Brite Divinity School embodies an ecumenical and open spirit. Dedicated denominational programs and recognized partnerships provide the foundation for formation in various traditions and the coursework needed for ordination and admittance to a number of Protestant denominations. Brite’s student body is diverse and while most students are from mainline Protestants backgrounds, they represent more than 25 different denominations. This interaction in classrooms and through fellowship provides a deeper understanding of the different faith traditions they will encounter in ministry. Faculty and students are engaged in local, state and national ecumenical organizations and programs.
Baptist Studies
Rev. Aretha Flucker, Director of Community and Spiritual Life also serves as Director of Baptist Programming for Brite Divinity School. In this role, Rev. Flucker works with all baptist students, including those in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Alliance of Baptists. Beyond the classroom, Rev. Flucker is a liaison to numerous churches, connecting the church to the academy in ways that bring life and formation for Brite students and local congregations. For more information about Baptist Studies at Brite, please contact Rev. Flucker.
Disciples Studies
Dr. Lance Pape serves as both the Granville and Erline Walker Associate Professor of Homiletics and Director of Disciples Formation. In this position, Dr. Pape walks alongside women and men who are navigating the Regional Committee on the Ministry (RCOM) process as they seek ordination. Furthermore, he also plans community events for Disciples students throughout the long semesters. For more information about Disciples Studies at Brite, please contact Dr. Pape.
Methodist Studies
Rev. Dr. Jim Sanders is a retired Elder in the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. He has been the Director of United Methodist Studies at Brite since 2005. Prior to his retirement, Dr. Sanders served appointments in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and throughout the North Texas area. Currently, he serves Holder’s Chapel in Cool, Texas. The Rev. Dr. Sanders is an experienced horseman, teacher, mentor, and pastoral leader. He assists students in preparing for their Boards of Ministry conversations, as well as working with various components of the course work related to Methodist History and Doctrine. For more information about Methodist Studies at Brite, please contact Dr. Sanders.
Presbyterian Studies
Dr. Warner Bailey serves as Director of Presbyterian Studies and Adjunct Faculty. A Presbyterian Minister of Word and Sacrament since 1964, Dr. Bailey combined the roles of pastor and scholar in his leadership of outstanding congregations in Indiana and Texas through significant transformation. At regional and denominational levels, he has served his church in areas of peacemaking, fund-raising, education, mission, and judicial affairs. He has been a commissioner to two national General Assemblies where he chaired committees on the Brief Statement of Faith (1989) and Bills and Overtures (2003). Within the Fort Worth community Dr. Bailey has been president of the board of the Parenting Center and founding president of an AIDS funding agency. He served on the board of the Presbyterian Night Shelter, United Way, and Planned Parenthood of North Texas, and is a member of Leadership Fort Worth. In addition to his work at Brite, Dr. Bailey is a Parish Associate at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church where he serves as Theologian-in-Residence. For more information about Presbyterian Studies at Brite, please contact Dr. Bailey.