Mid-America Messenger-Summer 2023

“But the greatest among you shall be your servant.”

The ministry of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary is often expressed in the words: Bible, Missions, and Evangelism. The application of these principles is most often expressed in serving others; by teaching and preaching the Bible as the true Word of God, serving others by sharing the love of Jesus in taking the Gospel to the nations, and serving others by sharing the Gospel with lost people using the Word of God in a genuine attempt to lead them to Christ.

While service can be described in so many ways, if the Gospel is not a part of service, then service has no real value. As Dr. Adrian Rogers, longtime pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church has said, “We are not trying to make the world a better place to go to hell from.” So, even though we may not speak the phrase as “Gospel service,” we must understand that service with no regard to eternity is not biblical service.

The Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (NASB 1995). The wonderful message of the Bible is that whatever we have received we have a responsibility to pass it on to others; to be, in a real sense, the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus. May we serve our Lord Jesus by serving others with a biblical service that makes disciples of the nations until He comes again to take us home.

MICHAEL R. SPRADLIN, PHD PRESIDENT, MID-AMERICA SEMINARY AND COLLEGE

MID-AMERICA’S CORE VALUES

INSID E

SUMMER 2023

VOLUME 51, NUMBER 1

Published by Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and The College at Mid-America

PRESIDENT

Michael Spradlin, PhD EDITOR Randy Redd, PhD DESIGN Eternity Communications

WEB mabts.edu collegeatmidamerica.com

EMAIL info@mabts.edu

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

NEW! PULPIT SUPPLY PROGRAM

Mid-America is serving churches by supplying student preachers to stand in when needed—a win for churches, students, and the Gospel.

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STUDENT LIFE HAS NEW LIFE!

P.O. Box 2350

Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453

PRACTICAL MISSIONS

Mid-America’s unique practical missions programs—Witness One: Seven and the GO! Program—help serve churches, our community, students, and God.

BRAZILIAN CHURCH PLANT

Mid-America’s reimagined Student Life ministry is building relationships, connecting more students, and having fun!

Mid-America students Luis and Lucy Comin were inspired to plant a church at Mid-America after taking a church planting course.

EYES OF FAITH, LIFE OF SERVICE

Blind from birth, Mid-America student Anthony Bonetti lives his life focused on serving God and serving others. Read the story of his remarkable life and true vision for ministry.

SACRIFICIAL GIVING & SERVICE

The story of the widow’s mite is a mighty illustration of how sacrificial giving reflects selfless service and produces shared blessings.

PUTTING THE “SERVICE” IN

CHURCH SERVICE

Serving churches by supplying student preachers to stand in when needed, MidAmerica’s NEW Pulpit Supply Program is a win for churches, students, and the Gospel.

Mid-America’s new Pulpit Supply Program (PSP) is truly an all-around “win-win-win.”

Supplying churches with a preacher to stand in during the absence of a regular pastor, the PSP is a win for the church who is guaranteed solid, biblical preaching. It’s a win for the student preacher who gains invaluable experience, and it’s a win for the Gospel which is proclaimed with clarity and without compromise. One of Mid-America’s seven Core Values is Service, and the PSP is a good example of how the school really puts the “service” in church service.

Mid-America MDIV student Klayton Carson (left) is the student director of the PSP. In the Q&A below, he explains the many benefits of this vital ministry.

WHAT IS THE PULPIT SUPPLY PROGRAM?

The program is an opportunity for Mid-America men, from associates to PhD, to serve local churches in the greater Memphis area through preaching. It serves churches whose pastor is unable to preach as well as churches that are in between pastorates. The PSP facilitates connecting a preacher to a preaching mentor. The program also offers a monthly preaching class called the School of the Prophets, which all men at Mid-America are invited to attend, both inperson or virtually. The name of the class, “School of the Prophets,” pays tribute not only to the group mentioned in 2 Kings 2 but also to the original name that Mid-America operated under for one year in 1972.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PSP TO CHURCHES?

The benefits of the program to churches come in different ways. For the church that has a pastor, it benefits them in that their pastor can have a day of rest. Furthermore, many churches that have only one pastor often are stuck whenever he goes on vacation or even on a mission trip. The Pulpit Supply Program is able to come alongside that under-shepherd and give them the opportunity to rest. The program also benefits churches that are without a pastor. These churches are searching for a pastor, but it can be hard to stay together in the meantime. The program serves as a bridge. We provide the church with someone to preach so they can continue gathering as the body of Christ.

One other benefit is that these churches get to see young men who are dedicated to the Lordship of Christ. In a culture where it seems like every younger generation is slipping further and further away from Christ, these churches get to see the Lord working through young men who are not slipping away.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PSP TO PREACHERS IN TRAINING?

The program provides a place to practice what these young men have been called to do. It’s difficult for local churches to provide preaching opportunities for young men trained for ministry, so this program creates opportunities for these young preachers to preach while still being able to remain active in their local church, go to school, and prepare for their future ministry.

The School of the Prophets monthly preaching class benefits students by allowing them to engage with experienced preachers and getting to ask that preacher specific questions. This was best seen with Dr. Steven Smith at the January 2023 School of the Prophets event. Dr. Smith spoke briefly on 2 Corinthians 4:5 and then spent over 40 minutes answering questions from students. The questions ranged from illustrations to delivery and everything in between.

WHAT SETS MID-AMERICA-TRAINED PREACHERS APART?

What sets Mid-America preachers apart is their desire. The men who have joined the Pulpit Supply Program desire to preach, to make much of Jesus, to study, and to learn. All of the preachers in the program have the itch to preach, and they are always ready to preach when called upon.

ALREADY MORE THAN 100 PREACHING ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE NEW MINISTRY 16

DIFFERENT CHURCHES SERVED SO FAR 3 DIFFERENT STATES TENNESSEE ARKANSAS MISSISSIPPI

TESTIMONIES ABOUT THE PULPIT SUPPLY PROGRAM

We are profoundly grateful for Mid-America’s pulpit supply program and highly recommend it for churches looking for an excellent source of student pastors. We can state with confidence that the program is an invaluable asset for churches in need of a pastor, and we are thankful for all that Mid-America has done to provide us with such amazing students.

Mid-America student Andre Randolph is a frequent guest preacher at Ebenezer Church in Tipton County, Tennessee.

The Pulpit Supply Program at Mid-America has been such a blessing to both the student body and the community of churches we are able to reach! As a young preacher involved in the program, I have grown much more in my skill and dedication to the art of preaching as a result of the program, and hope to continue to do so while I am still here. I am forever grateful!

At Calvary Baptist Church one Sunday, after I’d concluded my sermon with prayer, one of the congregants noticed that the elderly sister sitting next to her still had her head down and eyes closed. They eventually called 911 and found out that she suffered from a serious medical condition. The next time I preached there, not only was that elderly sister there, but she was trying to encourage me. She told me the sermon was helpful and even remembered the passage from which I preached. Being there with her when this horrific experience happened to her really endeared me to her and that church. To me, that’s what this program is all about.

As a new student at MidAmerica, the Pulpit Supply Program has been a fantastic opportunity for me to gain experience preaching and help churches without a pastor. It has allowed me to preach at seven different churches in both Tennessee and Arkansas. The School of the Prophets class has allowed me to learn from some of the greatest preachers to prepare me to preach for these churches. I was also put in contact with a preacher named Dr. Timothy Pigg, who has personally worked with me so that the congregations can hear great sermons every week.

If you would like to attend the next School of the Prophets event, or if you would like to have a Mid-America student come and preach a revival event or other special service, contact Klayton Carson at KACarson01@mabts.edu.

Brad Case, Leadership Team member, Ebenezer Church, Mason, Tennessee

Aaron Russell, Junior at The College at MidAmerica

Andre Randolph, PhD student at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary

Collin McAdams, Freshman at The College at Mid-America

MID-AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN ARTISTS SERIES OPENS WITH CHARLES BILLINGSLEY

The Christian Artists Series benefiting MidAmerica Baptist Theological Seminary and College opened on a high note as Charles Billingsley presented an intimate concert at the Mid-America Chapel on April 27.

Charles Billingsley has been one of Christian music’s most distinctive artists for nearly 30 years, performing on the stages of Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center as well as hundreds of churches and conferences around the country.

In addition to the concert themed as “An Evening with Charles Billinglsey,” the gifted speaker and singer was also the special guest at Mid-America’s weekly Chapel event earlier in the afternoon. Also, just before the concert he attended a special meet and greet where Artist’s Circle guests had the opportunity to interact with Charles before the concert.

DR. DAVID L. ALLEN LAUNCHES JOB COMMENTARY WITH BOOK SIGNING AT MID-AMERICA

Continuing Mid-America’s long tradition of faculty publishing influential commentaries and other publications, Dr. David L. Allen, Distinguished Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of the Adrian Rogers Center for Biblical Preaching, recently published Exalting Jesus in Job, part of the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series from Holman Reference. He held a book signing at the Lion’s Den, Mid-America’s bookstore.

Starting from the conviction that Christ can be found in each book of the Bible, Dr. Allen invites the reader to discern His presence in the Book of Job. Each section of commentary—on subjects from “Wishing You Had Never Been Born” to the speeches of Job’s friends—is followed by reflection and discussion questions for devotions and small groups.

ACADEMIC NEWS

FLEXIBLE COURSE AND DEGREE OPTIONS

Mid-America has always been a leader in making theological education accessible through affordable tuition and course/degree options that accommodate your schedule and location—online and on-campus. This fall, we’re expanding the options, including more Monday courses, so that you can earn a degree while attending just one day a week. We will also be offering more evening classes. These courses will focus on the core and practical classes of our degrees, such as theology, counseling, preaching, evangelism, missions, and more.

NEW DEGREE! BA IN COMMUNICATION

The College at Mid-America is continuing to expand our degree offerings. Our latest new degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Joining other bachelor’s degrees in business, leadership, counseling, and Christian studies, the BA in Communication includes courses such as Writing for Public Relations, Event Planning and Donor Relations, Media in Society, Communications Ethics, and much more. Get complete details at collegeatmidamerica.com/ bachelor-of-arts-in-communication.

“TO ALL THE WORLD” BEGINS

ACROSS THE STREET

STREET

BY LARRY A. THOMPSON MID-AMERICA ALUMNUS, MDIV, 1995

Walking down this street was starting to make me feel extremely uncomfortable.

Here I was, new to Memphis, dropped off in an inner-city neighborhood that I had heard about on the news—and not in a positive way. People were looking at me like, “What are you doing here?”

Yet I suddenly felt a peace, a bullet-proof boldness that propelled me to walk right up to the nearest person, who happened to be a young woman in her early teens, hand her a Gospel tract, and ask, “Can I tell you about Jesus?”

Her answer was astonishing, “Who is Jesus?”

What?! You’ve got to be kidding. I’m in downtown Memphis, the buckle of the Bible belt, “a church on every corner,” and I’m talking to a person who’s never heard of Jesus? Yet she genuinely did not know—never heard of Him.

That’s when I realized, as a new Mid-America student doing my weekly practical missions project, you don’t have to cross the sea to find a mission field—though that’s urgently needed—you only need to cross the street. There are plenty of people right in our communities who have little or no knowledge of Jesus Christ.

FIFTY YEARS OLD AND RUNNING, MID-AMERICA’S PRACTICAL MISSIONS PROGRAM is one of the many distinctives which has set the school apart from its inception. None of the other six Southern Baptist seminaries have such a hands-on, every-student, everysemester program or requirement for their students to be involved in practical missions and evangelism.

Dr. John Charping, Chairman of the Missions Department and Associate Professor of Missions and Theology, says, “Mid-America is focused on equipping servant leaders. Everything is theory until it is put into practice. Mid-America’s practical missions programs provide the opportunity and accountability to build practical ministry skill sets by serving Christ’s interests in others [Philippians 2:19–21].”

Serving. It’s the heartbeat of the ministry, and Mid-America’s practical missions program embraces all seven of our core values: BIBLE—Helps fulfills the Great Commission.

MISSIONS—Reaches the unreached who are numerous in the Mid-South. EVANGELISM—Equips students for one-on-one, personal soul-winning. DISCIPLESHIP—Begins with the Gospel presentation, but extends to making fully mature disciples of Christ. For students, it also closes the discipleship circle—equipping disciple-making disciples.

COMMUNITY—Creates a strong sense of community among those who serve side-by-side in Gospel ministry.

Mid-America ad from 2011 about the real-world training provided by our practical missions program.

LEADERSHIP—Equips students to lead churches and individuals in their ministries to make missions and evangelism a priority.

SERVICE—Enlists participants in Gospel-centered service at every level: serving churches, serving the community, serving students, and serving God.

SERVING GOD

With more than 168,000 professions of faith witnessed by our students since our founding in 1972, MidAmerica has seen an average of 65 salvations each week, 52 weeks a year, for 50 years. This astounding statistic is just the tip of the iceberg. More than 660,000 persons have been witnessed to by our students and hundreds of thousands of hours invested in preaching sermons and other ministry.

These numbers represent what God has done through our students while enrolled at Mid-America. Additionally, our thousands of alumni go out “to all the world for Jesus’ sake” with a lifelong passion for soulwinning, leading untold thousands more to Christ.

SERVING STUDENTS

The benefits of the practical missions program are

vast. Students get hands-on, real-world training and experience in personal evangelism. For some, it’s their first experience in presenting the Gospel. For all, it’s a contagious Gospel fever that impacts their ministry for a lifetime.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Only God knows the eternal imprint that Mid-America’s practical missions program has had on the city of Memphis and the greater Mid-South area during the past 50 years. Seeds planted, lives changed, goodwill produced, families impacted—the ripple effects have made Memphis a different community now and for generations to come.

SERVING THE CHURCH

Many of Mid-America’s practical missions ministries are conducted through local churches, but all efforts inure back to the church, where follow-up occurs— from baptism to on-going teaching and disciplemaking. Our students often serve as leaders for individual churches’ own missions and evangelism programs, multiplying Mid-America’s influence and impact even more.

Practical missions infuse the very DNA of MidAmerica, marking a passion ignited by our founder, Dr. B. Gray Allison, whose soul-winning exploits challenged generations. Fifty years later, Mid-America President Dr. Michael Spradlin and the faculty still carry the torch for personal evangelism. It’s one of the hallmarks of Mid-America that not only sets us apart, but provides evidence of God’s mighty hand on the school which steadfastly continues, in the words of our Alma Mater, to “Lift high the Cross, His love proclaim, Mid-America bear His name!”

For decades, Mid-America students have taken the legendary “Personal Evangelism” course taught first by founding President Dr. B. Gray Allison and now by current President Dr. Michael R. Spradlin. It is training not just for practical missions, but a lifetime of soul-winning ministry.

Essential for all believers who desire to be obedient to the Scriptural call to make disciples, the content for this course has now been compiled into an engaging book edited and revised by Dr. Spradlin. Learn how to witness in a simple, biblical, and effective way in this inspiring and informative resource.

IT’S LIKE TAKING OUR LEGENDARY

‘PERSONAL EVANGELISM’ COURSE.

MID-AMERICA PRACTICAL MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES

Practical missions are any activities that fit within one or more of the five core tasks of a Great Commission church. Here are some examples:

1. Entry (ministry that shows God’s love in practical ways and provides a context to share the Gospel)

z Food distribution (Bellevue Baptist Church)

z Serving through a church’s ESL program

z Serving through Memphis Send Relief ministry center

z Serving through Refuge Memphis

z Serving through One by One Ministries or Life Choices

z Serving through Calvary Rescue Mission or Ronnie Tullos ministries

2. Evangelism (sharing the Gospel)

z Going door to door

z Serving on a church’s visitation program

z Sunday afternoons evangelism at Shelby Farms

z College campus evangelism

z Evangelistic Bible studies

z Going on a missions trip

3. Discipleship (equipping saints)

z Teaching a small group in a church

z A discipleship/accountability group connected with a local church

z Teaching a group of believers how to share the Gospel, study the Bible, pray, etc.

4. Healthy Church Formation (church planting)

z Serving with a core group starting a church

5. Leadership Development (conducting some type of leadership development)

z Training leaders in any area of church life and ministry life

z Teaching a short course on a biblical doctrine

WITNESS ONE:SEVEN & GO! PROGRAM REPORT 2022–2023

168, 314

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH WITNESSED BY OUR STUDENTS SINCE 1972

17,487

NUMBER OF HOURS OUR STUDENTS SPENT DOING PRACTICAL MISSIONS

86

7

NUMBER OF PROFESSIONS OF FAITH THROUGH THE WITNESSING OF OUR STUDENTS THIS YEAR

5 , 077

NUMBER OF PEOPLE OUR STUDENTS WITNESSED TO

2,503

NUMBER OF SERMONS PREACHED BY OUR STUDENTS

Witness One:Seven and GO! Program results reported for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters

BLIND FROM BIRTH, ANTHONY BONETTI LIVES HIS LIFE FOCUSED ON SERVING GOD, SERVING OTHERS

EYES OF FAITH LIFE OF SERVICE

BY NICK BROWN DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE, DEAN OF MEN

If you come to the campus of Mid-America, you will likely see Anthony Bonetti sitting on a couch with his service dog Kenny at his feet. This specific couch is his favorite spot when he has a break between classes. Most of the students have to walk through this area, and by the way one walks, Anthony can tell who is moving through the front foyer. What is even more amazing, however, is Anthony’s heart for serving King Jesus.

ALTHOUGH THE LORD WOULD OPEN THE EYES OF FAITH in Anthony later in life, God did not give him physical sight at birth. Anthony’s sight impairment has not stopped him from living a life of service to the Lord. Anthony is an example of going forward in faith, from studying God’s Word and preaching in the Pulpit Supply Program (see story on pages 4–6) to running marathons and training for the Paralympics. Most importantly, his life has pointed him towards one of service for the glory of God and the good of others, making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Anthony Bonetti trusted Christ as his Savior on May 10, 2014, at age 15, after a season of the Lord bringing him under conviction over his sin. Once Anthony came to Christ, he started a journey of service to Christ that continues to manifest today in the ministries in which he participates at his church and school.

GOD PUT A DESIRE AND CALLING IN ANTHONY’S LIFE to preach the Good News of Jesus and make disciples shortly after coming to Christ. A key part of preparing for ministry involved where he would study and receive equipping. After extensive research, the Lord directed Anthony to Mid-America College and Seminary.

When asked why he came to Mid-America for his ministry training, he said, “The Spirit pulled me towards Mid-America because it has a record of strong biblical teaching. In my research, it did not seem like many schools had that strong of a focus on biblical teaching.”

Anthony aims to graduate this December with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Counseling. If you have a conversation with Anthony, it is clear that the influence of the degree has helped prepare him with scriptural answers to the issues of life. Mid-America will also be able to continue its service to Anthony as he plans to pursue an MDIV in Missiology after graduation.

AS MUCH AS MID-AMERICA HAS SERVED ANTHONY, he has given much back to the school in his three years as a student. He consistently participates in the majority of events on campus and does so with a positive attitude. Anthony’s most noticeable area of service is his participation in the fast-growing Pulpit Supply Program at Mid-America. Most weekends, he fills the pulpits of area churches that may be between pastors or need a guest speaker.

Recently, Anthony also increased his opportunities for service by becoming a husband. He and his wife Elena were married on January 13, 2023.

When considering the remarkable life of Anthony Bonetti, it is apparent that the most extraordinary aspect of his life is not only what he has accomplished while sight impaired, but simply that Anthony is a sterling example of a Mid-America student. He is fully committed to serving Christ through the school, the community, and the church, bringing spiritual sight to a world in darkness by teaching and preaching the Light of God’s Word.

BY DR. MIKEY MEWBORN VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT LIFE; DEAN OF THE SEMINARY; PROFESSOR

Student Life at Mid-America is experiencing a “revival” of sorts. From our Tuesday Report Hour to our Pulpit Supply program, the Lord is shaping a generation of new students for Gospel ministry. This change started with a desire to connect with churches and mission organizations in Memphis and around the world. We wanted to strengthen churches and organizations by training students in Gospel ministry. Two years ago, Dr. Brad Thompson and I started brainstorming about ways to change the culture of Student Life at Mid-America. We wanted to improve our efforts in recruiting and retaining students. Over several months of prayer and planning, we created a pathway to enhance our current programs while developing new ways to connect with people locally as well as internationally.

We wanted every MidAmerica event and program to build a strong community while pointing people to Christ. We wanted a Student Life department that focused on building and strengthening relationships with current and prospective students. We committed to working closely with students, faculty, and staff to engage the community. Through the Lord’s guidance and strength, we were able to set goals and develop a vibrant Student Life department. Today, Student Life oversees Admissions, Student Life, and Housing. Each department works closely with the others to create a wonderful experience for current and prospective students.

THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE HAS CHANGED THE WAY WE ENGAGE AND RECRUIT NEW STUDENTS. Almost two years ago, we decided to connect with prospective students through schools and churches. To do so, we needed the right team to accomplish this immense task. After much prayer and consideration, Mid-America hired Dr. Candi Finch to lead our Admissions efforts. Dr. Finch has reorganized and built an outstanding Admissions department. The

Dr. Mikey Mewborn

STUDENT LIFE

Mid-America’s Student Life office sponsored the “Golden Games” during the Spring semester. Students were divided into four teams and competed in a zany line-up of games to earn prizes—and bragging rights!

Admissions team works diligently to recruit new students in school chapels, fairs, and mission events on a weekly basis.

Each semester, the Admissions team offers prospective students an opportunity to get to know Mid-America through an event called Preview Day. Our Preview Days include an interactive experience for prospective students to connect with Mid-America students, faculty, and staff. Everyone looks forward to Previews Days each semester.

Also, Mid-America has opened its doors to become a meeting place for alums, churches, events, and concerts. We want to use our facilities to partner with local ministries and churches. The Lord has given us this beautiful campus, and we seek to use it for his glory. Today, we are seeing homeschool groups, local schools, and churches use our facilities to further the work of Gospel ministry.

OUR STUDENT LIFE OFFICE (previously known as Campus Life) has also experienced a major renovation. The changes started over four years ago during the

inception of the College at Mid-America. We started introducing new activities and events to the student body in those early years. As the department grew, we noticed the need to expand our programs. To accomplish this great task, we needed a strong leader to help organize events and pastor the student body. The Lord exceeded our expectations when he brought us Nick Brown in August 2021. Pastor Nick has created a vibrant Student Life program that rises above anything we have ever seen. His genuine love for people has encouraged and strengthened Student Life at Mid-America.

Along with our student events and ministries, we have relaunched our church relations and alumni efforts. We are working hard to stay connected with our alums around the world. We have developed a team of people who reach out to individuals about their ministries and most significant needs. It thrills our souls to hear how God is using them worldwide. One of the ways we strengthen our alums is through prayer. Our beloved professors pray for our alumni during our faculty meetings on their birthdays.

MID-AMERICA STUDENT HOUSING (MASH) is the third component of our Student Life office. Our student housing is one of the greatest draws for Mid-America students. We offer safe and spacious apartment units and set the price at an affordable rate. Our students pay a much lower rent rate than other apartment complexes. We are aware of the financial struggles facing our students. We seek to lessen the burden by giving students a significant discount on rent.

In summary, we see a movement of God at The College at Mid-America and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. We hear amazing stories of how God works through our students, staff, and faculty each week. We are a true family at Mid-America, experiencing tremendous spiritual and physical growth. I am glad to be part of the Mid-America family.

MID-AMERICA’S ARKANSAS PRISON INITIATIVE INAUGURAL GRADUATING CLASS

Established in 2019, Mid-America’s first prison program, the Arkansas Prison Initiative at the Varner Supermax Unit in Gould, Arkansas, was pleased to present its inaugural commencement exercises on May 12, 2023. Eighteen inmate graduates were awarded a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from The College at MidAmerica.

The event was attended by MidAmerica President, Dr. Mike Spradlin,

Executive Vice President and College Dean, Dr. Brad Thompson, Director of the Varner Prison Initiative, Dr. Mark Thompson, and other Mid-America faculty. A number of Arkansas dignitaries and prison administrators also attended.

Inmates who participate receive an education tailored to equip them to minister to other inmates. As Mid-America students, the exact academic expectations and moral standards of Mid-America apply. Upon graduation, the department of corrections invites eligible inmates to participate as field ministers in the prison system. Tasked with various assignments, the department of corrections uses these field ministers to help promote moral rehabilitation within the prison they serve.

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY AND PORTRAYING THE GOSPEL, MID-AMERICA PASSION PLAY WITNESSES 41 SALVATIONS

BY DR. JAMES D. WHITMIRE INSTRUCTOR EMERITUS, MUSIC AND WORSHIP

It was an absolute joy to be a part of the Mid America Passion Play, presented in the Mid-America Chapel, March 30–April 2. From the first tryouts through all the rehearsals, things went so well that God’s provision and protection were evident. God the Father watched over the whole production, “enthroned on His praise”. God the Holy Spirit “kissed it” with His blessing as Jesus, God the Son, was magnified through all that was done on stage.

We had the largest cast and crew we have had. The “pit choir” and orchestra were beautiful! All the tickets were sold with extra seats put out on the last performance. We had 41 people saved with 55 rededications.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). We felt this freedom and liberty at every rehearsal and all five performances! I had fun directing it, and the audience enjoyed it. We felt God’s liberty and freedom every night.

“OLÁ!” FROM THE BRAZILIAN CHURCH PLANT AT MID-AMERICA

BY LUIS COMIN

PASTOR OF BRAZILIAN CHURCH MEETING AT MID-AMERICA

The Comin family, which includes myself, my wife Lucy, and our sons Filipe and Rafael, arrived in Memphis in July 2018. I entered the Master’s program at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary that fall.

During the pandemic in 2020, after taking the Church Planting class, God called my wife and me to plant a church for Brazilians living in Memphis. We started meeting in our Mid-America Student Housing apartment with just our family. My sister-in-law and her son in Brazil followed the meetings through social media.

We used that same social media as the tool to reach the Brazilians living here in Memphis and the surrounding area. The Brazilian community in Memphis does not concentrate in one neighborhood, so they tend to use social media to communicate and do business.

Lucy learned about a Facebook group created to support the Brazilians living in this area. The group was helping them do basic things like opening bank accounts and applying for a driver’s license. Lucy started to reach out to the women in this group through social media, including the group leader. She invited them to attend the meetings at our home. Some started coming to our meetings and our apartment soon got very crowded.

WE NEEDED A BIGGER SPACE TO MEET. Through the support of Brown Missionary Baptist Church, our sending church, and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, I asked Dr. Michael Spradlin, President of Mid-America, about the possibility of using a space in the Student Housing office. He promptly offered us the facilities at Mid-America’s campus.

On October 24, 2021, we officially launched Brown Baptist Brazil, with regular Sunday services at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday Home Bible Studies for adults and youth, and prayer meetings every Friday at 7:00 p.m.

We have been supported by Brown Missionary Church in Southaven, Mississippi, pastored by a MidAmerica graduate, Bartholomew Orr. We have also received ongoing support from Mid-America and the staff. They are helping us to serve not only Brazilians but helping us to reach every nation.

AFTER TWO YEARS, WE HAVE ABOUT 30 IN ATTENDANCE EACH SUNDAY with Brazilians, Americans, and people from other countries. Many lives are also being reached even in Brazil as people watch the service through Facebook and Instagram each Sunday.

Lucy translates the devotional from the sending church with the permission of Dr. Orr and posts it on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram daily to give people access to God’s Word. Moreover, it has reached many lives around the world. The devotionals have impacted many lives in Brazil, Africa, Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

I also write daily devotionals and post them on WhatsApp for our church’s men and member groups. They have been sharing the devotionals with people in Brazil. A large group of Christian policemen and believers in Christ awaits God’s Word every day.

BECAUSE OF THE CHURCH PLANTING INCENTIVE RECEIVED FROM MID-AMERICA, we have also started to plant another church in Brazil, giving assistance and discipling a couple we met many years ago. After a year, they are the missionary couple of Igreja Batista Missionária em Jataí (Missionary Baptist Church in Jataí) with 35 people attending, and they are growing every month.

It is incredible what God has been doing these few years. We have many challenges ahead and need your prayer support. Our mission is to change lives and make a difference in the community. Our vision is to change lives through the Gospel’s power and make a difference for God’s glory. “Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us” (Philippians 4:13).

Meeting in homes builds community and relationships for the growing church body.

Pastor Luis and his wife Lucy were inspired to plant a Brazilian church after taking a Church Planting class at Mid-America.

BY VAN GRAY CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

In Matthew 13, Jesus told the parable of the sower, causing the disciples to ask why He spoke in parables. Jesus responded (v. 11), “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been granted.” Jesus then explained the mystery of the parable to them (vv. 18–23).

In Luke 21:1–4 and Mark 12:41–44, we are told of the poor widow’s gift of two small copper coins. Although her gift was very modest, Jesus said this poor widow “put in more than all of them...put in all that she had to live on” (Luke 21:3–4). The Scriptures are silent about her actual circumstances; we can only speculate. We do know, however, that God Himself is a husband to her and is her protector (Psalm 146:9b, Jeremiah 49:11b, Luke 6:38).

SHE TRUSTED HIM COMPLETELY AND CHEERFULLY GAVE all she had, relying upon Him for all her needs. In return, God elevated the impact of her modest gift to exceed all others given that day. We can confidently conclude that she was blessed for her gift and her faith; Jesus honored her by recording her example in His Word for the benefit and instruction of all future believers.

In recognition of their grant to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus called His disciples (Mark 12:43) to share His evaluation of what the poor widow had just done. I’m sure they were startled to hear that she had given more than all the others with her two small coins. Jesus was providing a glimpse of heavenly reality.

Jesus revealed a mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven: He evaluates behavior by internal motives, not outward appearances. He looks on the heart, not as men see things (see Proverbs 3:5b and 1 Samuel 16:7b). At the judgment, the Lord will “disclose the motives of men’s hearts”

(I Corinthians 4:5).

THIS STORY IS OFTEN CALLED “THE WIDOW’S MITE.” IT COULD ALSO BE CALLED “THE WIDOW’S MIGHT.” Her gift had greater heavenly impact than all the others. It may come as quite a surprise that a gift’s size has little bearing on the impact, when the heart attitude is right. As Adrian Rogers was fond of saying, “The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.”

THE STORY OF THE WIDOW’S MITE IS A MIGHTY ILLUSTRATION OF HOW SACRIFICIAL GIVING REFLECTS SELFLESS SERVICE AND PRODUCES SHARED BLESSINGS.

THE WIDOW’S MIGHT

Does God want our hearts knit to His? I think so.

Paul offers additional insight:

“See that you abound in this gracious work also...you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich…do this…also to desire to do it...it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have…not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality…at this present time your abundance being a supply for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want, that there may be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:7–14)

THIS ECHOES CHRIST’S SACRIFICIAL GIFT that we might become rich and also echoes the poor widow’s gift. Therefore, we must not hesitate to give because we cannot give a large amount. Note that in 2 Corinthians 8:10–11 we are informed that the sequence is to desire to give, then to begin to give, then to finish giving it. Also, God promises to link your harvest to the gift. He will multiply your harvest of righteousness and will be enriched to meet every need considered by your liberality! We give. He multiplies. The recipient prays for the giver, glorifying God for the giver— revealing another mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven!

“And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3:14)

In this reference, Paul is clearly teaching that we are to be prepared to meet needs, pressing needs, of those around us. But what of the roles of the supporter and the one who receives the support for pressing

needs, on the “front lines,” as they are often described? Does Scripture directly address this relationship or provide hints or glimpses of it?

“Then David said, ‘You must not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us. And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike’. And so it has been from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.”

(1 Samuel 30:23–25)

“Calling a bird of prey from the East, the man of My purpose from a far country.” (Isaiah 46:11)

Combined, these two references:

1. Reveal that those who are “merely” supporters (who “stay with the baggage” or meet pressing needs) share equally with those who fight the battles (on the “front lines”). Each role is dependent on the other.

2. Recognize that God can call a man from anywhere to fulfill His purposes, either as a supporter or as a warrior on the “front lines” of His purpose(s).

THE “GLIMPSE,” OR MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, REVEALS REALITY FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE. Gifts according to our ability are evaluated by our hearts motivation to make the gift. While God is pleased to use our gifts, He is far more interested in our hearts being knitted to His heart. When our gifts are motivated by obedience to His Word and a sincere desire to give for His purpose(s), God will mightily leverage our gifts, far beyond its face value, just as He acknowledged with the poor widow’s gift, and we will all share alike in the victory! Giving is always between the believer and the Lord

Consider this when you desire to give.

Consider this when you give.

Consider this when you finish the gift.

If so, you can know that God is pleased. “See that you abound in this gracious work also.”

Or contact Van Gray, Mid-America’s Chief Development Officer, at vgray@mabts.edu or 901-751-3077.

DR. ADRIAN ROGERS, long-time pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, founder of Love Worth Finding Ministries, and faithful friend and champion of MidAmerica, referred to our school as “Scholarship on Fire.” Capturing this spirit and honoring his legacy, the Adrian Rogers Preaching Conference is a Mid-America tradition in which impassioned, Christ-centered preaching is on glorious display. This year, the Conference will be held in conjunction with our annual Founders’ Days, creating a three-day celebration you will not want to miss. See below and the next page for more information, and put this historic event on your calendar now.

ADRIAN ROGERS PREACHING CONFERENCE

z Three days of training and celebration

z Begins Monday, August 14, 12:00 noon, and runs through Wednesday, August 16, after lunch

z Daily celebrations in conjunction with Founders’ Days

z Monday, August 14, 7:00 p.m.

z Tuesday, August 15, 7:00 p.m.

z Wednesday, August 16, 11:00 a.m.

z Special speakers include Dr. David L. Allen, Dr. Bartholomew Orr, Dr. Michael Spradlin, and more

z Breakout sessions and workshops

z Major giveaways

z Register online today! ($40 cost includes meals)

P.O. Box 2350 • Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350

901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu • mabts.edu

AUGUST 14–17, 2023

Monday, August 14, 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 15, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 16, 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, August 17, 11:00 a.m.

Also, attend the Alumni & Friends Reception, Monday, August 14, 5:30 p.m.

MABTS.EDU/FOUNDERSDAYS

FOUNDERS’ DAYS this year will be combined with the Adrian Rogers Preaching Conference (see previous page), so expect some inspired preachers, including those to the left. Also, enjoy worship led by Jim Whitmire and Joshua McClain. Join us live or watch online, but don’t miss it!

DR. MICHAEL