Bakke Graduate University of Ministry strengthens ministry leaders who steward resources with and for vulnerable people and places, by means of contextual, Christian-based education innovatively delivered throughout the urban world.

History

Bakke Graduate University of Ministry (BGU), formerly Northwest Graduate School of Ministry (NWGS), was founded in 1990 by Overlake Christian Church in Seattle, Washington. The need for the School grew out of the annual pastor?s conferences held at Overlake Christian Church in the 1980s and 1990s.

As ministry priorities began to shift, new leadership and direction was needed for the School. In the summer of 2001 under the leadership of Dr. Tom Adelsman, ownership of the School passed from Overlake Christian Church to an independent board organized through the cooperation of Serve Seattle, Northwest Leadership Foundation and International Urban Associates. Dr. Ray Bakke was asked to serve as the Chancellor and Dr. David McKenna, former President of Seattle Pacific University, Spring Arbor University and Asbury Theological Seminary, accepted the position as Chair of the new ?Year of Discovery and Transition? Board of Trustees. Dr. Ray Bakke, a global and urban expert, accepted the position of Chancellor and Distinguished Professor of Urban Ministry. Dr. Gwendolyn J. Dewey became the fourth President of NWGS following Dr. Bob Morehead, Dr. Bill Payne and Dr. Tom Adelsman.

Under the leadership of a newly organized Board, NWGS retained its strong commitment to biblical truth and practical ministry, but expanded its emphasis toward urban challenges and a global constituency. Today, Bakke Graduate University is the cutting-edge leader in developing a new model for theological education that combines the best of traditional seminary training with inventive methods of delivery and relevant content. While many mid-career educational programs are targeted to increase a participant?s specialization in their chosen field, Bakke Graduate University is designed to expand the participant?s perspective to encompass new global and multicultural realities.

Mission

Bakke Graduate University strengthens ministry leaders who steward resources with and for vulnerable people and places, by means of contextual, Christian-based education innovatively delivered throughout the urban world.

Focus

Students participate in ministry-oriented instruction by successful practitioners. The course format is offered in convenient, one and two week classes. Class assignments are always designed to be relevant to the student?s ministry.