The Great Commission Magazine of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary: Fall 2015

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d th n a ine s s y t r e suit of h a pp t line s b r i u p l e h t s d religiou oday’s culture / lifse, libe/rtryealign ious liberty on the fron

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iage in t d p olit ic re a l m a rr 30 / c hris t ia nit y a n g in d n e f e d y pg. a nd libert obedienc e

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WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

WE’LL HELP YOU GET THERE. iamgoing.org

/sebts

Religious Liberty and Freedom of Conscience: A Baptist Distinctive Grounded in the Imago Dei @DannyAkin

A Letter from the President passion for religious liberty and freedom of conscience runs in the veins of Baptists.

It is actually in our DNA! Our forefathers and mothers fought and suffered for this inalienable right because they knew and understood to truly love and worship God is to love and worship Him freely. Coerced love is an oxymoron. It is nonsensical. We must be free to love our God without intimidation because it is a divine right granted to us by our Creator as His imagers. This is why we persuade others to trust Christ with the Word and not the sword!

Southern Baptists are firmly committed to this proposition for all persons. Indeed, we are willing, like those who have gone before us, to fight for and even suffer for every person’s right to believe or not believe according to their conscience. So important is religious liberty to us that we have an article in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message specifically dedicated to this conviction. There we read: XVII. Religious Liberty God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it.

Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every

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church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:67, 24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1, 13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.

This is a wonderful statement of faith and conviction. God alone is Lord of the conscience. Not any man. Not any government. The government is to keep its nose out of the church’s business and we will honor and obey the government as long as what it requires is not contrary to the will of God revealed in Holy Scripture. All men should have “the right of free and unhindered access to God…and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion…” What we ask for ourselves we gladly grant as a right to others.

George W. Truett, renowned pastor of FBC Dallas, TX from 1897-1944 said, “Freedom of conscience, unlimited freedom of mind, was from the first the trophy of Baptists” (citing American historian George Bancroft). I fear this trophy is in serious danger of being snatched away in our day. Rumbling in our governments and courts signal that a “religious liberty tsunami” may be on the near horizon. For the sake of our nation and the nations, we cannot sit on the sideline or be silent. My friend Russell Moore, President of the ERLC, says, “We [Baptists] have a history of being irritants” when it comes to religious liberty. Irritants, let us rise up and seize the day!

Daniel L. Akin, President

Around Southeastern Concerts Left: April 11 Kari Jobe Concert in Binkley Chapel Right & Below: May 1 Kings Kaleidoscope Benifit Concert, raising $6,946 to fight human trafficking.

Photos by Maria Estes

Around Southeastern Global Missions Week Left: Global Missions Week’s Taste of the Nations Event Below: Edgar Aponte hosts a discussion on “Latin America and Global Missions”

Photos by Maria Estes

Around Southeastern SBC Left: Interactive wall display at the SBC Annual Meeting exhibit hall booth Below: David Platt makes a surprise visit to the SEBTS Alumni Luncheon at the SBC Annual Meeting To see more of SEBTS at the SBC, visit iamgoi.ng/sbc

Photos by Maria Estes

VISIT us We would love for you to visit campus for a

Pre vie w Day or campus tour For more information about your visit and to arrange accommodations for a campus tour, please call

1.800.284.6317

iamgoing.org

or visit

We look forward to seeing you on campus!

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Fall 2015

Bruce Ashford Provost Ryan Hutchinson Executive Vice President for Operations

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Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).

Southeastern is an institution of higher learning and a Cooperative Program ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention. Support comes through the gifts of the Cooperative Program and the individual friends of the seminary who provide assistance through wills, estates and trusts.

The Great Commission Magazine of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (ISSN 2327-154X) is published by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary P.O. Box 1889 Wake Forest, NC 27588 www.sebts.edu

To inform us of address changes or if you would like to receive the magazine, please contact us at 919-761-2203 or e-mail alumni@sebts.edu.

Art Rainer Vice President for Institutional Advancement >

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Communications Staff Amy Whitfield, Director Ali Dixon Maria Estes Sam Morris Jordan Parris Bailey Shoemaker Ryan Thomas

Daniel Akin President

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Alumni Staff Jonathan Six, Director Sheldon Alexander Chris Allen Michelle Ard

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NC

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Contents Fall 2015 >

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Read and share online! sebts.edu/magazine

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What’s Happening at Southeastern

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10 Southeastern Alumni United in the Mission of God 12 Leadership Breakfast Encourages Women to Serve Well in Their Mission Field 14 Loving Boldly to Reach the Nations 15 Kingdom Diversity at Southeastern: Two Years of Progress 20 The Southeastern Center for Pastoral Leadership and Preaching Authenticity Series 21 Southeastern Course Gives Students an Inside Perspective of the SBC Annual Meeting 22 Southeastern at the Evangelical Missiological Society 23 New and Upcoming Faculty Works

Featured Stories

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pg f h appiness e p ur s uit o e fron t lines pg . 34 th d n a y t , liber y on th . 25 / life ou s liber t c ult ure pg 32 / religi . ’s y pg s da c to oliti iage in nit y a nd p re al m a rr def ending liber t y pg . 30 / c hristia a nd obedienc e

Campus Spotlight 38 Exploring Hope

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Profiles | See How We Are Going 41 Adrianne Miles | Faculty 42 Leonard Goenaga | Student 44 Julian and Jane Motley | Ministry Partner

45 Window of Opportunity | Daniel Palmer, Director of Financial Development 47 Religious Liberty: What Now? | Jonathan Six, Director of Alumni Development and Denominational Relations

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What’s Happening at Southeastern \

Southeastern alumni united in the mission of God Story by Ali Dixon | Photos by Maria Estes

T

he Southeastern Baptist

God to go make disciples.

Theological Seminar y’s

Ed Stetzer, executive director of

alumni and friends lun-

LifeWay Research, spoke on “All of

cheon hosted 400 guests for brief en-

God’s People on All of God’s Mission.”

gaging talks on mission and a worship

Stetzer stated that “the mission of God

time led by Shane & Shane.

is not something that is engaged by a

The luncheon was held on June 17 at the Southern Baptist Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

David Platt, president of the International Mission Board (IMB),

subset of God’s people but is engaged by all of God’s people.”

“I am blessed when all of God’s people say I am going,” Stetzer said.

D.A. Horton, national coordinator

stopped in to encourage attendees at

for urban student missions at the

the luncheon. Platt spoke about the

North American Mission Board and a

strong partnership between South-

Ph.D. student at Southeastern, spoke

eastern and the IMB to fulfill the

on “Kingdom Diversity and the Mis-

Great Commission.

sion of God.”

Platt believes that God is doing a

Horton highlighted strategic ways

unique work at Southeastern with all

to seek the diversity of the kingdom of

areas of the campus “ingrained with

God in a higher academic setting by

mission fervor.”

building an articulation agreement,

The three short talks were focused on what it means to answer the call of

10 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ FALL 2015

providing benevolent funding and developing a high level of authenticity.

/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

Southeastern. His church pledged an

“God continues to let his hand of blessing rest on this institution.” - Danny Akin

additional $500,000 to support Southeastern over the next 10 years.

“Southeastern is striking a perfect balance between academic theology with practical training,” Carter said.

Horton spoke about how as the

Akin delivered an update on high- “SEBTS was the best educational expe-

unified body of Christ “we’re run-

lights from the past year and future

ning to communities that everyone

goals. “God continues to let his hand

The luncheon concluded as Shane &

is running out of.”

of blessing rest on this institution,”

Shane came on stage to lead the

Chuck Quarles, professor of New

Akin said.

Testament and Biblical Theology,

Matt Carter, pastor of teaching and

spoke on “SEBTS and the Great Com-

vision at The Austin Stone Community

mission.” Quarles believes that Jesus’

Church in Austin, Texas, recently grad-

greatness leads the nations to believe

uated with a Doctor of Ministry from

rience of my life.”

friends and family of Southeastern in worship before they departed to their places of ministry around the world.

More of SEBTS at the SBC: iamgoi.ng/sbc

in him and worship him.

“God will draw the nations of the world to bow before our Savior,” Quarles said. “We should share the gospel expectantly because our Savior is greater.”

Southeastern President Danny

Shane and Shane

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What’s Happening at Southeastern \

Kathy Litton, Elicia Horton, Selma Wilson

“I was there, not to be a people pleaser but was there to serve the lord. when i understood that, work had more joy and purpose.”

- Elicia Horton needs Jesus,” Wilson emphasized.

“We are the ladies for this time, and we have more opportunity than ever before; it is time.”

Kathy Litton leads NAMB’s national ministry for pastor’s wives and encouraged women to realize that “whether we like it or not” God has given women the opportunity to lead and have influential roles that impact others.

Elicia Horton, wife of D.A. Horton and mother of three, shared her story about how God led her to leverage her time in the secular workplace as a way to lead others to learn more about Christ. She invited her coworkers to Story by Ali Dixon | Photos by Maria Estes pray in the break room and sought to encourage those around her.

“One of the things we want to talk “I was there, not to be a people pleasabout are the opportunities for women er but was there to serve the Lord,” to lead and the best place to do that in Horton said. “When I understood that, our comfort zone,” she said. work had more joy and purpose.”

The main focus of the event was to Denise O’Donoghue, director of begin the conversation of what it looks women’s life at SEBTS, spoke about like for women to glorify God as they leading a team in a corporate setting. lead biblically in the 21st century.

“People would start to seek me out and Selma Wilson, vice president of or- ask questions about what it means to ganizational development at LifeWay be a follower of Christ,” she said. “In Christian Resources, said, “I think that moment I became a leader for this conversation is so good. One of those seeking after Jesus.” the beautiful things about us in this Wilson encouraged the women to room is that we are united in Christ.” have a personal development plan.

“Ladies we need to step up; the world “Know yourself, and then press for-

Leadership breakfast encourages women to serve well in their mission field outheastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) hosted a women’s leadership breakfast at the 2015 Southern Baptist Convention in Columbus, Ohio on June 17.

One hundred women with a variety of backgrounds attended the breakfast for a panel discussion about the importance of equipping women for leadership.

Lizette Beard, project manager at LifeWay Research and a Ph.D. student at Southeastern, moderated the panel.

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/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

ward in the giftedness and place God has you,” she said.

Women were challenged to leverage their testimonies for reaching others.

The group also discussed the particular emotional intelligence of women and how it can be valuable in the home and the office.

“God redeems everything for his glory,” Wilson said. “I challenge you to step into that. It is an exciting time to see what the next decade holds for women as they step into new opportunities for Kingdom impact.”

Amy Thompson, director of corporate relations at LifeWay, attended the breakfast. “Good fellowship and a strong panel provided a fantastic atmosphere for this event,” she said. “I loved the range of experience and diversity of the panelists. Each lady brought unique insights into what it means to be a Christian woman in leadership.”

Amy Whitfield, director of communications at Southeastern, presented resources, opportunities and the

benefits of pursuing biblical education and graduate degrees. “We truly want to equip students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission,” she said.

SEBTS launched the Kingdom Diversity initiative in fall 2013. One of the aims of the Kingdom Diversity ini-

tiative at Southeastern is for the overall student body, faculty and staff to be 35 percent female by 2022.

Attendees received thirteen print and digital resources from SEBTS, NAMB and LifeWay to equip them to be better students of God’s word and to serve the Lord wherever they are.

More of SEBTS at the SBC: iamgoi.ng/sbc

Denise O’Donoghue, Director of Women’s Life at SEBTS

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What’s Happening at Southeastern \

Loving Boldly to Reach the Nations Story & Photos by Maria Estes

ight Southeastern Baptist Theolog ic a l Semina r y (SEBTS) student wives spent a week in London praying, sharing the gospel and encouraging the missionaries who live there.

“The idea for this trip sprang from a discussion revolving around improving the success rate of our student families on the field,” said Denise O’Donoghue, director of women’s life at SEBTS. “We discovered that families often come back because the wife is unhappy; life on the mission field is not at all what she expected.”

O’Donoghue and Women’s Ministry Coordinator Lesley Hildreth led the missions trip from May 16 to May 23 to give student wives a taste of the particular challenges that come with raising a family while serving overseas. This was the first trip of its kind and was so successf ul t hat O’Donoghue plans to lead a team to London again next year.

The team partnered with a Southeastern missionary family in the 2+ program. This program gives stu-

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dents the opportunity to study for 2 years on campus and complete their degree on the field during a two- or three-year assignment with the International Mission Board (IMB).

Several of the team members’ husbands are in the 2+ program and most hope to serve as missionaries in some capacity. O’Donoghue and Hildreth want to do everything they can to set these students up for success.

“The trip was designed to allow the

O’Donoghue emphasized.

The team’s host missionaries work specifically with North African and Middle Eastern (NAME) peoples living in London, recognizing that this is a strategic location to reach these people who can then take the good news back to their home countries.

“The beauty of spreading the gospel in London is that you get to talk to people from all over the world,” said Mihoko Boyd whose husband is a

“The trip encouraged me, as I prepare for future ministry, to rely on the Holy Spirit and to study harder so that I can be culturally relevant and sensitive as I share the gospel with different nationalities.” - Sara Cade master of divinity student at SEBTS. student wife, in a foreign mission context, to observe, work alongside “I got to talk with a lady from Egypt and another from Ethiopia. I don’t and ask questions of a missionary wife flourishing in her responsibili- know how many different languages ties of wife, mother and missionary,” I heard in one day.”

/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

The SEBTS team hears from their host missionaries about how they have best been able to reach their community with the gospel.

in this city, prayer has to happen.

The week was broken up into two Prayer has to cover it.” training sessions, two scheduled craft On Thursday and Friday the SEBTS events and time for prayer walking and café evangelism. The host mis- team sponsored craft times with sionaries led the training sessions, women the host missionaries have connected with. which included discussions about “Each student had an opportunity to evangelism fears and strategies, spirshare her faith while in London,” said itual warfare and prayer walking.

O’Donoghue. “One shared on a bus, “Even though we’re in a city that has millions of people and we’re sur- one in a café, one in a grocery store and several after being invited to a rounded by people everyday, it’s hard woman’s home following a crochet not to feel alone,” the host missionary class our group sponsored. I had the said. “God has taught us that we have to fight. We have to fight for our rela- opportunity to share the Bible story of Jesus healing the bleeding woman tionship with him; we have to fight for with a woman from India as she drew our family; we have to fight for our the story with henna on my hand.” ministry. We have to fight for our joy O’Donoghue and Hildreth, as well and for obedience, because obedience as the host missionaries, emphasized doesn’t come naturally to us.” the importance of being intentional in “The Lord taught me that obedience sharing the gospel. is our most important job,” said Erin “The students had the opportunity Smith, whose husband is working toto see that, realistically, you may not wards his master of divinity. “To be have an easy opportunity to speak to obedient to pray, to have a daily time someone about Christ,” Hildreth said. with the Lord, to share the gospel and to listen to the Holy Spirit are ways he “You have to be intentional. We ran has grown me from the trip to Lon- into several people just walking down don that will impact my family’s fu- the streets of London who knew our host missionary by name. This really ture ministry.” speaks to her intentionality and was a Participants spent the remainder of their time in small groups prayer walk- great example of her ministry to the NAME peoples.” ing and evangelizing in neighborhoods During a time of debriefing each where many NAME peoples live. night, team members were able to “Prayer walking can seem totally share the successes, struggles and lesfruitless or like you’re wasting time sometimes,” the host missionary said, sons from the day. Several women shared that they were encouraged “but I think it was Tom Elliff who said knowing that they were not alone in ‘Prayer is the work,’ and that’s really their struggles and by the ways the stuck with us. For anything to happen

Top: Erica Smith, Ashton Lowe and Mihoko Boyd enjoy a day off to explore the city.

Bottom: Denise O’Donoghue contributes to a listening exercise during the weekly English class one of the host missionaries teaches.

See a video of the trip on iamgoing.org

Lord was working in their lives.

Many shared that they learned much about prayer, being sensitive and obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and spiritual warfare. “We have a very real enemy who does not want us to do what we are doing,” one of the host missionaries said.

“The Lord used London to confirm the calling in my life to serve internationally,” said Shelby Meyer whose husband is in the 2+ program. “It was a great time of learning what fears stand in the way of me truly saying ‘yes Lord I will go where you call.’”

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What’s Happening at Southeastern \

@K_Diversity

Two Years of progress he Kingdom Diversity Initiative at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) has progressed significantly since its launch in fall 2013. Southeastern is building a seminary that looks more like heaven and training students for multicultural ministry.

Today, Southeastern’s total nonwhite student population is 46.3 percent greater than it was two years ago.

Students from diverse backgrounds are engaged in discussions about music, missions, the gospel, race relations and worship.

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Story by Ali Dixon

Over the last two years, the total non-majority student population has grown from 10.49 percent of the overall student body to almost 14 percent.

The base year of comparison is academic year 2011-2012 and the last year’s numbers are academic year 2014-2015.

Walter Strickland, special advisor to the president for diversity and instructor of theology, is leading the Kingdom Diversity initiative on campus.

“The Kingdom Diversity Initiative has redefined what success looks like on campus,” he said. “Directors, vice presidents and others who implement organizational strategies have been willing to do the hard work of adjusting their methods to incorporate our president’s expanded vision for our school.”

Strickland enjoys making histori-

/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

cally underrepresented students feel a part of the campus community. “Welcoming these students is far more than greeting them with a smile and a welcome sign,” he said. “It means undertaking the process of restructuring every aspect of campus life, from the curriculum to dorm life, to consider the needs of students from every context of God’s kingdom.”

One of the greatest challenges of the initiative for Strickland is managing its breadth. “Because our desire for the initiative is to influence every department on campus and reach the larger evangelical world, it is difficult to prioritize where my time is spent in light of staffing and budget limitations,” he explained.

Strickland is looking forward to spending more time equipping the SEBTS faculty to instruct the diversifying student population. Also, in or-

der for the initiative to inf luence broader evangelicalism, the seminary is producing additional content via blogs, video segments and the Kingdom Diversity Podcast to address issues related to diversity with a Great Commission perspective.

In order to make many of these advances possible, ministry partners of the seminary have supported a Kingdom Diversity Scholarship Fund since April 2014 started in honor of President Danny Akin.

Akin is committed to propel the seminary forward with this initiative.

The scholarship fund quickly reached $270,000 to become one of the seminary’s largest endowed funds to train students for gospel ministry.

“The recent tragedy in Charleston has only deepened my resolve to realize this vision,” Akin said. “Our country is in great need of God’s grace and the realization that true reconciliation happens at the foot of the cross. I want Southeastern to be part of the healing that only God can bring to our land.”

Dena Moten is a recipient of the Kingdom Diversity Scholarship and is studying for a doctor of Christian education. “The Kingdom Diversity Scholarship provides me the opportunity to fulfill God’s leading and allows me to devote quality time to my studies,” she said. “The scholarship creates a path

for men and women who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend a seminary.”

“I believe the initiative shows Southeastern’s commitment to being a Great Commission school, as a more diverse group of people will be reached with the gospel,” she explained.

Immediately following the announcement of the scholarship, inquiries and applications for admission increased dramatically. The number of students applying from underrepresented backgrounds is 77 percent greater today than one year ago.

“It is one thing to say we want Kingdom diversity; it is another thing entirely when donors come together and give sacrificially to fund the vision,” Strickland said. “Southeastern’s donors have given a level of credibility, sincerity, and authenticity to our efforts that could only come from them.”

Since the launch of the initiative, enrollment has passed 3,400 and applications to the college and seminary are on the rise including a number of applicants from ethnic and cultural backgrounds historically underrepresented at Southeastern.

Thiago Zambelli is another Kingdom Diversity scholarship recipient studying for a master of arts of biblical counseling. “The scholarship is unde-

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What’s Happening at Southeastern \

“Seeking and equipping students from every corner of the kingdom to serve in every context of the kingdom.”

The non-majority student population

2014-2015

has increased

46.3% FROM 10.5% 14%

14%

4.5% 3.9% Hispanic Black 3.0% Other

in the last 4 years

2.6% Asian

25% female

of the student body in 2011-2012 to

in 2014-2015

niable proof of how much SEBTS cares about reaching out to different cultures,” Zambelli said. “I feel honored and blessed to be a student here.”

“At the moment, politics and economics in Brazil are terrible,” Thiago said. “Our money exchange is crazy right now. Without the scholarship, I don’t think I would be able to afford being here. We just had a baby, and we see Southeastern as God’s instrument to bless our family.”

Today Southeastern has more than 60 students completing a M.A. in theological studies in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. SEBTS has developed two master level degrees and two certificates in Spanish that are fully online, with students participating from all over North America.

Edgar Aponte, director of Hispanic Leadership Development and instructor of theology, said, “It is so encouraging to hear from students in Latin America and here in the US

about how Southeastern has been shaping them and blessing their ministries. Most of these students are pastors who are leading local congregations. So we are serving them and serving those congregations by equipping their leaders.”

Aponte’s prayer is that in the near future Southeastern will be able to reach and train a generation of pastors, missionaries, counselors and future scholars. “I believe in the importance of a rigorous and worshipful theological education through which people grow in knowledge and love for God and love for the nations,” he emphasized.

Southeastern has hosted several events to engage and inform the seminary community about diversity including: - “It’s Time: Interracial Dialogue in Wake Forest” - Guest lecturer Gerald Smith - 9Marks en Espanol

- Kingdom Celebration with Rev. Fred Luter Jr. - Panel discussions on diversity - A chapel prayer service for racial reconciliation - “Kingdom Diversity: On Earth As It Is In Heaven” at The Gospel Coalition 2014 National Conference - Hispanic Leadership Breakfast at the 2014 SBC Annual Meeting - Women’s Leadership Breakfast at the 2015 SBC Annual Meeting “Dr. Akin’s vision for the Kingdom Diversity Initiative is not to pursue diversity in our student body for the sake of diversity, but because of the Kingdom,” Aponte said. “At Southeastern we seek to train men and women to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. It’s our conviction, that to do that faithfully, we have to train people from all ethnic backgrounds. With God’s grace, we want to reflect the beauty and diversity of the New Jerusalem.”

For additional information on how to contribute to this fund, please contact Art Rainer, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at arainer@sebts.edu or 919-761-2301 or visit sebts.edu/give.

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/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

WE’LL HELP YOU GET THERE. iamgoing.org

Wake Forest, NC @collegeSE

FALL 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

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What’s Happening at Southeastern \

Authenticity Series he Southeastern Center for Pastoral Leadership and Preaching at Southeastern launched the Authenticity Series in order to provide an honest and encouraging look at the issues pastors face in ministry.

Events are intended for local pastors and students interested in pastoral ministry by providing a conversational atmosphere featuring input from a panel of experts in the field.

John Ewart, director of the Pastors’ Center, said, “As a full-time local church pastor for many years and in many contexts, I recognize the need for specialized training and insight from experienced practioners and academic experts in those areas that the real-life crucible of ministry demands.”

The primary goal of the Pastors’ Center events, including the Authenticity Series, is to increase the amount of practical training students receive. The events help connect the classroom with the chal-

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lenges experienced in ministry.

“Our hope and goal is that not only will these resources be utilized in our curriculum at Southeastern but that they will also become sought after ‘go-tos’ by our alumni and friends,” Ewart said. “I really believe we have captured some good stuff here.”

Zach Petty, who is studying for a master of divinity in Christian Ministry at SEBTS, has enjoyed the Authenticity Series. “These events put the tools in my hand to be prepared to engage with churches and helped me be able to better step into a leadership role,” he said.

“The Pastors’ Center has been one of the best resources I have found outside of the classrooms at Southeastern on how to practically apply the things that are taught academically,” he emphasized.

In addition to the Authenticity Series events, the Pastors’ Center also holds EQUIP Workshops, periodic lunches and recorded studio pieces.

These various components support

each other in preparing ministers, providing resources for small group studies and assisting lay church members involved in service through their local church.

Corey Williams, a SEBTS student studying for a master of divinity in Biblical Counseling, has benefited from attending the events. “While my classes at SEBTS have been great, these events have been extremely practical and touched on certain topics and situations in which most young pastors find themselves yet are not equipped to handle,” Williams said.

“As a young husband and father, I found ‘The Balancing Act of Ministry and Family’ to be most helpful in thinking through how to deal with the stresses of ministry within the local church in a healthy way while protecting my relationships with my wife and children,” he said.

“I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of the topics and I’m looking forward to what’s coming in the future!” he added.

Next Authenticity Series event:

Ministry and Money John Ewart, Ryan Hutchinson and Art Rainer Tuesday, November 10th from 7-8:30 PM in the Ledford Multi-Purpose Room You can RSVP for this event at sebts.edu/pastorscenter.

Students, alumni and friends can accesses numerous resources available on the Recommended Resources page at sebts.edu/pastorscenter.

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/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

Southeastern course gives students an inside perspective of the SBC Annual Meeting Story by Ali Dixon | Photo by Maria Estes

outheastern Baptist Theological Seminary launched the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) class in the summer of 2006. Since then, almost 200 students from the seminary and college have taken the course.

The class familiarizes students with the identity of Southern Baptists in terms of theology, history and denominational life. Students receive 3 hours of course credit for attending the annual meeting and completing other assignments associated with the class.

In 2012, President Daniel A kin agreed to offer the course tuition free and of fer additional online and hybrid sections. For the past four years, Nathan Finn, former associate professor of historical theology and spiritual formation, has taught between 36 and 69 students each summer.

“The Southern Baptist Convention becomes a living, breathing reality for the students who attend our annual meeting,” Finn said. “Every year I have students tell me that their own sense of denominational identity has been greatly strengthened through gaining this real, firsthand knowledge of Southern Baptist life beyond their own local churches.”

This is the only course that focuses exclusively on forming a distinctively Southern Baptist identity among

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Ronnie Floyd, President of the Southern Baptist Convention

students. It is also the only course where students have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making processes of the SBC. “The biggest highlight of teaching this course is the open discussion we have about the future of Southern Baptist identity and cooperation,” Finn said. “I’m able to make the case for Southern Baptists having a via-

The class has four major components: 1) introduce students to SBC history, identity, and polity; 2) require students to pray intentionally for the SBC and share the gospel with at least one non-Christian in the weeks leading up to the SBC; 3) attend the annual meeting itself; 4) reflect on the first three components through written assignments.

“After taking the SBC class I am much more committed to the convention and enthusiastic for the different ways that Southern Baptists can come together to advance the gospel of our great God.” - Stephen Estes, M.Div. student ble future. I’m able to commend the Cooperative Program to them while also raising questions about how it might be improved. I’m able to articulate what I think should be our theological and methodological consensus. And I’m able to hear from the students their own opinions about these important issues.”

Finn teaches on the first component for a full day a month prior to the SBC. The rest of the course takes place at the annual meeting and through interaction online.

Furthermore, it is the only upperlevel elective in a theological discipline that is offered for free and is graded on a pass/fail basis.

More of SEBTS at the SBC iamgoi.ng/sbc

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What’s Happening at Southeastern \

Stephen Estes, a master of divinity student a Southeastern, enrolled in the class this year. “The SBC class gave me the chance to see our convention in action,” Estes said. “After taking the SBC class I am much more committed to the convention and enthusiastic for the different ways that Southern Baptists can come together to advance the gospel of our great God.” Estes’ favorite part of the annual meeting was the commissioning of the North American Mission Board and International Mission Board church planters and missionaries.

“The time of prayer and celebration over the servants who our Lord has called into the harvest of the nations was incredibly beautiful and deeply inspiring,” he said. “I left feeling impassioned and re-committed to our Lord’s call to ‘go.’”

PJ King, a Southeastern Seminary graduate, said, “The SBC class was my last elective for my master of di-

vinity, and I couldn’t have picked better timing. This experience gave me a vision for future work in the convention and increased my desire to help the churches and ministries of the SBC f lourish.”

Through the class, King had the opportunity to attend the convention for the first time and serve on the Credentials Committee. While serving on the committee, he was exposed to some of the inner workings of the national convention.

“This in-depth introduction served me far better than merely attending the convention ever could,’ King said. “I was taught about the processes, policies, and history of the convention while participating at the same time. Best of all, Dr. Finn was a fantastic professor who served as a bountiful fount of knowledge for my many questions.”

Brent Aucoin, professor of history at Southeastern, will teach the 2016 class.

Danny Akin reporting to the 2015 messengers of the SBC

Southeastern at the hree representatives from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) attended the 2015 Evangelical Missiological Society (EMS) national conference on controversies in Christian Mission.

The SEBTS presenters and papers at the EMS conference held in Dallas, Texas on Sept. 18-20 included:

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- Keelan Cook, “Moving Past Urban Ministry: Rethinking a Popular Definition” - Ant Greenham, “Inappropriate Exercise of Power Experienced

by Short-Term Missionaries” - Greg Mathias, “Reconsidering the Formative Role of Ethics within Missiological Practice”

EMS seeks to “advance the cause of world evangelism through study and evaluation of mission concepts and strategies from a biblical perspective with a view to commending sound mission theory and practice to churches, mission agencies and the schools of missionary training around the world.”

Want to learn more? Excerpts from the papers are available on betweenthetimes.com.

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/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

new and upcoming faculty works Every Waking Hour: An Introduction to Work and Vocation for Christians Benjamin Quinn and Walter R. Strickland II Lexham Press, 2015

40 Questions About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper John S. Hammett Kregel Academic, 2015

Why do we as a Church sometimes take little interest in the everyday 9-5 life? The divide between the pulpit and the pew can too often lead us to forget that every member is a minister.

What you do as a career matters deeply to God. Benjamin Quinn and Walter Strickland offer solid biblical reasons for why your Every Waking Hour should be tackled with excellence for His glory.

Between Fetters and Freedom: African American Baptists since Emancipation

Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Philippians

Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Leviticus

Christology: The Study of Christ

Edited by Edward R. Crowther and Keith Harper

Tony Merida and Francis Chan

Allan Moseley

Rainer Publishing, 2015

Mercer University Press, 2015

Holman Reference, 2016

Going Deeper with New Testament Greek: An Intermediate Study of the Grammar and Syntax of the New Testament Andreas J. Köstenberger, Benjamin L. Merkle and Robert L. Plummer

Holman Reference, 2015

Daniel L. Akin

One Nation Under God: A Christian Hope for American Politics Bruce Ashford and Chris Pappalardo B&H, 2016

For more information, or to purchase these or other SEBTS faculty works, go to iamgoi.ng/books

B&H Academic, 2016

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o g o t free n a y t r e lib religious T h o u g h ts

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Bush C en

h a nd t e r f o r Fait

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e al r g n di n e f de n marriage i e r u lt u c s ’ y toda

othing is more controversial these days than redefining marriage to accommodate same-sex sexual behavior and desires. Other controversies exist but none strikes as deeply, as close to home, or affects what all consider essential, so drastically as deconstructing and threatening to destroy the framing of what is without a doubt the most necessary of human institutions. We live at a time when news comes every day filled with one alarming crisis after another. Global warming, worldwide economic collapse, terrorist attacks, drug cartels, collapsing governments, revolutions, wide-scale corruption, massacres, persecution, tsunamis, droughts, f loods, and earthquakes each occupy the front page one day only to be replaced by another crisis tomorrow. My point is the sort of thing at issue in debating same-sex marriage not only is a crisis but in many ways is the most threatening of the many we face.

The Supreme Court, on June 26, 2015, issued a decision forcing all 50

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states to redefine marriage contrary to history, tradition, biology, and the Bible. A bare majority of five justices did this by creating a new right in the Constitution based on nothing other than their feelings. So what should we make of this? In view of the way the Court’s marriage decision realigns our most essential social institution, how should Americans committed to the common

We live at a time when news comes every day filled with one alarming crisis after another. good and even more to the gospel, react to how this changes our circumstances? What does dual citizenship in a darkening world require, and how should we behave as effects of this decision play out around us? Let us determine first of all not to bemoan our marginaliza-

tion or to act as victims needing favors that only reinforce public irrelevance. Christ sent His disciples into the world “as sheep among wolves” (Matt 10:16) telling them to be shrewd and harmless. But He never bemoaned mistreatment by those in power and did not teach His disciples to seek or expect favorable treatment by pagan politicians.

Polls show that Americans are just about equally divided on the issue of same-sex marriage. But this state is highly f luid. Opinions have been changing and changing rapidly.

They are not what they were just a few years ago and are not what they will be in the future. Popular attitudes are shifting toward acquiescence if not outright preference. But shifting whims do not make redefining something as important as marriage either right or necessar y.

There was a time when slavery was so accepted by Western culture as to be thought impossible to resist. But people of deep conviction spoke up.

They challenged what was culturally popular, made a clear and compel-

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I S S UE IN B R IE F IS SUE

A N A LYSIS

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Standing for the biblical definition of marriage in today’s culture

Shifting whims do not make redefining something as important as marriage either right or necessary.

Stand for and focus on demonstrating the undeniable beauty of marriages between one man and one woman.

ling case against slavery based on enduring truth and the common good, and their efforts won the day.

That can happen again.

No matter how the culture changes, living in the truth is essential.

We must not accept or support lies about the meaning, nature, and structure of marriage no matter how maligned or coerced. True marriage

ning and will not stop the culture from sliding. False views of marriage are spreading and will spread faster especially since legitimized and fueled by the insidious logic of the Court’s marriage decision. So, while standing for truth is essential, it is not enough. We must also affirm the good of real marriage. Real marriage is not just good but

unrelated to sexual dif ference.

Which leads us to consider the power of beauty to penetrate this growing darkness.

Noting how cultural interest in even just listening to arguments for the truth and good of real marriage is decreasing leads me to a final observation, which is that, as blind preference for redefined marriage spreads through our culture, the most powerful strategy we have for penetrating the darkness and leading “many to righteousness” (Dan 12:3), is not focusing so much on what is logically true and good (though we must affirm both and keep doing so however difficult it becomes and at whatever cost) but is focusing rather on demonstrating the undeniable beauty of real marriages—those marriages practiced by imperfect human beings in ways that portray the meaning, nature, purpose, and structure of the unchanging unchangeable plan established by our Creator, Who in fact knows us better than we know ourselves, still runs things His way, and laughs at those who imagine otherwise (Ps 2:1-4).

True marriage and truths about true marriage are matters of reality that may be confused or denied but never changed, and accepting lies can never be loving no matter how strongly others want to believe them. and truths about true marriage do not come from man and cannot be changed by society, law yers, or whatever couples choose, and lying about marriage is not truly loving.

True marriage and truths about true marriage are matters of reality that may be confused or denied but never changed, and accepting lies can never be loving no matter how strongly others want to believe them. But standing for truth is just a begin-

Daniel Heimbach Senior Professor of Christian Ethics

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uniquely good. Man-woman marriage is not just “as good” or “good along with” the alleged good of same-sex intimacy, but is uniquely good in a way not just better but entailing something different the other does not have at all. And yet, while we affirm the uniquely different good of real marriage, many friends and neighbors will deny it shifting attention to other relational goods (like friendship and caring)

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y t r e lib , e f li suit r u p e h t d an ss of happine common misconception I run into when teaching beginning ethics and philosophy students is that government is a product of necessity that emerges in a fallen world. But in reality the creation passages in the Bible clearly indicate that government existed prior to the creation in the person of God himself and was clearly present in the Garden of Eden prior to the Fall. Not only did God create, give order and govern the very cosmos, he also gave Adam commands (or “law”) for his good and f lourishing of all creation prior to the Fall.

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Government and the Freedom to Flourish “Why,” one might ask “was government necessary even when there

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was no sin in the world?” The answer is that finite creatures are not self-created and thus they do not determine their own purpose or meaning. Rather, they derive their very existence and purpose from their Creator. And because of this reality God provided government to them as a form of guidance by which they could: 1. Have and enjoy life to its fullest measure in line with the manner in which he designed them; 2. Experience liberty in line with their created nature and the fabric of the universe; 3. Flourish in an ever-increasing happiness as they pursued the end for which they were created.

Thus, from the very beginning God spoke into the created order a pattern by which the entire cosmos could f lourish.

Properly understood, then, government is an institution provided

by God for our good and our f lourishing and freedom is not best understood as “freedom from” oppression (though it involves that) as much as it is a “freedom to” be what God created in accordance with God’s designed purposes.

It is only after sin is introduced into the created order that the concept of freedom diminishes from a robust pursuit of God and his glory to the more anemic “freedom from coercion to pursue my own choices” that we understand it to be today.

The “Self-Evident” Witness to Religious Freedom However, even with the fall of humanity into this sinful and fallen state, God did not leave himself without witness to either the design of creation or the longing for true freedom placed in every human heart.

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Mark Leiderbach

VP for Student Services, Dean of Students, Professor of Theology, Ethics and Culture

@MarkDLiederbach

Indeed, even as we consider the histor y of the United States Government we discover that the echo of the created order and the divinely established pattern within the cosmos remained clear enough for the founders of our country to hear, recognize and then boldly declare in the founding document of our nation: “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liber t y, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

While the founders recognized that the moral authority of this statement ultimately resided in God himself, the recognition of these ba-

sic rights were “self-evident.” In other words, even if someone did not have a particular religious conviction, everyone sees them and knows them to be true and no further proof is necessary.

What is interesting is not only the assumption of the three basic rights mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, but the logical ordering of them. The right to life is a basic human right and it is the one necessary for the others to exist. One must first have life – and have it guarded as a right – in order to have the ability to enjoy liberty and pursue happiness.

Recent Challenge and the Importance of Diligence In the recent Supreme Court Ruling regarding the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case, the US government not only attempted to force the privately owned company to provide life-

t h re aten i ng abor t ion-i nduci ng drugs but to do so against the company’s basic religious principles.

Thankfully, in this case the Supreme Court ruled in favor of both life and religious liberty This particular case marks the reality that we have come to a crossroads in our culture. The mere fact that under government coercion a company was almost forced to go against its basic religious freedom to provide drugs that would abrogate the basic right to life indicates that we are living precarious times.

If we as a governed people do not understand the importance of both the basic self- evident right to life or the importance of protecting the right to religious liberty not only are we in danger of becoming a country our founding fathers would not recognize, we are in danger of denying the most basic principles of human existence.

I S S UE IN B R IE F IS SUE

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religious liberty and the importance of understanding one of the most basic principles of human existence

This article identifies the basis of religious liberty both in its theological foundations as well as its secular counterparts as identified in our nation’s founding documents.

Religious liberty is a concept and principle of human flourishing that must be both understood and guarded against government restriction.

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obedience a nd libert y roadly defined, religious liberty is the idea that individuals should be allowed to hold and practice their religious beliefs without coercion or persecution from the governing authorities. As the first amendment to the United States Constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

While there are two centuries worth of legal interpretation and debate as to how this amendment applies in society, generally speaking, as long as one’s religious beliefs do not violate other civil laws, nor deprive others of their own civil rights, the concept and application of religious liberty has been upheld in western culture. This has included the right to not violate one’s conscience, nor be forced to act in a manner that vio-

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lates orthodox religious beliefs.

The implications of recent court decisions related to same-sex marriage (including the governmental

True liberty is not the ability to do whatever one wishes, but the ability to do that for which one was created. policies that rest upon such rulings) for the practice of a Judeo-Christian worldview, are a clear departure from two centuries worth of jurisprudence related to the first amendment. This historical shift and infringement upon religious liberty is cause for concern itself. Indeed, it ought to be a cause for concern among all citi-

zens, for such policies violate the religious rights afforded to all people by the Constitution and seek to impose secular religious beliefs upon society.

Yet, even more important for Christians (and those in society who witness the practice of Christianity) is that such governmental policies rob believers of the true liberty that comes from the practice of their religion.

True liberty is not the ability to do whatever one wishes, but the ability to do that for which one was created.

Indeed, God does not just tell mankind to obey moral laws; rather, God made man to keep the very laws that He has commanded. Such laws are a revelation of God’s own moral character and resonate with those whom He has made in His own image. Keeping these laws, including those related to gender identity and marriage, produces true liberty, personal flour-

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The liberty that comes from practicing Christianity

Obeying God’s moral laws regarding sexuality and marriage will produce true liberty.

Religious liberty is important for Christians, for it allows believers to experience true liberty and to manifest such to the world.

ishing, and happiness in the lives of those who obey. So, while it is tempting to view the moral laws in Scripture as a list of negative rules that restrict personal liberty, keeping these laws actually enables true freedom—that is, the ability to freely worship God apart from the entanglements of sin. Indeed, this is why James refers to God’s revealed moral standards as “the perfect law of liberty” (Jas. 1:25; 2:12).

This principle of obedience and personal liberty is true in regard to the acceptance of one’s biological gender identity, too. In other words, individuals will be most free when they em-

brace and apply the biological gender which they have been given by God. While it may appear more freeing to allow an individual to “self-identify” with a gender contrary to their physiological essence, actually such a choice is a sign of rebellion against the Creator and will enslave the individual. Indeed, submission leads to liberty, while rebellion leads to bondage. Love of neighbor, as well as concern for the public interest, ought to motivate Christians to express their disagreement with the idea of the plasticity of gender identity.

The freedom that believers experience through the practice of Christi-

anity benefits society in that it shows all people the inherent folly of their ways. Indeed, the current intolerance and violation of religious liberty being imposed upon Christians by radical secularists is a result of this revelation. Said differently, the liberty that comes from a Judeo-Christian view of sexuality and marriage reminds secularists of their own sin and bondage. Their recourse is to try to mute the message. Yet, Christians must persevere in their beliefs and worldview, as doing so will demonstrate the freedom that comes from obedience and will shine the light of the gospel into the culture.

David Jones

Associate Dean for Graduate Program Administration, Director of the Th.M. Program, Professor of Christian Ethics @ethicist FALL 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

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y it n istia r h c s and politic

K. Chesterton once noted, “Seemingly from the dawn of all man all nations have had governments, and all nations have been ashamed of them.”1 What is true of “all man” is often particularly true for Christians. When we stop to consider government and politics, our hearts are not strangely warmed, but rather filled with apprehension and angst. Politics may be necessary in today’s world, but many of us are inclined to think of it as a necessary evil.

Other Christians, however, are downright excited about politics. In fact, over the past few decades, many evangelicals have remained markedly active in the political realm even while effectively retreating from other aspects of public life—most notably the arts, entertainment, and science.

We evangelicals have never stopped wanting to change our country, but we’ve too often voluntarily limited ourselves to one tool: the hammer of

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political activism.2 These two perspectives are opposites in one sense but, ironically, they feed off of each other in another sense. Those who imbue politics with unrealistic and salvific expectations are most liable to conclude—even if it takes years to get there—that politics is not worth it after all and must be

Politics may be necessary in today’s world, but many of us are inclined to think of it as a necessary evil. abandoned at all costs. Because politics cannot really save the world, those persons who think that it can eventually will find themselves frustrated enough that they withdraw entirely from political involvement.

I understand the frustration of

those Christians who want to throw up their hands in despair. But withdrawal is not an option. So, how can we navigate between the dual extremes of political withdrawal and political salvation? How do we engage in politics responsibly, confidently, graciously—in a word, Christianly?

The answer to this question is far too complex for me to convey in an article of this length, but as a teaser, I offer these seven pointers.

1. We want to avoid a coercive relationship between church and state. On the one hand, the government should not try to control the church. On the other hand, the church should not try to make the government (or its neighbors) conform itself to the church. A state church should not be the goal because the Great Commission is not about a forcing people to conform but about authentic transformation.

2. However, we should be ac-

1 Gilbert K. Chesterton, What’s Wrong with the World? (New York: Dodd, Mead, and Company, 1912), 198.

2 James Davidson Hunter, To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, & Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World (Oxford: OUP, 2010), 101-175.

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/ featured stories

Bruce Ashford

Provost and Dean of Faculty, Professor of Theology and Culture

@BruceAshford

I S S UE IN B R IE F IS SUE

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What should be the relationship between a person’s Christian faith and his view of politics?

A Christian should embrace politics as one cultural sphere–among many–in which he or she can honor Christ and love his or her neighbor.

Christians should actively seek to influence politics and public life, keeping in mind the seven pointers below.

tive in promoting the common good. Christians, more than any other persons, should be motivated to help our society flourish.

3. We should use wisdom in how we articulate our belief in public. Sometimes, wisdom will dictate that we make our political arguments in explicitly Christian terms. In other circumstances, we might rely upon more sociological or scientific data to argue our points.

4. We should be discerning in what we say about politics from our pulpits. On the one hand, Christianity is a deeply political religion, because it argues that Jesus is Lord and Caesar is not.

But on the other hand, a pastor is not an expert in public policy, and only in the most limited instances (e.g. preaching against Hitler) should politics be addressed directly.

5. We should be Christian in

our demeanor. When we interact in the public square, we should not misrepresent our opponents in order to win our arguments.

We should not demonize them or be contentious. Our public lives should be characterized by grace and joy rather than by fear, anger, or contention.

7. We should remember that politics is only one dimension of our cultural witness. If we want to inf luence our society, we should not put all of our hopes in politics. We should bear witness to Christ in art, science, business, education, sports, homemaking, and other spheres of culture.

So let’s embrace politics for what it is, one sphere of culture among many, and a sphere in which we should interact as Christians. As I wrote in a forthcoming book on politics, “One Nation under God:” We need a perspective on politics that tempers the expectations of those with inflated hopes, empowers those with deflated hopes, and equips every Christian to apply Christ’s love in the muddied arena of politics. Politics is not an evil arena to be avoided.

Neither is it our only avenue for impacting society. The reality is much more complex—and, oddly enough, much more promising.3

Politics is not an e vil arena to be avoided. Neither is it our only avenue for impacting societ y.

6. We should be realistic in what we expect from the political sphere. We shouldn’t be utopians who think politics will save us, but neither should we be pessimists who throw up our hands in despair.

3 Bruce Riley Ashford and Christopher Pappalardo, One Nation under God: An Introduction to Christianity and Politics (B&H, forthcoming January 1, 2016)

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We must preach and apply the Hope of Heaven regularly from our pulpits. We must sing about the Hope of Heaven, pray about the Hope of Heaven, and counsel the Hope of Heaven in people’s homes and offices.

That’s what our forefathers did. The Apostle Peter told a beaten down and dispersed Christian community in 1 Peter 4.12-13: “Beloved, don’t be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you as you share in Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

Nathan Knight

Southeastern graduate and pastor of Restoration Church in Washington, DC.

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/ featured stories

Currently I find myself in East Asia where religious freedom is heavily restricted. Recently one of my language teachers told me, “As an American you are free, even here.” I pushed back and said “Am I really free?” I began to explain how even as an American I have restrictions on living here.

Discipleship is key in areas where religion is restricted. This area is well known for the atmosphere of fear and persecution against believers. To survive in the tough places, you must know the Word and know how to give praise to God. I have noticed that among the national believers, they love to sing praises to God. May we go out with a song because we have a song to sing! I am going, with a song!

SEBTS student serving in East Asia

Vietnam is a communist country and by definition, that usually means there is no religious freedom. However, we remain confident and share the gospel boldly because we know that our God is faithful and victorious and drawing people to himself.

Even though there is no religious freedom, people are still able to make decisions for themselves. The issue is not necessarily about religious freedom, but more about whether people want to change and put their faith in Jesus Christ.

In the midst of fear and persecution, it is important to be careful, but also remain bold, covering all situations in prayer, and continuing to go and speak truth even though opposition may arise. One key thing to remain aware of is the persecution of national believers because they will feel and receive threats and persecution more than a foreigner. For missionaries serving in Vietnam, the worst that can happen is getting kicked out of the country, whereas national believers can be kicked out of their family, thrown in jail, or worse.

SEBTS student serving in Southeast Asia

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Join us for the 10th annual Southeastern Classic Fall 2016 sebts.edu/seclassic

To become a sponsor, contact Art Rainer, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at arainer@sebts.edu or 919.761.2301

campus spotlight \

Peter calls Christians “to give the reason for the hope” that we have in the gospel. Exploring Hope is a video series that does just that as it considers different theological issues concerning the Christian life, ethic and mission. These videos feature Southeastern professors and other Christian scholars and leaders answering tough questions in a concise and understandable way with informed biblical and theological perspective.

“We believe that Jesus Christ is the single Hope of this world, and that the Christian faith is a treasure that should be explored and understood by all people.”

Jamie Dew

Dean of the College at Southeastern, Associate Professor of History of Ideas and Philosophy

“We believe Christianity is the true story of the world. And, while there are big questions that need to be answered, we are convinced that God has given answers that are sufficient for his people to hope.”

Keith Whitfield

Assistant Professor of Theology, Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Faculty Communication

Featured videos include: “How Should We Understand the Gospel?” with Dr. D.A. Carson “Are Some People Born Gay?” with Dr. Sam Williams “Christian Perspectives on the Age of the Earth” with Dr. Ken Keathley “Sharing the Gospel in a Post-Christian World” with Dr. Tony Merida

exploringhope.com

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Discover us. sebts.edu/multimedia | sebts.edu/missions | aroundsoutheastern.com exploringhope.com | betweenthetimes.com | dannyakin.com southeasterntheologicalreview.com

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CONFERENCE to the ends of the earth

sebts.edu/go

January 29-30, 2016

Danny Akin

Tony Merida

David Platt

Afshin Ziafat

The GO Conference has taken over as Southeastern’s annual flagship conference.

Why? Because every follower of Christ is called to “Go and make disciples.” This year’s theme is “To the Ends of the Earth,” because we have been called to bring the gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation. Speakers include David Platt, Tony Merida, Danny Akin, and Afshin Ziafat! Join us January 29-30, 2016 to learn how you can be part of what God is doing to the ends of the earth.

Go to sebts.edu/go to register!

/ profiles

SEE HOW WE ARE GOING FACULTY

Adrianne Miles

Assistant Professor of English and Linguistics

Where are some of your former students?

Of the first students I had in the Bible translation program, one is a church planter in Boston and one is at

by Chris Martin

Westminster in Pennsylvania working on his Ph.D. in Bible translation. Some of my students from the College gradu-

with Adrianne Miles

the college students because I love the

ated this year, and a good number of

opportunity to be on the front line of

them are continuing their studies at

the college experience and help stu-

Southeastern.

dents succeed.

On what are you currently working?

I’m working on research regarding how theater and drama influenced Afra Behn’s writing. She was a 17th century English dramatist and prose writer who may (though there is some debate) have

nication is a lifelong process.

to learn more about the early develop-

North Carolina. I went to North Caro-

of 20th century British literature and

lina State in Raleigh for my bachelor’s

modernist literature.

degree in English. I met the man who

When you get home from work, what do you look forward to doing?

State for our master’s degrees and I

I really enjoy just sitting on my couch

went to the University of Texas at Aus-

and watching TV. I love television; I

tin for my Ph.D. in linguistics. We’ve

love movies; I love my couch. With my

been married for 19 years, and we have

kids the age they are, I find myself be-

two boys: Zac is 14 and Jake is 12.

ing a baseball mom, basketball mom, football mom, band mom and a host of

How did you come to SEBTS?

ing through speech is the emphasis. I

What have you been reading recently?

ment of the novel and re-reading a lot

nior year. We both continued at NC

communication classes, communicatwant my students to be able to commu-

I was born and raised in Graham,

would become my husband in my se-

In English classes, communicating through writing is the emphasis, and in

written the first English language novel.

I’ve been reading a lot of early novels

Tell us about yourself.

When a student completes your class, what do you want him or her to walk away with at the end of the semester?

nicate well and recognize that commu-

We always say that every classroom at SEBTS is a Great Commission classroom. What does that look like for your class?

I encourage my students to know their audience, like Paul does in Acts 17.

It’s important in communication to find a common foundation between you and the people you’re talking to.

This comes into play in the Great Commission and sharing the gospel. Find and build the bridge of common ground to share the gospel.

other things. I like to read, but that’s

While I was doing dishes as the MOPS

probably pretty obvious. I also love

(Mothers of Preschoolers) coordinator

planning vacations, even if they aren’t

at my church, a student and employee at

happening for a long time.

Southeastern asked about my Ph.D. and told me that the school was starting a

Who are your role models?

Bible translation program. I started

Growing up, my grandmothers, my

helping with the program and now I

mom, my aunts and all other sorts of

teach English and communication at the

strong Christian women were positive

College at Southeastern.

inf luences on me. Today, some of my best role models are my peers. I look to

What do you do at Southeastern?

I am an assistant professor of English and linguistics. I enjoy teaching

other moms who are raising their kids and doing things outside the home like me, and I try to learn from them.

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profiles \

SEE HOW WE ARE GOING STUDENT

Leonard Goenaga

Ph.D. Student, M.Div. Graduate, Pastor at Glory of God Christian Fellowship, Raleigh, NC, Director of Digital Engagement at The Stone Agency

by Chris Martin

with Leonard Goenaga

I realized that all those beautiful young faces and families on prayer postcards were upheaving their comfortable lives to go to foreign and uncomfortable countries. The first time I walked into a class

ethics at SEBTS. I serve as an elder/pastor/overseer at a Southern Baptist church comprised mostly of Filipinos called Glory of God Christian Fellowship in Downtown Raleigh, and a director of Digital Engagement at The Stone Agency.

My wife Katrina is a graduate of SEBTS with a M.A. in Biblical Counseling. We have two children, Charlotte Ann A who

and feed people. But to preach God’s word is a way of feeding people’s souls.

As director of digital engagement at an agency with Christian leadership I’ve had the freedom to work in a prayerful and worship-minded spirit. We now con-

I would have to say paper writing.

While I’ve always been pretty strong at writing, there was a point, after 11 years, where writing finally became natural. I love the feeling of working through a pile hundreds of footnotes and dozens of pag-

What is one book that everyone should read?

If I was pinned, and it was one book for “everyone” (believer and non-believer), I would have to say Lewis’ “Mere Christianity.”

What has God been teaching you lately?

The beauty of the family. Being a father places a whole new perspective on sacrifice. It also brings with it a renowned respect for God’s design of the family. I saw

tinuously dialogue with major c-level

my tio (uncle), who lent me his 1980s

executives of Fortune 400 companies

Mercedez-Benz when I was a teenager,

and top Hollywood production compa-

and my tia (aunt), who used to change my

nies as well as advocate for religious lib-

diapers, holding my children the other

erties and interests of Faith Driven Con-

day. It was beautiful, and whenever I see

sumers, an organization we serve at The

beauty I have to worship God.

Stone Agency.

Why Southeastern?

What challenges do you face as a pastor and as a director of digital engagement?

or Greek linguistics, SEBTS manages to

What has been your favorite part of the SEBTS Ph.D. program?

es in short amounts of time.

is three and Olivia Marie W is one.

Whether you’re studying ecclesiology,

loving Him in thought, word, and deed.

What is the greatest joy that you have as a pastor and in your role as a director of digital engagement?

I love to cook my homemade Cuban food

studies with a concentration in Christian

voiced words. Prayer is a manner of living.

It is an attitude of worshipping God by

of primary sources, and pumping out

tor is that I get to preach the Word of God.

I am a Ph.D. student in theological

Pray! Prayer doesn’t simply end with

and we opened in prayer.

The greatest joy I have serving as a pas-

Tell us about your ministry and family.

What advice do you have for current and future pastors?

how is Southeastern preparing you to be a Great Commission pastor?

By understanding that I am on mission everywhere I go. The seminary seeds

make the missional task of the church a

Both roles face similar challenges: spir-

knowledge into the minds and hearts of

foundation for our collective studies. The

itual warfare. I dismissed “spiritual war-

its students. These equipped servants are

student body and staff also live out these

fare” as a superstition up until my first

then sent to the forward operating bases

convictions.

service in a public political campaign.

of the world called churches. From there,

While working for the marriage cam-

they as a body receive their marching or-

What has been your most influential moment at Southeastern?

The first time seeing an ethics profes-

paign, I had a front row seat to the de-

ders from the Word of God, to go forth

pravity and meanness that manifests it-

and battle darkness with the love and

self in political campaigns. It is similar to

light of the Gospel.

sor tear up in class as he explained the

the same type of assault I’ve experienced

ethical task before us in light of the mess

in my pulpit ministry.

sin has made of the world. The first time 42 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ FALL 2015

@Leonard_Ooh

/ profiles

IMPACT THE NATIONS.

GIVE. sebts.edu/give P.O. Box 1889 Wake Forest, NC 27588-1889 919.761.2203

FALL 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

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profiles \

SEE HOW WE ARE GOING MINISTRY PARTNER

with Julian & Jane Motley

Tell us about your family and how you came to know Christ.

Julian: I was born in 1927 in Chatham, VA and joyfully received the Lord Jesus as Savior when I was 11.

Jane and I were neighborhood friends and fell in love in our early teens. I walked her to school for a couple of years before we were old enough to date. A four-year courtship followed and we married young, half way through college.

Jane: Our son, Keith, and his wife, Brenda, have two children; and our daughter, Martha Sloan, and her husband, Dale, have two step-children.

How is Southeastern influencing your life and work?

Julian: I began my bachelor of arts degree in 1945 at Campbell Junior College and completed it at Wake Forest College in 1949. I earned my master of divinity degree at Southeastern Seminary in 1963.

My pastoral ministry of seven churches in North Carolina ended with retirement in 1993 after serving a final 30-year ministry in Durham. I accepted an invi-

44 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ FALL 2015

Julian & Jane Motley

SEBTS Ministry Partners; Southeastern Society Members

by Ali Dixon tation to serve as an adjunctive professor of Pastoral Ministry at Southeastern Seminary and in 1994 assumed responsibility for and taught classes in the field supervised ministry area. In 1996 I served as director of denominational relations and ministry referral, until I retired in 2006.

When the opportunity came to serve at Southeastern, I had served most of my term from 1986 to 1996 as a member of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, which my employment with the seminary required me to resign.

What is the greatest joy that you have as you work to impact others for Christ?

Julian: Seeing anyone saved and liberated from sin is the greatest joy. Second only to this is the joy of mentoring student ministers and seeing them catch fire in ministry.

Jane: The salvation of my children and two grandchildren brought great joy.

What advice do you have for current students?

Julian: Keep your priority on prayer.

If you don’t get serious with your Bible and learn to pray, you will not make it in the Christian life, especially in the ministry. I encourage students to stop by John 15 each day to keep a fresh view on the need to abide in Christ.

Also, love your people. Love them enough to let them find out you love them.

Love them as they are, and love them enough to not let them stay as they are.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Julian: I enjoy playing the piano and reading.

What is one book that everyone should read?

Julian: I recommend you read my book, “How Then Should We Think,” and “Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome” by Kent and Barbara Hughes.

Jane: Ruth is my favorite book of the Bible and Psalms is always uplifting.

What has God been teaching you lately?

Jane: Patience in waiting on God to answer our prayers.

Julian: The thing that has really been enhanced in my heart and thought is the blessing of knowing God as Father. He has gone out of his way to show me the intimate relationship that he has with all of us. God himself prompts and speaks in and through us. He never stops loving us. He does not deal with us according to our sins but through grace.

Why support Southeastern?

Jane: We believe in Southeastern!

SEBTS has meant so much to us and has done a lot for us. We are so very thankful and grateful.

Julian: Southeastern has been such a big part of our lives! This is the third time that we have lived in Wake Forest, and in this case, for twenty-three years.

We hope to leave from here when we go Home to Heaven.

Southeastern is grateful for ministry partners who help train men and women to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. To learn more about how you can be a Southeastern ministry partner to help students, please contact Art Rainer, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, at arainer@sebts.edu or 919.761.2301.

WINDOW of opportunity n June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. In this landmark case, the Court legalized “same sex marriage” in all 50 states, a decision many predict will lead to significant challenges for churches and Christian institutions.

Chief Justice Roberts suggests the tax-exempt status of religious institutions will be an early target. Because the Court now treats sexual orientation as a protected class, institutions committed to honoring God’s design for marriage could lose their tax-exempt status.

Churches and Christian institutions would be wise to prepare accordingly.

Losing tax-exempt status would not be the end of the church, but it would severely restrict our financial capacities for mission and ministry. Consider some of the likely results.

1. Contributions would no longer be tax deductible, thus reducing the total funds available to contribute for believers who itemize deductions each year.

2. Employer matching-gift programs would no longer support Christian schools and ministries.

3. The annual income on a Christian organization’s endowments would be taxed.

4. Income from auxiliary enterprises such as student housing and food services would be taxed.

O

5. Students would not be eligible so fulfilling and central to their lives...” for Pell Grants and similar student In his Dissent, Chief Justice Roberts grants and loans.* implies the Court’s assurance is nothing 6. Foundations could not give more than a warning. Kennedy limits scholarships to students attending First Amendment religious freedoms to Christian colleges and seminaries “adhering” and “teaching.” He makes no that refuse to compromise on the mention of the “free exercise” of religion Biblical definition of marriage. in every aspect of our lives.

7. Churches and Christian instituIn Justice Kennedy’s Constitution, tions would no longer be exempt sincere Christian conviction is permisfrom local government property sible only if it does not lead to sincere taxes. For larger institutions, the new, Christian living. By reinterpreting the annual tax bill could be enormous.

First Amendment, Kennedy lays the Christians would be wise to heed the foundation for undermining Christian Court’s warning. Funds given now, if institutions and marginalizing people of stewarded well, could help the Church faith. In the days ahead, Christians may thrive for the glory of God even if more no longer receive the full protection of challenging days should come. the First Amendment but only those In the future, if tax-exempt status is protections the Court deems “proper.” removed, gifts such as Charitable AnRoberts writes, “The Solicitor Gennuities and Charitable Trusts will no eral candidly acknowledged that the tax longer be possible. If there ever was a exemptions of some religious institutime to consider a strategic gift to put tions would be in question if they opChristian institutions on strong finan- posed same-sex marriage. There is little cial footing, it is now. doubt that these and similar questions The Court’s assurance that their rul- will soon be before this Court. Unfortuing will not harm people of faith rings nately, people of faith can take no comhollow. Justice Kennedy writes, “Those fort in the treatment they receive from who adhere to religious doctrines, may the majority today.” continue to advocate with utmost sinIt is understandable that we will have cere conviction that, by divine precepts, questions about how to respond in the same-sex marriage should not be con- aftermath of the Court’s godless decidoned.” He adds, “the First Amendment sion, but two things are abundantly ensures that religious organizations and clear: we must pray, and we must give as persons are given proper protection as generously as possible while God holds they seek to teach the principles that are open this window of opportunity.

For more information about how to make a tax-deductible gift to equip students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission, contact George Harvey at gharvey@sebts.edu or 919.761.2203 .

Daniel Palmer

Director of Financial Development

@danjpalmer *Unlike many other Christian colleges and universities, SEBTS does not receive indirect support from the Federal government through Pell Grants.

FALL 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

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Have a global impact through your institution for $4 a month.

sebts.edu/alumni @SEBTSAlumni

The Locker is now online! Purchase Southeastern apparel and other items at sebts.edu/locker

Religious liberty:

what Now?

s you know, religious liberty has once again become an important doctrine for the Christian church in America. The recent ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States to legalize same sex marriage signals a marginalization of faith-based religious conviction and the implications of this decision could have a lasting impact on religious liberty. As Baptists, we can contribute to the preservation of religious liberty in America.

The Baptist tradition has the long held conviction that the state should not establish religion and that each individual should have the right to freely practice religion without government involvement. We now have the challenge to be vigilant in our witness and winsome in our defense of the teachings of Christ.

As members of the Southeastern family, how can we uphold religious liberty and teach our congregants the importance of this doctrine?

A

1. Be encouraged in the gospel.

The gospel is the central event of Christian history that ensures Christ’s victory over sin. Through his bloody cross he is crowned King and by his resurrection he sets all men who are united with him at liberty from sin (Rm. 6).

Jesus’ resurrection points us forward to a day when sin is no longer pervasive, when the world is no longer perverted and we can enjoy the fullest expression of this liberty. The tomb is empty and we should find courage in this future reality.

2. Be aware of resources that are available through

the SEBTS family.

Like never before a theologically minded laity is of the most importance. If Christians are to stand for and cultivate a culture where religious liberty is celebrated and upheld then we must be aware of resources to help us communicate the gospel to a secular culture with clarity and conviction. Numerous resources are available including danielakin. com, betweenthetimes.com and exploringhope.com.

3. Remember Baptist History.

For many of us religious liberty is assumed. However, our Baptist forefathers such as Roger Williams, Isaac Backus and John Leland all worked to ensure the liberty that we enjoy. If religious liberty is to be preserved we will stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us. Dig out your Baptist History notes and once again be reminded of the work of these great men.

4. Be diligent in prayer.

Be diligent to pray for your leaders and your Southeastern brothers and sisters who are serving the Lord around the world. Remember to keep your alma mater in prayer. We have a great challenge before us, but the God we serve is greater.

Southeastern’s prayer is that God will be magnified through your ministry as you go take the gospel to your community and to the ends of the earth. While the days ahead may seem dark, we believe that this may be one of the most fruitful and purifying times in the American church.

Jonathan Six

Director of Alumni Development and Denominational Relations

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theJoyful COLLECTIVE A COMMUNITY

advent

12.05.15

CELEBRATION

7PM

Binkley Chapel

Daniel Renstrom // Josh Via // Donnie Hollis // Wesley Price

HOT CHOCOLATE & CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Tell us where you’re going!

Take a picture and tag @sebts and use #iamgoing

iamgoing.org

Communications Office P.O. Box 1889 Wake Forest, NC 27588-1889

loving boldly to reach the nations

London is an incredibly diverse city, and people are coming from all over the world to live there.

God is moving many muslims to the city, and one Southeastern 2+2 family has been seeking to love that community for the last two years. They recognize what an incredible opportunity this is to reach people who otherwise may never have heard the gospel. “They need the gospel. And we’re here, and we have the gospel. So let’s give it to them as boldly and as lovingly as we can.”

See this story and more through short documentaries that tell the story of how Southeastern is going. Visit us at iamgoing.org.

/sebts