Impact Georgia Magazine - Regaining Momentum Summer 2021 | Page 19

REGAINING MOMENTUM - SUMMER 2021

FIRST FEMALE OFFENDERS TO RECEIVE DEGREE THROUGH NEW ORLEANS BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Whitworth Women s Facility Hosts Commencement Ceremony

On , May 21 , 2021 the Georgia Department of Corrections ( GDC ), in partnership with the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary ( NOBTS ) Leavell College Extension Center , hosted a commencement ceremony honoring ten female offenders . This ceremony celebrated the first female offenders in the GDC to receive an associate degree in Christian Ministry through Leavell College at Whitworth Women ’ s Facility ( WF ).
“ I am proud of the hard-work , dedication and commitment of these ladies to graduate with their Associate Degrees ,” said Commissioner Timothy C . Ward . “ We appreciate our partnership with NOBTS and Heartbound Ministries in assisting offenders create a positive change within themselves and the walls of the facilities .”
The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary , Leavell College Extension Center at Whitworth WF began in 2019 , offering offenders a two-year , 76 semester hour associate degree in Christian Ministry . Eight graduates will now start the four-year , 126 semester hour Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry . These fully accredited college degrees are designed to provide a broad foundation for ministry within the prison system . They 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 .
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 minister to their peer ’ s spiritual and temporal needs .
For more information on the NOBTS Program please visit http :// www . nobts . edu / leavellcollege /.
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