At Southern Seminary, we recognize the need for God-called ministers' wives to be prepared for ministry.
We believe that a minister's wife needs to be educated and equipped as she and her husband prepare for service in the churches and beyond. The time a student wife is in the seminary setting with her husband is the perfect time to undertake this training. She has opportunity to network with other wives who are preparing for the place God has for them. She will benefit from her study with faculty wives who can share from their rich experience.
The courses in the Seminary Wives Institute (SWI) are designed to give ministers' wives biblically based and practically applied teaching. They are taught by our own seminary faculty as well as faculty wives and guest speakers. We are committed to make this institute a vital part of the seminary wife's experience at Southern Seminary.
Fall 2025
Course Descriptions
Fall 2025 Course Descriptions
Student Application
New Student Application
Class Schedule
We are also glad to publish our proposed class schedule.
Child Care Registration
SWI Wednesday Morning – Term 1
SWI Wednesday Morning – Term 2
SWI Thursday Night – Term 1
SWI Thursday Night – Term 2
Helpful Documents
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to describe characteristics of a healthy, growing
ministry marriage. - Students will be able to describe new or significant knowledge gained in
traditional seminary studies. - Students will be able to write out a clear and winsome account of their
personal testimony. - Students will describe their growth in a focused area of ministry.
Requirements for Graduation from Seminary Wives Institute
| Certificate in Ministry Studies from Boyce College Required Classes—10 credits |
|---|
| Baptist Beliefs |
| Old and New Testament Survey |
| Baptists Then and Now |
| Discipleship I (taken consecutively with Discipleship II |
| Discipleship II |
| Essentials I (taken consecutively with Essentials II) |
| Essentials II |
| Evangelism Skills for Women (formerly called Leadership I) |
| Leadership Skills for Women (formerly called Leadership II) |
| Family Life Conference (husband must also attend Fri PM-Sat AM) |
| Elective Classes—3 credits |
| 13 Credits Total |
| Advanced Certificate in Ministry Studies from Boyce College Required Classes—10 credits |
|---|
| Baptist Beliefs |
| Old and New Testament Survey |
| Baptists Then and Now |
| Discipleship I (taken consecutively with Discipleship II |
| Discipleship II |
| Essentials I (taken consecutively with Essentials II) |
| Essentials II |
| Evangelism Skills for Women (formerly called Leadership I) |
| Leadership Skills for Women (formerly called Leadership II) |
| Family Life Conference (husband must also attend Fri PM-Sat AM) |
| Elective Classes—7 credits (Any seven additional SWI classes) |
| 17 Credits Total |
SWI courses that are approved and required by IMB for spouses:
2 courses in New Testament
OT/NT Survey
Closer Look at NT
2 courses in Old Testament–
Closer Look at OT
Intro to Biblical Interpretation
(They are counting this as the second OT class)
2 courses in Theology—
Baptist Beliefs
Closer Look at Baptist Beliefs (now called Closer Look at Theology with various topics—most recently, The Sufficiency of Scripture.)
2 electives—
with Cross Cultural Ministries being highly recommended as one of them
Asynchronous Program
SWI Asynchronous Program
Students may now complete online all requirements for both the basic and advanced Certificates of Ministry Studies through Boyce College.
Course Descriptions
Be sure to read the course descriptions here.
These courses are recorded lectures and can be started anytime. Students work at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
A list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Asynchronous Program.
Apply for SWI
Established students who have moved away from Louisville should email us at swi@sbts.edu to change their status to asynchronous.
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Mrs. Mary K. Mohler, Director
- swi@sbts.edu
- 1-800-626-5525
- SWI Voice Mail: (502) 897-4816