Baptist House of Studies
The Baptist House of Studies prepares students for Baptist ministry through theological education and participation in a supportive community as they are being formed for Christian ministry at the Divinity School.
Baptist faculty and staff serve as advisers and mentors for more than 100 students from various Baptist denominations, affiliations, and affinities. The house assists the diverse group of students with needs including financial aid, field education, ministry placement, spiritual formation, and alumni networking.
The Baptist women and men at Duke Divinity School represent a diversity of ethnicity, race, age, and Baptist denominations. For these students, Baptist House is a theological and spiritual home, anchoring them in their Baptist identity and connecting them with one another and the larger Baptist world. They meet together in community throughout the year for fellowship and for other events.
Scholarships for Baptist Students
Each year the Baptist House scholarship committee awards a range of funds from both endowed and non-endowed sources. Students must be identified as “Baptist” in the Divinity School Registry and by the Baptist House to be eligible, and do not need to apply to be considered. First-year students must be matriculated. There may be additional requirements and criteria specific to each particular scholarship. Students can also apply for external scholarships.
Certificate in Baptist Studies
The Certificate in Baptist Studies is designed to serve the academic and formational requirements of residential M.Div. students preparing for ministry—ordained and lay—in the Baptist tradition. Interested students declare their interest to the Baptist House director and the Office of Academic Formation and are assigned a Baptist faculty advisor.
Field Education
Field Education provides an opportunity for students to discern their vocational identity through contextual learning. Two units of field education are required for graduation in the Master of Divinity degree program. All M.Div. students may initiate placements themselves under the guidelines of the Office of Field Education. Residential M.Div. students may seek placement by The Office of Field Education. Students pursuing the Certificate in Baptist Studies are encouraged to seek one of their two placements in a Baptist context.
Church Connections
Maintaining a vital connection with the church enables the Baptist House to flourish and grow. The primary relationships of the Baptist House are with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (North Carolina and national) and the Baptist World Alliance. The Baptist House also relates to and partners with other Baptist groups in the United States and throughout the world. Its board of directors, faculty, and students represent memberships in a range of organizations including:
Duke Divinity School is committed to preparing men and women whom God has called for transforming ministry in the church. A list of Baptists who are seniors and recent graduates is provided upon request to churches and others seeking leadership. Some have included a brief resume that gives further background. You may contact them directly or seek further reference from the Baptist House director.
Student Internships, Ministry Positions, and Placements
For Churches and Search Committees
To request resumes of graduates seeking ministry placement or to post a ministry opening email Callie Davis.
Download a Parish/Agency Form to request a Baptist student for field education.
Curtis W. Freeman, Director, Baptist House of Studies
Callie Davis, Staff Assistant, Baptist House of Studies
Stephen B. Chapman
Quinton Dixie
David Emmanuel Goatley
Michael Long
Jerusha Matsen Neal
Elizabeth Newman
David Odom
Luke Powery
Patrick T. Smith
Victoria Atkinson White
Wylin Wilson
Norman Wirzba