Stephens-Mackie 204
The Equip Network
Empowering local churches and ministry organizations to take an active role in the theological education of their students.
About The EQUIP Network
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary believes that some theological education is best done in partnership with the local church. As part of the Distance Learning office, The EQUIP Network empowers churches and ministry organizations to offer accredited and accessible courses to students at the highest level of theological training. The EQUIP Network weds the seminary experience with real life ministry opportunities to provide students with the most integrative ministry training available. Students can fulfill their remaining degree requirements through our integrative online, hybrid and/or campus-based classes.
The EQUIP Network desires to resource you to accomplish your vision for equipping leaders to serve Christ’s church and fulfill His Great Commission. To this end, we encourage EQUIP Leaders not to limit their mentorships only to credit-seeking students, but to design their courses to allow non-credit seeking individuals to participate. EQUIP courses enable ministry leaders to provide theological training to credit seeking students as well as non-credit seeking staff, deacons, small group leaders, and lay people. Ministry leaders have the opportunity to add theological and practical depth to their discipleship ministries in order to multiply robust disciples of Jesus who seek to maximize their role in the Great Commission.
Students Can Earn Up To 36 Credit Hours
- EQUIP courses can be offered every Spring, Summer, and Fall semester and are available on both the graduate as well as the undergraduate levels. Follow this link for undergraduate EQUIP course listings.
- EQUIP courses can be taken under nearly every degree program. That being said, the two degrees below provide the greatest opportunity for incorporating a large number of EQUIP courses:
- M.Div. in Christian Ministry (up to 36 hours)
- M.A. Christian Ministry [Mentored] (up to 24 hours).
Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund
Students who meet the degree and residency requirements may also be eligible for a Keesee grant towards their tuition if they are enrolled in Equip courses! Click here to find out more about the Keesee Educational Fund and see if you qualify.
What courses can I take through EQUIP?
These are the courses we offer through our EQUIP partnership. Syllabi are linked for each course.
Meet our Team
Al James
Equip Network Director
Dr. Al James began serving as the Equip Network Coordinator in August 2017. Dr. James also serves SEBTS as the Associate Dean of Ministry Studies and as a Professor of Missions. Originally from Jesup, GA, Dr. James served with the International Mission Board for 10 years in India and the Philippines. He came back from the field in 2001 to teach missions here at SEBTS. In addition to his various roles here at the seminary, he also serves as Pastor at Hales Chapel Baptist Church in Zebulon, NC as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Dr. James is married to Cathy, has four children, and six grandchildren. He enjoys dating his wife, spending time engaging in his children’s’ sports endeavors, and reading.
Colleen Hall
Colleen Hall began serving as the Administrative Assistant to the Equip Network in the spring of 2020. Before coming to Southeastern, she served a two-year Journeyman term in Southeast Asia. Colleen is a member of North Wake Church and is currently pursuing a Masters of Intercultural Studies at Southeastern to learn to better serve in an international context.
Hannah Moore
Hannah Moore began serving with the EQUIP Network team in the summer of 2022. Before beginning this position, she served worked in East Asia, and she and her husband, Ben, hope to move overseas long-term once she graduates with her Masters of Intercultural Studies from Southeastern. Originally from Seattle, she enjoys hiking, drinking coffee, and listening to Bob Dylan.
Walter Bowen
Walter Bowen began serving with the EQUIP Network team in the summer of 2021. He is passionate about all nations coming to know and serve the Lord and the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. Prior to this position, he was a Pastor of Discipleship and Missions for over six years in Arkansas. He and his wife, Purnima, have served with the International Mission Board in Africa. Together, they have been ministering to multiethnic communities and people groups for over eighteen years.
