#MySeminary
OUR HISTORY
Discover the rich legacy of faith, leadership, and theological training that shapes Mississippi Baptist Seminary today.
The Mississippi Baptist Seminary was founded in 1941 by Dr. Herbert L. Lang, who was serving as president of Union Baptist Seminary in New Orleans at the time.
Dr. Lang noticed that many of his students were from Mississippi and responded by organizing Bible classes and institutes across the state, including in Tylertown, Magnolia, the Gulf Coast, South-Central Mississippi, the Delta, and as far north as Sardis. Recognizing the vast need and opportunity, Dr. Lang resigned from Union to focus full-time on theological education in Mississippi—without guaranteed financial support, trusting that God would provide.
In 1942, Professor J.E. Johnson of Prentiss Institute invited Dr. Lang to Jefferson Davis County to establish a Bible class. This class began in the summer of 1943, igniting strong interest in formal ministerial training. A significant meeting took place on December 31, 1943, at the home of Professor and Mrs. Johnson. This gathering, which included pastors, lay leaders, and educators, resulted in the founding of Union Theological Seminary. The institution was officially incorporated as Mississippi Union Theological Seminary in March 1944, and by 1948, the name was changed to Mississippi Baptist Seminary, with Jackson, Mississippi designated as its permanent home.
A Bold Vision for Unity and Ministry
A historic meeting on February 9, 1944, at First Baptist Church in Indianola further shaped the Seminary’s mission. Dr. Lang proposed a partnership between White and African-American Baptist churches to:
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Offer in-service theological training to African-American ministers and lay leaders
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Meet students where they were academically
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Provide practical, accessible courses for effective ministry
This vision of racial cooperation and shared ministry was accepted, laying the groundwork for decades of joint leadership and progress. From 1944 to 1988, the Seminary enjoyed the sponsorship of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board. However, on January 1, 1989, the Convention officially ended its financial support and turned the Seminary over to the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi (GMBSC).
Revitalization and Expansion (2005–Present)
In 2005, under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Young, GMBSC officially purchased the Seminary during its 116th Annual Session. The campus temporarily relocated to Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, where classes resumed in October.
Key leadership milestones include
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Pastor Carl E. Thomas – Appointed interim president (2005)
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Rev. Eric Williams – Appointed interim dean of academic affairs
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2007 – Renovation of the main campus completed; administrative and classroom operations resumed
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Dr. Isiac Jackson, Jr. – Appointed President
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Oversaw growth in student enrollment
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Reestablished operational policies and procedures
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2010 – Dr. Jackson elected President of GMBSC
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Dr. Lewis Ragins – Appointed Seminary President (2010–2013)
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Advocated for academic credibility and future accreditation
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2014 – Dr. C.J. Rhodes appointed President
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2020 – Rev. Marcus Cheeks named President during the Spring Session of GMBSC
Moving Forward in Faith
Today, Mississippi Baptist Seminary honors its legacy by continuing to equip men and women for faithful, effective ministry and Christian leadership. Rooted in its founding mission, the Seminary remains a pillar of theological education and spiritual development for clergy, laity, and communities across Mississippi and beyond.