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FACULTY HIGHLIGHT Dr. John Mark Yeats
John Mark Yeats
DEAN OF STUDENTS AND STUDENT SUCCESS
The faculty of Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College make it clear that not only are they For the Church, but they are for the students. Few members on campus do this as well as John Mark Yeats. He can often be found eating meals with students, running CrossFit workouts, or mentoring Ph.D. students somewhere on campus. Students learn quickly that our dean of Students provides a safe place full of wisdom. For this issue of the Midwestern Magazine, which seeks to examine the vision of being For the Church in the coming decade, Dr. Yeats is an ideal candidate for our faculty highlight.
MBTS How long have you been at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College, and what role do you serve on campus?
JOHN MARK YEATS I serve as dean of Students and Student Success. I came to Midwestern in the fall of 2013, so this fall will mark my seventh anniversary.
MBTS When people spend time around you, it is clear that you truly care about students. Why do you believe caring well for students has such an impact for the Kingdom of God?
human flaws, seemingly overwhelming circumstances, or even apparent success. Church History humbles us as we connect to the “great cloud of witnesses” who contended for the faith before us. It grounds us as we realize the power of the Word of God is transformative in every generation. It strengthens us as we observe those who endured difficult days so we can face our own uncertain times. It encourages us to share the gospel to the ends of the earth as we hear the voices of the past who did the same to the glory of God.
JMY One of my academic mentors, John Woodbridge, always encouraged me to think of students in the same way a pastor thinks of his congregation—as a shepherd. These are men and women with unique gifts and skills who contain potential for making unbelievable differences in the Kingdom of God, no matter the grade that appears in the book. My goal is to help each of these students connect to the material and, consequently, connect it to their life. If we care in this way, it tends to inspire learning further and helps the student think more deeply about his or her impact for the Kingdom. MBTS As you said, you don’t only serve in administration, but you also teach Church History, which is another passion of yours. Why should incoming students consider diving deep into Church History during their time in seminary or college? JMY As believers, we have a rich heritage of men and women who have journeyed before us in the faith. Through their lives, their voices tell a story of the faithfulness of God despite MBTS Finally, this issue of the Midwestern Magazine is about the vision, For the Church. Why is this vision important to you as a staff and faculty member? JMY God’s plan is the church. In Ephesians 3:10, Paul reminds us that it is “through the church the manifold wisdom of God is made known.” The very existence of the church boldly proclaims the goodness of the gospel as we, the members of the body, pursue Christ together. I can think of no better reason for a seminary to exist beyond keeping the biblical moorings of the local church in view. This is a high calling for us to serve congregations in training and equipping the next generation of leaders God will use to reach the world for Christ! My goal is to help each of these students connect to the material and, consequently, connect it to their life.
COME STUDY for the Church
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