COLUMBIA, S.C. (ABP) -- Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is launching a study program specifically designed for Baptist students in South Carolina. Classes in the new program, directed by Virginia Barfield, will begin in the fall.

Officials from the Columbia-based seminary and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina, along with other Baptist leaders, signed a formal agreement Feb. 12.

Barfield, who holds a masters degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate from Duke University, left the ministerial staff of Kathwood Baptist Church in Columbia last November to develop the Baptist Studies Program.

"There are several ways this partnership will be good for South Carolina Baptists," said Barfield. "First of all, it will allow seminary students to be in South Carolina and to stay connected to South Carolina churches, attend South Carolina meetings and network with South Carolina Baptist people."

Other advantages, said Barfield, are the new opportunities for continuing education for clergy and laity, as well as relationship building for various types of Baptists.

"I hope this can provide a forum for Baptists of all types to study in an ecumenical setting," said Barfield, "and, thereby, realize that it is not what separates us but what unites us that is important."

Barfield, who has been teaching as an adjunct professor, said the program arose out of conversations about how the Lutheran seminary might attract more local Baptist students.

In addition to directing the program -- including administration, recruiting and fundraising -- Barfield will teach Greek, Baptist studies and an occasional New Testament class.

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