Veteran Pastor with Rich Academic Background to Head New Doctor of Ministry Degree Program
Dr. N. Larry Baker has been appointed director of the new Doctor of Ministry program at Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon Seminary. Baker, who earned his ThD in Christian ethics and pastoral care at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, most recently served as senior pastor at First Baptist Church, Sun City West in Phoenix, Arizona.
"Dr. Baker will bring instant credibility to the Doctor of Ministry program," says Dr. Tommy Brisco, dean of the Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University. "He brings a unique combination of deep pastoral experience and a proven academic record."
In addition to more than 25 years of pastoral ministry experience in Texas, Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana, Baker's rich academic experience includes his service as a professor of Christian ethics and pastoral ministry at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Baker also taught Christian ethics at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, and served as vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty. Baker's experience further extends into denominational leadership, having also served as the executive director of the Christian Life Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Brisco explained that when faculty members sat down to work out the qualities they wanted for the director of the Doctor of Ministry program, the list was formidable. They wanted someone with significant pastoral experience as well as someone with an academic and administrative background in graduate level theology. "We also preferred a person whose doctorate was in pastoral care or a similar field," said Brisco.
Widely published in articles, newspapers, and books, Baker is known as a frequent contributor in the areas of both pastoral care and Christian ethics, areas in which he has frequently conducted conferences and workshops throughout the United States. His community involvement and leadership has also led to numerous awards, including professional recognition in multiple nationally recognized honor publications. He and his wife, Wanda, have two daughters and one son.
"We needed a wise and thoughtful person who understands the many roles pastors are called upon to fill in today's world," says Brisco. "Dr. Baker is internationally known in Baptist circles as a pastor, educator, and ethicist. He has a great love for the church and has the skills and insights to be a great mentor for our Doctor of Ministry students."
The Doctor of Ministry program at Hardin-Simmons is designed to equip pastors in developing leadership skills to handle a broad scope of ministry issues. The program curriculum integrates scripture, worship, spiritual formation, and theological reflection as students address real-life ministry under the supervision of gifted faculty mentors and field supervisors.
"The Doctor of Ministry degree offers the most advanced preparation for ministry," says Brisco. "It provides ministers with an opportunity to develop new insights and skills for effective church leadership in a rapidly changing world."
Baker will welcome students into the inaugural Doctor of Ministry class which starts this week.
Applications are being accepted for the Doctor of Ministry program at Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon Seminary. Qualified applicants for this program must have a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent and a minimum of three years of ministry experience. Application for admission can be completed online at www.logsdonseminary.org. Interested persons may also contact Meredith Stone, coordinator of recruiting services for Logsdon Seminary, at (325) 670-1576 or mstone@hsutx.edu.
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