Leadership Restructure Emphasizes Spiritual Formation

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) will restructure three of its leadership positions beginning June 1 in order to strengthen its spiritual formation and emphasis on prayer.

Dr. Chuck Lawless will be named the vice president for spiritual formation and ministry centers as well as dean of doctoral studies. Lawless previously oversaw both master’s and doctoral level academic programs. With this new role he will implement a focus of prayer and spiritual formation for the purpose of equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. Lawless also serves as professor of evangelism and missions. Lawless has been teaching at SEBTS since 2013.

Dr. Keith Whitfield will take on the role of dean of graduate studies, overseeing masters level programs, along with his current position as vice president for academic administration. He also serves as assistant professor of theology. He has been teaching with the school since 2012.

“Chuck Lawless and Keith Whitfield are both capable and proven leaders, and I have complete confidence in them as they lead our graduate and advanced degree programs,” said Dr. Danny Akin, president of SEBTS. “Likewise, I am thrilled that John Ewart will be leading our ministry centers in overall vision and implementation. “

Dr. John Ewart will now oversee all three ministry centers at SEBTS, which include the Lewis A. Drummond Center for Great Commission Studies, the L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture and the Southeastern Center for Pastoral Leadership and Preaching. Ewart also serves as associate professor of missions and pastoral leadership and associate vice president of global theological initiatives. He has been teaching at SEBTS since 2007.

“I believe it is vitally important for our future health that we emphasize spiritual formation and prayer in a greater way,” said Akin. “I delight in the fact that we are known as a Great Commission Seminary. By God’s grace may we also become known as a praying seminary.”

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