Dockery ‘celebrates’ inaugural meeting of Society for Women in Scholarship

The Society for Women in Scholarship (SWS), a student-led group of female seminarians dedicated to academic excellence and scholarly discussion, held its first meeting Feb. 27, with Distinguished Professor of Theology David S. Dockery as its first guest speaker.

Master of Divinity student Mojade Adejokun chairs the eight-member SWS leadership team, and Katie McCoy, assistant professor of theology in women’s studies, is the sponsoring professor.

Among the main goals of SWS is mentoring and creating community among Southwestern women, between female doctoral and master’s students, and between scholars and seminary women. Activities will include student paper presentations, discussion of relevant theological questions, and topics in professional development.

“In my 12 years at Southwestern as both a student and a professor, I have never been more enthusiastic about the place and priority of women at this institution,” says McCoy. “Launching this organization reflects Southwestern’s investment in our female students and our recognition of how important their intellectual gifts are to the Kingdom. Every woman is called to love the Lord with all her mind, no matter her ministry.”

“Look around our campus and you’ll see signs telling students to ‘Live Your Calling,’” McCoy continued. “That’s more than a motto; it’s a mission. And this society is one more way Southwestern Seminary is empowering women to fulfill that mission.”

Adejokun says SWS was established because there has been an influx of women seeking a theological degree.

“Many of these women either see themselves continuing into education or wanting to take a strong, biblical knowledge back to their churches and communities,” Adejokun says. “While women are coming with deep desires to learn, they are also desiring the opportunity to have a community to discuss, think through, and work through the large amounts of information they are learning in classes. Our goal is to create a community of women that encourage one another and sharpen each other as they are pursuing their theological degrees.”

During a Q&A, Dockery, who earned a Master of Divinity at Southwestern Seminary, said he cherished his time at the institution. “I had the privilege of studying with some outstanding thinkers who aligned the way I think about theology,” he said.

He talked about the inerrancy of the Bible, noting that while each biblical writer’s style is unique, “nevertheless, it is the Word of God,” Dockery said. “God actually breathed out those words, so they are His words to men and women.”

Students asked how Dockery became a Baptist. He explained that though he is a Baptist by upbringing, his theological studies caused him to find he was Baptist “by conviction,” believing the Baptist faith and order most closely follows the Bible.

When asked what areas of ministry women might pursue, Dockery said, “I would say missions and global theology. I think their work would be a vital piece of this.”

As the global percentage of Christians rises, “don’t miss what God is doing worldwide,” he said. Dockery also encouraged women to explore anthropology studies, opening doors to developing issues.

“Women and men are equal recipients of salvation,” as well as equal image-bearers of God and equally gifted, he said, while noting the Bible does teach some differences in function for men and women in church worship and ministry.

Dockery celebrated the launch of the new society, offering his strong affirmation and encouragement. “I want to celebrate women, every one of you, and I want you to use the gifts you have for the good of others and God’s glory,” he said.

For more information about the Society for Women in Scholarship, contact SWS@swbts.edu.