GTI aids in launch of Baptist seminary in Cayman Islands

A new seminary has been established in the Cayman Islands thanks to a partnership with Southwestern Seminary’s Patterson Center for Global Theological Innovation (GTI). A special service will be held on March 25 to officially launch the Northwestern Caribbean Baptist Theological Seminary (NCBTS).

Originally the idea of Chuck Kelley, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Randy Von Kanel, pastor of Cayman Islands Baptist Church, the seminary was brought to reality when the concept was shared with Southwestern President Paige Patterson, who pledged the support of GTI. Through the GTI partnership, Southwestern will provide NCBTS with library resources as well as teach courses through its online Master of Theological Studies program.

Patterson will be present at the March 25 launch ceremony, along with his wife Dorothy Patterson and Dean of the School of Church Music Leo Day. In addition to worship and the seminary dedication, the launch service will feature a tour of the seminary, which will be located on the campus of Cayman Islands Baptist Church.

“This is a momentous and joyous occasion for the Baptist community here in Cayman,” Von Kanel says. “The opportunity to help people understand the Bible better and grow in their faith by applying its principles, as well as equip them with the tools necessary to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others is one that we do not take lightly. We are grateful to God for trusting us with this responsibility, and we look forward to seeing a generation of pastors and church leaders emerging here in Cayman and around the Caribbean.”

A news release containing details about the seminary’s origins as well as the launch ceremony was published on the Cayman news site “Loop.” The original article can be found here.