and Bruce Waltke, Distinguished Professor of Old Testament.
Knox currently offers four degree programs: Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Christian and Classical Studies) and Master of Arts (Biblical and Theological Studies). It also offers a Certificate in Christian Ministry.
Knox received accreditation in 2003 through the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. ATS accreditation is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation for the accreditation of graduate professional theological education.[4]
Knox Theological Seminary is also approved by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to provide college credit and continuing education (CEU) courses.
Distinctives
Knox Seminary equips men and women for effective ministry that is Christ centered, gospel driven, and mission focused. Training is offered from the perspective of historic Reformed theology, however students from other evangelical perspectives are encouraged to apply and are heartily welcomed.[5]
Knox seeks to train both the mind and heart--to integrate solid Biblical, historical, and practical theology with true spirituality, enabling students to become leaders of church and society. This dual commitment to mind and heart is evidenced in graduate surveys showing that students leave Knox more theologically conservative and with a stronger faith. Knox seeks to protect its theological independence by declining state or federal student-aid funds.
Governance
Knox is governed by a Board of Directors. Knox Seminary's board installed Samuel Lamerson (Ph.D. TEDS under Scot McKnight) as the president in November of 2014. Dr. Lamerson was professor of New Testament before taking on the presidency.
Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church granted independence to Knox on July 1, 2013, to allow the school to maximize opportunities afforded by an independent status. Knox continues to have a close relationship with Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, including 25% board membership. Mr. Cochran, chairman of the board, affirmed that "Knox will continue to hold to the same doctrinal standards and vision for evangelism that has marked its past."
Graduates
Knox graduates serve as pastors, professors, Christian educators, counselors, evangelists, missionaries, and lay-leaders. Fully 66 percent of Knox graduates report that after studying at Knox their theological position shifted and became "more conservative," according to a survey conducted by the Association of Theological Schools. Knox graduates also report that their trust in God was "stronger" or "much stronger" as a consequence of their Knox education. A 2012 Knox graduate said: "My Knox education has completely changed my life. I never imagined that this school would leave such a huge impression on my heart and soul. The professors have taught me to love the Word of God...."[6]
Growth Initiatives
Three developments sparked significant growth at Knox Seminary in 2012. The school entered into a relationship with Logos Bible Software to co-market Knox Online degree programs to Logos users, obtained approval from the Association of Theological Studies to offer two MA programs fully online, and approved an expansion plan called "Teach Thousands to Reach Millions." As a consequence, the number of total active students reached 459 in May 2012, more than double the number in September 2012.
References
- ↑ Williams, Herbert Lee (1999) [1990]. D. James Kennedy: The Man and His Ministry. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. p. 249.
- ↑ Knox Theological Seminary, Ministry Overview
- ↑ Knox Theological Seminary, Ministry Overview
- ↑ Knox Theological Seminary Academic Catalog: 2012-2013, p. 6
- ↑ "The Heart of Knox". Knox Theological Seminary. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
- ↑ Knox Theological Seminary, Ministry Overview
- Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada - Knox Theological Seminary
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation - Database of Institutions Accredited By Recognized U.S. Accrediting Organizations - Knox Theological Seminary