Evangelical Seminary Deans' Council Annual Meeting 2027

The ESDC Annual Meeting provides a forum for fellowship, networking, prayer, and mutual support among evangelical seminary academic deans. Members and invited guests gather each year for what has become for many "the most important meeting of the year."

Date: February 8-10, 2027

Pre-Conference Session: "Getting to Know the ESDC"

• February 8, 2:00-3:00pm
• First-time attendees, select this option when you register and plan your flights accordingly. This brief session will help you get the most out of the meeting.

Annual Meeting Schedule (detailed agenda):

• Begins Monday, February 8 at 3:15pm
• Ends Wednesday, February 10 at 11:45am

Registration Deadline: December 18, 2026

ESDC Statistics Report (members only)

Members are encouraged to participate in the ESDC Statistics Report! You can do so by submitting your data for the report through this online form. Note the following:

• The statistics report is an optional benefit for members. Only those who complete the form will receive a copy of the report.
• Online Form Link: https://forms.gle/AZbbvs6sHHDHaSkC9
• Questions about the statistics report or required data can be sent to christopher.rose@denverseminary.edu or office@esdc.community.

Submission Deadline: January 1, 2027

Riley Center at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

4701 Stanley Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76115 (website)

All sessions for the annual meeting will be at the Riley Center on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Hotel Accommodations/Lodging for the Meeting

Lodging for the meeting will be available at two locations. See below.

Riley Center at SWBTS (website)

• Room Rate: $99 USD, plus applicable taxes (single/double)
• Ask for ESDC rate
• Make reservations online
• NOTE: Our room block includes approximately 20 rooms at the Riley Center. Reservations will be first-come, first-served.
• Reservation Deadline: January 21, 2027

Hyatt Place Fort Worth/TCU (website)

• Room Rate: $149, plus applicable taxes (single/double)
• Ask for SWBTS rate
• Make reservations online
• NOTE: Our room block includes 10 rooms at the Hyatt Place-TCU for Monday and Tuesday nights. Those needing to arrive on Sunday will pay a higher, but still discounted, rate.. Reservations will be first-come, first-served. Transportation will be provided daily from the Hyatt Place to the Riley Center.
• Reservation Deadline: January 21, 2027

Speakers

Randy MacFarland, D.Min. | Denver Seminary

Dr. Randy MacFarland will engage ESDC attendees on how seminary academic deans foster effectiveness and resilience over time, drawing on his recent advisory work with the ATS Leadership Education Studies Project on Chief Academic Officers (June 2020), and his extensive personal experience as a seminary dean. Randy served in academic administration for 18 years at Denver Seminary; as provost/dean (2008-2018) and vice president/dean (2001-2008). During that time, he was an active member of the ESDC. Currently, he serves as professor emeritus of pastoral care and leadership. Randy has held faculty and administrative roles at the New England Center of Seminary of the East (1989-1997) and served in pastoral ministry (1974-1989). MacFarland earned a D.Min. from Andover Newton Theological School, a M.Div. from Denver Seminary, and a B.A. from Hartwick College. 

Jim Moore, Ph.D. | Association of Theological Schools

Dr. Jim Moore will provide the annual accreditation update from ATS. Jim serves as Director of Accreditation and is responsible for facilitating accrediting reviews, providing education and support to member schools, and providing staff support to the ATS Board of Commissioners. Previously, Jim served for 26 years at Trinity International University (TIU) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School as Associate Professor of Educational Ministries and Associate Dean (TEDS), Assistant Dean (TIU), and Director of Administration (doctoral programs). He is also an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church. Moore earned his Ph.D. from TIU and a M.A. from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Peter Vogt, Ph.D. | Bethel Seminary

The average seminary academic dean serves for about five years (4.8 to be exact). However, many ESDC members have stayed in the role longer. In this workshop, Dr. Peter Vogt (ESDC Past-Chair) will facilitate a panel discussion of ESDC members who have served in their role more than five years. It’ll be an interactive, practical conversation about the joys and burdens of evangelical academic administration. Peter has served as academic dean at Bethel Seminary since 2019; previously he taught Old Testament for 13 years. Vogt earned a Ph.D. from the University of Gloucestershire, a M.Div. from Bethel Seminary, and a B.A. from American University.  

About the ESDC

The Evangelical Seminary Deans’ Council (ESDC) is a growing network of seminary deans who meet annually to support each other in their work of academic administration. Through speakers, workshops, prayer and dialogue on current issues, the ESDC provides a non-competitive environment of mutual trust and support. Chief Academic Officers, VPs of Academic Administration, Academic Deans and Associate Deans involved in academic administration are able to connect and build relationships with those serving in similar roles.

2026-2027 ESDC Members

• Beeson Divinity School
• Bethel Seminary
• Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary
• Central Baptist Theological Seminary
• CIU Seminary & School of Ministry
• Cornerstone Theological Seminary
• Covenant Theological Seminary*
• Dallas Theological Seminary*
• Erskine Theological Seminary
• Gateway Seminary
• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
• Grace Theological Seminary*
• Grand Canyon Theological Seminary
• The Master’s Seminary
• Moody Theological Seminary
• Multnomah Biblical Seminary at Jessup University
• New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
• Northwestern University-St. Paul, School of Theology and Ministry
• Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
• Reformed Theological Seminary*
• Regent College
• Shepherds Theological Seminary
• Southern California Seminary
• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Talbot School of Theology*
• Trinity Evangelical Divinity School*
• Western Seminary*
• Wesley Seminary
• Westminster Theological Seminary (PA)
• Westminster Seminary California
• Wheaton Graduate School

*Charter Members

Questions? Contact office@esdc.community.

Refund Policy: Refunds up to 30 days before event. Ticketstripe's processing fees are nonrefundable.