Editor’s Note: The employee engagement survey conducted by Best Christian Workplaces was completely anonymous. Therefore, employee quotes used in this press release did not come from the employee surveys.
KANSAS CITY, Mo—Midwestern Seminary recently received certification as a “Best Christian Workplace” amongst Christian organizations in the United States.
During the summer of 2023, seminary employees completed anonymous employee engagement surveys, resulting in the recognition of a vibrant and healthy culture. This recognition is one of the first certifications amongst Southern Baptist entities.
“I was very pleased that Midwestern Seminary recently received our certification as a ‘Best Christian Workplace,'” said President Jason Allen. “It is incredibly important that Midwestern Seminary not only be a great place for students to be equipped for the Church, but that it would also be a great place to work. We desire all of our employees and faculty to flourish as they serve our students and constituents. The results of this process has revealed that to be the case.”
Midwestern Seminary’s certification as a “Best Christian Workplace” recognizes the seminary amongst institutions such as Classical Conversations, The Navigators, Bethlehem College and Seminary, and The Summit Church.
Best Christian Workplaces, the Washington-based non-profit organization, is designed to equip and inspire Christians leaders to create flourishing workplaces. This non-profit organization, accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), believes that Christian-led workplaces set the standard as the best, most effective places to work in the world.
“Everything we do is motivated by the conviction that more flourishing workplaces will ultimately attract more people to Jesus,” says BCW. “As a result, we work tirelessly to produce the most accurate data and effective implementation tools.”
Since 2002, more than 1,000 churches, ministries, and Christian-led businesses have measured the health of their workplace cultures with their employee engagement survey. As a result, they have the largest Christian database in the world, providing the most accurate and robust comparable date for Christian organizations.
The foundation of their employee engagement survey comes from eight scientifically backed culture drivers: 1) fantastic teams, 2) life-giving work, 3) outstanding talent, 4) uplifting growth, 5) rewarding compensations, 6) inspirational leadership, 7) sustainable strategy, and 8) healthy communication.
With missional alignment in furthering the Kingdom of God through institutional health, Midwestern Seminary was happy to partner with and learn from Best Christian Workplaces. The results were overwhelming.
Nearly 75% of Midwestern Seminary employees completed the engagement survey and the seminary ranked in the top category for institutional health and culture. See what employees say about working at Midwestern Seminary below in their own words.
Dena Morris, director of Human Resources, said, “Having come from the corporate world, the atmosphere and overall work environment of our campus was refreshing. It took some time to understanding the concept that co-workers could all come together for the greater good without self-advancement. Giving grace and understanding are the priority, not the exception. I can’t imagine leaving this institution to return to corporate America.”
Thor Madsen, serving as dean of Doctoral Studies and Academic Initiatives and professor of New Testament, ethics, and philosophy, said, “I enjoy being a part of the creative process that has affected our college, graduate, and doctoral programs. A great deal of change comes down to the people that Dr. Allen has hired in areas like Institutional Relations and Executive Administration. Considering who is on Dr. Allen’s cabinet right now, I really cannot see how the total makeup of the team could be any better.”
Dan Barker, academic advisor and adjunct instructor, said, “Simply put, the culture here is special because of the way it’s designed to focus exclusively on the vision for the Church. After working here for more than two years, it’s clear that every action of every employee is guided by an intrinsic motivation to ‘work heartily, as for the Lord and not for man.’”
James Renshaw, admissions representative, said, “Midwestern has been a great place to work because of the common goal we all share. There is a great feeling of ‘team’ amongst all the different branches of work on the campus. The best way I have seen this is through our Leadership Project, a time in which our division gathers to learn different leadership skills and celebrate different wins each month.”
Brandon Freeman, director of Special Projects, said, “Midwestern Seminary is a rare workplace because of the people, leadership, and mission of the institution. We are a wholistically Christian school.”
Jonathan Crooks, overseeing Campus Housing and Community Relations, said, “Midwestern Seminary is one of the best places to work because you work with fellow believers who share the same vision and mission for the institution. Working here is unique because you are working with people who are church members, pastors, and professors who are all plugged in to the local church.”
To learn more about Midwestern Seminary or to keep up to date on career opportunities, visit https://www.mbts.edu/about/employment/
