Whether you are preparing for ministry, planning to teach, or simply seeking to deepen your knowledge of God and His truth, the School of Theology & Missions at Union University will help you achieve your goals. The School of Theology and Missions exists to advances the Kingdom of God through theological education by integrating rigorous academics, skill in teaching, attention to students as individuals, deep devotion to Christ and His Church, and a commitment to reaching the nations with the Gospel. READ MORE
Union’s School of Theology & Missions has gained national recognition as one of the top undergraduate programs in the nation:
- A large faculty of gifted scholars with specialties in a broad range of disciplines
- A faculty which not only teaches and mentors effectively, but includes the authors of dozens of volumes in biblical studies, theology, and ministry, including such titles as:
- The Holman Concise Bible Commentary
- Preparing for Christian Ministry
- Biblical Greek Exegesis
- NIV Application Commentary: Hebrews
- Handbook of Contemporary Preaching
- Chance or Dance: An Evaluation of Design
- Christian Scripture
- Excellent opportunities for ministry experience and church-related jobs while in school
- An outstanding record of placing students in top seminaries and graduate schools, where they often receive advanced standing because of the depth of their undergraduate preparation.
Administrative Office
- Gregory A. Thornbury
- Professor of Philosophy, Theology & Missions
- Vice President for Spiritual Life, Spiritual Life
- Dean of the School of Theology & Missions, School of Theology & Missions
- Education:
B.A. , Messiah College
M.Div. , Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D , Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Additional Study , Oxford University
- Office: JEN 326, Box 1849, 731-661-5082 (voice)
- E-mail: gthornbu@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- James A. Patterson
Faculty
A committed and talented faculty will help you to grow in your faith while deepening your understanding of both faith and a Christian worldview. With significant personal attention, Christian Studies professors invest their lives in your life and ministry, preparing you to share your gifts with a world in need.
- Frank Anderson
- Associate Professor of Ministry and Missions
- Director of A.Div. Program-Germantown, Stephen Olford Center
- Education:
B.B.A., University of Memphis
M.Div., Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
- Office: Olford, Box UUG, 901-432-7143 (voice)
- E-mail: fanderson@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Justin D. Barnard
- Associate Professor of Philosophy
- Associate Dean, Institute for Intellectual Discipleship
- Education:
B.A., Palm Beach Atlantic College
M.A., Florida State University
Ph.D, Florida State University
- Office: PAC J-7B, Box 3023, 731-661-5963 (voice)
- E-mail: jbarnard@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- Randall B. Bush
- Professor of Philosophy
- Director of the Interdisciplinary Honors Program, Honors Community
- Education:
B.A., Howard Payne University
M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
D.Phil., University of Oxford
- Office: JEN 342, Box 1840, 731-661-5271 (voice)
- E-mail: rbush@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- Kevin Chen
- Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
- Education:
B.S., University of California, Berkeley
M.S., Stanford University
M.Div., Western Seminary
Ph.D, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary
- Office: WH, Box 3127, 731-661-5297 (voice)
- E-mail: kchen@uu.edu
- University Profile
- David S. Dockery
- University Professor of Christian Thought & Tradition
- President of the University, Administrative Office of the President
- Education:
B.S., University of Alabama at Birmingham
M.A., Texas Christian University
M.Div., Grace Theological Seminary
M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D, University of Texas at Arlington
Additional Study, Drew University
- Office: PAC F-1, Box 1804, 731-661-5180 (voice), 731-661-5444 (fax)
- E-mail: ddockery@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- Website: http://www.uu.edu/dockery/
- Mark Dubis
- Professor of Biblical Studies
- Education:
B.S., Clemson University
M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Th.M., Calvin Theological Seminary
Ph.D, Union Theological Seminary
- Office: JEN 339, Box 3132, 731-661-5093 (voice)
- E-mail: mdubis@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- Ken Easley
- Bradley G. Green
- George Guthrie
- Paul N. Jackson
- Professor of Biblical Studies
- Education:
B.A., Hardin-Simmons University
M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Office: JEN 301, Box 1844, 731-661-5207 (voice)
- E-mail: pjackson@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- C. Ben Mitchell
- Graves Professor of Moral Philosophy
- Education:
B.S., Mississippi State University
M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D, University of Tennessee
- Office: JEN 332, Box 3000, 731-661-5915 (voice)
- E-mail: bmitchell@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- Kelvin Moore
- Professor of Biblical Studies
- Education:
B.A., Samford University
M.Div., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Th.D., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Additional Study, Jerusalem University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Office: JEN 338, Box 1830, 731-661-5265 (voice)
- E-mail: kmoore@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- David Olford
- Stephen Olford Professor of Expository Preaching
- Special Assistant to the President, Administrative Office of the President
- Education:
B.A., Wheaton College
M.A., Wheaton College
Ph.D, University of Sheffield
- Office: Olford, 901-432-7139 (voice)
- E-mail: dolford@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- James A. Patterson
- Hal L. Poe
- Charles Colson Professor of Faith & Culture
- Special Assistant to the President, Administrative Office of the President
- Education:
B.A., University of South Carolina
M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Additional Study, University of Oxford
- Office: JEN 335, Box 3007, 731-661-5404 (voice)
- E-mail: hpoe@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- Gregory A. Thornbury
- Professor of Philosophy
- Vice President for Spiritual Life, Spiritual Life
- Dean of the School of Theology & Missions, School of Theology & Missions
- Education:
B.A., Messiah College
M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Additional Study, Oxford University
- Office: JEN 326, Box 1849, 731-661-5082 (voice)
- E-mail: gthornbu@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
- Jerry N. Tidwell
- Assistant Professor of Ministry & Missions
- Senior Vice President for University Relations, Administrative Office of the Senior Vice President for University Relations
- Director, R.G. Lee Center for Christian Ministries
- Education:
B.S., University of North Alabama
M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
D.Min., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Office: HH 203, Box 1817, 731-661-5281 (voice), 731-661-5495 (fax)
- E-mail: tidwell@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Ray Van Neste
- Taylor Benjamin Worley
- Assistant Professor of Christian Thought & Tradition
- Associate Dean for Spiritual Life, Spiritual Life
- Education:
B.A., Union University
M.Div., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D, University of St. Andrews
- Office: JEN 3xx, Box 3017, 731-661-5971 (voice)
- E-mail: tworley@uu.edu
- University Profile
- Scholarship Profile
Programs of Study
- Biblical Studies
Highly recommended for students pursuing ministry areas, including the pastorate,
missionary service. As foundational to any ministry, this area is also recommended
to those who wish to teach and plan to pursue graduate work in New or Old Testament or any theological discipline.
- Biblical Studies-Languages
The major is designed for those who wish to pursue biblical knowledge and study skill with a strong foundation in Greek and Hebrew, or who wish to enhance
personal Bible study and move into advanced, language-oriented courses at seminary. This major is recommended for those wishing to teach the Bible in a church context or the college level.
- Christian Ethics
The major will provide opportunity to experience growth in Christian character as well as deeper knowledge of contemporary issues facing the church and the nation. Critical thinking and research skills, prepares students for further seminary/graduate study in ethics or for a more thoughtful, informed approach to Christian discipleship, church membership, and citizenship.
- Christian Studies
Designed for students who want a general introduction to biblical, theological, or ministry studies, the program is recommended for students who have yet to choose a specific direction in ministry and wish to explore the various areas.
- Church History
- Philosophy (Christian Studies)
Designed for students who wish a greater understanding of the general study of philosophy and Christian theology toward studying these disciplines on the graduate level; or as foundation for biblical and ministry studies in seminary.
- Philosophy (General Studies)
- Sport Ministry
- Theology
- Youth Ministry
Crafted for students called to youth ministry, this major blends theological foundation
with practical information and mentoring relationships.
Please see the Academic Catalogue description for more detail. Some minors do not appear here.
Student Organizations
- Ministerial Association
Advisor: Dr. Kelvin Moore
A Ministerial Association is available for students entering the preaching/pastoral ministry. This association meets monthly for the purpose of strengthening the ties of fellowship among those on campus who are committed to the gospel ministry.
Recent News
Union publishes first issue of Christian thought journal
The first edition of a new journal published by Union University, “Renewing Minds: A Journal of Christian Thought,” is now available.
“This is not like an academic journal in the sense that it is written just for other academics,” said Hunter Baker, associate dean of arts and sciences at Union... -
(READ MORE)
MORE STORIES
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9/1/2011 - Mitchell to lecture on biomedical ethics at University of Oklahoma
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8/12/2011 - Green Collection of rare Bibles to be part of KJV festival
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4/19/2011 - Bible knowledge must result in godly obedience, Platt says at Ryan Center conference
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2/4/2011 - At Founders’ Day chapel, Patterson examines Graves’ influence
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12/1/2010 - New Dubis book examines syntax of 1 Peter
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10/5/2010 - ERLC’s Land discusses doctrine of election with Union students
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9/27/2010 - HCSB Study Bible includes contributions from four at Union
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7/8/2010 - Union professors play leading roles in creation of new BibleMesh website
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6/25/2010 - Green’s ‘Shapers of Christian Orthodoxy’ now available
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4/19/2010 - Ryan Center donates 450 pounds of books to Ethiopian library
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11/23/2009 - Dockery address to Rotarians underscores God’s blessings to Union
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11/20/2009 - Dockery, Thornbury, Mitchell sign Manhattan Declaration
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11/11/2009 - Dockery: Union wants to be more connected to TBC than ever
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10/30/2009 - Platt encourages Union students to forsake earthly comforts in pursuit of Christ’s worldwide glory
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10/22/2009 - Town and Gown series on Christians and the environment begins Oct. 26
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10/20/2009 - Baker to lecture on secularism’s failure
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10/19/2009 - Platt to preach at Faith and Practice series Oct. 21-23
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10/13/2009 - Next generation crucial to future of SBC, Mohler says
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10/13/2009 - Van Neste, Tidwell examine pastoral ministry, revivals
Recent Photos
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Students enjoy having their New Testament class outside with Paul Jackson, professor of biblical studies. - Anne Richoux
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Paul Jackson, professor of biblical studies, teaches a New Testament class outside on a beautiful, sunny day. - Anne Richoux
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Taylor Worley, associate dean for spiritual life, speaks to a chapel full of students, employees, and visitors on the last Preview Day of the semester. - Zac Calvert
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Taylor Worley, associate dean for spiritual life, speaks in chapel. - Zac Calvert
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