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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.”
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AUGUST 18–20, 2020 MID-AMERICA CHAPEL
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WED | AUGUST 19 11:00 A.M.
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