Central Seminary

10/14/2026

You're invited to our 125th Anniversary Celebration Dinner: A Legacy of Welcome.

This once-in-a-generation event will highlight the extraordinary history of Central Seminary and we want you to be part of the celebration!

Friday, November 6, 2026
First Baptist Church of Overland Park Kansas

Tickets are $125 per person. Reservations required. Limited availability.

Purchase your tickets here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/125thanniversarycelebrationdinner/event/central125/?blm_aid=0

10/10/2026

Global missions were a vital part of Central Seminary's life in the 1990s. Through Mission Days, students and churches heard firsthand stories from missionaries serving around the world and learned how God was at work across cultures and continents.

In 1995, Missions Days focused on "Change, Challenge and the Church in Eastern Europe," exploring the dramatic changes that followed the fall of Communism. The event drew 359 participants across Central's campus, First Baptist Church in Columbia, Missouri, and Third Baptist Church in St. Louis. Featured speakers included missionaries and church leaders with firsthand experience in Eastern Europe.

The following year, Missions Days 1996 centered on "Change, Challenge, and Christ in the Shadow of China," drawing 375 participants at Central, First Baptist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas, and First Baptist Church in Garden City, Kansas. One memorable speaker was Lagwi Bawm Win of Myanmar, then a Central student, who told attendees, "I am the fruit of American Baptist missionaries."

Central's commitment to global ministry extended beyond annual events. Throughout the decade, the seminary regularly hosted Missionaries-in-Residence, including Rupert and Dolores Nelson, American Baptist missionaries to Thailand, who served during the 1996-97 academic year.

These experiences helped prepare students to see ministry through a global lens and connected the Central community with God's work around the world.

Photo: International students who shared their testimonies during Mission Days 1996 included Victor Chicerman (Moldova), Vekulo Nuh (Nagaland), Prayoag and Rattana Chumcom (Thailand), and Lagwi Bawn Win (Myanmar).

10/05/2026

In some of the Bible's most challenging passages, violence appears to be commanded or sanctioned by God, leading some political leaders and some people in the pew to conclude that violence can, under certain circumstances, be justified for God's people. Yet a careful reading of Scripture challenges whether these “texts of violence” should be understood as establishing a normative ethic for followers of Jesus.

Join Dr. David May, professor of New Testament Emeritus at Central Seminary, for a two-part, free, Zoom series exploring this topic.

Part I: Weaponizing the Bible for Violence - Thursday, October 8 at 12:00-1:00 pm (Central time)
Part II. Jesus’ Response to Violence - Thursday, October 15 at 12:00-1:00 pm (Central time)

Zoom registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/KWFNxebsRcq2ZfReSVpREQ

10/04/2026

10/03/2026

Central Seminary took an important step into the digital age in 1997 when it launched its first website on the World Wide Web.

Developed by Tom Davis, dean of students and director of student life and enrollment services, and David Patterson, director of educational technology and media services, the site provided a new way for students, alumni, and friends to stay connected with the seminary.

The website featured campus email addresses, calendar updates, faculty profiles, the seminary's mission statement, enrollment information, and FACTS, the weekly on-campus newsletter published during the academic year.

And while much has changed on the internet since 1997, one thing has remained the same: Central's web address. Nearly three decades later, you can still find us at www.cbts.edu!

10/01/2026

Join Rev. Jessica Asbell Oravec for a four-week certificate course covering the basics of creating a ministry for children and their families. By the end of this course, you will have created your own ministry blueprint to implement at your church. As part of this course, you will also receive Building Blocks of Faith: Teaching the Bible to Children, a strategy for children’s ministry written by Rev. Asbell Oravec.

Beginning November 2, 2026 for 4 weeks on Mondays, at 6:30 pm CT. - $100 registration fee

Learn more and register here: https://antiochcenter.cbts.edu/course/creating-a-blueprint-for-ministry-to-children-and-families

09/28/2026

Meet Sang Eun. A graduate of the Central’s Korean Master of Divinity program and a current student enrolled in Central’s Korean Master of Christian Care and Counseling program.

Reflecting on her journey to Central, she said, “As I began my first online class, my heart was pounding, and my hands were trembling. I still remember the fear and my wondering if someone like me could really do this. I decided to rely on what I knew best: perseverance. I realized that the only way forward was through consistent effort. Gradually, the anxiety began to ease. One of the greatest blessings in my journey has been the support of my professors. Their teaching, patience, and encouragement continue to guide me. The classmates I’ve met along the way have become sources of insight, comfort, and accountability. In many ways, they have been catalysts, helping me refocus whenever I feel tired or distracted.”

We are thankful you are part of the Central community, Sang Eun!

09/26/2026

As Central Seminary celebrates 125 years of theological education, we remember the faculty members whose scholarship, service, and leadership shaped generations of students. Among them was Dr. Gam Seng Shae, who served as Professor of New Testament from 1983 to 1987, bringing a global perspective, deep scholarly expertise, and a profound commitment to Christian ministry that enriched the life of the seminary.

Born and raised in Burma (now Myanmar), Dr. Gam was a member of the Kachin tribe from the mountainous regions of the country. His remarkable journey took him from Southeast Asia to advanced theological study, culminating in a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Union Theological Seminary. He brought to Central a unique combination of scholarly excellence, pastoral experience, missionary commitment, and expertise in Bible translation.

Dr. Gam was much more than a professor. He was a scholar, pastor, missionary, translator, consultant, leader, and mentor whose life reflected a deep commitment to both the academy and the church. Students encountered not only the New Testament text in his classroom but also a vision of the global church shaped by his own experiences and ministry.

During their years in Kansas, Dr. Gam and his wife, Alice Shae, were active members of Prairie Baptist Church, where Alice served as Minister of Asian Outreach. Together, they helped extend ministry beyond the classroom, touching the lives of immigrants, refugees, and congregations throughout the region.

In 1987, the Shaes left Kansas to serve with International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches, continuing a lifetime of mission and service throughout Southeast Asia. Dr. Gam's later work as a biblical scholar and translator contributed significantly to the understanding and translation of Scripture, particularly among Burmese-speaking Christians.

Dr. Gam Seng Shae's years at Central Seminary reflect the institution's long-standing commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and faithful Christian service. His influence continues through the students he taught, the churches he served, and the communities he helped shape around the world.

09/21/2026

Come join a dynamic team making a difference in the world of theological education, ministry training, and leadership development.

Central is looking for a Senior Director of Development and an Associate Director of Individual Giving and Donor Relations. Both job descriptions can be found here: https://www.cbts.edu/alumni/career-opportunities/

Please share this posting with anyone you think may be interested!

09/19/2026

A Legacy of Faithful Service: Central Seminary Faculty Who Served 30+ Years

As Central Seminary reflects on its 125-year history, we give thanks for faculty members whose decades of service shaped generations of students, pastors, scholars, and ministry leaders. Their commitment to theological education helped define Central's mission and legacy.

Benjamin Reno Downer (1908-1938) | 30 Years
When Benjamin R. Downer joined Central in 1908 as professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, he began a remarkable three-decade ministry of teaching and leadership. He served as acting president from 1927-1928 during a time of transition following President Crannell's resignation due to ill health. Downer helped expand the curriculum, introducing a course in archaeology in 1932, and earned recognition for his scholarship through publications such as The Pathos of the Life and Ministry of Jeremiah (1918) and The Added Years of Hezekiah's Life (1923).

Following the death of his wife, Marie Boddie Downer, he established the Marie Boddie Downer Memorial for the Women's Training School. Their daughter, Sara Boddie Downer, a graduate of the Training School, carried the family's commitment to service around the world as a missionary and educator in China. Dr. Downer retired in March 1938 after 30 years of faithful service and passed away in 1946.

George M. Johnson (1941-1971) | 30 Years
For three decades, George M. Johnson taught theology to countless Central students. Joining the faculty in August 1941, he served in several academic roles, including professor of biblical theology and exegesis, professor of Christian theology, and professor of biblical theology. Granted tenure in 1962, Johnson retired on July 31, 1971, and was elected professor emeritus. His steady presence provided continuity and theological depth during a period of significant change in theological education.

Robert Victor Unmack (1950-1982) | 32 Years
Robert V. Unmack combined academic excellence with creativity and innovation. After serving as a student instructor and fellow in New Testament in 1948, he joined the faculty in 1950, becoming a full professor in 1955. He taught New Testament until his death in 1982.

Beyond the classroom, Unmack directed Central's Seminary Chorus and the beloved "Singing Preachers," leading extensive ministry tours across the country. Alongside Dr. Fred Young, he guided annual Bible Lands study tours for more than two decades. He also championed educational innovation through his vision for a multi-media center that equipped faculty and students to develop media-assisted teaching tools. A memorial fund was established in his honor following his death in 1982.

Henry Richard Moeller (1955-1988) | 33 Years
A Central graduate who earned multiple degrees from the seminary, Henry Moeller devoted nearly his entire professional life to the institution. Beginning as an student instructor in Greek in 1951 and joining the faculty in 1955, he taught biblical languages and New Testament studies for 33 years. He also served as librarian beginning in 1978 and filled numerous instructional and administrative roles throughout his career.

Although formally retiring in 1988, Dr. Moeller continued teaching as an adjunct instructor until 1999, extending his influence on Central students for more than four decades.

Fred E. Young (1955-1988) | 33 Years
Internationally known scholar, dean, pastor, translator, and traveler, Fred Young joined Central's faculty in 1955 and served for 33 years as professor of Old Testament Studies. His scholarship in Hebrew studies and ancient languages earned him international recognition, and he later developed the renowned Kansas Qumran Bibliographic Project devoted to research on the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Students remember him not only for his scholarly excellence but also for the Bible Lands tours he led with Dr. Robert Unmack, opening the biblical world to generations of learners. He retired in 1988, leaving a profound impact on both Central and the broader academic community.

David M. May (1994-2024) | 30 Years
The most recent member of this distinguished group, David May served Central Seminary for 30 years as professor of New Testament, Landreneau Guillory Chair of Biblical Studies, director of the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program, and leader in numerous faculty roles. A gifted teacher and respected scholar, he inspired students to read Scripture with curiosity, care, and wonder.

In addition to publishing books and articles, Dr. May led study tours to Israel, Greece, and Turkey, served on professional boards, helped pioneer Central's online education program, and provided leadership across virtually every area of academic life. Upon his retirement in 2024, colleagues and students celebrated the extraordinary influence he had on generations of learners.

Across more than a century, these faculty members dedicated over 188 years of combined service to Central Seminary. Their scholarship, leadership, mentorship, and faithfulness continue to shape our community today. We give thanks for their enduring legacy and the lives they touched through theological education.