IMPACT GEORGIA MAGAZINE JULY 2019
By Lori Benoit| [email protected]
Photos by Kasandra Ortiz
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), in partnership with the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) hosted a commencement celebration honoring 23 graduates from the NOBTS program on May 23, 2019 at Phillips State Prison (SP) in Buford, Ga. Twenty-one offenders received a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and two received an Associates of Arts in Christian Ministry from NOBTS through Leavell College.
These fully accredited college degrees are designed to provide a broad foundation for ministry within the prison system and are based upon eight core competencies: Biblical Exposition, Christian Heritage, Servant Leadership, Interpersonal Relationships, Spiritual and Character Formation, Disciple Making, Worship Leadership and Life Skills. Participation in the program is voluntary and participants are selected through a process.
In April 2007, NOBTS began offering classes at Phillips SP and has seen 58 graduates since its inception. In addition to earning a degree, the offenders minister within the Georgia prison system under the direction of a chaplain and return to their communities as prepared leaders ready to evangelize and disciple their peers in the Christian faith and to minister to their peer’s spiritual and temporal needs.
Teaching offenders to minister
23 Graduates from NOBTS
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