Conversations between the Advent Christian Church and Kingswood University began several years ago. The denomination, with churches around the world and across North America, including Maine and Atlantic Canada, felt the need for an academic partner to provide ministerial education. With several Advent Christian students attending Kingswood, conversations developed that led eventually to this Memorandum of Understanding.
Under the terms of this agreement, Kingswood University will provide the educational requirements to prepare graduates to serve Christ within a variety of venues within the Advent Christian Church. It also allows for coordination between Kingswood and an affiliate of the Advent Christian Church, Berkshire Institute for Christian Studies in Massachusetts. The agreement allows Advent Christian students to gain a high-quality Kingswood education in a way that allows for effective ministry within their own denomination.
The agreement was developed by Dr. Janet Starks, VPAA at Kingswood University with Rev. Matt Larkin, who works with leadership development for the denomination. The formal signing took place on February 21, 2020 between President Steve Lennox of Kingswood and Rev. Steve Lawson, Executive Director of the Advent Christian Church.