AMBS – Great Plains

Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary - Great Plains Extension provides seminary courses in central Kansas and other Mennonite centers in the Great Plains region.

See brochure for AMBS-Great Plains

Degree Programs

Students at AMBS–Great Plains may pursue any of the degree programs offered by AMBS. A range of courses in all departments is offered each semester, as well as during Interterm and summer, for both full-time and part-time students.

Courses include:

• Foundational, introductory courses;
• Other required courses for degree programs;
• Courses in the ministry formation and assessment sequence;
• Congregationally Supervised Pastoral Education; and
• Other more specialized courses for electives in a degree program or for continuing education.

Continuing Education

Pastors and other church leaders are encouraged to take AMBS–Great Plains courses for continuing education. Auditors as well as credit students are welcome in most classes. AMBS–Great Plains also sponsors occasional continuing education events for pastors for CEUs, rather than academic credit. Contact the AMBS–Great Plains office for more information.

Faculty

A broad range of faculty teaches courses in every department. Faculty typically have doctoral degrees and teach in their areas of study and research. In addition to the director, who has faculty status, five "core adjunct faculty" teach, plan curriculum, and advise students. Additional faculty are recruited as needed.

Library Resources

AMBS–Great Plains students have access to three libraries:

• The AMBS library in Elkhart, Ind. Some books and journals can be read online. Books also can be mailed to students.
• The Bethel College libraries in North Newton, Kansas, including the Mennonite Library and Archives. AMBS–Great Plains is regularly adding books to the Bethel College collection. Students may check out books, use the AMBS–Great Plains reserve shelf, or request books through inter-library loan.
• The Conference Resource Library in North Newton, Kansas, located at 2517 Main.

Location of Classes

Most classes are held at the 2500 Place building in North Newton, Kansas Other classes are held in the facilities of churches in the Newton-Hesston-Wichita area. On occasion, classes may be held in other Mennonite centers in the area served by Western District Conference, South Central Mennonite Conference, and Central Plains Mennonite Conference.

Admission, Tuition, and Financial Aid

AMBS–Great Plains welcomes students from Mennonite and other Christian faiths, full time and part time, who want training for church leadership in various ministry settings. Policies for admission, tuition, and financial aid are the same on the main campus and at the Great Plains Extension. Students who plan to pursue an AMBS degree or take more than five classes for credit should complete the regular AMBS application for admission. In addition to financial aid offered by AMBS, students should investigate conference, congregational, and other sources of aid.

History

From 1980 to 2002, Western District Conference and South Central Mennonite Conference offered seminary classes in central Kansas as a Conference-Based Theological Education program. Seminary credit for these classes was offered through AMBS. On July 1, 2002, the program became a full-fledged extension of AMBS, and the name was changed from Great Plains Seminary Education Program to Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary–Great Plains Extension.

Governance

AMBS–Great Plains is under the governance of AMBS. In addition, a regional Great Plains board serves in an advisory capacity. Most members of the Great Plains board are appointed by the Western District Conference, South Central Conference, Bethel College, Hesston College, and the AMBS board.

Contact Information

More information on AMBS–Great Plains is available from:

AMBS – Great Plains board members

• John A. Esau, North Newton, Kansas
• Gilberto Flores, Hesston, Kansas
• Dorothy Nickel Friesen, Newton, Kansas
• David Greiser, Hesston, Kansas
• Tom Harder, Wichita, Kansas
• Willmar Harder, Inman, Kansas
• Ron Krehbiel, Hesston, Kan.
• Douglas Miller, Hillsboro, Kansas
• Patricia Shelly, Newton, Kansas
• Rebecca Slough, Elkhart, Indiana
• Alice Suderman, North Newton, Kansas
• Debra Voth, Hesston, Kan.
• Bill Zuercher, Hesston, Kansas