NEW CUMBERLAND, PA — ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism) is thrilled to announce a formal partnership with Founders Seminary to offer a fully online Master of Arts in Cultural Apologetics and Missions. This groundbreaking academic program is designed to provide deep theological grounding, sharpened ministry skills, and enduring biblical convictions for cross-cultural ministry—all from a doctrinally sound, local church-driven institution.
“Founders Seminary shares our burden to equip workers with sharp minds, warm hearts, and steel spines,” said Paul Davis, president of ABWE. “This partnership helps us raise up theologically mature, culturally engaged missionaries who don’t just last on the field—but thrive.”
Missionaries serving with ABWE who are accepted into the seminary can apply for a scholarship, thanks to the generosity of a scholarship foundation committed to theological education and global mission. This new degree offering will not replace ABWE’s in-house training but will serve as an elevated option for those seeking seminary-level formation—especially those focused on church planting, renewal, and leadership development.
About the Program:
- Fully online MA in Cultural Apologetics and Missions (65 credits)
- Robust training in systematic theology, ecclesiology, cultural apologetics, biblical spirituality, and more
- Multiple learning tracks: full degree (open to ABWE and approved non-ABWE missionaries) and certificate and audit options (available exclusively to ABWE missionaries)
- Built for both pre-field candidates and active missionaries
- Led by Dr. E.D. Burns, ABWE’s Executive Director of Training and Development—a seasoned missionary and academic still serving from the field
“This program isn’t just theoretical—it’s led by practitioners who are living it out,” Davis explained. “Dr. Burns is equipping others from the field because that’s where real formation happens.”
Dr. Burns joined ABWE in 2024, bringing over two decades of cross-cultural ministry in the Middle East, East Asia, Alaska, and Southeast Asia. “Missions methodology must be driven by biblical convictions,” he said. “Before we can discuss strategy, we need to anchor ourselves in the foundational truths of the gospel.” In his role, Burns is designing training that balances practical skills, spiritual depth, and theological rigor—all while continuing to minister in a cross-cultural setting.
Tom Ascol, president of Founders Ministries and chancellor of Founders Seminary, echoed his excitement. “We need missionaries training missionaries. This MA program offers solid biblical, systematic, and historical theology with a missional edge—exactly what’s needed in the field today.”
“Founders Seminary is committed to missions,” commented Dr. Voddie Baucham, president of Founders Seminary. “Our partnership with ABWE is a natural extension and expression of that commitment that we believe will bear much fruit in years to come.”
The program reflects the mutual vision of both institutions: to raise up faithful laborers for the harvest who are rooted in Scripture, connected to the local church, and unafraid to engage the culture with truth and grace.
“Founders exists for the recovery of the gospel and the reformation of local churches,” said Ascol. “And we couldn’t be more excited to join arms with ABWE for the advance of that vision across the nations.”
Watch More About the Partnership Between ABWE and Founders Seminary:
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ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism) is a global missions agency that helps churches equip and send missionaries to reach the lost, plant churches, and train national leaders in more than 90 countries. Since 1927, ABWE has partnered with local churches to fulfill the Great Commission by making Christ known among all nations.
