MID-AMERICA
WINTER 2020
THE SIX DISCIPLINES OF DISCIPLESHIP
P R E S I D E N T ’ S Page
EVANGELISM CONNECTS TO DISCIPLESHIP WHICH IN TURN PRODUCES EVANGELISTS—IT’S A BIBLICAL CYCLE THAT LEADS TO THE CROSS AND LASTS A LIFETIME BY DR. MICHAEL SPRADLIN “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NASB) At Mid-America, our heartbeat is evangelism. Sometimes, I am asked about discipleship because to some minds, a divide exists between evangelism and discipleship. In fact, no such divide exists. Any evangelism that does not result in disciples for Christ is not biblical evangelism. Further, any discipleship program that does not produce evangelists for the Lord Jesus is not a biblical discipleship program. In a sense, a seminary or Christian college degree can be a part of discipleship if done properly. Any Christian training must, first of all, promote a reverent worship of the Lord Jesus as the Creator of the world and the Savior of the repentant. Second, an unbending commitment must exist to the Bible as the inerrant Word of God. The Bible must be considered not only true but also sufficient in all areas. Finally, we must build into the life of a believer an understanding that discipleship is not a course of study but a lifetime of service. When can believers in Jesus ever say they have arrived as fully formed disciples? Even the most experienced believers still have the adventure of learning more about loving and living for Jesus. May God strengthen your walk as a disciple of Christ while you read the articles in this Messenger. Know also that as you pray for and support Mid-America financially, you are taking the Gospel to the nations and making disciples everywhere the name of Jesus is proclaimed and exalted.
contents VOLUME 48, NUMBER 2 | WINTER 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
DISCIPLESHIP DISCIPLINES The theme of this winter issue of the MidAmerica Messenger is discipleship, a value of Mid-America that goes hand-in-hand with our emphasis on evangelism. Read on to discover the many ways in which the Mid-America family is involved in making disciples.
CROSS-CULTURAL DISCIPLESHIP Cultural differences sometimes create walls between people, but Bible-based discipleship transcends all cultures and connects all people. Dr. Matt Akers, Mid-America Professor, shares his own story of cross-cultural discipleship.
GIVING OF THEMSELVES The Bible teaches that before we give our money, we need to give ourselves. This is precisely what Mid-America’s generous donors do by investing not only their finances but also their lives by personally discipling students.
INVESTING IN WOMEN The Mid-America Women’s Institute helps disciple student wives, alumni wives, students, and alumnae. See what participants are saying about this vitally important ministry begun 13 years ago by Lee Ann Spradlin and Susan Thompson.
CONNECT P.O. Box 2350 Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453
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Discipleship
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
SALVATION Deliberately repenting of sin, placing faith in Jesus Christ, Who died for our sins and rose from the dead, and receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. PRIORITIZATION
TRANSFORMATION Dedicating mind, will, emotions, spirit, and body to worshipping God through specific actions and attitudes.
Intentionally cultivating a personal relationship with Christ that focuses on the glorification of Christ, not satisfaction of self.
REPRESENTATION
INCORPORATION Diligently studying Scripture to be wellinformed about spiritual truth, but with the additional goal of applying that truth to life.
Incorporating these disciplines to minister to people in Christ’s stead.
SANCTIFICATION
THE SIX DISCIPLINES OF
Accepting personal responsibility for living in a right relationship with God and with other humans.
BY DR. JERE PHILLIPS
T
o be clear, there are no defined progressions of sanctification. While some people may have a closer walk with Christ than others, the nature of their growth
through toward spiritual maturity. Perhaps we do better by thinking of the disciplines of Christian disciples. We need to start then with a good definition
as disciples cannot be stratified. It’s not a step one, step two,
of a disciple. The best I’ve heard actually came from a Southern
step three process. Our relationship with Christ often waxes
Baptist missions education program for boys called Royal
and wanes, leaving even the most committed Christians with
Ambassadors. Their goal was to be “well-informed, responsible
a spiritual history of mountains and valleys. Discipleship
followers of Christ.” Christian discipleship as a process would
is an organic process, not a series of stages one works
involve developing the following characteristics:
SALVATION
A disciple is, first of all, a saved person. Scripture teaches that salvation is initiated by God through the death and resurrection of His only begotten Son, Jesus. God further acts as His Spirit convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The individual has a responsibility to respond by repentance, faith, and receiving Christ as Savior and Lord (Acts 3:19, John 3:16, John 1:12–13).
PRIORITIZATION Discipleship does not happen
by accident. Believers must be intentional about their relationship with Jesus. While sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit, we cooperate with Him by seeking communion with Christ, primarily through prayer and presence. Our goal is not to feel self-satisfied with some spiritual attainment, but to glorify Him (John 17:17–23).
INCORPORATION
No one can seek to know the Lord without listening to Him. We cannot follow Jesus as He walked the Holy Land, but we can hear His words, observe His deeds, and learn His teachings through the Scriptures. Our goal is not merely to gain knowledge, but to be well-informed about spiritual truth so we might apply that truth to life. That’s the difference between knowledge, wisdom, and understanding (Colossians 1:9).
DR. JOSEPH SHIN Adjunct Instructor
“I was raised in Seoul, Korea, by strong Buddhists. My father was an alcoholic, and my mother suffered from depression because of her unhappy marital life. When I was a sophomore in high school, I attended a revival meeting where Pastor Kim powerfully preached about the love of God. Since my parents did not show much affection toward me, I experienced unconditional love for the first time. I realized that God loved me so much. Through Christ, I found true love. I am so grateful for Pastor Kim and his commitment to making disciples.”
NATHAN COLE
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
“After the best year of my 18-year career, I was thanking God in prayer. ‘You know this job is what I’ve always wanted!’ ‘Yes,’ I heard God say, ‘but is it what I’ve always wanted for you?’ This thought was confusing because God had consistently provided progressive career opportunities. I began to pray, ‘God, help me want what You want me to want.’ After several months, I knew He was asking me to leave my career and join the leadership team at Mid-America. Every day is not easy, but there is nothing more rewarding than waking up each day knowing I am honoring God by doing what He wants me to do with my life.”
DR. MATT AKERS
Associate Dean of Doctoral Programs
“I had the privilege to lead a man named Hector to faith in Jesus Christ. Since Hector had very little exposure to Scripture before his conversion, most aspects of the believer’s walk with Christ were new to him. Like a thirsty man in a scorching desert who suddenly found a pool of cold, clear water, he gulped down as much of God’s truth as he could get. He began to study Scripture, pray regularly, and lead his family in family devotionals so he could share what he was learning with them. Hector continues to grow in his faith and is eager to help others find the treasures that God has revealed to him in the Bible.”
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Discipleship
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
SANCTIFICATION
As we understand more about the nature of Jesus, we accept our role in living rightly. Discipleship involves a right relationship with God and with other human beings. How can we say we love God, since we have not seen Him, and not love our neighbor whom we have seen? (1 John 4:20) Much of Jesus’ teaching and the apostles’ writings focus on having this mutual dedication to love God and to demonstrate that love by the way
CARY BETH DUFFEL
Executive Assistant to the President
“Paul called Timothy a ‘true child in the faith,’ and raising children is an excellent analogy for discipleship. Spiritual children eventually become teenagers—an exciting and trying time in the discipleship process. Inevitably, the discipleship relationship changes as interests, maturity, and callings develop. Because of the amount of love, energy, and time invested, letting go can be difficult but is necessary. It can be painful when the nature of a close relationship changes, but we know we can trust the Holy Spirit to guide the individual just as He is faithfully guiding us.”
we interact with one another.
REPRESENTATION
Disciples do not focus much on themselves and where they are in spiritual progression. Instead, they concentrate on allowing Jesus to live His life through them. We minister to Jesus by ministering to the least of these whom He called brothers (Matthew 25:40). Our ministry has not the goal of feeling good about ourselves, but doing good in Jesus’ name, for in doing so, we glorify Him
DR. MIKEY MEWBORN
Associate Dean of The College at Mid-America
“Several years ago, my heart for discipleship was strengthened as I read through the book of Ezra. The prophet wrote, ‘For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel’ (Ezra 7:10). This verse led me to develop a motto—READ IT. BELIEVE IT. LIVE IT. Today, I use this motto to disciple others and train ministers. When believers learn to trust God’s Word and apply It to their lives, Jesus promises to ‘love him and manifest myself to him’(John 14:21).”
(Matthew 5:16).
TRANSFORMATION
The ultimate characteristic of a disciple involves worshipping God. Certainly, we worship corporately at church, personally, and in family devotions, but worship involves the totality of the believer’s person in the totality of his or her life. It is not segmented into bits and pieces of a week. It is not singularly focused on a place or a time. Worship involves every aspect of our being and every part of our lives (Romans 12:1–2, 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
TERRY BROWN
Director of Library Services
“Throughout nearly four decades at Mid-America, I have witnessed my ‘walk’ intersect both profession (librarian) and Christian faith (life in the Lord Jesus). When I arrived at Mid-America, I thought that I would stay a year or two, but the Lord had other plans. While not called to pastor, I began to sense over the years that God had placed me at Mid-America for a purpose—to labor in my own patch, as unto the Lord. Consequently, the Lord used me to assist countless students, faculty, and staff, even in a small manner, as they prepare to impact the world for Christ.”
REFER A STUDENT TO MID-AMERICA AND YOUR IMPACT REACHES BEYOND ONE LIFE. YOU HELP LIGHT THE WORLD. Know someone looking for the right college? Or someone who wants to become equipped for ministry? Share Mid-America with them. We’ve prepared two special resources for you to share—viewbooks for The College at Mid-America and for Mid-America Seminary. Also, send us their name, and we’ll follow up. Just contact us at admissions@mabts.edu. You’ll be helping to change not just one life, but generations for eternity.
TO SEE AND SHARE VIEWBOOKS, GO TO: COLLEGEATMIDAMERICA.COM/VIEWBOOK AND MABTS.EDU/VIEWBOOK
Missions and Ministry
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
9
Since our beginning nearly 50 years ago, practicing ministry and missions has been an integral part of the Mid-America education. We believe students have much to offer long before their diploma is in hand, and we understand that practicing missions while still in training builds a bridge to a lifelong love of taking the Gospel to all the world for Jesus’ sake. Here are three stories from recent missions and ministry experiences of our students.
KATHERINE LONG NOLA CASON I work in a high school ministry focused
I have the privilege of serving youth
NANCY SUNDLING
on equipping students to love God, love
girls at a local church in Hernando,
spend time together. That’s what God
people, share Jesus, and make disciples.
Mississippi, by leading Sunday
wants—to spend time with these little
During this pandemic, God has allowed
morning Bible studies, organizing
children. Teaching them who God is and
me to shepherd students as they learn
discipleship opportunities between
that He wants a relationship with each
how to follow the Lord in a season full
older and younger women, and
of them is what I do. My call is to spend
of unknowns. Even though the ministry
organizing evangelism-focused
time with the children teaching them
has been challenging for me in a world
fellowship outings. Each of these
from the Bible, making the life of Christ
affected by COVID-19, I know that this
activities creates an environment for
known to them, so that they will know
pandemic has not halted God’s mighty
young ladies to meet Jesus, grow to love
Him and learn to trust Him personally
hand or stopped His ability to save.
Him through the Bible and prayer, take
by using games, object lessons, and
Psalm 126:3 encourages me to daily
faith-filled risks, and become radically
other Bible activities. Since the start
choose to trust in God: “The Lord has
obedient leaders wherever the Lord
of the ministry work in Frayser, three
done great things for us; we are filled
places them.
children and two mothers have accepted
with joy!”
Katherine (right) equipping students
As with any relationship, you must
and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Nola (center) with her youth girls
WILL YOU TAKE THE WITNESS ONE:SEVEN CHALLENGE?
Nancy (center) discipling children
He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. —John 1:7 Mid-America is inviting everyone to join us in committing to Witness One:Seven. It’s a commitment to witness to at least one person every seven days—just like MidAmerica students do every week. If you’re a pastor, consider leading your church in the commitment during 2021. If every reader of the Messenger took the challenge, more than one million people would hear the Gospel during 2021. Please contact us at communications@mabts.edu to let us know you’re taking the Witness One:Seven challenge.
Discipleship
BIBLE-BASED DISCIPLESHIP TRANSCENDS ALL CULTURES, CONNECTS ALL PEOPLES BY DR. MATTHEW AKERS
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
11
understanding of marriage. Somehow,
excuse for him to contemplate cheating
he’d gotten the idea that because a
on his wife because he was lonely.
government official performed his
Remembering many from Carlos’s
wedding service, he was only legally
country held to this faulty notion of
married within the confines of his home
marriage, I changed strategies. “Carlos,”
country. Carlos reasoned that since he
I began, “could you remind me again
now resided in the United States and
about your conversion experience?”
his wife remained in Latin America, he
“Of course,” he said as his eyes
was free to pursue a relationship with
brightened. Carlos enjoyed telling how
The apostle Peter was one of the
another woman in the Memphis area.
God had changed his life. “I was a young
privileged few who became a firsthand
AS PART OF THE LENGTHY COUNSEL I GAVE HIM in order
man when Jesus saved me. Before I
witness of Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:1–8). He, James, and John caught a
to show him the error of his way, I
glimpse of Jesus’ glory, which identified
emphasized Jesus’ words in Matthew
Him with God (e.g., Exodus 14:20;
19:6: “What God has joined together, let
33:18–23; Hebrews 1:3). In spite of this
no man separate.”
unforgettable event repeated to his
“That’s what I’m trying to tell you,”
audience in 2 Peter 1:16–18, his main
Carlos countered. God didn’t join us
focus in this section of the epistle is
together; it was a government official.”
came to the United States...” “That’s such a shame,” I replied, interrupting as gently as I could. Carlos looked at me strangely, not following my line of reasoning. “Are you saying you think it’s a shame I was saved?” “All I mean,” I continued, “is that if
the infallibility of Scripture due to its
you were saved in Latin America, then
divine origin (2 Peter 1:19–21). Peter’s
you’re saved there, but not here. You
point was that while only three disciples
need to be saved all over again in the
witnessed Jesus’ revelation of His glory,
United States.”
all Christians have access to His Word,
Carlos knew me well enough
a reliable guide for faith and practice
to know I was joking, but he didn’t
(1 Thessalonians 1:3).
understand my point. “Brother Mateo,
BECAUSE OUR CREATOR WHO KNOWS US better than we
you know it doesn’t matter where a person was saved. If he’s saved, he’s
know ourselves gave us Scripture,
saved everywhere!”
the Bible is applicable to every people
I quickly added, “And if a person is
group and is a necessary component
married, it doesn’t matter where he was
of discipleship. This factor doesn’t
married. He’s married everywhere!”
mean, however, we always teach and
The Lord allowed this point to hit
disciple in exactly the same way. Jesus used the imagery of the new birth to
its target, and Carlos soon realized how In Carlos’s country of origin, many
wrong he’d been a few minutes ago. An
describe salvation to Nicodemus (John
Christians believe that even if a couple
understanding of his culture along with
3) and of living water to the Samaritan
obtains a marriage license from a court
a grasp of biblical mandates regarding
woman (John 4). Scriptural truths never
and the state recognizes this union, the
marriage was necessary in order to
change, but we must make certain
couple isn’t truly married if they don’t
understand where Carlos had gotten off
we communicate the Bible’s message
have a religious service. For this reason,
track and to begin discipling him on this
in ways our audience can accurately
Christians often have two wedding
matter. Jesus discipled by explaining
understand and apply to their lives.
services: one before a judge, and one
timeless truths in ways that connected
Years ago, I had the opportunity to
their pastor officiates. In Carlos’s case, a
with his audience. May we do the same
disciple a man (we’ll call him Carlos)
faulty understanding of marriage from
so that we disciple well!
from Latin America who had a faulty
a biblical perspective had become an
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Evangelism
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
IN TODAY’S DRIVE-THROUGH CULTURE, PAYING IT FORWARD CAN MAKE AN ETERNAL DIFFERENCE
THE ANECDOTE IMPRESSED ME, and I began considering how
you kindly give this to him?” handing
purchasing someone’s meal might not
problem,” she said.
only demonstrate human generosity communicate the generosity of God.
I DROVE AWAY, SAYING ANOTHER PRAYER FOR THE DRIVER. I knew he would be reading
That Monday, I determined to translate
the following, including my name and
my idea into reality.
contact information:
but also provide an opportunity to
Equipped with a copy of “Would
her the tract with my note attached. “No
You must be wondering,
BY BRYAN A. MURRAY
You Like to Know God Personally?” a
“Why would someone purchase this
It was a normal, abnormal Sunday
Gospel tract by Cru, and a personal note
for me?”
morning. My family was in the living
I created to accompany it, I pulled into
room, my tea was in my hand, my Bible
Smoothie King’s drive-through. When
cashier and hear “It’s already been
was next to me, and the television was
someone pulled up behind me in a
paid.” You can put your credit card
live-streaming a local church service.
Nissan Maxima, I briefly said a prayer
or cash back into your wallet or
The pastor started his sermon with a
for the driver to be receptive.
purse and enjoy the meal!
personal story. He was standing in line at
“That will be $9.45,” the cashier
It feels good to pull up to the
Two thousand years ago, Jesus
said. I gave her my credit card. When
died on the cross to pay for my sins
McDonald’s. The woman immediately
she attempted to return it to me, I asked,
and yours. One day you and I will
ahead of him secretly purchased his
“Can I pay for the meal of the person in
“pull up” to God and have to settle
meal. When he arrived at the cashier
the car behind me?” “Sure,” she said,
the account for our sin. If you’ve not
and learned of the woman’s generosity,
surprised. When she returned
he did the same for the person behind
my credit card to me, I
him. That person did the same for the
followed up. “Would
next person. Soon these strangers were smiling at each other, recognizing their shared generosity. It was a throwback to the 2000 movie Pay It Forward.
READ
Read the first in the “Evangelism in the 21st Century” series. Go to: tiny.cc/evangelism21-1
accepted Christ, you
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
won’t be able to pay the debt and will
THE ACTION YOU CAN TAKE
be sentenced to death (separation
What are ways you can use generosity
from God forever). The good news
to open the door to share the Gospel
is that if you receive Jesus Christ’s
with others this week? Keep a note
payment for your sin, God will tell
in your car, stapled to a Gospel tract.
you, “It’s already been paid.”
Next time you go to a drive-through,
To learn more, read the booklet stapled to this note. Have a great day!
I’ve realized that evangelism in
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determine if you can afford the meal of the person behind you, and if so, pay for it. Then ask the cashier to give the person your note and tract.
the 21st century has to go beyond adaptation to an ever-changing environment to something that becomes more effective and innovative because of a changing environment. Creative thinking has resulted from enrolling in Mid-America, where the emphasis on sharing the Gospel causes me to overcome social-distancing and find other ways to go to all the world for Jesus’ sake.
EVANGELISM
IN THE
SECOND IN A SERIES ON ENGAGING EVANGELISM IN THE MODERN WORLD
21ST CENTURY
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Discipleship Resources
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
MID-AMERICA PROFESSOR USES HIS PEN TO DISCIPLE COUNTLESS THOUSANDS THROUGH PUBLISHED RESOURCES
“MY GOAL IN MY SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES isn’t
effort Phillips has invested in creating
primarily for them to make a certain
discipleship materials, he still recognizes
grade,” Phillips said. “Although I hope
one of the keys to real discipleship is
they do well, the main goal is that by the
mentoring. Phillips recommends Sunday
end of the semester, they’re more like
School teachers consider stepping into
Jesus than when they started.”
the role of mentoring.
The other change occurred a few
Even with all of the time and
“We can do certain things in a
years before joining Mid-America;
classroom setting as there’s a lot of help
Phillips also stepped into a new aspect of
for the teachers in the materials,” Phillips
discipleship when he started writing for
said. “But if they would [mentor], it would
At the end of his earthly ministry,
LifeWay Christian Resources. Through
be tremendously effective in helping
Jesus gave the Great Commission
LifeWay and a few other publications,
their class members be more like Jesus.”
and commanded His followers to, “Go
Phillips has published over 300 articles
Phillips said he could remember a few
therefore and make disciples of all
and three books to date. Many of these
godly men who invested in him in this
nations.” For the past 2,000 years, this
discipleship materials are being used
way when he was younger. These men
has been the mission of the church. For
in roughly 100,000 Sunday School
spent time with him, discipled him,
the past 50 years, this has also been the
classrooms across the country.
and cared for him. These men pushed
mission of Dr. Jere Phillips in his ministry.
Phillips believes his writings can
Phillips to live a more Christ-like life.
Through obedience, God has used
fill a few essential roles in forming
Phillips, a practical theology professor
Christians to look more like Christ.
at Mid-America, to disciple tens of
He says some materials are intended
FOR PHILLIPS, DISCIPLESHIP ALL COMES DOWN TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION. He points out that
thousands of people across America and
to instruct believers how they should
humankind was originally made in the
the world.
cooperate with the Holy Spirit through
image of God. Then, as a result of Adam
prayer, Bible reading, and other spiritual
and Eve’s fall, humans can no longer
disciplines.
reflect that image. The Fall is why each person must be born again in Christ and
or staff member. Around the turn of the
PHILLIPS CRAFTED OTHER MATERIALS TO ENCOURAGE
millennium, things began to change
and come alongside Sunday school
being molded and made to look more
as God placed Phillips in new roles
teachers to disciple their members. To
and more like Jesus. Discipleship, as
expanding his opportunities to be a part
him, teachers must see themselves as
Phillips sees it, is all about changing to
of the discipleship process. One of those
disciple-makers and not just teachers.
reflect Christ as accurately as possible on
opportunities was the chance to join the
Recognizing this is a challenging task,
this side of Heaven.
faculty of Mid-America. As a professor,
the materials Phillips publishes are
Phillips sees his purpose as more than
intended to help teachers learn how to
has taught and the resources he has
one of merely academic instruction. He
bring about spiritual formation in the
published, Phillips is happy he has
still sees his goal as discipleship.
class members.
dedicated himself to discipleship as
For the first few decades of Phillips’ life as a minister and disciple-maker, he served in local churches as a pastor
enter into the sanctification process of
Looking at the many students he
spiritual formation. “It has been a joy to be a part of that and to write with that kind of focus.” But Phillips isn’t done. He will continue his discipleship ministry until the Lord calls him home. Dr. Phillips was Editor of the Mid-America Journal and will become a Professor Emeritus in December 2020. He has published three books, over 300 articles, and is also Pastor of Peterson Lake Baptist Church in Collierville, Tennessee.
PROLIFIC PROFESSOR FACULTY SPOTLIGHT ON DR. JERE PHILLIPS
RELATIONAL D BIBLICAL COUNSELING TURNS TIMES OF CRISIS INTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRUE DISCIPLESHIP
to spiritual things. What if a Christian
Would you offer to provide some help or
friend from church called and invited
service during her difficult days?
you out for a cup of coffee. As you visit
While any of these responses
over coffee, your friend tells you that
might be helpful, they would all miss
her anxiety is getting the best of her
the opportunity to provide biblical
in the current chaos. She is struggling
counseling. “But I’m not a counselor,”
with various thoughts and speculations
you might say. In reality, we are all
which are causing her to be very
counselors whether or not we recognize
concerned about the future. She is
it or want to be. People come to us
BY DR. JOHN BABLER
feeling extremely discouraged. The
for counsel, and we provide it even
thoughts have become so prominent
though we might not consider it to
The year 2020 has been a year of
they dominate her time and negatively
be counseling. Our natural response
uncertainty, insecurity, and chaos.
impact relationships with her family
to someone who comes seeking
Amid such turmoil, there is a dramatic
and even the Lord. What would you say
informal counsel is to share common
increase of life challenges which
to her? Would you try to provide words
sense advice or advice based on our
impact everyone, including Christians.
of encouragement? Show compassion
experience. When we do this, we miss
As believers, we should look at such
and tell her you were struggling as well?
an opportunity to minister God’s Word.
seasons of crisis as times of great
Would you give her some advice based
opportunity. People in crisis are open
BIBLICAL COUNSELING is, in
on your experience or common sense?
essence, helping people find answers
Discipleship
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
17
DISCIPLESHIP in God’s Word to their struggles. It
your requests be made known to
the spirit of your mind—“by prayer and
is intentional, intense discipleship.
God” (Philippians 4:6 NASB).
supplication, with thanksgiving.” Put on prayer—“Let your requests be made
anxiety. When I first began to be
AS YOU HAVE COFFEE WITH YOUR FRIEND, you could do biblical
intentional about ministering God’s
counseling with her and walk her
a formal biblical counseling class, you
Word to others, I started making notes
through the verse. You could tell her
can counsel using God’s Word.
in the blank pages in the back of my
the Bible says to be anxious for nothing.
Bible. The first one said, “Anxiety—
Even though currently there might be
verse to your friend. Discipleship
Philippians 4:6.” I recognized this verse
many apparent reasons to be anxious,
is relational. As you walk with her,
would be very helpful in ministering
the Bible says we should be anxious for
continue to counsel her with Scripture
to someone struggling with anxiety. I
nothing.
following the directions of Paul in 1
Scripture has much to say about
wrote it down in the back of my Bible
The Bible is not just a book of
known to God.” Even if you have not had
It is not enough to just teach this
Thessalonians:
because I knew I might forget it and so
“don’ts”—“don’t do this” and “don’t
I could locate it when I needed it. I have
do that,” but the Bible teaches that to
advise) those who are out of line
since used the verse many times to help
truly change, we need to follow the
[the loafers, the disorderly, and the
people struggling with anxiety.
counsel of Ephesians 4:22–24. In short,
unruly]; encourage the timid and
put off, be renewed in the spirit of
fainthearted, help, and give your
but in everything by prayer and
your mind, and put on. Philippians 4:6
support to the weak souls, [and]
supplication with thanksgiving let
teaches just this. Put off anxiety—“be
be very patient with everybody”
anxious for nothing.” Be renewed in
(1 Thessalonians 5:14 AMP).
“Be anxious for nothing,
“Admonish (warn and seriously
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MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
OUR DONORS ARE INVESTING NOT ONLY THEIR FINANCES IN STUDENTS, THEY ARE INVESTING THEIR LIVES BY RAY HELTON “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations.” —Matthew 28:19 These words, referred to as the Great Commission, come from Matthew’s Gospel and resonate with all believers who take an active interest in spreading the Gospel. “Make disciples” is one of the last recorded commands Jesus gave before returning to Heaven, and fulfilling it involves a deliberate plan to respond in faith. The only command in the Great Commission is to “make” disciples. This happens while you are going, while you are teaching, and while you are baptizing.
DISCIPLEMAKING IS A PROCESS by which you reproduce your life (your knowledge and experiences) in another believer to the extent that the person being discipled can not only stand spiritually by
themselves but also faithfully reproduce
Mission Mid-America
Colossians 1:28–29 says, “Him
themselves in others who can do the
we proclaim, warning everyone, and
same. While individual efforts to make
teaching everyone with all wisdom, that
disciples will differ, it is useful to have
we may present everyone mature in
a framework for being an intentional
Christ. For this, I toil, struggling with all
disciple-maker.
His energy that He powerfully works
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
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within me.” This verse makes plain
should focus on “presenting everyone
to their financial contributions to
that the goal of our disciple-making
mature in Christ.”
Mid-America, donors have befriended
efforts is Christian maturity. A believer’s
students to encourage their pursuit of
warnings about sin and God’s judgment,
AT MID-AMERICA, WE HAVE SEEN OUR DONORS PLAY ACTIVE ROLES in the spiritual
and toil in the power of the Holy Spirit
maturity of our students who are called
discusses important spiritual areas with
to full-time and lay ministry. In addition
students over a meal. Additionally, this
proclamation of Christ, teaching,
God’s call on their lives. A donor recently shared how he
donor has shared appropriate fears, struggles, and victories that allow students to see God’s power at work. Through the involvement of donors as disciplemakers, students see how God guides, teaches, and encourages His people over the decades. The memories and relationships being developed between students and donors are precious.
WHO CAN BE A DISCIPLEMAKER? All believers in Jesus can make disciples in their church, family, and neighborhood. MidAmerica encourages you to be a disciplemaker. You can be a direct or indirect part of the spiritual maturity of our students through your gifts of money or time. Why not consider being a disciple-maker today? For more information, call our Development office at (901) 751-3030.
Discover more or give today at:
MABTS.EDU/SUPPORT
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
Women’s Institute
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE HELPS DISCIPLE STUDENT WIVES, STUDENTS, AND ALUMNAE
engage in soulwinning.” During the first year, Spradlin and Thompson brought in faculty and ministers’ wives
“Go, therefore and make disciples,” Jesus
as guest speakers to help
said (Matthew 28:19). Like most of His
address these topics. Later, they
commands, this is easier said than done.
expanded the curriculum and began
They
Trying to make disciples can surface
rotating the topics quarterly for three
need to
feelings of inadequacy. It can stretch our
years (the average time it takes to earn a
know how to
capacity and our willingness to readjust
seminary degree). They have continued
run to the Lord
to an already busy schedule. There is
to expand the curriculum and adjust
for help and
concern over opening a “Pandora’s Box”
their approach to embrace the growing
strength.”
of revelations in the lives of all individuals
numbers of single women attending the
involved. Let’s face it: making disciples is
college and seminary.
13 years, Spradlin
not easy, but it is immensely rewarding—
IT WAS FAR FROM EASY FOR BOTH LADIES as they juggled
and Thompson have
that’s what Lee Ann Spradlin discovered.
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For the past
trusted God to use them to
raising children, homeschooling, and
help women become better
seated), wife of Mid-America President
helping their husbands in ministry.
followers of Jesus. Spradlin
Dr. Michael Spradlin, and her close
Time is usually in short supply, and
has learned one valuable lesson,
friend, Susan Thompson (standing), wife
when it comes to making disciples, the
“Trust the Lord no matter the
of Executive Vice President and Dean of
time demand can be very great. “I felt
circumstances, and trust Him
The College at Mid-America, Dr. Bradley
overwhelmed as I realized these women
always. It is easy to get caught up in the
Thompson, were invited to start a
did not have many people to confide in.
drama of the person’s situation and forget
discipleship group among the wives
Not everyone understands what women
that the Lord is Whom we must turn to
of seminary students. Neither felt
in ministry might need. It involved much
so we can love the people as He does. He
qualified for the task. While they
more of my time.”
has the answers. His Word is where we
Thirteen years ago, Spradlin (at left,
had experience teaching children
While Spradlin was having women in
turn. We must pray without ceasing.”
and youth, neither had taught
her home and spending more time with
adults. They sensed God’s direction,
them, she never forgot her goal: “to work
MAKING DISCIPLES HAS BEEN IMMENSELY REWARDING
however, and determined to give
myself out of a job,” she said.
for Spradlin. She often receives notes
discipleship a try. It did not take long
“That is my goal in helping these
informing her of the lasting influence she
for Mrs. Spradlin to see why God led
women. I want them to realize that the
and Thompson have made in the lives
them to work with these women.
Holy Spirit is strong and powerful. These
of women—an influence she hopes will
women need to learn to draw on His
continue through generations to come.
“WE SAW SUCH A NEED TO TEACH BASIC, CORE SUBJECTS,” Spradlin continued.
power, not mine, another woman’s, or even another Bible study’s.
If you are a woman seeking to become a better follower of Christ? If so, Lee Ann and Susan want
“A wife may or may not be called to
They will live in
seminary herself, but she needs to be
many different
you to join them. Please visit
equipped. She needs to know how to
environments,
mabts.edu/women to get
study the Bible, build a thriving prayer
even some
life, counsel with other people, run her
with very few
home effectively and efficiently, and
Christians.
Turn the page to see what women are saying about the Mid-America Women’s Institute.
involved.
My journey with the Women’s Institute began in 2008 when my husband started in the MDIV program at Mid-America. Then it was called the Seminary Student Wives Class, and it served a wealth of knowledge and support for me then. Prayer time was memorable as we spent time with the Lord praying for each other’s needs. It was a moment of sharing and pouring out our hearts and watching God answer prayers. The lessons were always needed and preparatory for the different paths in ministry. I still have and use books obtained during that time. I met ladies with whom I still keep up with today and will cherish that time always.
Benita Lewis
The Women’s Institute at Mid-America was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. It helped in equipping me in my role as a minister’s wife and gave me wisdom on how to specifically pray for my husband. What it unexpectedly brought me was lifelong friendships with sisters in Christ who are walking this same path.
Sierra Butler
As I began my journey as a student at The College at Mid-America, I realized I would need the support from older and mature women in the faith to help me grow more in my walk with the Lord as a Christian woman. I have attended the Monday evening classes for two semesters and have been so encouraged, enlightened, and stirred, even having my flames rekindled. I truly trust and believe that the Holy Spirit guided me here for the purpose of being equipped for the work of the ministry. My passion is to help guide and steer young women in the direction of the Lord. The Women’s Institute helps in preparation for this passion. For this reason, I strongly encourage the women of Mid-America to consider joining us at the Women’s Institute.
Nancy Sundling
I’m grateful for the wide variety of classes offered by the Women’s Institute and the relevance they have had to my own experiences since leaving seminary. The tools I gained in these classes have been so helpful as we’ve navigated full-time ministry as a family. In one class, I got the opportunity to hear from several pastors’ wives. Their testimonies of God’s faithfulness and Scriptures that helped each of them to persevere in their ministries have been such an encouragement to me.
Sara Kimbrell
It has changed my life! I look forward to it each semester because it is always a blessing! I’ve grown so much in my walk with the Lord and strengthened my prayer life. I’ve learned how to witness and interact with people of other religions and cultural backgrounds and made significant, sweet, long-lasting friendships.
Sarah Hays
Mid-America News
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
FOUNDERS’ DAYS 2020 GOES VIRTUAL
MID-AMERICA HOSTS CONSERVATIVE BAPTISTS
Founders’ Days was
In September, Mid-America was
like most things this
proud to host the Conservative
year—different. Some
Baptist Bible Conference, sponsored
things, however,
by the Conservative Baptist
remain the same,
Network. More than 10,000 people
even if the situation
experienced via in-person or
changed. Therefore, in keeping with our tradition, we celebrated the Miracle of Mid-America with
livestream dynamic preaching, Dr. Brad Thompson, Dean of The College at Mid-America, and others preached messages online during Virtual Founders’ Days 2020.
worship, and a clarion call to remain faithful to the Bible. As a celebration of the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message, the evening was also a terrific
Dr. Michael Spradlin,
reminder of the beliefs that make
President of Mid-America, sharing how for nearly
Baptists distinctive.
50 years our institution has been sustained by the faithfulness of God and His people. Moreover, the other longstanding tradition we honored this year was to have each faculty member sign and attest that he or she wholeheartedly still affirms our Articles of Belief. We do this to ensure our students are not being taught beliefs incongruent with the school.
WATCH
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Watch a video of Dr. Michael Spradlin sharing the Miracle of Mid-America at Virtual Founders’ Days 2020, as well as messages from all three days. Go to: mabts.edu/foundersdays
Mid-America’s own Dr. Lee Brand Jr., Dean of the Seminary, preached at the conference along with other nationwide leaders committed to the Bible.
SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE SERIES, VOL. 1, COMPLETED The first volume of the Sufficiency of Scripture Series is complete. With four issues now available at mabts.edu/sufficiency, people worldwide are better able to understand some of the critical debates within our churches regarding the sufficiency of the Bible to bring about change in our society.
READ
Read all four issues in Volume 1 of the Sufficiency of Scripture Series. Go to: mabts.edu/sufficiency
MID-AMERICA HISPANIC INSTITUTE EXPANDS INTO EL SALVADOR The Hispanic Institute at Mid-America recently began its third year of providing biblical instruction to Spanish speakers. The course topic this semester is Matthew– Acts. Students from Mexico, Central America, and South America are eager for their knowledge of God’s Word to grow deeper. Many of the learners live in the Memphis area. This year the Lord has provided the institute with an exciting opportunity to minister to people who live in El Salvador. Pastor Rigoberto Jimenez Cruz (right) once lived in the United States. He sensed God calling him back to his home country to serve as a missionary to his fellow Salvadorans. Through recorded videos Rigoberto is studying the same material as the students in Memphis, and then teaches these same lessons to Salvadorans who are hungry to learn more about Jesus. He has found opportunities to expand his sphere of influence by presenting these teachings on the local radio station. Rigoberto is a faithful example of Paul’s admonition to teach other Christians, who, in turn, teach yet others (2 Timothy 2:2).
P.O. Box 2350 • Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu • mabts.edu
MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER: UNDERGRADUATE collegeatmidamerica.com/previewday
GRADUATE mabts.edu/previewday Also, be watching our websites for more details about Personal Preview Days this Spring!
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MEMPHIS, TN PERMIT NO. 831
