Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry

The Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry was inaugurated at Oklahoma Baptist University as the Joe L. Ingram School of Christian Service in 1981. The Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry was introduced in 2011 to oversee the Joe L. Ingram School of Christian Studies, Avery T. Willis Center for Global Outreach, Don Kammerdeiner Center for Missiological Research, and the departments of Christian and Cross-Cultural Ministry, Biblical and Theological Studies, and Philosophy. The mission of the Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry is to inspire and equip students for Christ-centered, transformational, practical leadership and ministry. We shape leaders with knowledge and skills necessary to transform the world for Christ and his Kingdom. We do this through our Bachelors degrees offered in our departments of Biblical and Theological Studies, Christian and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Philosophy. Minors are also offered in all of these fields of study for any student and any of OBU’s schools. The school contributes to the studies of all OBU students by teaching Old and New Testament studies, Christian Ethics, and by teaching many of the other academic majors with Philosophy.

For students wishing to transfer credits in Old and New Testaments from another institution, equivalent Old Testament and New Testament courses from CCCU universities are transferable for BIBL 1013 and BIBL 1023 . Other equivalencies are considered at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry.

In an effort to make personnel and services of the institution available to meet appropriate educational needs of our Baptist constituency, the School of Theology and Ministry also provides college education for ministers and other church leaders through the Joe L. Ingram School of Christian Studies (formerly Ministry Training Institute). Courses leading to an A.A, B.A., or a Diploma in Christian Studies are offered online. The curriculum is prepared by the College of Theology and Ministry faculty and taught by qualified contract faculty under the direction of the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and the Dean of Theology, Art and Humanities. Courses taken for the Diploma can apply to the Associate of Arts in Christian Studies (AACS) or the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies (BACS).

The faculty of the Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry has attained the highest level of academic preparation in their respective fields of study. All full-time faculty members are continually involved in programs of additional training and development. They are committed Christian teachers whose scholarship is recognized in their many years of experience in teaching, pastoring, church-related ministries and missions. The faculty is actively involved in local churches and denominational ministries as interim and supply preachers, Bible and doctrinal study leaders, conference leaders, and speakers on missions, evangelism, preaching authors, and a variety of other related topics. Some have been chosen to write for Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry faculty members are well-qualified to advise and counsel students in areas related to their education, ministry opportunities, and personal development.

Students preparing for Christian vocational service, academic vocations of teaching and research, or students who are preparing to continue their education can find an appropriate major in the Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry. A seminary education is strongly encouraged by the faculty, but for those who do not plan to attend seminary there are majors which will give a well-rounded preparation for ministry. In addition to traditional classroom instruction, the Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry provides programs of field education for academic credit utilizing internships in local churches, youth camps, missions, or other institutional or cross-cultural settings. Ample opportunities are available for on-the-job experience, summer missions, part-time church positions, and other educational ministry experiences designed to prepare students for meaningful and effective Christian ministry.

Chair, Theology and Ministry

Brandon Smith
Chair, School of Theology and Ministry
Associate Professor of Theology and Early Christianity
Dickinson Chair of Religion
Director of Graduate Theology and Ministry Programs
BA, Dallas Baptist University, 2012
MA, Criswell College, 2015
PhD, Ridley College (Melbourne), 2020
Joined OBU faculty in 2023.

Programs

Associate of Arts

Christian Studies, AA

Bachelor of Arts

Master of Arts

Master of Divinity

Master of Divinity, MDiv

Minor