Kelly Dickerson, a life-long Baptist, will be getting her seminary education in South Carolina rather than going out-of-state as she had planned, thanks to an agreement signed Feb. 12, 2004, between the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia.

The agreement launched a Baptist Studies Program at the seminary that is directed by Ginger Barfield, an ordained Baptist pastor who holds a Ph. D. in New Testament studies from Duke University.

"Baptists in South Carolina have historically valued a quality theological education," said SC/CBF Coordinator Marion Aldridge. "This partnership allows us to continue in that tradition of theological excellence."

The first courses in Baptist history and theology were taught in the fall 2004 semester. Classes in Baptist polity class and Baptist worship are now also offered.

These classes replace Lutheran-specific classes that other students take. Except for these special classes, Baptist students follow the curriculum prescribed by the seminary.

Barfield teaches all of the Baptist classes as well as classes in New Testament and Greek for all students.

Barfield is always seeking funding sources for Baptist students to defray some of their tuition costs. She also is responsible for raising funds to pay administrative costs of the program, including her salary.

Lutheran Seminary officials are pleased with the arrangement with CBF. "The seminary is delighted that we can reach out ecumenically in this way to one of the most significant Christian communities in South Carolina," said Michael Root, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "Each of us has things to give and receive from the other. Lutherans and Baptists can remain Lutherans and Baptists, even while challenging each other and cooperating in mission for the good of the wider church."

Root said the mission of the Baptist Studies Program is to provide seminary level educational opportunities to Baptist students, to provide continuing education classes, seminars and retreats for Baptist clergy, and to offer non-degree course work, seminars and other educational opportunities for Baptist laity.

SC/CBF Coordinator Marion Aldridge signed an agreement in February 2004 establishing the Baptist Studies Program at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. Seated by Aldridge is seminary president H. Frederick Reisz Jr. Behind them are Laurie Berry, then-coordinator of SC/CBF, and Paul Summer, a parish pastor in Daytona Beach, FL, chair of the seminary board.