The Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) annual meeting brings together scholars, teachers, pastors, and students committed to evangelical academic work. This year in Boston, nearly 40 representatives from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College contributed through paper presentations, moderated sessions, and research discussions. Their participation reflects the seminary’s broader culture of academic engagement shared by current students, longtime faculty, and alumni serving around the world.
For many doctoral students, like C.J. Johnson, the road to ETS grows out of everyday classroom discussion. Research seminars give space to test ideas, refine arguments, and interact with current scholarship. Faculty regularly come alongside students as they shape seminar papers into conference-ready presentations. These steady practices make participation in academic societies a natural progression of their theological training.
“I came to ETS to build relationships with scholars in my field and to engage with subjects I’m studying in the PhD program,” Johnson said. “The experts are here as well as students like me. I’m excited to grow, learn, and contribute to Christian scholarship. Conferences like ETS are where that happens.”
One way the doctoral program equipped students for ETS this year was by hosting a panel discussion with faculty for current PhD students. Professors Greg A. Wills, John D. Wilsey, Roberto A. Carrera, and Daniel Stevens answered questions and guided students on how to make the most of their participation in the conference. The panel discussed the ins and outs of good presentations, the importance of building relationships rather than networks, and the opportunities to get feedback from academic publishers.
Gregg R. Allison, professor of Christian theology and a longtime participant in ETS leadership, has watched this process develop over many years. He notes that structured feedback, proposal workshops, and mentoring relationships contribute to the readiness of students who submit work to ETS.
“More and more student papers are being accepted because the students know how to write proposals,” Allison said. “Our students are well-trained in writing the proposals because we have coaching sessions. ETS is growing and providing more opportunities for students to receive feedback and contribute to the scholarly conversation.”
Faculty and alumni also play a significant role in the society’s life. Southern Seminary professors regularly chair sessions, participate in specialized study groups, and present research in their areas of expertise. Several faculty members, including Bruce Ware, Thomas Schreiner, and President R. Albert Mohler Jr., have served as presidents of the society, reflecting years of involvement in discussions that shape evangelical scholarship.
Alumni returning to ETS represent another layer of this community. Many now teach in universities and seminaries or serve in local churches, and they return to the annual meeting to present their own research or engage sessions relevant to their ongoing work. A late-night alumni gathering during the conference provided an informal setting for graduates, current students, and faculty to reconnect. Conversations ranged from dissertation progress to teaching challenges to developments within specific academic fields.
Sam Cheng, a recent PhD graduate from Southern Seminary, presented at ETS and expressed her thankfulness for the opportunity to reconnect with her seminary community at the late-night event.
“I’m grateful to my alma mater for carving a space for Southern Seminary students and grads to fellowship at ETS,” Cheng said. “It thrilled me to see old classmates, colleagues, and professors. We swapped ‘remember when’ stories, updated one another on our families, ministries, and current projects, and shared prayer requests. I laughed; I cried. I arrived with some burdens; I left with joy in God, having been lifted up by my so many of my fellow friends and mentors. Praise God for his kind provision through this annual event.”
These interactions, across generations and roles, illustrate how academic study, faculty mentorship, and society participation intersect in the scholarly life of many Southern Seminary students. For some, presenting at ETS marks an early step toward future writing and research. For others, the annual meeting provides perspective and feedback that inform their ministry and teaching.
This year’s gathering in Boston reflected that pattern once again as students, faculty, and alumni came together as a community of scholars, extending conversations begun in the classroom into the broader life of the church and academy.