Mid-America Messenger-Summer 2020

MID-AMERICA

SUMMER 2020

ENGAGING EVANGELISM

P R E S I D E N T ’ S Page

PASSING A PASSION FOR SOUL-WINNING FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT

BY DR. MICHAEL SPRADLIN

The first class of my first day at Mid-America was Personal Evangelism taught by the Seminary’s late president, Dr. Gray Allison. Some professors’ impact takes a long time, but Dr. Gray changed students from the very first day. He took us on a verbal tour of the world and summed up each region with one word—lost.

DR. GRAY TAUGHT US TO LOVE PEOPLE and

“Be enthusiastic and be a soul-winner,” was the first thing I

to be broken over their separation from the love of God. He

remember Pastor Ed Edmondson teaching me.

urged us to view evangelism as rescuing souls from eternal

Brother Ed, as we called him, led me to Christ as a

damnation. And so, the passion for soul-winning was

teenager. After being a Christian for only six months, I

passed onto my generation. Now, as the Chairman of the

sensed a call to preach and went to my pastor for advice. At

Evangelism Department at Mid-America and the Professor

the time, I didn’t know what the term soul-winner meant,

of Personal Evangelism, it is my job to pass this fire to the

but I was about to be introduced to a way of life that would

next generation. Dr. Allison is no longer with us, but the

never leave me.

question remains, “Who will go and share the Good News

Ed Edmondson took me with him to visit people and

to a lost and dying world?” Pray for God to call out laborers

share the Gospel. I do not remember what methods Ed

unto His harvest, and pray for us as we train the called to

used, but he modeled being an evangelist to me. I have

reach the world for Christ.

never forgotten his lessons or his example. Ed had been a rice farmer who was called to preach later in life. While in seminary, he caught the fire for personal evangelism from his missions professor, Dr. B. Gray Allison. The truth that Dr. Allison taught his students for decades was that evangelism is more “caught” than “taught.” Ed Edmondson took that lesson and passed it on to every church he pastored in his long ministry.

WHEN I WAS LOOKING FOR A SEMINARY, I knew I needed intense theological instruction and training for personal evangelism. As I researched different schools, I was struck by the emphasis Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary placed on soul-winning. I knew this was the school for me, especially with the unique requirement to share the Gospel with an individual using the Word of God in a genuine attempt to lead someone to Christ weekly.

WATCH

Watch a video of Dr. Michael Spradlin explaining why he loves evangelism, the motivations to witness, and much more.

Go to mabts.edu/videos.

contents VOLUME 48, NUMBER 1 | SUMMER 2020 Published by the Mid-America family of educational institutions

PRESIDENT Michael Spradlin, PhD EDITOR Nathan Cole MANAGING EDITOR Bryan A. Murray DESIGN Eternity Communications

ENGAGING EVANGELISM The theme of this summer issue of the MidAmerica Messenger is evangelism, a hallmark of Mid-America since its beginning. With more than 166,000 professions of faith witnessed since 1972, the stories of redeemed lives abound, and you’ll find several in this issue.

21ST CENTURY SOUL-WINNING The first in a new series on engaging evangelism in the modern world, this first-person account shows how today’s bad news can be an introduction into eternity’s Good News. Our culture provides daily opportunities to connect with those ready to listen.

FISHING FOR MEN “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,” Jesus said. That’s exactly what this eventual MidAmerica alum did, putting Christ ahead of his promising professional fishing career. Now he’s hooked on missions and evangelism forever.

FOUR PILLARS OF SUPPORT In order for Mid-America to lift Christ high to all the world, we need a solid foundation of support— individuals and families, churches, organizations and businesses, and alumni. As our influence continues to grow, we need pillars of support like you.

CONNECT P.O. Box 2350 Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453

WITH MID-AMERICA

10 14 20

WEB | mabts.edu | collegeatmidamerica.com EMAIL | info@mabts.edu SOCIAL

facebook.com/mabts.edu  twitter.com/mabts  instagram.com/mabts_

THE ELEMENTS OF

1

Sb

EVANGELISM

Scripturally based

2

3

C

Ti

Spirit filled

Courage

Taking initiative

5

6

7

Trusting God

Compassion

Vulnerability

Sf

4

TG Cp V

Practical Missions

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

MID-AMERICA STUDENTS EXEMPLIFY ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM

5

3

C Courage

To engage in personal evangelism, one must exemplify seven elements. As Mid-America students share the Gospel, they

LUCY COMIN COURAGE

see these attributes show up in their own lives.

In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus

1

Sb Scripturally based

KEVIN WATTS SCRIPTURALLY BASED

promised, “I am with you always.”

The promise brings comfort, hope, and courage to our lives and overflows in our daily living. During the Christmas season, I met a cashier who feared losing her loved ones. I had the chance to tell her about how God loves me and cares for me, and even when we lose those we love, He remains with us always. She wondered how I could have this confidence. I told

Last semester some friends

her I was once just like her, but I learned from the Bible that in

and I went to share the Gospel

Christ, I received reconciliation with God, and no fear could

with students at the University of Memphis. We met Raj, an

get ahold of me. We had a great conversation about God’s

agnostic from Nepal who was interested to learn more about

plan to reconcile us to Himself in Christ and how in Him, we

Christianity. After sharing the Gospel and my own story of

receive the courage to live and enjoy life abundantly.

becoming a Christian, Raj expressed interest in meeting to look together at stories in the Bible. We’ve reviewed several

4

stories of Jesus with Raj. Please pray that he’ll come to know

Ti

Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Taking initiative

2

Sf

BRYAN MURRAY TAKING INITIATIVE

Spirit filled

I created a Valentine’s Day

GRETCHEN RODERICK SPIRIT-FILLED Spirit-filled evangelism requires listening. I daily ask God to help me hear Him and live in the power of His Holy Spirit so I will obey Him. One time, when sharing the Gospel with my sister, I sensed the need to start at our point of commonality— Catholicism, and how, as a child, the stories of Jesus did not impact me personally. I shared how learning that God wants a relationship with me made the difference in my life. That subtle shift in our conversation led to a responsiveness from her that I have never seen before.

questionnaire as a way of engaging people in spiritual conversations. My opportunity came after attending the opera with my wife and some friends. We were at a Waffle House, and our waitress agreed to take the questionnaire. Hoping to transition to Jesus’ death, I shared what I felt would be the greatest demonstration of love. “Imagine if a person came through the door with a gun.

Then my wife jumps in front of me to sacrifice herself—” the waitress cut me off. “Wait a minute,” she said. “That’s backward. Aren’t you supposed to jump in front of your wife?”

The waitress, my wife, and our friends erupted in laughter. It just goes to show that every Gospel presentation will not be perfect, but that shouldn’t stop us from trying.

Continued on next page

6

Practical Missions

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

year it holds an event called Mission of Mercy, where

5

the church is nearly transformed into a medical clinic

TG

offering dental services free-of-charge to the community. I volunteered to share the Gospel with those waiting in line

Trusting God

for services during this year’s event. This is when Calvin and I began talking. After he shared about his life and the ways

CAMERON O’DANIEL TRUSTING GOD

it was broken, I was moved by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel with him. Calvin decided to trust Christ as his Savior

I’ve prayed since I was five years old for my grandfather to become

that day.

a Christian. He’s heard the

7

Gospel and has historically been very hostile to it, making it courage in the Apostle Paul’s conversion story because he

V

had also opposed Christianity. It reminds me God can save

Vulnerability

difficult at times for me to believe he will be saved. I’ve found

anyone, and I need to trust Him with the results. Recently, my grandfather has experienced medical problems and has

CARSON OUTLAW VULNERABILITY

softened to the Gospel. Please pray that he would put his faith and trust in God’s grace.

My goal in life is to have everyone like me and approve of

6

Cp

everything I do. This affects my evangelism because I avoid rejection. I recently spoke with a friend via FaceTime. He and I have discussed the Gospel before, but I never invited

Compassion

him to trust Christ. During our call, he expressed interest in Christ but said “no” to accepting Him as Savior. I survived the

KENZIE FLIPPO COMPASSION

apparent rejection, and I realized my responsibility was to extend the invitation, not guarantee a conversion. Only God

I serve at a large church in

can change hearts. And when it comes to fearing rejection,

Cordova, Tennessee. Every

He’s changing mine.

WITNESS ONE:SEVEN & GO! PROGRAM REPORT SUMMER 2020

WATCH

TENNESSEE MAGNE* TOTAL

PRACTICAL MISSIONS 3,696 499 4,195 PERSONS WITNESSED TO 2,527 268 2,795 PROFESSIONS OF FAITH

Watch a video of Dr. Bradley Roderick, Professor of Missions and Evangelism, explaining the elements of evangelism.

Go to mabts.edu/videos.

107

33 140

SERMONS PREACHED 360 112 472 *Mid-America Global Northeast Witness One:Seven and GO! Program reported through May 19, 2020

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH SINCE 1972 = 166,072

Evangelism

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

7

CAN THE GOSPEL OVERCOME SOCIAL D I S T A N C I N G ?

CREATIVE EVANGELISM IN A COVID-19 WORLD

BY DR. MATTHEW AKERS In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus instructed His followers to proclaim the Gospel to every people group in the world.

But how do we accomplish this crucial task in a COVID-19 world when many Christians are practicing social distancing, sheltering in their homes, or are quarantined?

THANKFULLY, WE LIVE IN A TIME WHERE TECHNOLOGY allows us to reach out beyond the confines of our homes in ways that previous generations did not have available to them. Anyone with a smartphone has a versatile device that allows users to engage others remotely.

Coupled with earnest prayer and the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, we can reach out with these tools in ways that help us to share the love of Christ with people who do not yet know Him. For example, if you want to spread the seed of the Gospel as widely as

possible, one idea is to select the “live

an excellent way to “cast the net.”

video” option that is a part of your

Thankfully, other technological options

Facebook account. Enabling this feature

do allow for a more personal touch.

lets all of your Facebook friends hear a message about Jesus in real-time.

ONE OF THE BEST INTERACTIVE TOOLS that allow

Once your presentation ends, you have

private conversations to take place is

the option of saving and archiving the

Facebook Messenger video call. This

evangelistic message for future use.

option is preferable to standard phone

Facebook also has an option that allows

calls because it will enable you to hear

you to organize a watch party with your

and see the person with whom you’re

friends at a later date.

communicating. The more of our

ANOTHER IDEA IS TO SELECT

senses we can engage in evangelistic

the option that makes the video you

opportunities, the better, because

recorded with Facebook Live viewable

the information we glean helps us to

to anyone outside of your circle of

gauge the person’s interest and level of

acquaintances. This feature gives

understanding.

your friends permission to share the

In many ways, the world has been

evangelistic video with anyone they

put on hold by COVID-19, but God has

know, even if that person does not have

not ceased His work. In fact, in times

a Facebook account. Furthermore, you

of crisis, the Lord often uses problems

can make the video available to even

to draw people to His Son. Scripture

more potential hearers by sharing the

is perfect and powerful because it

link on other social media sites such as

proceeds from the Holy Spirit, and

Twitter.

God promises that His Word will not

One disadvantage of this manner

return void (Isaiah 55:11). May we take

of distributing the Gospel is that it does

advantage of the technology we have

not allow hearers to engage in a two-

at our fingertips to share God’s offer of

way conversation such as Jesus had

salvation with a world that desperately

with Nicodemus and the Samaritan

needs Him.

woman (John 3–4). It is, however,

Chris Noe’s remarkable testimony goes from being a target of evangelism in detox to becoming an evangelist and student at Mid-America.

Evangelism

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

MID-AMERICA PROFESSORS HELP LEAD A FUTURE STUDENT TO CHRIST

him that only sank deeper whenever he tried to get away.

9

Afterwards, Noe had a conversation with Dr. Wilkes and Dr. Miller and

Eventually, Noe overdosed and

received a card with their names on

found himself again in a detox facility.

it. Soon, he misplaced the card and no

The drugs he smuggled in soon ran out.

longer knew who they were or where to

He believed nobody wanted him, and the

find them. Noe thought he would never

world would be better off without him.

see them again.

In that desperate moment, Noe prayed,

Over the next few years, Noe’s

Three weeks after Chris Noe’s car was

“God, if You’re real, if You are Who You

salvation transformed his life. He got

stolen, he wanted to find the guy who

say You are, then I’ll give You my life. If

clean from drugs, matured in his faith,

stole it. Not to get the car back; God

You can do something with my life, You

and felt called to attend Mid-America

had already provided another car. Not

can have it.”

Baptist Theological Seminary. When

because Noe was angry, even though he

Less than 30 minutes later, Noe

Noe went to the school’s website, he

felt something change. Joy had entered

immediately saw and recognized Dr.

Noe wanted to forgive him.

the community TV room. Or more

Wilkes but was saddened to see he had

“I want to find that guy and say, ‘I

admitted it would be easy to be angry.

specifically, Mid-America professors Dr.

passed away. Noe discovered, however,

love you, and Jesus loves you,’” Noe said.

Steve Wilkes and Dr. Steve Miller had

that Dr. Miller was still a professor at

“I want him to experience something

entered the room.

Mid-America.

like that.”

Dr. Wilkes and Dr. Miller shared the

Mid-America Seminary student

Armed with this knowledge, Noe

Gospel at that facility every Wednesday.

arrived at orientation with one thing

Noe sought to forgive because he

For them, it was an opportunity to

on his mind: find Dr. Miller. Towards

understands the mindset and lostness

practically live out what they believed

the end of the day, Noe saw Dr. Miller,

that can lead to stealing a stranger’s car.

and taught. Normally, Dr. Wilkes would

introduced himself, and said, “I know

“I’VE BEEN ON THE OTHER SIDE,” Noe said.

share his testimony of

you don’t know who I am, but you shared

battling depression,

the Gospel with me when I was in a

“I saw the world as

Dr. Miller would lead

detox facility. Now, I follow Jesus, and I

only struggle and no

a Bible study, and

just wanted to say thank you.”

love. I thought, ‘I’m

then Dr. Wilkes would

either going to jail, or

lead the group in an

hearing his story served as examples

I’m going to die. So I

opportunity to accept

of God’s power and the fruitfulness of

might as well live and

Christ.

faithful, consistent evangelism.

get pleasure out of

WHEN NOE HEARD THIS GOSPEL PRESENTATION,

SOON AFTER THEIR REUNION, Dr. Miller became one of

he did not care who

facility a few times.

this life.’”

At age 12, he began smoking cigarettes and marijuana. At 15,

Dr. Steve Miller

To Dr. Miller, meeting Noe again and

Noe’s first teachers at Mid-America, and together they evangelized at the detox

he began selling weed

saw him or what they

and went to jail. By the

thought. He stood

Dean, Department Chairman, and

time Noe was 17, he

up and got saved. He

Professor at Mid-America where Noe

had served a year-long

realized that Someone

is completing an Associate of Divinity.

prison sentence. He

did want him—God. The

Here, they both continue combining

progressed to abusing

Creator of the universe

academic understanding with the

pills, cocaine, and

wanted him, and that

practical application in order to see more

heroin. It felt like the

changed everything.

lives changed by Christ.

drugs had hooks in

The late Dr. Steve Wilkes

Dr. Miller remains an Associate

10

Evangelism

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

CONNECTING WITH CULTURE, CURRENT EVENTS KEY TO ENGAGING EVANGELISM

BY BRYAN MURRAY It was the Monday after Kobe Bryant died. At work, my colleagues and I shared memories and thoughts throughout the workday, and by the end of the day, I was emotionally exhausted.

I arrived home and parked under a streetlamp in the dark. I exited my car and was hit with the strong smell of marijuana. It was coming from a young man’s car two spaces away. Do I ignore him? Call the police? Tell him to leave? Realizing that would’ve been me 30 years ago, I did what I wished someone had done while I was in high school—I approached his car and kindly introduced myself.

“WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT Kobe Bryant’s death?” I asked.

“I can’t get it out of my mind,” Hunter (not his real name) replied.

Hunter was so afraid of dying, he said, “I pray each time I get in my car.”

I’m ashamed to say that often events in society become no more than news and information to me. When stories appeared about Kobe and GiGi Bryant, the coronavirus, stock market fluctuations, floods, wildfires, and mass shootings, some stories caused me to pause, but not for long. It was just more information for an informationaddicted culture. But what if the information became more than that?

What if I applied a different filter and a different lens to the information?

That night when I spoke to Hunter, I

“I’m not right. I won’t even lie to

wanted the tragedy of nine people killed

you. I’m not sure,” he said. I shared how

in a helicopter to be more than another

I came to Christ, explained that Jesus

news story. More than just information.

conquered death and offers everyone

More than, “Did you hear…?” and “Can

eternal life, and that Hunter doesn’t

you believe…?” I wanted it to be an

have to live in fear of death. As we talked

opportunity to engage someone in

further, I asked Hunter if he would like

meaningful conversation, and nothing,

to put his faith in Christ for salvation.

ultimately, is more meaningful than the

He said yes and prayed right there in his

Gospel.

car to receive Jesus.

THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS SKILLED AT USING CULTURE CUES

EVANGELISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY still requires the Holy

and events to open spiritual

Spirit. It still requires Christians to

conversations. In Acts 17:16–34, Paul

intentionally and humbly introduce

demonstrates how he observed

a biblical worldview into the cultural

and understood the worldview of

discourse. It focuses on winning

those around him. Furthermore, he

people to Christ more than winning

intentionally used cultural cues to invite

arguments. Lastly, it must be grounded

people to consider the reasonableness

in Scripture, not clever ideas, because

of their worldview in light of one rooted

only God’s Word is true and able to

in Scripture. Perhaps most importantly,

convict someone of his or her rebellion

Paul and Mid-America founder Dr.

against Him.

B. Gray Allison believed strongly in

Our culture provides daily

providing an opportunity for people

opportunities to engage in spiritual

to believe in Jesus. The result was that

conversations. Perhaps today you will

“some men joined him and believed.”

engage in one and share the Gospel, so

In talking with Hunter, it became

someone might consider the claims of

clear his worldview was that death is

Christ and invite Him to save them.

random, something to be feared, and

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

that prayer would tip the odds in his

1. What is happening in the culture

favor. I told him, “There’s no guarantee

around you that might allow

you’ll arrive anywhere safely. Even if

for engaging people in spiritual

you pray, there’s no guarantee. Kobe’s

conversation (i.e., coronavirus, social

daughter was only 13, and now she’s

injustice, etc.)?

gone,” I continued. “Kobe even went

2. What would prevent you from taking

to church that morning. If you were to

the initiative this week to try to share

drive away, get struck and die, how sure

the Gospel? How can you overcome

are you that you’d go to be with the Lord

that barrier?

and not to hell?” I asked him.

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

EVANGELISM

IN THE

FIRST IN A SERIES ON ENGAGING EVANGELISM IN THE MODERN WORLD

WATCH

Watch a video of Bryan Murray explaining more about engaging evangelism in the 21st Century.

Go to mabts.edu/videos.

21ST CENTURY

11

12

Practical Missions

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

WITNESS ONE:SEVEN PRACTICAL MISSIONS KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES Mary Hale and Benjamin (Ben) Talley

June 1, 1995.” Over the next 18 years,

Gangster Disciples. You know who they

Johnson worked with the Ronnie Tullos

are! But Jesus saved me. He put the O in

Evangelistic Association, got married,

the middle of the GD. Now I’m a disciple

and had children. In 2013, God spoke to

for God.” A friend has come out to join

him and his wife, Rhonda. That same

the conversation. The young men listen

year, Johnson began taking classes at

intently as Ronnie shares the Gospel.

Mid-America.

“DO YOU WANT TO BE SAVED? Do you want to give your

“LET’S GO GET ‘EM,” Johnson says. It’s time to head out.

chose to spend Saturday with Ronnie

As he’s driving, Johnson looks over

life to Jesus?” The young men want to be saved. They grip hands with

Johnson, pastor of Miracle Redemption

at Mary, a short, humble, Caucasian

Johnson and the team and pray to invite

Church, as part of their Practical

student who’s participated with Pastor

Christ into their lives. Johnson shares

Ronnie for nearly five years.

encouraging words with them, hands

“She was one of the few

each a Bible, and exchanges contact

in Memphis, and

students willing to go to the

information to follow up.

Pastor Ronnie, as he’s

hood. She just kept sharing

affectionately known, is

her faith and saw that people

complex. A young woman exits a second-

excited to hit Memphis’

in the hood are like everyone

floor apartment. Johnson calls out to her.

streets to share Christ.

else,” he says proudly.

She looked at them askance. The team is

Missions assignment.

It’s a sunny day

“I love going to the

The team goes farther into the

Thirty seconds later they

not deterred. As Johnson and Carleton

dangerous, dirty, and

enter an apartment complex.

speak with her, another young woman

despised places,” he says.

Mary prays for the team

comes out to listen. The first woman

before Carleton, Johnson’s

returns inside leaving her friend who is

“Because those are the

Mary Hale

places God saved me out of.”

Johnson, born in 1965, lost his father at age 2, leaving him and his two siblings to grow up fatherless in Memphis’

protégé, opens the doors. Everyone

interested alone to hear the Gospel. Ten

grabs a pack of Bibles and Gospel tracts

minutes later, Carleton and Johnson

before exiting.

are praying with her to receive Christ as

The team follows a winding street

her Savior.

LeMoyne Gardens community. Johnson

leading to the belly of the apartment

fell victim to the lure of street life and

complex. A middle-aged man exits

As the team approaches the entrance

joined the infamous Black Gangster

his apartment. Johnson and Carleton

to wrap up, they spot Mary and

Disciples (GD) gang.

approach him. “I’m just out here trying

Reggie speaking with a young woman

JOHNSON SHOULD BE DEAD,

More than an hour has passed.

to tell people about Jesus. Let me ask you

nicknamed K.K. They’ve been speaking

having been shot four times and also

a question. If you died today, would you

with her since the team arrived.

stabbed. But in 1995, Johnson was fed

be with the Lord in Heaven?” Johnson

Suddenly, they form a circle, bow their

up with gang life. He encountered a

begins. The man is not interested, but

heads, and Mary and Reggie pray with

white man, Ronnie Tullos, walking the

requests that Ben pray for him.

K.K. to receive Christ.

dangerous streets of LeMoyne, telling people about Jesus.

“If you get Jesus in your life, you

three doors down. Johnson calls to him,

“THERE ARE DIVINE APPOINTMENTS each time we come

opening the conversation similarly, but

out here,” Johnson remarked. “We just

A teenager exits his apartment

won’t be the same,”

this time, realizing his age

have to be willing to go.” This is the

Tullos told Johnson. “I

shares more. “Look, man,

purpose of Mid-America’s Witness

didn’t know much about

I’ve been shot four times.”

One:Seven practical missions program.

the Bible,” Johnson

Johnson lifts his pant leg

Through student participation, and our

remembers. “But I

revealing a bullet wound. “I

alumni like Johnson, we continue to go

came to Christ that day,

used to be with the [Black]

“to all the world for Jesus’ sake.”

Ronnie Tullos

Ronnie Johnson (far right)

Evangelism

FROM FISHERMAN TO FISHER OF MEN, MID-AMERICA ALUM SURVIVES BRUSH WITH DEATH TO INTRODUCE OTHERS TO ETERNAL LIFE It was a particularly violent week in Dennis and Rhonda Landrum’s hometown of Munford, Tennessee. A store owner was shot in the back of his head, leaving two young children and a wife behind. Another store owner had been bound to a chair and left to asphyxiate with a bag over his head. On this particular day, Dennis had good reason to believe he’d be next.

He owned a glass company. As usual, his employees were already in the field that morning, leaving him alone in the store. The front door swung open as Dennis, with his head down counting the day’s deposit, said, “I’ll be right with you.” He looked up to find a gun pointed at his face and a man yelling at him, “Give me all your money!”

“TAKE EVERYTHING,” DENNIS PLEADED. “Just don’t shoot.”

As the gunman commanded Dennis to lie on the ground, thoughts of the earlier robberies and his wife and

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

kids pulsed through his mind. Dennis

on Saturday,

started to pray, “If you get me out of this,

He’ll bless

I will give you everything.” Dennis soon

your

heard the footsteps of the man leaving,

fishing.”

the door closing behind him.

Dennis

Twelve years earlier, Dennis was

was not

with his wife Rhonda at a local revival

interested

meeting. They were not Christians.

but relented

When the meeting ended, Rhonda

after a few

spoke first, “I didn’t get anything out of

weeks. He

that sermon. But I see you did.”

won the first

“I WAS BROKEN BY THE MESSAGE,” Dennis said. The next day

Saturday

he called his pastor. By the end of the

“I told you,”

week, both Dennis and Rhonda would

Rhonda

profess Jesus as their Lord and get

said.

baptized. They soon began serving in church by working with the youth.

Unfortunately, Dennis would

15

tournament.

Dennis and Rhonda

Two weeks later, the robbery occurred with Dennis face down on the floor, praying for God to spare his

soon be lured away from attending

life. He finally surrendered, and after

church after winning a large fishing

two years of fishing on Saturdays,

tournament. It was like a shot of

God asked, “When are you going to

adrenaline to him because he had

stop fishing for fish, and start fishing

always loved fishing. For the next 12

for men?” Dennis immediately told

years, Dennis sacrificed most every

Rhonda, “I think God’s calling me to

Sunday to fish in tournaments. He had

ministry. What should I do?” Rhonda

the boats, tackle, rods, and reels. You

told him to go to seminary in order to be

name it, he had it or didn’t need it.

prepared.

During this time Rhonda was

While Dennis did not start his

faithfully taking the kids to church and

seminary career at Mid-America, God

ensuring they knew about Christ. She

made it abundantly clear through

used the nine-mile commute to school

prayer, circumstances, and the counsel

to pray and talk to them about God. One

of others that Dennis and Rhonda were

day Rhonda was praying and decided to

to move to Memphis. Dennis graduated

tell Dennis what

in 2008, and he and Rhonda have

she believed God

been fishing for men ever since and

was saying.

now serve with the X-tended Missions

“I’VE BEEN PRAYING,” SHE BEGAN.

Network in North Mississippi.

“God said if you’ll take your family to church on Sunday and fish

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Has God ever challenged you to embrace or follow His plan?

2. What was the outcome of your embracing or following His plan for your life?

Sufficiency of Scripture

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

MID-AMERICA FOLLOWS BIBLE’S LEAD IN CHAMPIONING THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE

BY DR. LEE BRAND JR. The following article is an adaptation of a recent message Dr. Brand delivered during the Gospel Is Enough Conference hosted by Faith Baptist Church, Bartlett, Tennessee.

17

EVERY TIME THE GOSPEL IS PROCLAIMED, IT PROCLAIMS CHRIST’S SUFFICIENCY AND THE INSUFFICIENCY OF EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING ELSE.

When we address the sufficiency of Scripture, there’s no better resource to consult than the Scriptures. Countless passages gleam with treasures relative to Scripture’s sufficiency. One of the significant issues confronted by Paul when writing to the Christians in Galatia was related to this particular issue.

WATCH

THE APOSTLE PAUL UNEQUIVOCALLY championed the sufficiency of God’s Word. He gave numerous reasons why the Gospel is sufficient for humanity. First, Paul touted the sufficiency of the Gospel, because it changes people. The

Watch a video of Dr. Lee Brand Jr. expounding on the sufficiency of Scripture.

Go to mabts.edu/videos.

Gospel does not merely make superficial modifications to a person. The redemptive message of Jesus Christ changes people at a soul level. The Gospel produces new creations, not modified behaviors. Paul knew this well, for his life illustrated the

 READ Read the first two of four issues in MidAmerica’s Sufficiency of Scripture series.

Go to mabts.edu/ sufficiency.

changing power of Christ and His Gospel. In the introduction to Galatians, Paul referred to himself as “an apostle.” He understood his entire life concerning his conversion and call to ministry. One should note that before his conversion, Paul was a devout Jew, arguably a radical Jew. He persecuted Christians according to Acts chapter 8, then began promoting the Christ that he once opposed.

Why? The Gospel changed Paul.

Also, the Gospel changed the Christians in Galatia. These people came from a culture of idol worship. They erected temples and

engaged in practices demonstrating their allegiance to false deities. Upon hearing the message of Christ, these new converts gave their loyalty to Christ alone. How could that be? The Gospel changed them, for the Gospel alone is sufficient to change people.

Paul continued to herald the sufficiency of God’s Word and Christ’s Gospel on a second basis. Paul demonstrated that the Gospel is the only message that confronts the real problem of humanity. Think for a moment about the underlying reasons why the Judaizers were warring against Paul and his message. At the heart of the fight is the Gospel’s claim that no person is enough, has enough, or can acquire enough to save himself or herself. Every time the Gospel is proclaimed, it proclaims Christ’s sufficiency and the insufficiency of everyone and everything else. God’s Word is sufficient.

Therein, we have the only message of real hope. It is the message that says, “Turn from yourself. Turn from everything else. Place all of your confidence squarely on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

AS OUR WORLD SCURRIES TO FIND SOLUTIONS to all of its ills, let us be faithful to go into the hedges and highways with the Gospel. Let us forever proclaim the truth. “I’ve found the cure…I’ve found the cure.” The Lord and His Word are enough.

All degrees 100% accredited— BA, MA, MDIV, DMIN, PhD.

Dr. Jay Adams, the father of the modern biblical counseling movement, combined INS with Mid-America to form the nation’s most comprehensive and accessible program for biblical counseling.

We offer online INS certificates that convert into credit students can use toward a Mid-America Biblical Counseling degree.

Looking for excellent biblical counseling resources you can trust?

Check out INSbookstore.com.

In 2019, Mid-America hosted the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors national conference, and in 2020, welcomed the renowned Dr. John Babler to our faculty (see next page).

DISCOVER MORE AT MABTS.EDU/BIBLICAL-COUNSELING

Mid-America Team

MID-AMERICA WELCOMES NEW CHAIRMAN, BIBLICAL COUNSELING PROGRAM WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO MID-AMERICA?

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT CHAIRING THE MABTS BIBLICAL COUNSELING PROGRAM? MABTS has a great Biblical Counseling program developed by Dr. Jay Adams. I am excited about the opportunity to grow this program. Helping people to catch a vision for ministering God’s Word and equipping them to do so in the context

The primary reason I chose to come to

of a Seminary that is committed to the

Mid-America is the great opportunity

inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture

to help grow a Biblical Counseling

and to missions will be a great honor.

program that has a great foundation. Dr. greatly impacted my development as a

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER INTERESTS?

biblical counselor. To lead the program

I enjoy watching my children play

that was begun by Dr. Adams is a great

a variety of sports. I have been

privilege and honor.

involved in the emergency

Jay Adams is a friend, and his writings

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU CAME TO KNOW THE LORD?

services for 20 years. I have been a police officer and chaplain, fire chaplain, and even volunteer fire chief.

I grew up in Dallas and was a part of

I am also committed to

a Presbyterian church. I stepped back

missions and have served

from the church when I was a youth and

as a minister of missions

tried to do things my way. When I was 20

for 17 years.

and did not get a promotion I expected, I quit a job that I thought might be my career. I went to college and realized I had no idea what to do with my life. I prayed and confessed Jesus as Lord and was transformed by God’s grace. Shortly after, God called me to ministry.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY? My wife and I have been married for almost 36 years. We are blessed with 11 children, two sons-in-love, one daughterin-love, and 12 grandchildren. Our three youngest will be making the move to Memphis with us.

Learn more about Mid-America’s nationally recognized Biblical Counseling program at:

MABTS.EDU/BIBLICAL-COUNSELING

19

Dr. John Babler is joining the Mid-America faculty as Chairman of the Biblical Counseling Program. Dr. Babler is an internationally recognized authority in the area of Biblical Counseling and previously served as Professor of Counseling, Director of the Walsh Counseling Center and also held the Warren C. Hultgren Chair of Ministerial Counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. With the arrival of Dr. Babler, arguably one of the foremost authorities on biblical counseling along with Dr. Jay Adams, Mid-America is poised to be the nation’s premier equipping institution for biblical counseling.

FOUR

PILLARS SUPPORT

OF

IN ORDER TO LIFT CHRIST HIGH TO ALL THE WORLD, MID-AMERICA NEEDS A SOLID FOUNDATION OF SUPPORT

BY RAY HELTON

strong and sturdy foundation, however,

In biblical times, the cornerstone was the

is still essential. We have all seen the

foundation of any building. It was usually

gaping holes, sometimes spanning a city

the most massive stone and was used to

block, that become the foundations of

guide the construction of the structure. In

skyscrapers. Nothing can go up, and stay

the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Chief

up, without a solid foundation. At Mid-

Cornerstone because He is the church’s

America, a large portion of our foundation

foundation.

is financial support, and this foundation

Today, a building’s cornerstone is symbolic. The principle of having a

has four pillars.

Mission Mid-America

THE FIRST PILLAR OF SUPPORT is individuals and families, just like you. These people read and study the Bible and desire to see what they read in Matthew 28 and Acts 1:8 become a reality. They also recognize everyone is not called to vocational ministry, or to train those who are, but they choose to use the resources God provides to support those who are.

THE SECOND PILLAR OF SUPPORT is churches across the country. These missional churches impact their communities and have an “outward focus” that seeks to take the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. Through their support of Mid-America, these churches are spreading the Gospel where they would otherwise not be able to do so.

THE THIRD PILLAR is comprised of a growing number of organizations and business owners who believe in Mid-America and its mission. These leaders use their influence, finances, and expertise to ensure MidAmerica has access to the diverse resources needed to effectively operate an organization that trains men and women for ministry.

THE FOURTH PILLAR is our alumni, a special group of supporters who serve in ministry and give to raise up the next generation of ministers. Our alumni represent Mid-America globally and are the legacy of all who have given over the past 50 years.

God has graciously grown MidAmerica’s influence. Like a building,

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

21

LIKE A BUILDING, AS OUR INFLUENCE I want to invite you to be part of that GROWS, SO foundation. I want to ask you to please TOO MUST THE consider becoming a pillar that supports Mid-America. For more information, STRENGTH OF contact Ray Helton at (901) 482-5282 or OUR FINANCIAL rhelton@mabts.edu.

FOUNDATION. I Discover more or give today at: WANT TO INVITE MABTS.EDU/SUPPORT YOU TO BE PART OF THAT FOUNDATION. as our influence grows, so too must the strength of our financial foundation.

22

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

Mid-America in Leadership

MID-AMERICA ALUMNI LEAD FIVE BAPTIST STATE CONVENTIONS Thousands of students have entered our institution over the years with a deep longing for the Lord and His Word. Our professors worked to prepare them for the realities of ministry life, and many of our graduates have gone on to serve as pastors, missionaries, and leaders in various capacities. We are excited to feature five of our graduates who are now serving as Executive Directors at the State Convention level. We thank each of these alumni for their commitment to the Lord and to the values espoused by Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, including the Bible, missions, and evangelism.

DR. JACK KWOK | OHIO

leadership capacities and has extensive pastoral experience

Dr. Jack Kwok is a two-time graduate

including service in Monticello, West Helena, Fair Oaks,

of Mid-America, having earned his

and Sparkman, Arkansas. Since 2013, he has served as the

Master of Divinity degree in 1978 and

Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.

his Doctor of Philosophy degree in

Dr. Tucker’s love for the local church and service to the Lord

1986. Dr. Kwok has served the Lord

reflect the heartbeat of our Seminary.

in many ministerial and leadership capacities. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the State

THOMAS HAMMOND | GEORGIA Thomas Hammond earned his Master

Convention of Baptists in Ohio, which

of Divinity degree from Mid-America

is comprised of 15 local associations.

in 1990. Becoming the Executive

Dr. Jack Kwok is doing a great work for our Lord, and we are

Director of the Georgia Baptist Mission

extremely proud to have him in the Mid-America family.

Board in 2019, Rev. Hammond also

DR. JIM RICHARDS | TEXAS

served as the president of the Georgia Baptist Convention from 2015–2017.

Dr. Jim Richards earned his Doctor

With a heart for evangelism, Rev.

of Ministry degree from Mid-America

Hammond has served in several other

in 1994 and has served in various

denominational and church roles,

capacities including Director of

including senior director of Church Evangelism with the North

Missions in Bentonville, Arkansas,

American Mission Board (NAMB) and lead pastor with the fast-

and 21 years in pastoral ministry in

growing Alpharetta First Baptist Church.

Louisiana. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. He

DR. FRED MACDONALD | DAKOTAS Dr. Fred MacDonald received a Doctor

became the first Executive Director

of Ministry degree from Mid-America

for this convention in 1998. Dr. Richards embodies the heart,

in 2002. He was appointed executive

knowledge, and work ethic we strive to produce in Mid-

director and treasurer of the Dakota

America graduates.

Baptist Convention in February 2020.

DR. J.D. “SONNY” TUCKER | ARKANSAS

Evangelism has long been a strong mark in Dr. MacDonald’s ministry,

Dr. J.D. “Sonny” Tucker is an

and he served as a NAMB-appointed

accomplished two-time graduate

missionary to the Dakota Baptist

of Mid-America Baptist Theological

Convention and as the director of

Seminary. Dr. Tucker completed his

associational missions for the Pecos Valley Baptist Association

Master of Divinity degree in 1992

in New Mexico where he helped establish an international

and earned his Doctor of Philosophy

partnership with South African churches and pastors.

degree in 1998. He has served in many

MRS. VONCILLE ALLISON, WIFE OF OUR FOUNDER, PASSES AWAY

TRIBUTE TO MRS. VONCILLE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

BY DR. MICHAEL SPRADLIN I knew Voncille Allison both as a professor and the wife of my

Mrs. Voncille Allison, wife of our late founder, Dr. B. Gray

seminary president. The steps of faith that were Mid-America

Allison, passed away on January 20, 2020. An accomplished

Baptist Theological Seminary were her steps as well. She was

musician on organ, piano, and voice, Mrs. Voncille served as an

a faithful companion and a faithful contributor to the ministry

Instructor in Music since the Seminary’s founding in 1972. She

of Dr. B. Gray Allison. Her absence cannot erase the eternal

wrote the Mid-America Alma Mater and is often remembered

impact her own life and ministry made in the lives of so many

for playing the organ during Chapel. Her ever-present smile is

pastors, church staff leaders, and missionaries who studied at

forever impressed on the hearts of those who remember her

Mid-America.

sweet presence at the Seminary and at her husband’s side. We

READ DR. SPRADLIN’S FULL TRIBUTE, OTHER TRIBUTES, AND HER ENTIRE OBITUARY ONLINE AT MABTS.EDU/MRSVONCILLE

praise God for Mrs. Voncille and her lifelong ministry to “lift high the Cross, His love proclaim.”

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MEMPHIS, TN PERMIT NO. 831

P.O. Box 2350 • Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu • mabts.edu

AUGUST 18–20, 2020 MID-AMERICA CHAPEL

TUES | AUGUST 18 7:00 P.M.

WED | AUGUST 19 11:00 A.M.

THUR | AUGUST 20 11:00 A.M.

For more information, visit MABTS.EDU/FOUNDERSDAYS