For the first time in its 23 year history, classes went online for Seminary Wives Institute (SWI) in March, as residential students quickly adapted to the new format and distance students were invited to enroll as well. Students from five countries and 21 states took five different classes via live video feed for the six week term that completed the academic year. Sixteen students will graduate this month after completing the three year certificate program.
SWI plans to continue offering student wives the opportunity to prepare for the ministry to which God has called them, with the eager expectation to again meet on campus, if allowed by government authorities. If that is not possible in the fall, SWI has contingency plans to again meet live via video with a full slate of course offerings for the two fall terms starting August 20 and ending on November 12. Mary Mohler, Founder and Director of SWI, stated that plans are underway to eventually offer the entire program both on campus and online by way of both synchronous and asynchronous classes. The curriculum offers students the theologically sound and practically based teaching that is necessary to equip a pastor’s wife for gospel service.
“We are excited to expand SWI beyond the classrooms of Norton Hall, although that is always where we will prioritize our efforts. However, online student spouses as well as ministry wives serving far and wide have long been asking to take SWI courses online. The answer to that frequent request is suddenly an enthusiastic yes,” stated Mary Mohler.
Students both on campus and online who complete the program can earn the Certificate of Ministry Studies through Boyce College. Within 18 months, both required and elective classes should be available online for those who cannot attend in person. The program aims to train both pastors’ wives and laymen’s wives who are serving the local church and desire more training.
Specific SWI courses have been accepted for many years now to count towards the required college credit hours for candidate spouses for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.
SWI is well served by a volunteer faculty composed of both seminary faculty and faculty wives. In the fall, Andrew T. Walker, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Apologetics, will be teaching an elective course entitled “Controversial Questions in Christian Thought” and will use as a text R. Albert Mohler Jr.’s new book, The Gathering Storm: Secularism, Culture, and the Church (Thomas Nelson). John Wilsey and T.J. Betts, Associate Professor of Church History and Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, are also scheduled to teach during the fall semester as are Mrs. Sharon Beougher and Mrs. Mary Mohler. The core class of the practical side of the curriculum, Essentials for the Minister’s Wife, is team taught by many faculty wives as is Discipleship, led by Mrs. Caffy Whitney. Detailed course descriptions are posted on the SWI webpage.
Course fees for SWI alumnae as well as wives of current students (both online and on campus), are $20 per class. Course fees for wives who are not a part of the seminary are $40 per class, and they must complete a short application.
More information can be found at the SWI webpage.