MID-AMERICA
SUMMER 2019
MID-AMERICA | BECOMING THE NATION’S PREMIER EQUIPPING INSTITUTION FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING
P R E S I D E N T ’ S Page
MID-AMERICA: LETTING THE BIBLE LEAD BY DR. MICHAEL SPRADLIN
is inspired by God and profitable for
to hosting the annual Association of
teaching, for reproof, for correction, for
Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)
training in righteousness; so that the
Conference in October.
man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (NASB)
IN THIS ISSUE, we focus on our
With our new and advanced degree programs in Biblical Counseling, MidAmerica is leading the way standing
In our world today, there is a real
commitment to the Bible as profitable
with the Bible. Training individuals in
war against the Bible. It is attacked
in all areas by highlighting our Biblical
understanding and using the Bible in all
from every side and position. At
Counseling programs. With the Institute
areas of life is the Mid-America way, and
Mid-America, we are proud to stand,
for Nouthetic Studies (INS) Publishing,
this is more important today than ever
as we always have, on the inerrancy
Mid-America is bringing back into print
before. I hope you will enjoy this issue
of the Word of God and its benefit to
useful and important titles by Dr. Jay
and that the material it contains will
the life of the believer as displayed
E. Adams. We are also looking forward
challenge, inspire, and encourage you.
in 2 Timothy 3:16–17: “All Scripture
contents VOLUME 47, NUMBER 2 | SUMMER 2019 Published by the Mid-America family of educational institutions
PRESIDENT Michael Spradlin, PhD EDITOR Nathan Cole MANAGING EDITOR Lisa Griffin DESIGN Eternity Communications
LIGHTING THE WAY The theme of this summer issue of the Mid-America Messenger is the Word, and more specifically, illuminating the Word to provide clear, biblical counseling to a world that’s lost its way. Mid-America is becoming a leader in equipping the next generation in biblical counseling.
MISSION MID-AMERICA Mid-America felt a great loss with the passing of our founder, Dr. B. Gray Allison, in February 2019. Our mission remains steadfast, and future opportunities have never looked brighter. Dr. Michael Spradlin shares his inspiring vision.
MID-AMERICA GLOBAL Mid-America is making a world of difference with new initiatives in five focus areas designed to bring fresh perspective to new opportunities. From online learning to new educational partnerships in prisons and internationally, we’re innovating globally.
SHARING GOSPEL LIGHT Mid-America students witnessed to more than 4,800 people and saw more than 500 professions of faith during the 2018–2019 school year. Read the personal stories of how students are sharing the light of Christ in a darkened world.
CONNECT P.O. Box 2350 Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453
WITH MID-AMERICA
4 14 16
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LAST WORDS, FIRST WORDS: MISSION MID-AMERICA REMAINS STEADFAST
Or was the miracle helping people to
has been crushed dead under the iron
believe that God would continue to move
grip of theological liberalism. They
among the obedient and faithful?
have laws now against spreading the
I want to take a moment and be
Gospel into some of these places. Yes,
honest with you. When Dr. Gray went to
it is dark. Even in our own country, you
glory, I did not turn into Dr. Gray. I have
see moral values decaying. Even in our
been President for 21 years, and I still do
own denomination, we have leaders
not hold a candle to him. I am a realist,
who are under attack or involved in
This article is an excerpt from the
and I get it. I cannot be him. God did not
scandal. We have a denomination that
sermon Dr. Spradlin preached at the
make me that way, and I recognize that.
is declining in baptisms at a dramatic
Celebration Service for Dr. B. Gray
Our great captain is gone, and he is not
rate. Mathematically, it is just a matter
Allison. To watch the full sermon,
coming back. But what was important to
of time. Today, we want to do missions
go to mabts.edu/drgray.
Dr. Gray is important to me. I stand for
without God-called missionaries. We
the Gospel, the inerrancy of the Word of
want to plant churches without personal
BY DR. MICHAEL SPRADLIN
God, the necessity of missions, and the
evangelism. We want to believe the Bible
I came to Mid-America Baptist
importance of personal evangelism. I
without being under the authority of
Theological Seminary as a student in
believe in training the next generation
Scripture. We have lost the power.
1984, and I heard Dr. B. Gray Allison tell
of pastors, missionaries, ministers, and
the miracle of Mid-America. I believed
laypeople to stay strong for Jesus and
every word of it. I
reach the lost.
still do. But what
I WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING FROM MY HEART: the light of the
is the miracle of Mid-America? Is it that many
is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.� This is where we are at Mid-America: We will never surrender! We
people gave
all over our world.
money at just the
Christianity is in
the Bible as
right time, and
retreat. When you
the Word of
we got a building?
look at Europe,
God. It is all
Or that many
the birthplace of
true! I do not
intelligent people
so many things,
care what
sacrificed so
the Gospel light
anyone says.
they could come together and start
Dr. Michael Spradlin has earned two degrees from MidAmerica. Here, he received his MDIV in 1987 from Dr. B. Gray Allison. In 1991, he also earned a PhD.
Gospel is flickering out
Winston Churchill said, “Success
a school where we have diplomas with our name on it? Is the miracle of MidAmerica more endowments or another building?
will stand on
Mission Mid-America
MID-AMERICA... STILL AS DISTINCTIVE AS EVER EVERY PROFESSOR COMMITTED TO: zz Biblical inerrancy of the Scriptures
5
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
STUDENT SOUL-WINNING More than 165,000 people have made professions of faith through the witnessing of Mid-America Seminary students—plus countless thousands later in their ministries as a result of their training. Our graduates are sought after by the IMB and NAMB where hundreds of them now serve.
38 DEGREE PROGRAMS Mid-America offers six undergraduate and 32 graduate level degree programs (MA, MDIV, DMIN, and PhD) in a wide variety of disciplines. Most are available online. All are fully accredited.
zz Personal evangelism and soul-winning
DEBT-FREE GRADUATION
zz Active membership in a local church
Thanks to generous donors, Mid-America keeps tuition so low that most students graduate without incurring debt. They are free to go anywhere the Lord calls them and minister or serve unencumbered by debt.
3,600
The average number of professions of faith each year since our founding in 1972 through the witnessing of our students
70%
The percentage of each student’s tuition funded by Mid-America donors
GLOBAL IMPACT OF MID-AMERICA ALUMNI PASTORS AND CHURCH STAFF
Mid-America alumni are leading churches all over the United States and abroad. Each is equipped to preach expositionally, verse-by-verse.
It is the Word of God, and we are going to teach it and preach it. We will plow through it verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book. We are going to talk about what the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ really mean. We will stand as an institution. We will stand in every
MISSIONARIES & CHURCH PLANTERS
pulpit and preach the
These global ambassadors are carrying Christ to the nations, including areas hostile to the Gospel. Missions is in our DNA.
Bible. We will pray that God will call people to go to the pulpits of
DENOMINATIONAL, INSTITUTIONAL, & EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
America. Too many
International schools and seminaries and all six SBC seminaries employ Mid-America graduates.
churches exist where there is no one to go, live in the community,
OTHER MINISTRIES
Mid-America alumni lead and serve in a wide variety of other ministries, including chaplaincies and ministries to the inner-city, college students, refugees, and more.
6
The number of state conventions which have a Mid-America alumnus leading as Executive Director
love God, love people, and preach the Bible. Why is there a shortage? Mid-America is needed today as much, or more than, ever.
IS THE WORLD MORE EVANGELIZED TODAY? Are we gaining ground? Are all the institutions of America practicing personal evangelism? If they are, then we can go home, turn the lights off, and lock the doors. But until God’s call is done, we will never quit, and we will never surrender. We will stand. And we will be involved in teaching evangelism and the discipline of doing it. The people who come to Mid-America choose us because they choose the harder path. They choose to accept the discipline and the burden of forcing
Mission Mid-America
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
7
oneself to go—whether you are an
burdened him for lost and broken souls.
His victory. I’m going home to Heaven,
introvert or extrovert— and tell
We do not need just one Gray Allison,
there to live eternally for the life of Christ
somebody about Jesus. We will tell
but we need all of us to stand. Today,
my Savior is the life He gave to me. I’m
people about Jesus. We will be a Bible
the challenge is: Will you stand with us?
going home to Heaven; won’t you come
preaching and teaching institution. We
Will you stand with Mid-America? For
and go with me? Jesus, Who died and
will believe the Bible as the Word of God.
our alumni, it is time to come home and
rose again is waiting there for me.”
We will be a missionary institution. We
stand with your school so that the Gospel
will be a place where the heart for the
will go out. For all of us, it is time to stand
a video of some of his father’s last
world is our heart. We will desire that
together and say, “I will take the Gospel
words on earth. The video was taken
every people, every culture, everywhere,
of Jesus to the nations. I’m going to do
on the last day of his life, and Dr. Gray
hear the name of Jesus. Our hearts
what God has called me to do, because I
was talking through parched lips. He
will be broken until they have the
want lost people to know the only hope
struggled to say two words: “Love Jesus.”
opportunity to respond. I remember Dr.
they have is Jesus.”
Can you imagine a life and a ministry
John Floyd saying in class one time, “It is
I was given this poem written by Dr.
Gray Malloy Allison showed me
summarized any better? They were
not just reaching a people group with the
Gray entitled “Going Home to Heaven.”
among his last words here on Earth, but
Gospel. It is that every person can hear
“I’m going home to Heaven, where my
we know the story does not end there.
the Gospel.” We will stand on our desire
Savior waits for me. He prepared me for
Friends, Dr. Gray will be our example of
for God to call more missionaries and
the journey through his death on Calvary.
a life well lived because it was poured out
send them around the world because
I’m going home to Heaven, where my
following and loving Jesus. Mid-America
the world is lost. Friends, we will be
loved ones wait for me, where they too
will stand for and continue to pursue the
evangelistic.
have shared the blessings, which are in
most important thing: Jesus.
NOW, THE WORD “EVANGELISM” means different
!... gain ns a egi b e ycl ec Th
things to different people. To us, it means an individual uses the Word of
EQUIPPED AT MA
The pro ces s be gin s...
God to tell someone how he or she can be saved. It is where we say, “I want to tell you the best news that you will ever hear.” We had the chance to be around a
SERVING THE LORD
SENDING STUDENTS TO MA
soul-winner in Dr. Gray, a man who was endowed with the Spirit from God who
2,932
CONNECTING FRIENDS WITH MA
The total number of Mid-America graduates since our founding in 1972 Infographics are inspired by an address from Mid-America alumnus Dr. Roger S. (Sing) Oldham presented at the Donor Appreciation Banquet on November 1, 2018. Watch it at mabts.edu/2018donorbanquet.
FULLCIRCLE GRADUATES
LEADING CHURCH/ORG TO SUPPORT MA
STAYING ENGAGED WITH MA PERSONALLY SUPPORTING MA
PRAYING FOR MA
8
Biblical Counseling
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
MID-AMERICA HOSTS NATIONAL BIBLICAL COUNSELING CONFERENCE
than 50 speakers with an expected attendance of more than 2,000 biblical
opportunity. I trust I will see you there!” Consistent with the long-standing
counselors from around the globe.
pillar of a biblically-based approach to
Bellevue Baptist Church is partnering
every discipline of study, Mid-America
with Mid-America for promotion and
ensures biblical counseling studies are
hosting.
rooted in the Word of God. Established in
“Hosting the ACBC conference is a
the belief of the sufficiency of Scripture,
great honor and provides both students
the goal is to develop a curriculum of
Mid-America is honored to host the
and area churches with an opportunity
training at Mid-America so that students
upcoming Association of Certified
to understand the sufficiency of
learn how to counsel from the Word.
Biblical Counselors (ACBC) Conference
Scripture and what it means to counsel
Students also receive mentoring and
October 7–9. The conference theme is “The Valley of the Shadow: Suicide, Self-harm, and Scripture.” It features more
from the Word of God nouthetically,” says Dr. Timothy C. Seal, Dean of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. “I urge you to avail yourself of this valuable
additional opportunities to turn their instruction into practice.
WHEN MID-AMERICA CREATED ITS COUNSELING PROGRAM, it surveyed the counseling landscape and found three approaches: secular counseling, integrational
counseling, and nouthetic counseling.
to his books. This serves as a stamp of
“Nouthetic” is a Greek term meaning
approval on the courses of study and
“to put the Word of God into mind.” Out
positions Mid-America at the forefront
of the three, the nouthetic approach,
for students desiring instruction in
founded and popularized by Dr. Jay E.
nouthetic counseling, says Dr. Seal.
Adams, was, without question, the most
Mid-America is the first fully
firmly established in the principles of the
nouthetic program of study and a
Bible, says Dr. Seal.
strategic leader in teaching biblical
MID-AMERICA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DR. ADAMS,
counseling, he says. Every professor
established degree programs in
enthusiastically holds to a nouthetic
nouthetic counseling at every level—
approach to counseling. Dr. Matt R.
bachelor, graduate, and doctoral (see
Akers, a professor in Mid-America’s
story on pages 10–11). Dr. Adams chose to
growing Biblical Counseling department,
grace Mid-America with the stewardship
also works with Bellevue Baptist Church
of his ministry, the Institute of Nouthetic
to provide a practicum for students in
Studies (INS), and the publishing rights
the biblical counseling program.
teaching in the counseling department
ACBC honored Mid-America by selecting us as the site for their Annual Conference. Here is more information about the event. What is the ACBC? For more than 40 years, the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (formerly known as NANC) has been certifying biblical counselors to ensure doctrinal integrity and to promote excellence in biblical counseling. Do I need to be a student or counselor to attend the ACBC Annual Conference? No, everyone is invited to attend, but you must register. Details below. What are the benefits of the conference? The conference features more than 50 speakers and includes both plenary and breakout sessions on a variety of subjects. The theme this year recognizes the alarming trends of suicide and self-harm, and the conference will equip Christians to minister the Word of God to those who feel as if all is lost. CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Monday, October 7, 2019 Pre-Conference—9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Registration/Check-in—2:30–5:30 p.m. Conference—6:00–8:45 p.m.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 Conference—8:00 a.m.–8:45 p.m.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019 Conference—9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION You can register for the conference directly on the ACBC website:
biblicalcounseling.com/ conference/suicide-self-harm
OCTOBER 7–9
HOSTED BY MID-AMERICA
MID-AMERICA
THE NATION’S PREMIER EQUIPPING INSTITUTION FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING
ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD AND PROFITABLE FOR TEACHING, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS; SO THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE ADEQUATE, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16–17
Biblical Counseling
MID-AMERICA AND INS COMBINE TO EQUIP STUDENTS TO BE COMPETENT TO COUNSEL Two institutions with a strong history of teaching the sufficiency of Scripture have combined forces to create one of the nation’s most comprehensive and accessible educational programs for biblical counseling. The program combines the strengths of Mid-America and the Institute for Nouthetic Studies (INS) in training men and women to counsel biblically. Mid-America has partnered with Dr. Jay E. Adams, INS Founder and the father of the modern biblical counseling movement, to build a counseling curriculum that is faithful to the Scriptures, academically rigorous, and intensely practical. Beginning with his landmark book Competent to Counsel in 1970, Dr. Adams has been demonstrating the importance of counseling with the conviction that the Scripture is God’s sufficient resource for dealing with life’s problems. Mid-America’s biblical counseling program offers students fully accredited training in biblical counseling at five levels: BA, MA, MDIV, DMIN, and PhD. If students do not seek an accredited degree, they can take INS courses which are available online at nouthetic.org and earn an INS Certificate in Nouthetic Counseling from Mid-America.
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
11
MID-AMERICA BIBLICAL COUNSELING PROGRAMS INS | INSTITUTE FOR NOUTHETIC STUDIES
MDIV | BIBLICAL COUNSELING
BA | BIBLICAL COUNSELING
DMIN | BIBLICAL COUNSELING
The Institute for Nouthetic Studies (INS) offers a biblical counseling certificate geared toward pastors and laypeople desiring to counsel based on the Word of God. (See next page for more information.) INS features a self-paced study series containing 12 courses which provide a robust education in the fundamentals of biblical counseling. This curriculum meets, and far exceeds, the minimum training requirement for certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). NOUTHETIC.ORG
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Counseling degree is a postsecondary professional degree designed to equip students for effective Christian ministry in local churches, missions, or denominational service. COLLEGEATMIDAMERICA.COM/ BACHELOR-OF-ARTS-IN-BIBLICALCOUNSELING
MA | BIBLICAL COUNSELING
The new Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling degree is a four-semester, 60-hour program. It prepares students for effective counseling rooted in Scripture to transform lives. Concrete and practical, this degree prepares students with both orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Our well-rounded curriculum begins in the classroom with first-rate biblical and theological education, and ends with an unparalleled hands-on practicum that allows students to counsel alongside experienced mentors who will help you to sharpen your skills. Flexible learning options allow you to study in the classroom, online, or both. COLLEGEATMIDAMERICA.COM/ MASTER-OF-ARTS-IN-BIBLICALCOUNSELING
The Master of Divinity in Biblical Counseling is a professional graduate degree beyond the Bachelor of Arts or equivalent, designed to equip both male and female students for effective ministry as a biblical counselor. This is a threeyear program focused on counseling that is strictly biblical in nature (nouthetic), and students receive a background in the theology of counseling and evidence that the Word is sufficient to bring about change. MABTS.EDU/MDIV-BIBLICALCOUNSELING
The Doctor of Ministry degree is an advanced professional degree designed to enable students to practice ministry at a high level of competency. The program builds on the general theological preparation of the Master of Divinity, and moves toward a concentration which combines theory and significant experience. The professional character of the degree is designed to prepare students to be effective in the practice of ministry rather than preparing for research and teaching vocations.
PHD | BIBLICAL COUNSELING
The Doctor of Philosophy degree equips students for advanced scholarship, independent research, effective teaching and preaching, and service in churchrelated ministries that benefit from advanced Christian scholarship. The Doctor of Philosophy program involves a minimum of two years of study beyond the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent. Students entering the program should be aware that three or more years are frequently needed for completion of the degree requirements, depending upon individual circumstances.
THE FAST TRACK TO BECOMING ‘COMPETENT TO COUNSEL’ “I myself am convinced about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and competent to counsel one another.” (Romans 15:14) In 1970, Dr. Jay E. Adams confronted the evangelical Christian church over their failure to counsel each other through Scripture, as seen with the Apostle Paul in Romans 15, and instead refer hurting people in their churches to secular counseling practitioners. His book, Competent to Counsel, lit a fire that continues to burn in the hearts of pastors and other Christian workers around the world. Today, there is a growing understanding that we have a complete and sufficient resource in the Word of God to meet the counseling needs of God’s people. For over 50 years, Dr. Adams has been demonstrating, through his books and lectures, how pastors can effectively apply God’s Word in the counseling room. He formed the INSTITUTE FOR NOUTHETIC STUDIES (INS) to serve as a vehicle through which he could minister to the Christian leaders who sought his help for training in biblical counseling. To ensure that his teaching ministry would remain in the hands of faithful people after his death, he entrusted the INS ministry to Mid-America which is committed to maintaining his legacy of faithfulness to the Scriptures and confidence in their sufficiency. Mid-America also offers degrees and certificates for anyone interested in serving as a biblical counselor. Students can receive a BA, MA, MDIV, DMIN, and PhD in biblical counseling. The BA, MA, and MDIV degrees may be earned residentially or online. If students do not seek an accredited degree, they can take INS courses which are available online at NOUTHETIC.ORG and earn an INS Certificate in Nouthetic Counseling from Mid-America.
MID-AMERICA IS NOW A PUBLISHER Mid-America is excited to announce that our Institute for Nouthetic Studies has assumed responsibility for the publication of Dr. Jay E. Adams’ books. While some titles will continue to be published by Zondervan, P & R, and Calvary, most will now be published by INS. Almost all of Dr. Adams’ books, regardless of the publisher, can be purchased through our new online bookstore at insbookstore.com. In the months to come, we will be bringing back into print many of the titles that are out of print and unavailable. Eventually, we plan to make Dr. Adams’ entire works available so a new generation of pastors and counselors can profit from them in the same way as the past generation. Bookmark our online bookstore, and check back regularly for monthly specials and announcements about new publications.
VISIT OUR NEW ONLINE BOOKSTORE:
INSBOOKSTORE.COM
MAKING A
WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
INTRODUCING MID-AMERICA GLOBAL NEW INITIATIVES IN FIVE FOCUS AREAS DESIGNED TO BRING FRESH VISION TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES
FOCUS 2 INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Because of our heart for the nations, international partnerships are particularly exciting to us. Our partnership with Emanuel University in Oradea, Romania, is something special. Of all the SBC seminaries, Emanuel’s leadership chose Mid-America because of our heart for evangelism. Their heartbeat is our heartbeat—to glorify Jesus, teach the inerrant Word of God, and train others to do the same. We will assist them by teaching PhD Seminars in Romania to their faculty. This will allow Emanuel to be fully-accredited in their country and proceed with offering seminary courses and MDIV degrees. In Kenya, we are partnering with an International Mission Board (IMB) missionary to assist a local pastor in receiving the training he needs without leaving his ministry. The native pastor will take online classes through Mid-America while he continues the work and is discipled by his IMB missionary friend. We believe this is a reproducible model for training around the world. In the coming year, we will share more about these and other international partnerships, and you can read more now on page 22.
FOCUS 1 EXCELLENCE IN ONLINE LEARNING Did you know that all of Mid-America’s undergraduate and graduate degrees can be completed 100 percent online? Online learning makes sense for students in a variety of circumstances. For example, former students who left school early for job opportunities or family responsibilities can now re-enroll and complete their degrees from their current ministry locations. Excellent online classes mean that even if the student must attend remotely, he or she still receives a high-quality, fully-equipping Mid-America education. Our faculty have been working diligently, and we are all excited to roll out updated video content, formatting, course platform, and many other features which make our online classes better than ever before.
Mid-America Global
A
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
15
t Mid-America, we are proud of our heritage and excited about connecting with our alumni and friends at the annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). This year’s SBC Alumni and
Friends Luncheon is particularly special because we launch Mid-America Global, our initiatives for the coming year distilled into five focus areas. As in all things, we are trusting God for His peace, presence, power, and provision to accomplish the tasks He has given us to do. Please pray with us over these new opportunities.
GLOBAL
FOCUS 3 MISSION: NORTHEAST Our mission in the northeastern United States has been a focus for over 30 years. Our current Northeast director, Dr. Mike Haggard, has caught the vision of expanding from Albany, New York, to the entire region. He has worked with local pastors and ministers to recruit and assemble MOVE groups (see Focus 4) across the area. We are encouraged by the way people have responded and are looking forward to the increase in not only students but also in lives changed through the witness of our students in the Northeast.
FOCUS 4 MOVE GROUPS MOVE is an acronym for Mentored Online Virtual Education. MOVE groups are small collections of onlineonly Mid-America students who meet in person with a mentor to discuss their courses and share their witnessing opportunities. These bimonthly meetings allow the mentor to assist students to contextualize their learning into effective ministry in their local area. MOVE groups are currently concentrated in the Northeast but are not limited to that area. We have MOVE groups in Ohio, Georgia, and as far away as Kenya! God is at work around the world giving us the wonderful opportunity to train those He calls for effective service.
FOCUS 5 ARKANSAS PRISON INITIATIVE (API) The work happening in the Varner Supermax unit in southern Arkansas is exciting. In late April, Mid-America attended a meeting with Gov. Asa Hutchinson, members of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, representatives from the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, and many other interested parties to discuss the initiative and its support. We can clearly see God is working there. The inmates trained in our fouryear Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degree will, after graduation, become ministers throughout the prison system and bring hope where so few can go. They will take Jesus into the darkest of places seeking the lost sheep. Our God rescues, gives second chances, and provides purpose even in the midst of a life sentence. Dr. Mark Thompson, our API Director, will work with the inmates in person to provide the support and mentoring each will need to be successful. Read more about this on page 19.
ERIC A. GULLION, ASSOCIATE OF DIVINITY, CORDOVA, TENNESSEE
OUMALAY MEUNDOUANG, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE— BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, THAILAND
I got a chance to ask my coworker about his faith. He grew up
I witnessed to a close friend from a Buddhist background. She
Catholic but had not gone to church in 10 years. I asked if he
said Christianity was a good religion teaching people to be
knew what would happen
and do good. She
when he died. He was not
seemed surprised
sure, so I asked if he would
that Christians
like to know for certain. He
do not believe
said, “Yes,” so I went through
the action of
an evangelism outline. After
doing good things
I finished with the whole
can get you into
plan of salvation, I asked if it
Heaven—only
made sense to him. He said
whoever believes
“Yes,” so I asked if he wanted
in Jesus will be
to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. He said, “Yes,” again, so we
saved. I pulled
prayed for him to repent and receive Jesus as Lord. I gave him
out the Bible and
a Bible and told him the importance of baptism after salvation
read Ephesians
as he was baptized as a child.
2:8 to her. I told
CAROLYN WINDER, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE— BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ROSSVILLE, TENNESSEE I was reading for my Biblical Doctrines class, and my coworker asked me about the book. I then asked what she believed. Her grandparents were Christians and her parents were Muslims. She believed that Allah and the Christian’s God were the same. I told her the Muslim’s god was Allah, and the Christian’s God was Jesus. She responded, “What? Jesus is God?” I said, ‘“Yes,” and asked if it was OK to share what I believe. I then went through the plan of salvation. She believed what I said, but she did not pray with me then. I told her it’s a serious thing to know for sure where we’ll go when we die. I invited her to my church and plan to pray for her.
her what Romans 3:23 and Romans 3:10 say about us all being sinners, but John 3:16 says Jesus Christ died for your sins. I told her she could
Practical Missions
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
17
A MID-AMERICA TRADITION, REPORT HOUR IN CHAPEL EACH TUESDAY MORNING IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS TO SHARE TESTIMONIES AND EXPERIENCES THEY HAVE IN SHARING THE GOSPEL AS PART OF WITNESS ONE:SEVEN AND GO! PROGRAM. LET THESE RECENT EXAMPLES INSPIRE YOU. Therefore, I read her Romans 10:9–10. She said, “OK, I will do
ANNA WEAVER, MASTER OF ARTS—THEOLOGY, CORDOVA, TENNESSEE
it.” I prayed for her and invited her to come to church. She is
I recently ran my second marathon, and the Lord showed His
now coming to church every Sunday.
faithfulness throughout. I used this opportunity to declare
be saved today, and she wanted to accept Jesus into her heart.
Jesus and the truth of Acts 20:24 which states, “If only I may finish my course...to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.” One man was walking, so I stopped to walk with him. I asked if he knew Jesus, and he was flippant in his response. I told him how Jesus had changed my life and quoted Acts 20:24 to him. I explained we are running a bigger race that counts for all eternity. He wanted nothing to do with it and started running again. I wish we had more time to talk, but I know God can use what I said.
JAMES BURR, BACHELOR OF ARTS—CHRISTIAN STUDIES, WICHITA, KANSAS A few months ago, I was counseling a young man at my church who had expressed interest in being baptized. He and his family came from a Catholic background, and he had an understanding about who Jesus is but very clearly had no relationship with Him. I began to share some Scripture with him and to go through an evangelism outline. Because of his confusion with Catholicism, I reiterated the fact that this free gift of salvation cannot be earned, and we do not deserve it (quoting Ephesians 2:8–9). After presenting the Gospel, I asked if he wanted to pray and accept God’s free gift of salvation. He said that he did, and we prayed together. Please pray for him and his family.
MID-AMERICA STUDENTS MAKING JESUS ‘COOL AT SCHOOL’ “Connecting kids to Christ and putting Bibles in their hands.” You’ll find this phrase on the back of every KiDs Beach Club (KBC) leader T-shirt. KBC is a ministry that mobilizes churches to provide a Jesus experience to 3rd–6th graders within the culture of their public schools. Mid-America students have helped accomplish this vision during the five years the ministry has been in the Memphis area. Once a week at the end of the school day on a public school campus, sponsoring churches gather a team of volunteers. Attending kids focus on “Making Jesus Cool at School.” This high-energy hour includes activities such as worship, Scripture memory, Bible-story, and small-group time. It takes all hands on deck, and many of those are the eager hands of Mid-America students. Whether it’s Sarah Horn getting connected with students through small groups, W.T. Mosteller leading an exciting worship time, or Damon Shields serving to make sure everyone gets home safely, they are all making an impact. Many serve in multiple roles, and some, such as Andrew Enzor, serve in multiple clubs. Each aspect is vital in accomplishing the goal of sharing the Gospel. “KBC is a wonderful and powerful way to make Jesus known to children and see His transforming power working in their lives,” says Lucy Comin. For any volunteer, leading a child to Christ is the greatest joy. Thanks to the commitment of many Mid-America students, children in the greater Memphis area are not only hearing the Word, but they are also responding to it. Mid-America students are impacting the KBC ministry of local churches, but even greater than that, they are impacting the Kingdom. For more information about KBC visit kidsbeachclub.org.
WITNESS ONE:SEVEN & GO! PROGRAM REPORT 2018–2019 SCHOOL YEAR
TENNESSEE NEW YORK TOTAL
PRACTICAL MISSIONS 6,711 242 6,953 PERSONS WITNESSED TO 4,548 254 4,802 PROFESSIONS OF FAITH 488 SERMONS PREACHED
28 516
814 106 920
Witness One:Seven and GO! Program reported August 1, 2018–May 8, 2019
PROFESSIONS OF FAITH SINCE 1972 = 165,657
Mid-America News
CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. B. GRAY ALLISON WITH SPECIAL SERVICES
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
19
MID-AMERICA BEGINS ARKANSAS PRISON INITIATIVE
Mid-America has a new open door for ministry. The Arkansas
The founder and President Emeritus of
Baptist State Convention recently approached Dr. Michael
Mid-America, Dr. B. Gray Allison, graduated to
Spradlin about the prospect of offering a college degree to
Heaven on February 12, 2019. Mid-America hosted
inmates at the maximum security prison in Pine Bluff. Known
two special services in memory of Dr. Gray—the
as the Varner Unit in the Arkansas Department of Corrections,
funeral on February 18 for family and friends and a
Mid-America will be training inmates from across the state to
Celebration Service on February 25 for the greater
serve as field ministers to other inmates within the Varner Unit.
Mid-America family. If you missed either event, you can watch them on our website, mabts.edu/drgray.
The degree will be the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies through The College at Mid-America and begins this fall. Our students will be long-term inmates with at least 10 years yet to serve on their sentences. The goal will be to provide Christian ministry to other inmates in ways unique to the prison system. These inmates will minister to their peers through hearts and minds that fully understand the stresses and dangers inherent in prolonged confinement. In other prisons with similar programs, such as Angola Prison in Louisiana and
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Darrington Prison in Texas, inmates were saved and inmate-on-inmate
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crime plummeted.
our special Amazon link and a donation is made
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those who study the need for prison reform. Pray with us that
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inside out.
0430687. You’ll see AmazonSmile and “Supporting:
The challenges are many. Maximum security inmates have
Mid-America Baptist Theological
no access to the Internet. They are unable to take pen and paper
Seminary” at
to their cells. There are a host of other restrictions as well. One
the top
of the greatest hurdles to overcome is funding. Since this is a
of your
religious endeavor, no state funds of any kind may be used;
screen.
all funds must come from outside sources. We must provide
Bookmark it now,
tables, computers, textbooks, and all other materials required
and use it each time
for the educational process. Our God is able to supply through
you shop. It’s free
this open door.
and easy!
M I TC H K I M B R E L L
MDIV–PASTORAL MINISTRY, 2012; PHD, 2017 Church Planter, NETS Network, Williston, Vermont
“Dr. B. Gray Allison’s evangelism class fanned the flame burning in my heart for the lost in New England.”
H E R S H A E L YO R K MDIV, 1988; PHD, 1999
Dean of the School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“The more we see the brokenness of humanity, the more we realize that the Word of God is not a cause for embarrassment, but a source of life.”
SARAH BLAIR
MDIV–MISSIOLOGY, 2018 Missionary To Hilo, Hawaii
“Thank you, donors. Because of your donations, my husband and I left Mid-America debt free!”
JEFF SINGERMAN MDIV, 1987
International Mission Board Missionary to Benin, Africa
“Mid-America gave me an opportunity to have a biblical foundation in missions and
evangelism.”
MID-AMERICA ALUMNI SHOW IMPORTANCE OF IMPACT AND INVESTMENT How did these people get to MidAmerica? What enabled them to effectively minister to a lost world? God has been calling students to Mid-America for 47 years from countries all over the world. They came with a yearning to do something they had never done. With the call of God fresh in their lives, they
had an insatiable desire for solid biblical education and training. Most came with wives and children, but many were single. In either case, they left the security of familiar things, including family, church, jobs, and surroundings to step out in faith across the world to serve a risen Savior. You can see where our alumni minister all over the world today by
visiting our World Missions Map at mabts.edu/why-mid-america/ about-mid-america/missions-map. They came to Mid-America with confidence they would be taught the true Word of God because we believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. They graduate with a burden for the world on their hearts. Today, another group is beginning to find their way to our hallways and classrooms. With pervasive liberalism in our country, believing high school students and their parents are looking for an undergraduate degree
ARCHIE MASON MDIV, 1999
Senior Pastor, Central Baptist Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas
“Mid-America taught me the importance of the Word of God. Thank you, donors, for allowing me to be a graduate with no debt so that we could go on the mission field and start my ministry immediately.”
ROGER S. (SING) OLDHAM MDIV, 1980; PHD, 1985
Vice President for Convention Communications and Relations
“When there weren’t a lot of conservative schools available, Bible-believing Christians needed us then. I would argue they still need us today.”
VA N C E P I T M A N MDIV, 1998
Senior Pastor, Hope Church, Las Vegas, Nevada
4,000+ members; 52 church plants; More than 2,300 baptisms in 17 years
not infused with ideology. At The College at Mid-America, tomorrow’s church leaders, business men and women, and community leaders are taught a true biblical worldview with an unsurpassed education that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Our distinctives make Mid-America who we are: FINANCIAL FREEDOM No student loans at graduation WITNESS ONE:SEVEN Confident ability to share the Gospel FACULTY INVOLVEMENT Inclass instruction by professors with earned PhDs, open-door
policy, and personal availability ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Teach, train, and equip students at the highest possible levels DONOR SUPPORTED Nearly 70 percent of student tuition is paid by our donors To maintain these distinctives, we depend on you. Your investment produces men and women of God who know the Word of God and can tell about the risen Christ wherever God takes them. Because of your gifts, our graduates are not burdened with school debt to pay off, so they can truly go “to all the world for Jesus’ sake.”
Thank you all for your consistent, generous, faithful support of the Lord’s work here at Mid-America. Some of our supporters have substantially increased their giving this year. We have seen some friends begin to give again who haven’t given in a while. And there are new friends who have begun to support Mid-America for the first time. We thank the Lord for you and continue to trust Him for all our needs. Give online now at MABTS.EDU/SUPPORT or mail your check to: Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 2350, Cordova, TN 38088-2350.
22
Mid-America News
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
MID-AMERICA PARTNERS WITH ROMANIAN SEMINARY, OFFERS PHD SCHOLARSHIPS
Dr. Paul Negrut cofounded the university in 1990 and serves as the Rector of Emanuel University as well as co-pastor of Emanuel Baptist Church in Oradea. Often called “the Billy Graham of Europe,” Dr. Negrut is an accomplished scholar
Nicolae Ceaușescu was the general secretary of the Romanian
and preacher. He has penned numerous books and articles
Communist Party from 1965 to 1989. During his reign of terror,
and has served as President of the Romanian Baptist Union
Christians experienced persecution
and as President of the Romanian
and martyrdom for their faith
Evangelical Alliance. Above all,
in Christ. Finally, the Romanian
he has a passion to train men and
people rose up and overthrew the
women to share Christ with a lost
tyrant and his communist regime.
world.
Ceaușescu and his wife were executed December 25, 1989. The next year, Emanuel Bible
Dr. Negrut and Emanuel University have a long history with Mid-America. Dr. B. Gray Allison
Institute was founded by Biserica
spoke at Oradea years ago, and Dr.
Baptista Emanuel Oradea of
Michael Spradlin spent time teaching
Oradea, Romania. The underground
and preaching there last fall.
school emerged from secrecy and developed into a fully accredited university.
Mid-America will provide Doctor of Philosophy courses to current Emanuel University faculty so that they may, in turn,
Emanuel University of Oradea is the largest accredited
begin a new fully-accredited Master of Divinity program. This
conservative university in Europe and the only one accredited.
will better enable these fine evangelical leaders to teach and
The school awards bachelor and master’s degrees and has over
preach the word of God in Romania and beyond and fulfill our
2,500 graduates in 39 countries.
ongoing mission “to all the world for Jesus’ sake.”
S U M M E R & FA L L
SBC ALUMNI & FRIENDS LUNCHEON
FOUNDERS’ DAYS
June 11, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Registration: mabts.edu/sbcluncheon
August 20–22
LAST DAY TO SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR FALL SEMESTER July 1
REGISTRATION FOR FALL SEMESTER July 8–August 14
ORIENTATION AND REGISTRATION FOR NEW STUDENTS FOR FALL August 8–9
FALL SEMESTER CLASSES BEGIN August 21
FALL PREVIEW DAY October 3
ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED BIBLICAL COUNSELORS (ACBC) 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE October 7–9
MID-AMERICA PASSION PLAY PRESENTS GOSPEL TO THOUSANDS In April, the Seminary presented the third annual Mid-America Passion Play entitled Lord, I Believe, directed by Dr. James D. Whitmire. With a new theme and script, this year’s production portrayed Jesus confronting Thomas’ disbelief. Thousands attended the five, live Gospel presentations, and hundreds served as cast, choir, orchestra, sound crew, stage hands, set designers, and ushers.
P.O. Box 2350 • Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MEMPHIS, TN PERMIT NO. 831
901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu • mabts.edu
JOIN US AS MID-AMERICA LOOKS BACK AT A BLESSED HERITAGE, FORWARD TO A BRIGHT FUTURE. AUGUST 20–22, 2019 MID-AMERICA CHAPEL
NEW SCHEDULE THIS YEAR!
TUES | AUGUST 20 7:00 P.M. WED | AUGUST 21 11:00 A.M. THUR | AUGUST 22 11:00 A.M. For more information, visit MABTS.EDU/FOUNDERSDAYS