Baptist House of Studies - Union Presbyterian Seminary

The Baptist House of Studies offers opportunities for students to interact in the rich ecosystem of CBFVA churches while growing in a diverse community on campus.

Events

ABOUT BHS

The Baptist House of Studies at Union Presbyterian Seminary was created in collaboration with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia (CBFVA) and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global to offer high quality theological education to Baptist students in a residential setting on UPSem’s Richmond campus. In addition, students working toward a Master of Divinity can earn a concentration in Baptist Studies by completing the following courses offered on the Richmond campus: Baptist Theology, Baptist History, Baptist Polity, and an internship in a Baptist setting.

BHS Professors
Advisory Board
Program Director

Bert Browning

Bert Browning

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Baptist Polity

bert.browning@upsem.edu

Elizabeth Newman

Elizabeth Newman

Adjunct Professor of Theology

Beth.Newman@upsem.edu

Phyllis Rodgerson Pleasants Tessieri

Phyllis Rodgerson Pleasants Tessieri

Adjunct Professor of Baptist History

Phyllis.tessieri@upsem.edu

Financial Resources

Baptist Scholarships

EverBless Foundation

Previously known as the Virginia Baptist Foundation. Hundreds of students are awarded thousands in annual scholarship money each year. Learn More »

Baptist General Association of Virginia Ministerial Education Fund

Scholarships and ministerial education funds available for eligible students. Learn More »

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Scholarship

A Christian network of individuals and churches working together to spread the hope of Christ. Learn More »

Financial Aid

All full-time master's students who apply by the deadline are eligible to receive full tuition in the form of financial aid.

LEARN MORE

Support Us

Donate Now to the CBFVA Theological Education Fund

Contact

804-278-4379 sblanchard@upsem.edu

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Union Presbyterian Seminary is honored to welcome

Union Presbyterian Seminary is honored to welcome The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), for a special conversation on Monday, March 31st, from 3-4 PM in Lake Chapel.

Join us as Rev. Oh shares her perspective on the church and answers our questions. A reception will follow. Can't attend in person? Watch the livestream on our YouTube channel!

We look forward to this meaningful time together—see you there!

As spring begins, there’s no better time to visi

As spring begins, there’s no better time to visit Yaupon Place—a space where community, wellness, and environmental justice come together in Northside Richmond. Rooted in Union Presbyterian Seminary’s history of recreational ministry, this park fosters story-sharing, ecological restoration, and connection across divides of race, age, and background.

Through partnerships with Shalom Farms and other local organizations, Yaupon Place continues to be a hub for collaboration and resilience. This season of renewal is a reminder of our commitment to caring for the land, honoring its Indigenous and ecological history, and restoring relationships—with each other, the Earth, and the Spirit.

Learn more about Yaupon Place at the link in bio.

@yauponplace #UPSeminary

Last week, we celebrated Jennifer Britton and her

Last week, we celebrated Jennifer Britton and her faithful service as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Union Presbyterian Seminary. As she moves on to new opportunities, we send her off with deep gratitude for her leadership, dedication, and the lasting impact she’s made on our community.

Jennifer, you will be missed, but we know great things are ahead for you. Wishing you all the best on this next adventure!

#UPSeminary

After 25 years of dedicated service, Rev. Dr. Ken

After 25 years of dedicated service, Rev. Dr. Ken McFayden is retiring at the end of this academic year. From shaping theological education to mentoring countless leaders, his impact on Union Presbyterian Seminary and the wider Church is immeasurable.

Ken has worn many hats—academic dean, professor, director, to only name a few—all with wisdom, care, and a deep love for the community. His leadership will be missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire.

Join us in celebrating Ken and wishing him well in this next chapter!

#UPSeminary

Registration Now Open! Join The Katie Geneva Cann

Registration Now Open!

Join The Katie Geneva Cannon Center for Womanist Leadership at Union Presbyterian Seminary for the 2025 Spring Conference in North Charleston, SC, from May 1-3, 2025.

This year’s theme—“THIS JOY WE HAVE: WOMANIST RESISTANCE IN THE FACE OF MANIFOLD EVIL”—calls us to cultivate resistance, reclaim joy, and honor the wisdom of our foremothers.

Connect with womanist scholars, activists, and leaders through panels, lectures, and dialogue on the most pressing issues of our time.

📍 North Charleston Marriott
📅 May 1-3, 2025

Register now at our link in bio.

@justwomanist #UPSeminary

A mark of repentance, reflection, and renewal. Yes

A mark of repentance, reflection, and renewal. Yesterday at UP Seminary, the Lenten journey began.

#Lent #AshWednesday #UPSeminary

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." – Genesis 3:19

On this Ash Wednesday, we enter the season of Lent, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal.

May this season draw us closer to Christ, shaping our hearts in humility and hope.

Join us in this sacred journey.

Poetry brought students, faculty, alums, and frien

Poetry brought students, faculty, alums, and friends to the Charlotte campus of @upseminary this weekend. The featured poet was Alphonso Saville IV, Assistant Professor of American Religious History and Mission at UPSem. The event was co-hosted by @upsemcsjr and the deans of both @Charlotte and @Richmond. Classes are in session today (Saturday) and a special worship service at Sharon Presbyterian Church as the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty was installed in the J. Roy Davis Family Chair in Theology and History. It was a great day in Charlotte and for UPSem! You can watch the entire worship service on the UPSem YouTube channel.