Messenger-Winter 2014

UPCOMING PROGRAMS BRING A BIBLICAL AND DYNAMIC APPROACH TO PRAISE & WORSHIP

MID-AMERICA BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

WINTER 2014 | PROMPTING WORSHIP | NEW CHURCH MINISTRIES DEGREES | ADRIAN ROGERS CONFERENCE ON WORSHIP: PREACHING & PRAISE

President’s Page

THE MIRACLE CONTINUES

BY DR. MICHAEL SPRADLIN

Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

—Psalm 75:1 From 1972 until today the work goes on. Pastors, church staff leaders, and missionaries need biblically-based and Gospel-centered training in ministry. One of our points of emphasis this year as a faculty is to nurture the call to ministry among our students. We know from Scripture that the Lord calls people into the ministry to equip the saints for the

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work of the ministry. Strengthening the understanding of the ministry call is an important part of helping ministers stand strong for the Lord in today’s compromising culture.

ALTHOUGH THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS through the generations may be expressed differently, one constant is the need for a thorough understanding of the Word of God. At Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary we continually stress believing the Bible as the inerrant Word of God and also knowing the Bible so that it can be properly preached and taught. Our professors have a deep understanding of Scripture based on years of local church ministry, teaching ministry, and personal practice. In and out

of the classrooms, the faculty are building up the knowledge of the Bible in the hearts and lives of our students.

AS WE APPROACH THE END OF THIS YEAR I want to ask you to pray for our students as they dedicate themselves to preparation for the Gospel ministry.

Please pray also for Mid-America as we carry on this great work of training people for ministry so that the wondrous works of the Lord can be declared. Your prayers, encouragement, and gifts are more needed now than ever. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for allowing the Lord to use you in a mighty way for His Kingdom’s work through MidAmerica Baptist Theological Seminary.

MABTS.edu | Mid-America

COVER STORY Helping to prompt worship for more than 40 years, Dr. James D. Whitmire is bringing his decades of experience to the Mid-America family, helping to create a worship track in our new Church Ministries degree programs.

VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 WINTER 2014

Published by Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary PRESIDENT

Michael Spradlin, PhD EDITOR

Randy Redd

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ONLINE UPGRADE New online class enhancements make for well connected students.

CONTENT COORDINATOR

Deanna Coscia DESIGN

Eternity Communications

THE JOURNEY TO MABTS Trace the various paths of students called to MABTS.

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

DEPARTMENTS President’s Page 2 Practical Missions Report 4 Upcoming Event Calendar 21 Alumni News 22

CHURCH REVITALIZATION MABTS alumnus helps a historic church reach new heights.

10 12 18

NEWS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | MINISTRY

Practical Missions

PRACTICAL MISSIONS REPORT WINTER 2014

BY DR. KIRK KILPATRICK

During this past summer, I was asked to serve as the Director for the Practical Missions program, and since then I have been enjoying my first semester directing the program. I can remember my own experiences in the Practical Missions program when I was in school (1987– 1995). One of my favorite memories is that of sitting in Dr. B. Gray Allison’s Personal Evangelism class and sensing the burden for the lost that God had given to him. It has been well said that “evangelism is caught more than it is taught.”

Through my years in seminary, I chose to work at several mission sites.

While working in the military ministry,

I saw many young men from the Millington Naval Base come to faith in Christ during those years. A new class of young men with fresh haircuts would leave the base walking down Navy Road in Millington and many would stop at the Baptist Association house on Navy Road that offered them free popcorn, Coke, ping-pong—and volunteers were on hand to share the Gospel with these young sailors.

WHILE SERVING as a volunteer chaplain for both the Wilder Youth Developmental Center and for the Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court, I saw hundreds of professions of faith through the years. Often more than 30 students would accompany me for the chapel meetings on Saturday afternoons. From rescue missions, to correctional facilities, to street preaching and witnessing, to many other ministries in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, New York, or wherever Mid-America students are while taking courses—the Gospel is being presented to the lost.

OUR LORD JESUS CALLED His disciples to follow Him, and He would make them to become fishers of men.

Students at Mid-America are not merely asked to study in an ivory tower during their seminary days and then to go to the field and witness when they graduate. All of our students are involved in missions activity that has as its goal sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ every week.

On Missionary Day this fall, John Brady, Vice President for Overseas Operations of the International Mission Board preached. He said, “When seminary students come to us at the IMB, we need them to know how to share their faith as well as how to show others how to share their faith.” This fall, our students have reported more than 300 professions of faith as of the writing of this article. Students at MABTS have recorded witnessing over 160,000 professions of faith just during their time in seminary, which does not include the number of professions of faith that they have seen since their graduation from seminary.

TENNESSEE NEW YORK

TOTAL

PRACTICAL MISSIONS

3,008

292

3,300

PERSONS WITNESSED TO

2,141

149

2,290

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH 284 39 323 SERMONS PREACHED 469 74 543 Practical Missions reported August–November 2014

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH SINCE 1972 = 161,643 PRACTICAL MISSIONS | ACADEMICS | ADMISSIONS | ADVANCEMENT | ALUMNI Messenger | Winter 2014

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PROMPTING WORSHIP

“When most people think of worship services, they consider God the prompter, the choir and worship leaders the participants, and the congregation the audience.

In reality, the choir and worship leaders are the prompters, the congregation the participants, and God, our Audience.�

Music & Worship

THE MINISTRY OF CHURCH WORSHIP

children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir ... and they were smitten” (v. 22). The victory was won through songs of praise, with no fighting.

BY DR. JAMES D. WHITMIRE The enemy killed one another as the As worship leader of any church or Levites praised the Lord. Jehoshaphat and institution, my responsibility is to his army were three days collecting the spoils grow singing-worshipping churches of battle. This same warfare can happen in and students. As Christians, we are our worship services. We, too, can collect commanded the spoils of battle throughout the from our praise Bible to “sing unto in souls saved and the Lord” (Psalms deeper commitment 100:1–2). Have in the saints! you noticed that Another there are absolutely illustration of the no qualifications power of musical to this command? praise is the story of Dr. James D. Whitmire served as Minister The Bible does not David playing his of Music for more than 30 years at say, “Sing unto the harp for King Saul: Bellevue Baptist Church alongside Lord—but only if Dr. Adrian Rogers. More recently, he “Saul was refreshed, you have a beautiful served as Minister of Music at First made well, and the Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida. voice,” “Sing unto evil spirit departed the Lord—but from Him” (1 only if you feel like it,” or “Sing unto Samuel 16:23). This experience is exactly the Lord—but that’s just for the choir.” what happens in our worship services When a non-singer becomes a Christian, when we sing and praise the name of Jesus! he or she becomes a singer.1 Worship and We are refreshed physically, made well service are a state of heart; musical sound mentally, and freed spiritually from the is a state of art. Let’s not confuse the two.2 evil spirits. What’s more, the enemy turns Everyone is admonished to sing! As for on each other like Jehoshaphat’s victory. the quality of sound that comes out of When most people think of worship your mouth, God knows your heart! services, they consider God the prompter, WE MUST REMEMBER THAT the choir and worship leaders the PRAISE is not only a command, but a participants, and the congregation the great weapon in spiritual warfare. Read audience. In reality, the choir and worship the account of King Jehoshaphat in 2 leaders are the prompters, the congregation Chronicles 20. Before his victory over the participants, and God, our Audience.3 Moab and Ammon, he sent singers When we fail to realize this aspect, we not (worshippers) ahead of the army. only fail to give our Lord the praise He “And the Levites ... stood up to praise is due, but we miss the blessing of doing the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice that for which we were created in the first on High” (2 Chronicles 20:19). “And place, to “worship in spirit and in truth.” when they began to sing and to praise, In Luke 19:39, the Pharisees asked Jesus the Lord set ambushments against the

to rebuke His disciples for praising Him. Jesus answered, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”

AS A WORSHIP LEADER, I don’t want people to stand silent and “hold their peace” during our services. I want them to sing with abandon and praise.

We were created for praise. As Allen and Borror said, “When a non-singer becomes a Christian, he becomes a singer.” Every silent voice in a worship service is like a soldier who refuses to go into battle; other soldiers will receive the victory and the spoils of war.

“Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him; talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Glory ye in His holy name” (I Chronicles 16:9–10).

Allen, Ronald and Borror, Gordon. Worship: Rediscovering the Missing Jewel. Multnomah Press, 1982, page 157.

1

Ibid.

2

Kierkegaard, Søren. Purity of Heart, Harper & Row, 1948.

3

PRACTICAL MISSIONS | ACADEMICS | ADMISSIONS | ADVANCEMENT | ALUMNI Messenger | Winter 2014

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Academics

MASTERING NEW DEGREES: FALL 2015

BY DR. TIMOTHY C. SEAL

I am sure you have heard the lighthearted question, “How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?” The punch line would be humorous if it were not so close to home, “Baptists ... change?” This answer elicits simultaneously a chuckle and a pang of conscience in most Baptists because it has too much of the ring of truth.

Certainly, Baptists do not have a monopoly on a resistance to change.

That fact, however, should not encourage our resistance to change. In his article, “The Church’s Frightful Kodak Moment,” Thom Schultz wrote, Kodak dominated the photographic scene for over 100 years. It commanded an 89 percent market share of photographic film sales in the United States. Almost everyone used the brand. And the company’s advertising language of a “Kodak moment” became part of the common lexicon.

What happened since then has become a colossal story of failure and missed opportunities. A gigantic casualty in the wake of digital photography–a technology that Kodak invented.

That’s right. Kodak engineer Steve Sasson invented the first digital camera in 1975. He later said, “But it was filmless photography, so management’s reaction was, ‘That’s

cute, but don’t tell anyone about it.’”

And the company entered into decades of agonizing decline, unable to perceive and respond to the advancing digital revolution. In 2012, this American icon filed for bankruptcy.

Contrary to what the Kodak leadership thought about change, not all change is bad!

To avoid the unfortunate Kodak moment in the academic world, it is vital to know the times and to respond wisely.

Hence, we are glad to announce a change at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in fall 2015. To give it to you in a snapshot, the degree program formerly known as Christian Education is now the Church Ministries program. In addition to the name change, the Church Ministries degree will feature three tracks: Worship, Counseling, and Education.

The WORSHIP track is under the direction of Dr. James D. Whitmire.

After many years of faithful service with Dr. Adrian P. Rogers at Bellevue Baptist Church, Dr. Whitmire’s passion is to train ministry students to lead the local church in worshipping our Lord through a Christ-centered biblical approach to music and song.

COUNSELING is another track under the Church Ministries umbrella.

The counseling program at MABTS features a biblical or nouthetic approach to counseling. In this track, students learn to have confidence in the sufficiency of Christ and of the Scriptures. We believe that believers, trained in the Word, are competent to counsel.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION is the third track under the Church Ministries program. This track will help to guide students to understand, develop, and utilize the essential skills for the effective performance of Christian education leadership roles in the church, including education administration, staff relationships, leadership development, teaching, educational curriculum, agegroup ministries, program evaluation, evangelism, and missions.

If we are to avoid the Kodak moment, some changes are necessary and helpful. If you desire to receive training in any of our Church Ministries tracks, please contact the Admissions Office at MABTS. Come join us in making a change for the better!

PRACTICAL MISSIONS | ACADEMICS | ADMISSIONS | ADVANCEMENT | ALUMNI Messenger | Winter 2014

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Technology

NEW ONLINE CLASS ENHANCEMENTS = WELL CONNECTED STUDENTS

BY DR. RAY MEADOWS

“To all the world for Jesus sake” is our Seminary’s mission. One way we work toward this mission is to provide students access to classes online. Classes offered online provide students the ability to spend more time in the field working, sharing the Gospel, and making disciples.

Online classes do not require the student to be “in a seat” during a specific time of the day but rather allow them to take the class and interact with others at a time best suited for them.

Our goal is to make this experience as fulfilling and useful as possible for the student and professor. Over the last year MABTS has made significant upgrades to the look and function of our online environment.

FIRST, OUR SERVER and software platforms were upgraded to the latest versions in order to provide the latest in class delivery options for the professors.

For example, professors can hold remote classes live using Adobe Connect with students who are able to attend, then record the complete session and make it available for viewing and interaction at a later time.

SECOND, we redesigned our course website so that students who access it are presented with the same quality and structure of our regular seminary site.

These enhancements include redesigning the front page and providing functionality that allows for greater student-to-content, student-to-student, and studentto-professor interaction.

FINALLY, because MABTS is committed to excellence in online education, we have invested in training for our professors so that they are able to best use the platform efficiently and train students to carry out the Great Commission.

Are we connected to you?

Do we have your current info?

Contact us and give us your current info and position.

Also, follow and share us on social media. ( P Ö  

901-751-8453 mabts.edu info@mabts.edu facebook.com/midamericabaptist @MABTS

PRACTICAL MISSIONS | ACADEMICS | ADMISSIONS | ADVANCEMENT | ALUMNI Messenger | Winter 2014

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FRIENDS AND LEADERS

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Some students have told us that a relationship with a friend or a pastor influenced them to find out more about MABTS. Friends may know of us through their church, and pastors may be acquainted with us because of other pastors and interns with whom they have worked (if they are not themselves alumni).

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ALUMNI

Our alumni are one of our greatest resources as they fan out across the country and across the world. When others ask them where they received their training, they proudly tell them, “Mid-America.”

COLLEGE AND SEMINARY FAIRS

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A high school student may meet a Mid-America representative at a college fair. A college student may meet one of us at a Seminary Day at his or her university.

Curr man to vi Days

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GLOBAL

Mid-America has had students from all across the country and the world—from the Southeastern states to the Pacific Northwest, to Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. These students may have heard of MABTS from missionaries or alumni working in their areas. When they finish with Mid-America, they return to their own home state or country and tell others about their experience with us.

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MANY PATHS, ONE CALLING

Mid-America draws students from all walks of life. There are many avenues by which students may hear about Mid-America and desire to pursue their journey of education with us.

While you study with Mid-America, and even after you leave, you will experience Mid-America as a family, a community, a place where you can belong. It’s a place where believers have a common goal: to share the love of Christ and help others know how to follow Him. This goal is why MidAmerica exists—to train men and women, who have been called by God, to go and make disciples for Christ. If you feel that call upon your life, we would love to talk with you. Perhaps Mid-America may be the place where God will do a great work through you.

COMMUNITY

Mid-America is sometimes referred to as “the school across the street from Bellevue Baptist” and is known for our presence in Cordova and the greater Memphis community.

CURRENT STUDENTS

rent students of Mid-America bring ny of their colleagues and friends isit Mid-America during Preview s, which is held twice a year.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE AT HOME AT MABTS?

Share the Mid-America story, then point them to:

ADMISSIONS OFFICE ( Ö P  

901-751-3060 admissions@mabts.edu mabts.edu facebook.com/midamericabaptist @MABTS

SPRING PREVIEW DAY Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Save the date and contact Admissions to reserve your spot today!

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CLARK WHITNEY

Clark Whitney, who currently serves as a Student Ambassador for MABTS and works to bring others in, tells how he came to know about Mid-America: “Two divine appointments had significant impact on my choosing to attend Mid-America Seminary. The first was when Dr. Spradlin came to Ouachita Baptist University to preach in chapel and teach one of my afternoon classes. I was impressed both with his message and sense of humor, as shown in my class. Secondly, I found further affirmation from the Lord while on a campus visit. The admissions staff was hospitable and helpful.

Additionally, I met Rev. Duffy Guyton, who prayed with my father and I in the seminary foyer about deciding on a seminary. I chose to attend because God’s hand has been on this institution from the beginning. The commitments to academic excellence, practical ministry, and the authority of Scripture are just a few of the reasons I am honored to call Mid-America home.”

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MEGAN ROGERS

One of our newest students, Megan Rogers, describes her experience in coming to Mid-America: “I first learned about Mid-America from a current student.

She was super supportive, answered all of my lengthy questions, and really encouraged me to seek the Lord in my decision into Christian ministry through Mid-America.

I did and felt the Lord leading me in this direction, and so I came to Preview Day last October. That day God made it very clear to me where I should be. It is certainly a calling, and God has proven that in my life many times this semester. When it would have been much easier to give up, He reminds me sweetly that I am where He wants me, and He has shown Himself faithful every step of the way. I am abundantly blessed each day I walk through the doors. God does such amazing things in this place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. It has changed my life.”

Coming Fall 2015, Mid-America will introduce new Church Ministries degrees at the Associate and Master levels. Each offers specialized tracks for Worship, Counseling, and Christian Education, so you can customize your training to whatever ministry God has called you. Find out more in the story on pages 8–9 or at MABTS.EDU.

NEW!

PHD Doctor of Philosophy DMIN Doctor of Ministry

D M

B

BACS Bachelor of Arts in

MDIV Master of Divinity MMICS Master of Missiology and Intercultural Studies

NEW!

TRACKS: Worship, Counseling, Christian Ed

Christian Studies

BBP Bachelor’s Bridge Program

MCM Master of Church Ministries

NEW!

MACM Master of Arts in

Church Ministries

TRACKS: Worship, Counseling, Christian Ed

MBP Master’s Bridge Program

A ADIV

Associate of Divinity

AAS Associate of Applied Science in

Pastoral Ministries (NE Campus only)

NEW!

ACM Associate of Church Ministries

TRACKS: Worship, Counseling, Christian Ed

NEWS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | MINISTRY

Faithful Giving

TURNING FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE INTO FRUITFUL MINISTRY

BY DUFFY GUYTON

One of the greatest honors of being a child of the King is a response of living a life devoted to worshiping Him through faithful obedience. When obedience occurs through faithfulness, it is pleasing and honoring to the Lord of Lords. His servants wholeheartedly desire to be used by the Lord in any way He desires. It is a true worshipful offering to Yahweh to live a fervent life, as the Apostle Paul wrote to his spiritual son, Timothy, in 2 Timothy 4:6–7: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

THE LORD HAS USED His mighty servants throughout the entire history of the seminary to fund His work. The dear friends of Mid-America understand that the Lord has set His seminary apart for His glory as many in the Mid-South region, North America, and around the globe have placed their faith in Christ and have been rescued by His saving grace. This transformation has been accomplished through the faithfulness of His servants as many have lived their life Mid-America student Joshua Wood (center) participates each week in street preaching and evangelism at Cleaborn Homes Projects in Memphis as part of the Seminary’s Practical Missions program. See pages 4–5 for more information on how MABTS students are turning your faithful giving into fruitful ministry.

in faithful obedience to the Savior of all nations.

IN READING A NEWSLETTER from one of our graduates who serves in a high security region in Asia, I was strengthened and encouraged by his faithful obedience to take the living Gospel to a people group who otherwise will die and not know the living Savior. This faithful family moved to a remote jungle area to teach the love of Christ.

They have been astounded by the Lord’s faithfulness in providing all their needs, as they wrote, “Fortunately, we are now pretty much settled in and are making progress once again in learning the language here. Please pray that the Lord will also allow us to begin forming relationships and friendships and that He may open doors for us to share about Him.” For the seminary to accomplish the Lord’s mission of teaching the Bible as the inerrant Word of God and guide students to life-long personal witnessing as they live out the

Great Commission, it takes the faithful obedience of His servants to provide an average of $175,000 per month. Praise the Lord for His provision through the sacrifice of individuals, churches, and through wills. As we draw to the end of the year, please prayerfully consider how

As we draw to the end of the year, please prayerfully consider how you can honor the Lord through faithful obedience. you can honor the Lord through faithful obedience by starting or increasing your monthly contributions, giving an endof-the year gift, or providing legacy gifts in the form of annuities or remainder trusts. We are grateful for your love of the Lord and for your love of the seminary, “remembering without ceasing your work of faith” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

FOR MORE INFORMATION regarding living a life of faithful obedience through financially supporting the seminary, please contact Duffy Guyton, Chief Development Officer, at dguyton@mabts.edu or 901-751-3030.

PRACTICAL MISSIONS | ACADEMICS | ADMISSIONS | ADVANCEMENT | ALUMNI Messenger | Winter 2014

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NEWS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | MINISTRY

Alumni

MODEL FOR CHURCH REVITALIZATION

BY JOHN KOCH

Imagine a church that was at one time a prosperous congregation in the community. There was a sizable membership and budget. Facilities were ample. There was a commitment to evangelism, missions, ministry, and discipleship. Over the years things changed. Now the church is characterized as inwardly focused, not growing, and in decline. Low attendance presents challenges that are counterproductive to church growth and even continuing routine ministries.

This predicament is not rare and is happening all over. Studies indicate that many of our churches exhibit this unhealthy condition. The need for church revitalization is widespread.

I have been blessed to have served on staff or as pastor in different settings—a dynamic growing church, a healthy church, a new church plant, and also revitalization efforts. I am so thankful for the godly mentors whom I have had over the years. I am especially thankful for practical Mid-America alumnus John Koch serves as pastor of the Highland Heights Baptist Church, Memphis.

Once a vital congregation, the church has experienced years of decline. Pastor Koch is leading the historic church through revitalization, designed to bring new health to the church body and relevant ministry to its community.

ministry experience as well as the challenging theological training I received at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

I am now serving as the pastor of Highland Heights Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. My wife, Kay, and I returned to Memphis in January 2013.

We are part of a story that God is writing in ZIP code 38122, known in Memphis as the “Heights.” It’s a story filled with brokenness and with good news. God is gathering a group of Christians in the Heights who are committed to not just attending a church, but living out their faith daily. We minister in an area that is not unlike many in Memphis. Most do not attend church. There is a high percentage of single parent households, crime, addictions, blighted properties, and other problems. Most are blind to God’s love and His ways. The need is great. As a church, we are a diverse group of people with a common goal: exalt Christ and make disciples.

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS IS A HISTORIC church that has a rich history, though we have suffered some setbacks.

Through it all, God has caused Highland Heights Baptist Church to remain.

Why? Highland Heights exists to have an eternal impact on a single life, an entire community, and the whole world. So we are refocusing our hearts, our prayers, and our efforts toward this end. We see

ourselves as a mission outpost, the people of God in missionary service who are winning, baptizing, equipping, and sending for the glory of God. WE ARE STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS. At this time, we continue to lay a foundation that we can build upon and at the same time do the work of the ministry. These are times of remarkable change for us. We have spent a lot of time, prayer, and hard work on the vision for the church.

Early this year, after a time of prayer, I had the belief that our vision should prioritize children/student ministry. I just could not let this idea go. But I also kept thinking: we can’t possibly do this.

As I shared this with a friend, he said, “That’s great. That’s one of the ways you can know it’s a God thing!” In our eyes, this seemed impossible because we do not have the people to do this. We need partners. Shortly after I communicated this with the church, several opportunities appeared. God is working. We are partnering with Bellevue Baptist Church in Arise, a tutoring program in which public school students are helped with their reading skills. We are now tutoring children in the neighborhood elementary school. Recently, Child Evangelism Fellowship began a Good News Club in the neighborhood elementary school, and we are involved with that, too. We are connecting with boys and girls and their families through these ministries. We have been fortunate to add to our staff two selfsupporting missionaries who are focused on children’s and student ministry. We continue to look for other partners for the work to which God has called us. These are just a couple of the ways in which God is blessing us.

PRACTICAL MISSIONS | ACADEMICS | ADMISSIONS | ADVANCEMENT | ALUMNI Messenger | Winter 2014

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In revitalization ministry, the answers are often simple, though the fixes are rarely quick. I have found the following observations to be helpful.

BE GOSPEL DRIVEN. Churches are created by God. They are His primary tool for making individual disciples and for changing communities.

Local churches are entrusted with the stewardship of the Gospel, which is the power of God for salvation. The Gospel is simply the most important factor in a ministry of revitalization. The Gospel brings life to people who are dead in their sins and also renews life where believers have faltered. Jesus loves to make things grow, repair broken things, and bring people new life in Christ.

LEADERS LEAD THE WAY. The pastor is the key leader who must develop other leaders. Be a visionary leader who courageously makes fidelity to Jesus the top priority in your life and ministry.

As pastors, we are to remember our responsibility and privilege as leaders of the flock, which Christ purchased with His precious blood. In ministry (especially revitalization ministry), we may be involved with difficult people. Jesus did

not purchase a perfect bride. Jesus’ bride needs washing, and Jesus’ bride needs some spots removed. What a wonderful thought that we are involved with Christ in loving His bride toward beauty.

INSTILL HOPE AND CONTINUALLY CAST VISION. Keep in focus the mission and purposes of God. For us it is four words: Exalt Christ— Make Disciples. This is the lens through which we view everything. Living our life through the lens of mission gives purpose to every day, every activity, every up, and every down. We must remind ourselves and our people that our lives matter, and we are living in light of eternity.

DEVELOP A CHANGE STRATEGY. Keep the long view in mind.

Plan, but be willing to adapt. Be gracious because change makes people nervous, and nervous people sometimes act in a way they otherwise wouldn’t. Systematic change will take longer than you think.

Get a trusted mentor to help you decide on the issues—the urgency, timing, and pace of specific changes. Someone has said, “Once change happens, a new world of opportunity opens up.” Systemic

change occurs as result of three things: power of God, time, and hard work. One of my mentors and pastors, Dr. Robert “Bro. Bob” Pitman, said that being a pastor is hard work, but it’s wonderful work.

There is hope for the revitalization of any church that makes a sincere commitment to answer the call of Christ from Matthew 4:19: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” God renews churches through time-tested Biblical principles that will carry them into the future.

We are still early on in the work here at Highland Heights. There have been challenges. There always are. There have been successes, too.

I love the way Mac Brunson and Ergun Caner close their book, Why Churches Die. They state that as the unhealthy church addresses the root causes of poor health and begins the path to good health, “We become the family we need, the fellowship we crave, and the instrument God desires.” God will bless a church when His work is done His way.

Now that is a worthy, hope-filled goal!

LAST DAY TO SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR SPRING SEMESTER

January 2

JANUARY MINI-TERM WEEK 1 & 2

January 5–16

ORIENTATION & REGISTRATION OF NEW STUDENTS FOR SPRING

January 9

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY SEMINARS

January 12–16

SPRING SEMESTER CLASSES BEGIN January 20

REGISTRATION FOR MARCH MINI-TERM

February 2–8

CAMPUS REVIVAL February 10–12 SPRING BREAK

March 6–23 MARCH MINI-TERM WEEK 1 & 2

March 9–20

SPRING PREVIEW DAY March 31

ADRIAN ROGERS CONFERENCE ON WORSHIP

April 27–29

REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER SESSION

May 11–17 GRADUATION

May 22

to all the world...

1983

CAROLYN SUTTLES (MRE) is serving as Mission Involvement Consultant with the WMU at Greenup Baptist Association in the Kentucky Baptist Association.

1985

RANDY POOL (MDIV) is serving as association missions coordinator, Gibson Baptist Association, based in Trenton, is the Mississippi River Ministry coordinator for the Tennessee Baptist Convention, and has been named president and coordinator for MRM. BRUCE M. SCHMIDT (MDIV) is serving as pastor of First Baptist Church of Gowensville in Landrum, SC.

1991

CRAIG SAYLE (MDIV) is serving in Milton Keynes, England, as pastor of Loughton Baptist Church.

1994

DERRON COBB (MDIV) is serving as pastor of Red House Baptist Church in Richmond, KY.

1998

JOE WIGGINS (MDIV) is serving as pastor at North Columbia Baptist Church in Columbia, MS. Joe completed his DMIN in Expository Preaching from NOBTS.

2000

RANDY WILLIAMS (MDIV & PHD) is serving as pastor of Glen Baptist Church in Glen St. Mary, FL.

2004

KRISTOPHER SMILKO (ADIV) is serving as pastor of the church plant Grace on the Rock in Sedan, KS.

2008

TIM RILEY (MDIV) has been called as pastor to children/youth/families at First Baptist Church in Macon, TN.

2013

CHRIS ALEXANDER (DMIN) is pastor of White Hall Baptist Church in Trenton, TN.

VERN CHARETTE (MDIV) received his PHD in Preaching from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in December 2013 and is assistant professor of preaching in the School of Theology at Southwestern.

JOHN AYRES (MDIV) was called as pastor at Mount Union Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR.

Junction City, AR.

JAMES “RAYMOND” DAVIS (DPT 1984) passed away March 8, 2014.

THE SEMINARY EXTENDS HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF THE MARK J. MARGIS (MDIV) is serving as FOLLOWING GRADUATES: pastor at Three Creeks Baptist Church in

2006

ERIC BENNETT (ADIV, Northeast Campus) is serving as pastor at New Life Community Church-East Nassau in East Nassau, NY.

DR. WARREN JONATHAN WATKINS (MDIV 1986) passed away May 26, 2014, from heart failure.

RON COATS (MDIV 1984) passed away in June 2014.

TIMOTHY EDWARD ELROD (ADIV 2007) passed away June 24, 2014.

DON ALAN ALLRED (MDIV 1988) passed away September 22, 2014.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2013–2014 GRADUATES

ASHLEY EASON (MCE)

JACK NAPIER (MDIV)

ROBERT (B.J.) EASON (MDIV)

SAMUEL RANDOLPH (MDIV)

DECEMBER 2013

RUSTY FAIR (DMIN)

KEVIN ROBINSON (MDIV)

ROBERT ANDERSON (MDIV)

JASON FISHER (MDIV)

NICK SANDUSKY (BACS)

LEE BRAND, JR. (PHD)

BRETT FRAZIER (MDIV)

MARK SCHUTZIUS (PHD)

MARC BYRD (PHD)

CHARLES HAIRSTON (MDIV)

DANA SNEED (MCE)

JOANA DOR (ACE)

DAVID JOHNSON (MDIV)

HEATH STARKS (MDIV)

MOZART DOR (PHD)

JARED KRESS (MDIV)

WESLEY STEPHENS (DMIN)

PAUL EMERSON (MACE)

LARRY LIGHTNER (DMIN)

CHILERE ST. VICTOR (MDIV)

JOHN GRAY (MCE)

MICHAEL MEWBORN (PHD)

DJAM TIMBONG (MACE)

ANDREW HYNES (PHD)

RUSSELL MCCUTCHEON (MDIV)

BRANDON WOODARD (MDIV)

TREVOR JENKINS (MDIV)

REED MCDANIEL (MCE)

STEPHEN WRIGHT (MDIV)

MICHAEL LAWSON (PHD)

JOHN MCKNIGHT (MDIV)

THOMAS YARBROUGH (MACE)

JAMES MEADOWS (PHD)

JEFFREY MOORE (DMIN)

JOHN MILLER (MMICS) DALLAS PITTS (PHD) SHELBY PRINCE (ACE) HERMAN ROGERS (MACE) MARIA ROSTRO (ACE) LAUREN SANDS (MMICS) ZACH SEAL (MDIV) TOBY STONE (BACS) JOEL STRAHAN (MMICS) JAMES THURBER (DMIN)

MAY 2014 DAMON CONLEY (MDIV) BRIAN ADAMS (MDIV) JASON ALMOND (ACE) ALEXANDER BELL (MDIV) BRIAN BLAIR (MDIV) ALEXANDER BROWN (MCE) MAC COCKRELL (MDIV) GREGORY COOK (MDIV) JARROD COX (ADIV) JAYAKAR DANAM (MDIV)

PHOTO: ARKANSAS BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION

MABTS ALUMNI IN LEADERSHIP Mid-America’s two most recent Alumni of the Year— Dr. Archie Mason (2013) and Dr. Sonny Tucker (2014)—were prayed over in October during the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. As the Seminary continues to mature, MABTS alumni are surfacing in leadership positions throughout the Southern Baptist Convention.

PRACTICAL MISSIONS | ACADEMICS | ADMISSIONS | ADVANCEMENT | ALUMNI Messenger | Winter 2014

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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