Organization:Andersonville Theological Seminary

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Andersonville
Theological Seminary
Andersonville Theological Seminary Logo.png
Former names
Andersonville Baptist Seminary
MottoLatin: Verbum autem Domini manet in aeternum hoc est autem verbum quod evangelizatum est in vos.
(from 1 Peter 1:25)
Motto in English
But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you.[1]
Type
  • Protestant
  • Evangelical
  • Non-Profit
  • Coeducational
  • Private Seminary
Established1981; 43 years ago (1981)
Affiliation
  • ABHE
  • ACCESS
  • CPCA
  • NCCA
  • ITS
  • USDLA
Budget$1.3 million (2017)[2]
ChairmanChris Moore
PresidentJimmy Hayes, Th.D.
Academic staff
24[3]
Administrative staff
10[4]
Students7,000+
Alumni30,000+
Address
54 South Butler Street[5]
,
Camilla
,
Georgia
,
United States

[ ⚑ ] : 31°13′49″N 84°12′33″W / 31.23028°N 84.20917°W / 31.23028; -84.20917
Campus
  • Small Town
  • Online
|u}}rs
  • Slate Blue
  • Red
  • White[6]
              
NicknameAndersonville Seminary
ATS
MascotCrusaders[7]
Websiteandersonvilleseminary.com

Andersonville Theological Seminary (commonly referred to as Andersonville Seminary or ATS) is a private evangelical Christian seminary located in Camilla, Georgia. The seminary offers both undergraduate and graduate level degree programs and its primary focuses is to train missionaries, evangelists, preachers, Christian professionals and teachers. The seminary was founded in 1981 as a coeducational institution, and today has more than 7,000 enrolled students, and over 30,000 graduates.[8]

History

Andersonville Theological Seminary has roots dating back to 1981 when Dr. Jimmy Hayes founded the Andersonville Baptist Seminary. During the seminary's registration with the State of Georgia, they classified Andersonville as a non-profit Christian seminary and the Internal Revenue Service registered the seminary as a 501(c)(3) organization.[9] The founder sought to create a seminary that could offer a practical Christian training program with affordable tuition costs.

In the 2000s the school officially changed its name to Andersonville Theological Seminary and increased their degree offerings.[10] Since the founding of the seminary they have used the King James Version of the Bible. The school's foundation stems from an evangelical Baptist tradition and still lists these positions in their existing published Doctrinal Statement.[11]

Baptist students and faculty account for the largest denominational group at the seminary. However, many students and faculty are either Non-denominational Christian or come from another protestant denomination.

Student Body

As of 2019 the students come from 24 foreign countries and all 50 states and the student body is theologically, culturally, and denominationally diverse.[12] ATS has adult students who are currently serving in church positions and also has adults who are working full-time and are also pursuing first or second degrees.

Governance

ATS is currently governed by a board of trustees and the chair is Chris Moore.[13] Jimmy Hayes is the current president of the seminary. The trustees for the seminary administers policy, and serve as Andersonville Theological Seminary's final authority and legal entity. The trustees are also responsible for ensuring resources are being used productively and in a well-organized manner.

Geographical location

Andersonville Theological Seminary is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Albany, Georgia and approximately 55 miles (89 km) north of Tallahassee, Florida.

ATS is based out of Camilla, Georgia which is in Mitchell County.

The seminary is located in Southwest Georgia, and has two administrative buildings which are located in the city of Camilla which comprise its headquarters. Camilla is in Mitchell County, Georgia, in the United States and is known for its historical traditions, southern architecture, and agriculture.[14]

Academics

Academic programs

Every degree offered is designed, checked for quality, reviewed, and approved by the Board of Trustees. As of 2019 Andersonville Theological Seminary authorizes three degree types at the undergraduate degree levels and six degree types at the graduate degree levels.

Academic Levels
Degrees Offered
Associate Associate of Biblical Studies (ABS)
Bachelor Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.)
Bachelor of Ministry (B. Min.)
Masters Master of Biblical Studies (MBS)
Master of Theology (Th.M.)
Master of Ministry (M. Min.)
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Doctorate Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)
Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.)

Andersonville has been recognized as being theologically conservative.[15] ATS offers a pedagogy that focuses on both theology and biblical studies for the Christian education that they provide. Most ATS students attend the seminary in order to prepare for a career in the ministry of Christianity. ATS courses are all Bible-centred.

The seminary primarily offers instruction through textbooks and by using class lectures that have been recorded on audio MP3 files. The seminary is affiliated with the Institute of Theological Studies (ITS).[citation needed] As an affiliate, ATS can offer courses from ITS by way of audio MP3 format. The seminary announced that they are working to convert select courses from distance-education courses to fully online interactive courses. With the exception of the Counseling Programs, all other degrees allow the student to advance at their own pace. ATS degrees in Counseling and Education do not meet licensure requirements in any state but may be able to work under a religious exemption in the performance of their duties.

Starting in 2020 graduate students are now able to attend on-site courses offered in Mitchell County at the Andersonville Theological Seminary site in Camilla, Georgia.[16]

Admissions

Admissions to the associate degree program require the applicant to have a high school diploma or have something equivalent like the General Education Development Credential or IB Diploma. Those applying to a Bachelor degree program must have completed an associate degree or completed sixty credit hours of collegiate level coursework. Admission to graduate studies varies by the degree program.

National Christian Counselors Association

ATS has formed a Christian counseling program with the National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA).[17] The NCCA is a Christian organization that issues faith-based licenses and certifications to pastoral counselors and are not recognized in any state to perform secular counseling services.

Graduating with Honors

ATS has a traditional grading system for coursework completed. The seminary does not rank students but instead uses a four-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale.

The seminary offers ATS graduates the opportunity to achieve honors and distinction at the time of their graduation from their degree program.

  • Graduate Students: The degree requirements for graduating with distinction requires a 3.75 to 3.94 GPA, and highest distinction requires a GPA of 3.95 or above.
  • Undergraduates: The degree requirements for graduating with cum laude requires a 3.50 to 3.74 GPA, for magna cum laude ATS requires a 3.75 to 3.94 GPA, and summa cum laude requires a GPA of 3.95 or above.

Rankings

The school is an autonomous seminary and thus does not appear in national or global rankings for colleges and universities.

Colors and Mascot

Andersonville's colors are slate blue, red, and white. In addition, the official ATS mascot is the crusader.[18]

Affiliations and Recognition

ATS Affiliations and Recognition
Organizations
* Association for Biblical Higher Education
* Association of Christian Distance Education
* Council of Private Colleges of America
* National Christian Counselors Association
* Institute of Theological Studies
* United States Distance Learning Association
  • Affiliate institution of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).[19]
  • Member of the Association of Christian Distance Education (ACCESS).
  • Member of the Council of Private Colleges of America (CPCA).[20]
  • Certified Academic Institution of the National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA).
  • Affiliated with the Institute of Theological Studies (ITS).
  • Member of the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). Andersonville Theological Seminary is listed with USDLA as a non-profit organization.[21]

Non Profit Status

  • Andersonville Theological Seminary has been chartered by the State of Georgia as a non-profit Christian seminary and has been approved by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission for Religious Exemption located at 2082 East Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30094–5305.
  • Andersonville Theological Seminary has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.[22]

Alumni Engagement

ATS conducts annual commencement every spring at the Albany Municipal Auditorium in Albany, Georgia.[23]

In the seminary's 39-year history, ATS alumni and faculty are leading in missions and ministry of the Baptist Church and other Christian churches and organizations, in academia, spiritual instruction, in service to the public, and as professionals.

ATS has produced over 30,000 graduates since being founded and has an active alumni organization for the seminary. The organization assists the seminary through events, programs, and services targeted at friends of the seminary and ATS alumni. Every year ATS conducts its annual commencement at the Albany Municipal Auditorium.[24] Alumni may purchase class rings and diploma frames from the memorabilia company Jostens,[25] and alumni shirts, computer cases, and coffee mugs from Logosoftware which serves as the official ATS Online store.[26]

Media

ATS offers a monthly online newsletter with the latest news and changes for the seminary.[27] In addition, upcoming dates such as commencement and career opportunities are also included. The newsletter is for students, alumni, and supporters of the seminary. The newsletters used to be on the seminary's website, but now they are sent via email to their mailing list.

Notable alumni

  • Michael Burgos: American theologian and professor of theology at Forge Theological Seminary[28]
  • James Walter Clifton: First Libertarian to win a partisan race in Michigan in 1988.
  • Bruce McCoy, former President of the Missouri Baptist Convention[29]
  • Jim West: professor at the Ming Hua School of Theology, Hong Kong[30]
  • Eric Watson: former member of the Tennessee House of Representatives[31]

See also

  • Camilla, Georgia
  • Mitchell County, Georgia
  • List of colleges and universities in Georgia
  • Georgia private colleges and universities
  • King James Version of the Bible

External links


References

  1. ↑ ATS. "2018 Spring Commencement". Andersonville Theological Seminary. https://andersonvilleseminary.com/pdf/forms/alumni/sample-graduation-program.pdf. Retrieved May 24, 2019. 
  2. ↑ Propublica.org. "Andersonville Baptist Seminary". https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/581989996. Retrieved November 29, 2019. 
  3. ↑ ATS. "Doctoral Programs Student Catalog & Handbook". Andersonvilleseminary.com. https://andersonvilleseminary.com/pdf/forms/catalogs/doctoral_programs_handbook.pdf2. Retrieved February 22, 2020. 
  4. ↑ ALMA. "Andersonville Baptist Seminary". Alma.app. https://alma.app/charities/581989996-andersonville-baptist-seminary. Retrieved February 22, 2020. 
  5. ↑ Google Maps. "Andersonville Seminary". google.com. https://goo.gl/maps/UKaRNq83wicDEQLs9. Retrieved December 8, 2019. 
  6. ↑ "School colors". Logosoftwear.com. https://andersonville.logosoftwear.com/. 
  7. ↑ Logosoftware. "Official ATS Mascot T-Shirt". Logosoftware.com. https://andersonville.logosoftwear.com/storeshop/buyfromstore/62de13019d923a35e0879b50d7354654. Retrieved November 19, 2019. 
  8. ↑ Andersonville Theological Seminary. "Academic Credentials & Affiliations". Andersonville Theological Seminary. http://andersonvilleseminary.com/academics/educational-affiliations/. Retrieved November 19, 2019. 
  9. ↑ IRS. "Tax Exempt Organization Search". Internal Revenue Service. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search. Retrieved May 25, 2019. 
  10. ↑ ATS. "Our History". Andersonville Theological Seminary. https://andersonvilleseminary.com/about/history/. Retrieved May 24, 2019. 
  11. ↑ ATS. "Doctrinal Statement". Andersonville Theological Seminary. https://andersonvilleseminary.com/about/doctrinal-statement/. Retrieved May 25, 2019. 
  12. ↑ ATS. "Doctoral Program Student Handbook". Andersonville Theological Seminary. https://andersonvilleseminary.com/pdf/forms/catalogs/doctoral_programs_handbook.pdf. Retrieved May 24, 2019. 
  13. ↑ ABHE. "ABHE Affiliate Directory". ABHE. https://www.abhe.org/affiliate-directory/andersonville-theological-seminary/. Retrieved June 15, 2019. 
  14. ↑ CCC. "Historical Overview". Camilla Chamber of Commerce. http://www.camillageorgia.com/chamber_of_commerce/history.html. Retrieved May 25, 2019. 
  15. ↑ christiananswers.net. "Which universities, colleges, and seminaries teach a literal Genesis, including six-day, young-Earth Creation?". christiananswers.net. https://christiananswers.net/q-eden/creationist-schools-a-z.html. Retrieved July 6, 2019. 
  16. ↑ ATS. "Intent to Attend 2020 Module Form". Andersonville Theological Seminary. http://andersonvilleseminary.com/pdf/forms/intent-to-attend-2020-module-form.pdf. Retrieved July 6, 2019. 
  17. ↑ PCC. "N.C.C.A University Overview". Pastoral Counseling Center. http://www.pastoral-counseling-center.org/ncca/UniversityOverview.pdf. Retrieved May 24, 2019. 
  18. ↑ Logosoftware. "Official ATS Mascot T-Shirt". Logosoftware.com. https://andersonville.logosoftwear.com/storeshop/buyfromstore/62de13019d923a35e0879b50d7354654. Retrieved December 1, 2019. 
  19. ↑ ABHE. "Affiliate Directory". Association for Biblical Higher Education. https://www.abhe.org/affiliate-directory/andersonville-theological-seminary/. Retrieved July 6, 2019. 
  20. ↑ CPCA. "Andersonville Theological Seminary History". Council of Private Colleges of America. http://cpca-edu.us/wp-content/uploads/Andersonville-Theological-Seminary-History.pdf. Retrieved June 20, 2019. 
  21. ↑ USDLA. "Nonprofit Members". United States Distance Learning Association. https://usdla.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/USDLA-Non-Profit-Members-16-17-6-20-17.pdf. Retrieved May 25, 2019. 
  22. ↑ IRS. "Tax Exempt Organization Search". Internal Revenue Service. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search. Retrieved May 25, 2019. 
  23. ↑ ATS. "Spring Commencement". ATS. https://andersonvilleseminary.com/pdf/forms/alumni/sample-graduation-program.pdf. Retrieved December 1, 2019. 
  24. ↑ Allevents.in. "Submit an Event RFP". Allevents.in. https://allevents.in/albany/andersonville-seminary-onsite-graduation/200009460463425. Retrieved December 1, 2019. 
  25. ↑ Jostens.com. "Andersonville Theological Seminary". Jostens.com. https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1026748/Andersonville-Theological-Seminary/. Retrieved October 14, 2019. 
  26. ↑ Logosoftware.com. "Andersonville Theological Seminary Welcome to the Official ATS Online Store". Logosoftware.com. https://andersonville.logosoftwear.com/. Retrieved November 19, 2019. 
  27. ↑ Andersonvilleseminary.com. "Andersonville Theological Seminary News". http://online.fliphtml5.com/ftpi/kvbk/#p=1. Retrieved October 14, 2019. 
  28. ↑ Faculty. "Dr. Michael R. Burgos". Forge Theological Seminary. https://www.forge.education/about. Retrieved December 23, 2019. 
  29. ↑ Wordandway. "McCoy elected MBC president in contested vote". Wordandway.org. https://wordandway.org/2008/11/14/mccoy-elected-mbc-president-in-contested-vote/. Retrieved February 22, 2020. 
  30. ↑ Theology.edu. "Dr. Jim West". Theology.edu. https://www.theology.edu/westbio.htm. Retrieved October 14, 2019. 
  31. ↑ Times Free Press. "State Rep. Eric Watson seeks re-election in 22nd District". Timesfreepress.com. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/news/story/2012/jun/01/state-rep-eric-watson-seeks-re-election-22/79351/. Retrieved October 14, 2019. 





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