Tennessee Temple University: A Legacy of Faith and Ministry Training
Tennessee Temple University (TTU) was a private Christian university located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1946 by Lee Roberson, the university aimed to train individuals for Christian ministry through higher education. Over its nearly 70-year history, Tennessee Temple played a significant role in shaping Christian leaders and impacting the religious landscape, particularly within the Baptist tradition. However, facing financial challenges and declining enrollment, Tennessee Temple University merged with Piedmont International University in 2015, bringing an end to its independent existence in Chattanooga.
The Vision of Lee Roberson and Early Years
As the pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Lee Roberson recognized a need for practical ministry training within a higher educational setting. Inspired by this vision, he established an evening Bible institute that evolved into a Bible college and a liberal arts college. Later, Temple Baptist Seminary was added to the institution.
The close ties between Tennessee Temple and Highland Park Baptist Church, considered one of the early megachurches in America, provided valuable ministry training opportunities for students. This model of combining academic instruction with practical experience became a hallmark of Tennessee Temple's approach to education. The church voted on July 3, 1946, to establish Tennessee Temple College. On January 26, 1948, they voted to start Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, later renamed Temple Baptist Theological Seminary.
A Model for Ministry Training
The combination of Highland Park Baptist Church and Tennessee Temple University provided ministry training opportunities for students through hands-on experience. Over seventy-seven branch churches were established within a 100-mile radius of the church to accommodate the multitude of students requiring practical ministry experience.
Graduates of Tennessee Temple often emphasized the importance of the university in helping them discern God's will for their lives and the value of the practical experience and passion they gained there. The emphasis on themes such as "find a need and meet it" and "reach the world for Christ" instilled a sense of purpose and dedication in the students.
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Leadership and Key Figures
Lee Roberson served as the leader and visionary behind Tennessee Temple University, leaving a lasting impact on the institution and its students. His leadership and longevity allowed God to use him to build one of the great churches of America that provided ministry training for thousands.
J.R. Faulkner served as the co-pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church, vice president of the school, and later president of TTU from 1974 to 1985. Faulkner directed the staff of the church and school, organized and ran the chapel ministry, and managed the students working for scholarship money.
Other key figures in the history of Tennessee Temple University include:
- Dr. Alfred Cierpke: Dean of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
- Dr. J. Don Jennings: Assumed the presidency of the university and seminary in 1985.
- Dr. David E. Bouler: Vice-chancellor of the seminary.
- Dr. Barkev S. Trachian: President of the seminary.
- Dr. J. Danny Lovett: Seventh president of Tennessee Temple University.
- Dr. Howard D. Owens: Interim Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry.
- Dr. Steven F. Echols: The final Temple president.
Academic Programs and Structure
Tennessee Temple University offered a range of academic programs focused on Christian ministry and related fields. Temple Baptist Seminary served as the university's graduate school of Christian theology.
In 2012, TTU realigned its academic programs into three colleges of schools. The Seminary became a part of the School of Theology and Ministry. From the outset, the seminary has been committed to upholding the biblical faith historically believed by Baptists. In addition there has been a strong emphasis upon Bible teaching, Christian education, evangelism, and ministry endeavor. With the theme “Preparing for Leadership,” TBS continues to expand its efforts to equip both church leaders and laypersons for the work of the ministry. In recent years, a program of winter and summer modular classes has been initiated. This program has become very popular with both resident and out-of-town students. Temple Baptist Seminary has matriculated students from almost every state and from many foreign countries.
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Athletics
The Tennessee Temple athletic teams were called the Crusaders. The university was a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the Mid-East Region of the Division I level until the end of the 2014-15 academic year. Tennessee Temple competed in 11 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports included baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer and track & field; while women's sports included basketball, cross country, soccer, softball (fast-pitch), track & field and volleyball.
Notable Alumni
Tennessee Temple University produced numerous leaders in various fields, including:
- College presidents and vice presidents
- School administrators and teachers
- Pastors
- Kay Lee Arthur: An international Bible teacher, four-time ECPA Christian Book Award winning author, and co-CEO of Precept Ministries International.
Challenges and the Merger with Piedmont International University
In its later years, Tennessee Temple University faced several challenges, including declining enrollment and financial difficulties. The university hoped to relocate to property offered by Woodland Park Baptist Church, but was unable to raise the necessary funds.
In 2015, the trustees of Tennessee Temple University voted to merge with Piedmont International University (PIU) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The merger was officially completed on April 30, pending the approval of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, the accrediting body for both universities.
As part of the merger agreement:
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- Tennessee Temple's legacy was preserved through the continuation of Temple Baptist Seminary as a school of PIU.
- A Tennessee Temple Scholarship was established at PIU to provide tuition discounts for current and former TTU students, as well as faculty, staff, and their families.
- TTU online students experienced decreases in their tuition rates and a seamless transition.
- Residential students who moved to Winston-Salem experienced a drop in tuition, room, and board.
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