The Great Commission Magazine of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Fall 2016 by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Discover your mission. Go change the world. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than a college. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a calling.

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ordinance of the church. It is also soteriological. Baptism is the public declaration and pledge of discipleship. It is therefore an important aspect of our sanctification as we begin the journey on the road to being “conformed to the image of the Son” (Rom. 8:28).

Missions and Theology A Match Made in Heaven

A Letter from the President

“BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” The Great Commission is Trinitarian! This doctrine is distinctly unique, setting Christianity apart from @DannyAkin every other religion in the world. We worship only one God, but this one God exists and has revealed Himself as the sity theological. We go to the nations with the theological task to “make dis- three in one God. The deeply theological nature of this phrase is impossible to ciples.” Further, we make disciples by overemphasize. It touches on Theology “teaching” these disciples of King Jesus Proper (the doctrine of God), Christolall that He has commanded. Theology ogy and Pneumatology. informs our missions, and missions is the natural outgrowth and response to “TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THAT our theology. I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.” This is soteIt is interesting and instructive to take the Great Commission and analyze it, riological and relates again to our sanctification. We grow as disciples as we break it down theologically. Having never grow in obedience to the totality of didone this before, I was amazed at just how theological it is! Note with me the follow- vine revelation. This will, of wonderful necessity, result in us cultivating and ing, beginning with Matthew 28:18. living out a Christian way of thinking and acting. Boiled down to its bedrock “ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON basics, it means living out the two EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME.” This is Great Commandments of loving God Christological, affirming the deity and sovereignty of Jesus. Only God possess- and loving our neighbor (Matt. 22:36es all authority in both the earthly and 40). In this regard, it is also missiological, is it not?! heavenly realms!

hose who are a part of Southeastern know that I am fond of making the following statements on a regular basis: 1. The greatest missionary who ever lived is also the greatest theologian who ever lived. His name is Jesus. 2. The greatest Christian missionary who ever lived is also the greatest Christian theologian who ever lived. His name was Paul. 3. Paul was a missionary on the field before he became a theologian with his pen. 4. You cannot be a good missionary without also being a good theologian. 5. You cannot be a good theologian without also having the heart and passion of a missionary. Why do I regularly say these things? Because I believe it is imperative for us to see that the Bible weds missions and theology. They are divine companions, “GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NA- “AND BEHOLD, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, not dangerous enemies. They are su- TIONS.” This is ecclesiological and sote- TO THE END OF THE AGE.” This wonderful missiological promise is Christological riological. Going to the nations informs pernatural complements that work and eschatological. The Christ who has with each other not against each other. the mission of the church. We are not One without the other is incomplete. “being the Church” if we are not going to “all authority” promises us his “always” presence as we go to the nations making One without the other is a biblical con- all the nations, reaching out to all the ethnes near and far. “Make disciples” in- disciples. And, it is eschatological betradiction. cause He who is with us now will be with We clearly see the essential relation- forms our doctrine of salvation. We do not make converts. We make disciples. us to the very end. Amazing, isn’t it? The ship that exists between missions and Conversion is the beginning of the salva- Great Commission is far more theologitheology in the Great Commission given tion process, but it is not the end. Salva- cal than I ever realized! by our Lord in Matthew 28:18-20. It is Southeastern is known as a Great tion has as its goal sanctification on the easy to show this in a simple diagram: Commission Seminary. That means we way to glorification. Making disciples care deeply about missions and we care highlights the sanctification component MISSIONS > GO…ALL THE NATIONS. deeply about theology. That should surof salvation reminding us that our goal prise no one. After all, they are a match THEOLOGY > MAKE DISCIPLES…TEACH- for every believer is transformation into that was made in heaven. Christlikeness. That is what it means to ING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THAT I HAVE make disciples. COMMANDED YOU.

Missions is inherently and of neces- “BAPTIZING” is ecclesiological. It is an Daniel L. Akin, President

Around Southeastern Southern Baptist Convention Left: Messengers to the 2016 SBC Annual Meeting share where they are going at the Southeastern booth in the exhibit hall. Right: Dr. Danny Akin shares the 2016 Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary report to the Southern Baptist Convention in St. Louis, Missouri.

Left: J.D. Greear, pastor of Summit Church, welcomes guests to the annual alumni and friends luncheon. Right: Keith and Kristyn Getty lead Southeastern alumni and friends in the first singing of Southeastern’s new hymn “For the Cause.”

Maria Estes

Around Southeastern Paris A team from Southeastern traveled to Paris in May to help local missionaries reach West African immigrants in their community with the gospel.

Maria Estes

Around Southeastern Crossover St. Louis Southeastern students reach St. Louis during 2016 Crossover.

Shaq Hardy and Maria Estes

Around Southeastern Graduation Left: Graduates applaud Southeastern faculty as Spring 2016 Commencement begins. Below: Dr. Joshua Waggener leads worship.

Maria Estes and Ryan Thomas

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The Great Commission Magazine of

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Fall 2016 Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NC Daniel Akin President Bruce Ashford Provost Ryan Hutchinson Executive Vice President for Operations Art Rainer Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Financial and Alumni Development Jonathan Six, Director Chris Allen Michelle Ard Phil Bartuska Meredith Cook Drew Davis Cristie Dowda Barbara Harvey George Harvey Danielle Miller Robby Scholes Billy Vernon Communications Amy Whitfield, Director Maria Estes Laura Elizabeth Martin Harper McKay Sam Morris Jordan Parris Ryan Thomas

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. 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

Contents Fall 2016 What’s Happening at Southeastern

Read and share online! sebts.edu/magazine

12 Sheldon Alexander Retires From Southeastern After More Than Two Decades of Service 12 Southeastern Creates New GO Certificates For Christians at Any Level 13 Passion and Mentoring Highlighted at Women’s Leadership Breakfast 13 Retired IMB leaders Elliff and Meador to teach at SEBTS 14 Aponte Named as IMB Vice President of Mobilization 14 The College at Southeastern Unveils New House System 14 Southeastern Graduates Answer the Call to GO Through Education Ministry 18 SEBTS Luncheon Highlights Ministry in Tough Places 20 Keith and Kristyn Getty Song “For the Cause” Dedicated as Official Southeastern Hymn 22 New and Upcoming Faculty WOrks

Featured Stories

THEOLOGY

MISSION

25 Why a Theologian Should be Concerned about Missions | Keith Whitfield 26 Why a Missionary Should be Concerned about Theology | Scott Hildreth 28 Mission is Inherently Theological | An Interview with Micha Fries 29 Equipped to GO: Students Pursue Advanced Study Following Southeastern M.A. | Harper McKay 32 GO at the Highest Level: Southeastern Advanced Degrees Emphasize Scholarship and Mission | Harper McKay

Profiles | See How We Are Going

39 Charles Quarles | Faculty 41 Aime Kidimbu | Alumni 43 David Trump | Student 44 Chuck and Cathy Mosely | Ministry Partner

47 A Letter from the Director | Jonathan Six, Director of Financial and Alumni Development

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SOUTHEASTERN \

Sheldon Alexander Retires From Southeastern After More Than Two Decades of Service n his many years and many roles at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS), Sheldon Alexander has continued to do what he does best— serve students. After 27 years, Alexander retired on June 30. “Mr. Sheldon Alexander has served Southeastern faithfully in various capacities, including Registrar and Associate Vice President for Academic Support,” said Provost Bruce Ashford. “We are truly grateful for his work ethic and indefatigable spirit.” Alexander was born on July 24, 1951, to a Jewish family in Oklahoma. He attended West Texas University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He met his wife, Carolyn, at the department store that his family owned in Hertford, Texas, and they were married on October 10, 1977. Alexander came to faith in Christ after a banker invited him to a Christian business leaders’ meeting where he heard a Jewish Christian speak about his faith in Christ. He later heard the same man ex-

plain the Passover in light of Jesus, and decided to place his faith in Christ. After being called to ministry, Alexander attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he graduated in 1989. In the same year, Alexander became the Registrar and Assistant to the Dean at SEBTS, upon the request of newly appointed Dean L. Russ Bush. The early years were trying for Alexander as he worked with the faculty, struggled with accreditation issues and served students and the community. Under the leadership of then SEBTS President Louis Drummond, Alexander was part of the early efforts to turn the tide to make SEBTS a Bible-believing evangelical institution. “It brings me great joy to recognize Sheldon Alexander on his 27 years of service at Southeastern Seminary,” said SEBTS President Danny Akin. “He serves students and he serves others unlike anybody I’ve ever met in my entire life. He is a dear friend, and respected brother.” After serving as the Registrar for 24 years and later as the Associate Vice President for Academic Support, Alexander has spent his remaining time at SEBTS as the Alumni Communication Specialist. He and his wife, Carolyn, have two sons, two daughters-in-law and six grandchildren.

Southeastern Creates New GO Certificates For Christians at Any Level outheastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) believes that every Christian is a Great Commission Christian. Because of this, SEBTS is excited to announce the new GO Certificates, theological education for every Christian. Southeastern GO Certificates provide the opportunity to strengthen ministry through accessible theological education. With sound teaching and practical application, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders and others can grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures. “We’re excited to come alongside churches to provide high-quality education from our world-class faculty in an easily accessible and affordable way,” said SEBTS President Danny Akin. “We want to provide students with a solid biblical foundation to prepare them for their roles in the local church.” The fully online GO Certificates are designed to fit any type of schedule. Classes consist of 20-minute sessions, five days a week for six weeks and are taught by SEBTS faculty, including Akin and Dean of Graduate Studies Chuck Lawless. Students can earn accredited hours from SEBTS that can be applied to a degree program if desired. Currently, students can sign up for the Certificate in Biblical Studies and Theology, which provides a strong biblical foundation for any ministry. Courses include Hermeneutics, Christian Theology, Old Testament, New Testament, Great Commission Studies, Contemporary Issues in Christian Ethics and Historical Theology. Whether you are looking to enhance personal gospel witness, better equip Bible study groups or expose your church to richer biblical content, the GO Certificates can help you and your church receive valuable training for ministry. “We want to equip students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission, and that includes you,” said Akin. “Start today, GO with us.”

Learn more and register at sebts.edu/gocertificates

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/ WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SOUTHEASTERN

Passion and Mentoring Highlighted at Women’s Leadership Breakfast outheastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) partnered together for the second year to host a women’s leadership breakfast on June 15, 2016, during the Southern Baptist Convention’s Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. More than 130 women from various ministry and vocational backgrounds attended the breakfast to hear discussions on issues in ministry leadership. Communications Consultant Kathy Sharp spoke on using passion to fuel ministry. She encouraged listeners that the key to finding their calling was to understand how God has gifted them. “Your calling and purpose is what God created you to be. God created you with your own unique passion and purpose in life. You don’t have to go looking for it. All you have to do is uncover it,” Sharp said. Sharp has a long history in leadership, missions and communications. She previously served as a missionary with the International Mission Board

Retired IMB leaders Elliff and Meador to teach at SEBTS tarting in the fall 2016 semester, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) will gain two visiting professors, Tom Elliff, former president of the International Mission Board (IMB) and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), and Clyde Meador, retired missionary and executive advisor to the IMB president. Elliff served as a pastor for 42 years in Arkansas, Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma before he and his late wife Jeannie became IMB missionaries in Zimbabwe. He also served the IMB as the senior vice president for spiritual nurture and church relations from 2005-2009 and

(IMB) in Spain and Brazil, later becoming the director of publishing for the IMB. She has worked with Lifeway Christian Resources in various roles, and she is the former director of communications at Saddleback Church and Purpose Driven Ministries. “When all is chaos and grief, passion is the small glimmer of light that becomes a beacon,” she said. “Passion is the spark that allows us to speak with clarity and confidence the gospel message, and that’s what this broken world so desperately needs to hear.” Author and Co-founder of Leadership LINKS, Inc., Natasha Sistrunk Robinson encouraged listeners to be good leaders by becoming mentors. Speaking on topics from her newest book, “Mentor for Life,” Robinson said that a critical need in the church is mentorship, especially for women. “Making disciples is a critical need for today’s church, and my hope, my passion is that we as followers of Christ would have a sense of urgency, commitment and passion and that we would take it upon ourselves to get the training we need and train others,” said Robinson. Robinson has held leadership roles as a Captain in the U.S. Marines and the

Director of Finance and Administration for the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate. She currently writes regularly on her blog, “A Sista’s Journey,” while serving her community advocating against human trafficking and raising up leaders of the next generation. “What women need are intimate, honest and helpful relationships,” Robinson said. “If we as a body of Christ don’t step up to meet these needs, then we’re leaving all these women on the sidelines, and they quit on life.”

then as president from 2011-2014. Elliff has also been president of the SBC Pastor’s Conference and held two terms as president of the SBC. Elliff will assist with master’s and doctoral level courses as the visiting professor of prayer and pastoral ministry at SEBTS. He will have a particular focus on courses related to spiritual disciplines and pastoral leadership. “Tom Elliff is one of the godliest men I know,” said SEBTS Dean of Graduate Studies and Professor of Evangelism and Missions Chuck Lawless. “I turn to him every time I need prayer, and I want our students learning from such a man.” Meador will be the visiting professor of missions leadership and will assist with master’s level course lectures, graduate

classes and doctoral missions classes. Meador served the IMB for 41 years, most recently as the executive advisor to the president. He and his wife Elaine began their IMB career in 1974 as missionaries to Indonesia. Meador filled multiple roles with the IMB, including executive vice president and interim president. “Dr. Meador will be recognized as one of the strongest and steadiest leaders in recent SBC history. He is known for his strong pastoral leadership during his time on the mission field and his wise administrative leadership during his time as executive vice president of the IMB,” said SEBTS Provost Bruce Ashford. “This is the type of man we want standing in front of our students, shaping their hearts and minds.”

Host Kathy Litton, NAMB, honors Amy Whitfield, SEBTS Communications DIrector, as first female parlamentarian of SBC Convention.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SOUTHEASTERN \

Aponte Named as IMB Vice President of Mobilization uring their August 23-24 board meeting, International Mission Board (IMB) trustees announced Edgar Aponte, director of Hispanic leadership development at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS), as the IMB’s new vice president of mobilization beginning in late fall. “Edgar Aponte is an incredibly talented man of God. The Lord has blessed him with a wide range of abilities and talents,” said SEBTS President Danny Akin. “This is a sad day for Southeastern and me personally. However, it is a great day for the IMB and the advancement of the Kingdom. He goes to our very close sister entity with my blessings and prayers.” Aponte has faithfully served SEBTS since 2013, teaching theology, overseeing Spanish programs and working with seminary partnerships in Latin America. In his new role with the IMB, Aponte will serve on the executive leadership team with a focus on mobilization. He will lead networking efforts among churches to encourage the sending of limitless missionary teams and will develop relationships between the IMB and Southern Baptist entities. Aponte will also continue to teach courses for SEBTS. “The role of mobilization is a significant one for the IMB, and Edgar Aponte is a godly man who wants churches involved in reaching the nations for Christ,” said SEBTS Dean of Graduate Studies and

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Professor of Evangelism and Missions Chuck Lawless. “We will miss him at Southeastern Seminary, but I’m glad to have him as part of the IMB leadership team. I trust that his time at our Great Commission seminary has helped prepare him for this task.” Originally from the Dominican Republic, Aponte previously served as minister counselor for political affairs at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Washington, D.C. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a graduate degree in corporate finance and a master’s degree in business administration. He also earned a master’s degree in Christian ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and a doctoral degree (to be completed in fall 2016) in theological studies with a concentration in systematic theology from SEBTS. Edgar and his wife, Sara, have three children and attend Christ Covenant Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. “We are Southern Baptists because of missions,” said Aponte in a recent visit with IMB mobilization team leaders. “Missions is the heart of who we are as a denomination…taking the gospel to where Christ has not been preached. Working together, we can do more than working by ourselves.” “As IMB we have to emphasize the centrality of the CP in our work of cooperation,” he said. “The CP has shaped Southern Baptist life for almost 100 years, and God has used it as a means to bless our churches and the nations.” Harper McKay is the News and Information Specialist at SEBTS. Julie McGowan, public relations leader for IMB, contributed to this story.

The College at Southeastern Unveils New House System he College at Southeastern wanted to create a way for undergraduate students to connect and build community on campus during their time in college. What resulted was the creation of the House System, now the heartbeat of student life on campus. Students living in Goldston and Lolley dorms, as part of the Residence Life program, join one of four “houses” named after great heroes of the faith— American theologian and philosopher Francis Schaeffer, former slave and missionary to Jamaica George Liele, English missionary advocate and theologian Andrew Fuller and missionary pioneers Adoniram and Ann Judson. Students live, learn and serve alongside their fellow house members as they experience student life at The College at Southeastern. The House System provides students with a natural way to find friends, build community and cultivate a sense of belonging to their student body at the college. The houses equip students through communities that foster Great Commission living, academic excellence, community identity and enduring friendships. Involvement in the House System shapes virtually every aspect of a student’s experience. Through their houses, students participate in events, activities and house competitions. New students receive mentorship from up-

/ WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SOUTHEASTERN

perclassmen and are encouraged to excel in academics through study groups and tutoring. Each house has a house leadership team that serves as a resource to the house. They help new students transition to campus and address any questions or concerns students may have. They also hold the house accountable in academics, spiritual growth, time management and more while fostering community among the members of the house. Though just beginning, The College at Southeastern has already seen the House System make a positive impact on new and returning students. Everyone at the college has a place in the House System. Learn more at collegeatsoutheastern.com

Southeastern Graduates Answer the Call to GO Through Education Ministry his spring, several graduates from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary received their Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.), an advanced Southeastern program that shapes and prepares leaders in educational ministry. The Ed.D. focuses on both the theory and practice of education within churches, schools and university settings, offering concentrations in higher education, K-12 education, denominational leadership and Christian ministry. For Southeastern graduate Jennifer Barnett, the Ed.D. program allowed her to build a stronger knowledge of education and theology while continuing to serve her Native American community in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Barnett is the minister of education at Indian Nations Baptist Church in Seminole, Oklahoma, where she uses her degrees in theology and education to provide young adults with the opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain ministry experience. She is also the chairman of the board of the Indian Falls Creek Baptist Assembly, which provides family camps with programs for all ages. “I wanted to study something that would be useful for my people and the

churches I serve in ministry,” said Barnett. “My call to ministry is to serve native peoples and help native believers grow, mature, serve effectively and know how to share the gospel effectively.” David Tokpah, senior pastor of New Covenant Methodist Church, Hamilton, New Jersey, and chaplain mentor for Vitas Hospice of New Jersey, chose the Ed.D. program because of his desire to contribute to Christian education in his native Liberia. “I plan to help Christianand church-related higher education institutions in Liberia to analyze their financial sustainability strategies in order to continue providing quality education from a Christian perspective without disruption,” Tokpah said. Tokpah’s aim is to work with church leaders and policy makers in Liberia to ensure that Christian institutions can avoid shut down in times of political instability, donor fatigue and delayed

tuition payments. Barnett and Tokpah were both drawn to Southeastern’s Ed.D. program because of the quality of education and connection to ministry. They also had the opportunities to remain in their current ministries as they completed their degrees. “I received a lot of support and felt very encouraged by the faculty in the Ed.D. program,” Barnett said. “You appreciate the personal care and thought they have for you. Even though I’m not on campus, they did everything they could to help me succeed and graduate.” “I … not only want[ed] to attend a school with quality professors, academic rigor and lots of opportunities,” said Tokpah. “I wanted to attend a school with a strict Christian worldview integrated with core courses to help me grow and make disciples for Christ and for the transformation of the world.”

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SOUTHEASTERN \

Andrew McNair, Lamp City Church, Clarkston, GA

SEBTS LUNCHEON HIGHLIGHTS MINISTRY IN TOUGH PLACES Harper McKay

Maria Estes

outheastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) continually asks students the question, “Where are you going?” and challenges them to fill in the blanks with how they will advance the Kingdom of God. During the SEBTS alumni and friends luncheon at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, guests had the opportunity to see how two students have answered that question. “I remember sitting in my first chapel service and hearing Dr. Akin give a charge to us to take the gospel to the lost,” said Andrew McNair, pastor for preaching and vision at Lamp City Church in Clarkston, Georgia, and a SEBTS alumnus. “He said that the question we should be asking ourselves is not why should I go but why should I stay.” While at SEBTS, McNair saw how the Great Commission is tied to the local church, which led him to return to his home state to reach the nations. “Unreached peoples are now within arms reach of your local

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church,” McNair said. “It is now clear that one can be in America and still go. Global Kingdom advancement can happen right here in our cities.” God has called McNair and Lamp City Church to impact the nations represented in their schools, community center and neighborhood. Through Peoples Next Door, a program of the Center for Great Commission Studies at SEBTS, McNair received training on how to reach internationals in his city. “So I fill in my blank by saying I am going to the nations with the gospel in Clarkston, Georgia,” McNair said. He left the audience with this challenge: “How will you fill in yours?” Alumni and friends also had the opportunity to hear from a unique type of student—one who was once imprisoned for planting churches in the Middle East.* “I hear so many people talk about ‘I am going,’ but I am here to say thank you because you came,” the

student opened. “Because you sent missionaries, God turned a fanatic Muslim to an ordained pastor, and now my wife and I are students at Southeastern.” The student recounted his journey of coming to faith in Christ and being called by God to plant churches. He told of how authorities came to

BECAUSE YOU SENT MISSIONARIES, GOD TURNED A FANATIC MUSLIM TO AN ORDAINED PASTOR, AND NOW MY WIFE AND I ARE STUDENTS AT SOUTHEASTERN. arrest him during a Christmas party and how he spent three months in jail for crimes against the government and Islam. After escaping his country, he and his family lived in Central Asia,

*For security reasons, the name of this student has been withheld.

/ WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SOUTHEASTERN

J.D. Greear, Summit Church, Durham, N.C.

where he began taking classes as a distance-learning student at SEBTS. Now living in the States, the family has the opportunity to attend SEBTS and finish their seminary degrees. “God has been so good to us,” he said. “My goal is to move toward the vision God has given me—to go and make disciples in my Jerusalem, my Judea, my Samaria and to the world.” The student and his family want to reach the thousands of Muslims living in the Raleigh area and provide training for churches to reach people from their home country. “I want to say a special thank you to Dr. Akin and Southeastern,” the

student closed. “Because of [your] generosity, I have received a scholarship and I can be a student. Because of you, I can train, and now I can say I am going to reach Muslims.” These testimonies led into a time of remembrance for Larry and Jean Elliott, SEBTS alumni who were martyred on the mission field. Summit Church Pastor and SEBTS alumnus J.D. Greear gave a message and asked guests to consider giving to the Larry and Jean Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports students planning to be missionaries in closed countries. “One of Southeastern’s objectives is

to be able to see not just more people raised up to reach the already reached, but to see people going to the most difficult places in the world,” said Greear. Other guests at the SEBTS alumni lunch included David Platt, president of the International Mission Board, and Keith and Kristyn Getty, Christian music artists and modern hymn writers. Platt thanked SEBTS friends and alumni for the impact that SEBTS has around the world. “The training [students] are getting from Southeastern is bearing glorious fruit around the world for the spread of the gospel,” said Platt. “The fruit that is flowing from Southeastern really cannot be measured, and that’s ultimately, obviously attributed to the grace of God in this school.” The Gettys closed the luncheon by performing their new song, “For the Cause,” which is now the official hymn for SEBTS and The College of Southeastern. They led the group in a time of worship and ref lection on what God has done at SEBTS. David Platt, President, IMB

Keith and Kristyn Getty

More at flickr.com/southeastern FALL 2016 // SEBTS.EDU

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SOUTHEASTERN \

n their latest album “Fac-

around the world.

ing a Task Unfinished,”

“Keith and Kristyn Getty are dear

Christian music artists

friends to Charlotte and me and the

Keith and Kristyn Getty, have dedi-

entire Southeastern family. They

cated their song, “For the Cause” to

share our passion for the Great Com-

Southeastern Baptist Theological

mission and [for] the peoples and na-

Seminary (SEBTS) and President

tions who have yet to hear the name

Danny Akin. It will now serve as the

of Jesus,” said SEBTS President Dan-

official hymn for SEBTS and The Col-

ny Akin. “We have been talking for

lege at Southeastern. “We’re so excited to be involved with helping train the leaders of the next

several years about them writing a new school song for us that captures our heart for the nations.”

generation … and are particularly ex-

Keith said “For the Cause” as

cited about Southeastern’s missional

Southeastern’s official hymn ties per-

and global view,” said Keith.

fectly with the whole album’s focus

“Facing a Task Unfinished” is an al-

on global missions. “In conversations

bum focused on congregational sing-

with Danny and Charlotte … we dis-

ing and missions that was inspired by

cussed a hymn that would be about mission,” said Keith. “The song is a very natural connection to South-

KEITH AND KRISTYN GETTY SONG “FOR THE CAUSE” DEDICATED AS OFFICIAL SOUTHEASTERN HYMN

THE NEW SEBTS HYMN ... CAPTURES THE HEART OF THE SEBTS COMMUNITY AND WILL BE AN INSPIRATIONAL SONG TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO MAKE JESUS KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD.

eastern … It’s about fulfilling the Great Commission, and that’s what Southeastern is all about.” He envisions the hymn being part of graduation ceremonies and commissioning services where SEBTS students are sent off into ministry with the call of the Great Commission propelling them onward. “We imagined a thousand young leaders standing and pledging their commitment to go out with the Great

the original 1931 hymn of the same

READ THE LYRICS AND WATCH A VIDEO OF SEBTS’ EXCLUSIVE MIX AT SEBTS.EDU/FORTHECAUSE.

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Commission,” Keith said.

name—a song that urgently calls Chris-

The song is a great fit for SEBTS,

tians to be witnesses around the world.

according to Akin, who is thankful

The new SEBTS hymn, which in-

for a new school hymn centered on

cludes the line “For the cause of

mission. “[The Gettys] have given

Christ we go,” captures the heart of

Southeastern Seminary a great gift

the SEBTS community and will be

that I pray our school will honor in

an inspirational song to encourage

spirit and action until King Jesus re-

students to make Jesus known

turns,” he said.

Thank you

/ WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING AT SOUTHEASTERN

to our sponsors for a successful 10th annual

Join us for the 11th annual Southeastern Classic Fall 2017 sebts.edu/seclassic

To become a sponsor, contact Robby Scholes, Special Gifts Officer at rscholes@sebts.edu or 919.761.2354 FALL 2016 // SEBTS.EDU / 21

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SOUTHEASTERN \

NEW AND UPCOMING FACULTY WORKS I AM GOING Daniel L. Akin and Bruce Riley Ashford B&H, 2016

Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians David W. Jones

“I Am Going” is a call for every Christian to be about the Great Commission. What matters is that God’s mission is to save a people for himself and that he has chosen to use you to accomplish his purposes. Everybody is going somewhere, but the difference between living on mission with God, or not, is whether we evaluate our decision of where we go, how we go, with whom we go and why we go in light of God’s mission.

Tweetable Nietzsche C. Ivan Spencer, Zondervan, 2016

“Tweetable Nietzsche” introduces and analyzes the worldview of Friedrich Nietzsche through statements that use 140 characters or less, with corresponding explanations. These “tweets” provide readers a distilled essence of every major aspect of Nietzche’s worldview, contributing toward a full-orbed understanding of Nietzsche’s thought. Dr. Ivan Spencer is Professor of History and Philosophy at The College at Southeastern. Through the History of Ideas program, he cultivates the study of the greatest thinkers from the past to the present.

Lexham Press, 2016

Postmodernism in Pieces: Materializing the Social in U.S. Fiction Matthew Mullins Oxford University Press, 2016

Thomas Goode Jones: Race, Politics & Justice in the New South Brent J. Aucoin University Alabama Press, 2016

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

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PREVIEWDAY AT SOUTHEASTERN NOVEMBER 3RD - COLLEGE APRIL 20TH - SEMINARY

sebts.edu/preview collegeatsoutheastern.com/preview

FEATURED STORIES \

24 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ FALL 2016

/ FEATURED STORIES

henever someone asks me what I do, I often respond with, “I teach theology.” This can spark a number of reactions and lead to some interesting conversations, but often the assumption can be that the work of the theologian takes place in the ivory tower—reading, thinking, teaching and writing separated from the practical realities of the world. But we don’t do our work as an end to itself. We do our work with an eye toward the mission and a heart that is ready for action. In truth, theologians are not just theologians. Theologians are also missionaries. Our work is for the advancement of the church’s mission. Puritan theologian William Ames defines the discipline of theology in missional terms. He says theology is “the doctrine of living unto God.” This is helpful because it directs the purpose of knowledge, and it captures the fact that theology is truth in action. Ames’ definition reflects our call to live for God and his mission in the world. Missions is the story of how and why

Keith Whitfield

God redeems the world. God’s mission is made known to us in the Scriptures. He accomplishes it in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He fulfills it through the witness of the church. In John 20:21, Jesus told his disciples: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” The Father sent the Son to make himself known. Jesus’ disciples are sent on the same mission. He sent his disciples to make disciples in and among all the nations by baptizing them in name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit and by teaching them to faithfully follow what he had taught them (Matt. 28:18–20). This story is the story of church history, of Christian theology and of Christian preaching and worship. Mission is what drives the theologian’s work. Theologians study the Bible to better understand who God is and what he is doing in the world. We apply truths to the questions and concerns that are present in our time and place in history. As we do this, theologians have two primary tasks. We strengthen the faith of God’s people, and we help equip the church to engage the world with the Gospel. And these two tasks walk in step with one another. Strong personal faith enlivens faithful public witness. The discipline of theology is to address the challenges of accomplishing the Great Commission. Theologians must be engaged in missions to do this work well. When we engage the world with the gospel, we proclaim what we believe, and these encounters call us to explain why we believe in the face of obstacles to the Christian faith. These encounters force us to reflect on some serious questions: Why is gospel proclamation an urgent and necessary task? How does the gospel address the most pressing and foundational questions of a particular culture? These types of questions lead to us to affirm and explain the uniqueness of Jesus Christ and his work to redeem

Assistant Professor of Theology

@kswhitfield

a people for himself. They remind us that the character and the will of the Triune God are related to gospel proclamation. If those questions are considered only while reading and studying at a desk, it can lead to passion for ideas but no compassion for those who are lost and dying around the world. If we are not personally on mission, we end up sharpening our theological tools without actually placing them in the dirt. These types of questions also help us think well about how we articulate Christian theology in the West. Communicating the gospel in a new context helps us to understand the gospel with new eyes. The task of contextualizing the truth of the gospel in a new culture involves reading and understanding Scripture from the perspective of the new culture. This process helps us to see things about God, his world and his work in the world that we had not seen before. When theologians engage in missions, it can revitalize our understanding of the gospel, helping us see how the West has shaped our understanding of the gospel and how the gospel confronts the Western worldview. A German theologian wrote: Mission ist Wort Gottes leben! – mission is living the Word of God! The church is sent throughout the world as an instrument of God to advance his mission. Theologians serve primarily as equippers of God’s people within his plan. We are called to help the church communicate the message of the gospel in new contexts so the gospel can advance in new contexts around the world. Missions calls for an increase in theological understanding and application for the church as the church engages its culture and engages cultures around the world with the message of the gospel. Theology as a discipline is not an end to itself. We don’t study just to study. We study because we are called to go.

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FEATURED STORIES \

issions is a practical discipline, and missionaries, by nature, are activists not contemplatives. Missionaries Go. Missionaries Preach. Missionaries Teach. Missionaries confront corrupt worldviews, eat strange food, learn difficult languages and serve the church by making disciples in the darkest and most remote places on earth. All of this activity does not seem to lend itself to the discipline of theology or the task of doing theology. When one thinks about theological education, it may be difficult to reconcile the idea of a missionary making this time commitment while millions wander in darkness. Does this mean that the task of theology and theological education are not important for missionaries? Absolutely not! In fact, of all people, missionaries should strive to be good theologians and should consider time spent learning theology an investment in their calling, not a waste. Having spent the better part of the last two decades involved in missionary work and training missionaries, let me give four reasons I have believe theology (and theological education) is an important discipline for missionaries.

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1. Theology Sets the Primacy of Missions Most missionary mobilization focuses on the needs of people. This is fine. In many ways it is actually biblical. Billions don’t know Christ and have never heard of God’s love. Millions suffer under the pain of sin and false worship. Statistics move us. Pictures stir our compassion. Stories rattle us out of complacency. However, neither people, nor the needs of people, can serve as the primary motivation for missions. Missionary work is hard. Missionary living is exhausting and filled with disappointment. Leading a church to send your best people out on mission can be frightening. When we define our priorities by what we see and experience “under the sun” we can find plenty of excuses. There are plenty of needs right across the street. However, the discipline of theology reminds us that the will of God, not simply the needs of people, makes missions important. Good theology grounds us in the Bible and allows God’s word to shape our priorities. Theology teaches us that God is the hero of Bible stories and His passion is that all the nations know and worship Him. Missions is primary because God is primary.

/ FEATURED STORIES

2. Theology Supplies the Preaching for Missions

3. Theology Shapes the Practice of Missions

When we think about missionaries, Perhaps the most daunting reality one of the first things that comes to for a missionary is the constant remind is learning another language. In minder that the task is larger than fact, language learning seems to be the individual. Missionaries are surone of the most daunting barriers for rounded by multitudes who, not only those considering becoming a mis- do not believe in, but have never sionary. It is difficult, but learning to heard of Jesus. One mouth … One life speak the language of a people is cru- … One family in a sea of lostness can cial. Communication is necessary for be frustrating. What is one to do? survival: eating, paying bills, getting There is no sure-fire method. There is directions. Communication is also not secret for success. If it were easy, the bridge for establishing relation- it would have already been done. ships. Most importantly, communicaThe overwhelming nature of the tion is the mandate of the missionary. task is one of the top reasons misWe have a story to tell. A message of sionaries give for neglecting theology salvation and hope. However, salva- and theological education. The discition and hope are not found in just pline seems so impractical. However, any message. Salvation is only found the opposite is true. Good theology in faith in Jesus Christ. helps shape missionary practice. Lesslie Newbigin once observed: Theology gives form to evangelism “When an evangelist goes into an In- techniques. Theology provides pathdian village where the name of Jesus ways and guardrails for church plantis unknown and preaches the Gospel ing theories and practices. Theology for the first time, how is he to intro- guides leadership development and duce the Name? ... I have sometimes helps set long-range goals and mapheard the Gospel preached in such a out daily practices. It may seem more way that hearers – accustomed to practical to “just do something.” But, many gods – were led to think that doing things right is always the best the name of Jesus represented yet an- way forward and, in the long run, this other god, this time more powerful actually saves time and achieves the and beneficent than those they al- desired goal. ready knew. Clearly that would not be the Christian faith as the New Testament understands it.” The discipline of theology helps the missionary avoid error in preaching and provides clarity so that those who accept the message are genuinely saved.

Scott Hildreth

Director, Center for Great Commission Studies

@dshildreth

4. Theology Sustains the Practitioner of Missions Every missionary on the planet considers quitting. The work is painful. Lives are lonely. People are unreceptive. Tears flow freely. Doing anything else, somewhere else, seems easier and more appealing. When the field seems to be pushing you away and “home” is calling. Why stay? Theology provides the reason to endure. When the call to go “home” is loud, the call of God sustains. When our days are lonely and the work seems futile, the firm convictions gained from disciplined reflection on God’s word reminds us that we are not alone and that working in God’s mission is never in vain. Being a theologian not easy. It requires effort and discipline. However, we must never forget that the textbook for our theology, the Bible, it a missionary book. It was written by missionaries for missionaries. Let’s continue in this great tradition of being missionary-theologians.

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FEATURED STORIES \

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MINISTRY AND FAMILY.

I am the Senior Pastor at Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’m married to Tracy, and we have two daughters, Sarah Grace and Kessed. We are adopting a son, who we will name Haddon, and we hope to have him by the end of the year. I earned my B.A. in theology from The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville and my M.Div. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri. I am currently working on a Ph.D. in North American Missiology from Southeastern.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT CHRISTIANS VALUE BOTH THEOLOGY AND MISSION?

icah Fries lives out his ministry at the intersection of mission and theology. As a former international church planter in Burkina Faso, current pastor and Ph.D. student, Fries knows the value of both studying God’s mission in his Word and going on God’s mission. He has served as vice president for research at LifeWay Christian Resources and as the president of the Missouri Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference. He also has several years of experience being a senior pastor, serving at two churches in Missouri and currently pastoring in Tennessee. Fries shared with us about why it is important for Christians to equally value theology and mission. Hear from Fries about challenges pastors face and how he seeks to disciple his church to live out God’s mission among people next door and around the world.

In my experience, most pastors function as if mission is practical instead of theological. Mission is inherently theological in nature. It is an element of the character of God. It is, I think, the sum total of God’s activity among humanity. Theology inherently leads to mission.

church to “do.” Far more mission can be done through the ordinary rhythms of life than in the church office. Second, pastors must study missiology. I am concerned that few pastors study missiology.

HOW HAS THE SEBTS PH.D. PROGRAM BEEN EQUIPPING YOU TO LIVE ON MISSION AS A PASTOR?

Southeastern’s Ph.D. program has shaped me in both an informal and a formal way. Informally, I love how mission permeates every single thing I’ve ever done at SEBTS. It’s one of the reasons I chose SEBTS. They do mission and theology as well as anyone in America. Formally, they have forced me to think intentionally about missiology in a stronger way than I have had to in the past.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL BOOKS YOU’VE READ ABOUT THE INTERSECTION OF THEOLOGY AND MISSION AND WHY?

I have to recommend a classic: “Christ and Culture” by Richard As an American pastor in particular, Niebuhr. Even my disagreements with some of the positions he outlines in the one of the biggest challenges is dealing with a misunderstanding in the aver- book has helped me think through and form my own theology of mission unage church attender over the role of the like any other book has. pastor. The average church member sees the pastor as the doer of ministry, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SINGLE GREATEST and not as a developer and deployer of CHANGE THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IN THE ministers. In other words, the pastor’s MINDS/HEARTS OF AMERICAN PASTORS role is to equip the rest of the church to TODAY REGARDING MISSION? do ministry. The average American pastor seems to just view mission as “what they have WHAT DO YOU THINK IT LOOKS LIKE FOR A to do.” I think the average pastor likes PASTOR TO LIVE ON MISSION BEYOND HIS mission in theory but doesn’t study it WORK AT THE CHURCH? I can think of three things in par- very much. Building a theology of mission and building a theologically faithticular. I noticed a massive shift in my ful missiology is radically absent for life when I stopped viewing my role as discipling the body from the pulpit pri- the average American pastor, and that marily, to one who is a personal disci- is concerning to me.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A PASTOR?

ple-maker. Secondly, a pastor must live intentionally, seeking to befriend those who do not know Christ. Finally, and this is a big one, I think pastors must pursue a clear definition of mission.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE PASTORS AS IT PERTAINS TO LIVING ON MISSION?

WHAT IS THE GREATEST JOY THAT YOU HAVE AS A PASTOR?

It is hard to rank joys as a pastor. Chief among them, though, has to be seeing people engage cross-culturally to advance the gospel for the first time, whether in their own city or across the world.

I have two pieces of advice. First, we need to de-professionalize the ministry. Ministry is not what you go to the

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Micah Fries

Senior Pastor, Brainerd Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN

@MicahFries

/ FEATURED STORIES

andy Everist is called to be a voice in Christian philosophy. This fall he starts his doctoral education at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, with the goal of becoming a professor of philosophy in either a Christian seminary or a secular university. His training at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) through the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Philosophy of Religion prepared him to take this next step in his education. “The M.A. in Philosophy of Religion gave me both academic qualifications for Ph.D. work and the habit of drawing out unexamined presuppositions,” he said. “In ministry…people have various ideas of how things ought to be done, how various passages of the Bible should be understood and so on. By encouraging and modeling a caring dialectic with those whom we are trying to teach, Southeastern prepared me to engage both the minds and hearts of those to whom I minister.” Terry Iles is pursuing his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible/Ancient Near East at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He graduated from SEBTS with an M.A. in Old Testament, which gave him the language skills he needed to complete advanced academic research in his field. “I do not know of another program that offers a comparable number of specialized courses in Hebrew and Aramaic,” Iles said. “My education at Southeastern provided me with a great introduction to the various approaches and subfields

Harper McKay

within Old Testament scholarship.” SEBTS has three types of master’s degree programs—the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), the vocational M.A. and the research M.A. Each program trains students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission in their chosen ministry paths with unique benefits depending on which track they choose. The M.Div. is the seminary’s flagship degree program that provides students with a broad overview of classic biblical, theological and ministerial disciplines to prepare them for ministry in the local church, on the mission field or in advanced degree study. The vocational M.A. degree offers students opportunities for “hands-on” learning in their desired ministry field, often with a focus on pastoral ministry, missions, next generation ministry and more. While the research-based M.A. degree trains students in a core of biblical, theological and ministerial courses like the other master’s degrees, what distinguishes these programs is the opportunity for the student to focus on and gain expertise in a certain area of theological or biblical scholarship. Often students will choose a research M.A. if they have previous degrees in Christian studies or if they are interested in going deeply into a particular field of study. For students who feel the call to teach at the collegiate level, the research M.A. offers the opportunity to complete intensive academic research in specialized fields to prepare them for advanced degree study.

To learn more, visit iamgoi.ng/researchma

SEBTS has research M.A. concentrations in Apologetics and Christian Philosophy, Biblical and Theological Studies, Biblical Languages, Christian Studies, Ethics, Theology and Culture, New Testament, and Old Testament. Research M.A. courses are taught by SEBTS’ world-class faculty who model excellence in academics and involvement in ministry outside the classroom. These faculty members had an impact on both Iles and Everist during their time at SEBTS. “In addition to the academic opportunities afforded by the program, the faculty seeks to serve and invest in students,” Iles said. “The professors in our program have a willingness to help students understand and engage in academic philosophy,” said Everist. “Their academic proficiency is matched by their humility.” As with the other degrees that SEBTS offers, the research M.A. prioritizes both excellence in theological education and pursuit of the Great Commission. Even those preparing for further academic study are challenged to understand their fields in light of God’s mission.

SOUTHEASTERN PREPARED ME TO ENGAGE BOTH THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF THOSE TO WHOM I MINISTER. Everist sees his education from SEBTS as preparation for not only advanced study but also ministry among the church and the lost. “I knew I wanted to be a Christian philosopher [at SEBTS] because of the academic rigor and passion for the truth and spread of the Gospel,” Everist said. “I loved that we could engage both secular philosophy and problems in Christian theology from a distinctly Christian philosophical standpoint.” “Part of the strength of the program is that it is academically rigorous with a focus that is not merely academic,” said Iles. “The ministry of the word in the local church and missions is always in view.”

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“

My time at SEBTS

GAVE ME A SOLID FOUNDATION in a field that has really

changed in the last decade...

BECAUSE OF WHAT I LEARNED

”“

in seminars and through my own research, I feel

i have so much more to offer my own students as I help equip them to share the gospel in a post-Christian setting

like canada. –SUSAN BOOTH

An advanced degree

HELPS OPEN THE DOORS FOR GOD to move and use you

in unique ways.

I AM USING MY ED.D. TRAINING

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

Grant Taylor, Ph.D.

Associate Dean and Assistant Professor, Beeson Divinity School

David Porch, M.A.

Family Pastor, New Covenant Baptist Church Adjunct Professor of Old Testament, Covington Theological Seminary

David Stark, Ph.D.

Director, Faulkner University Online

COLORADO

Lorie Lee, Ed.D.

Church Engagement Manager, Compassion International Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies, Colorado Christian University

FLORIDA

Ed Kendrick, D.Min.

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Houston Baptist University

Brian McKinney, M.Div., Ed.D.

Head Administrator, Park Avenue Christian Academy

Research Specialist, Georgia Baptist Mission Board Assistant Professor, Liberty University

MY CONTENT AND DELIVERY

Jeremy Lyon, Ph.D.

in my classes.

Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Truett-McConnell University

LOUISIANA

–LORI LEE

Cody Kingham, M.A.

Graduate Student, Vrije Universititeit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

OKLAHOMA

MASSACHUSETTS

Matt Emerson, Ph.D.

Terry Iles, M.A.

Ph.D. Student, Harvard University

MISSOURI

Virginia Gray, Ed.D.

Director of International Students and Adjunct Instructor, Hannibal-LaGrange University

Anthony Allen, Th.M., M.Div. (Ph.D. from NC State) President, Hannibal-Lagrange University

Jay Todd, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, College of the Ozarks

”

to implement strategies I learned into

Tom Crites, Ed.D.

NORTH CAROLINA

Merrie Johnson, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Religion, Oklahoma Baptist University

Jennifer Barnett, Ed.D.

Student Evangelism and Discipleship Sr. Consultant, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina

Minister of Education, Indian Nations Baptist Church Chairman of the Board, Indian Falls Creek Baptist Assembly

Justin White, Th.M.

Alan Bandy, Ph.D.

Church Multiplier, e3 Partners Elder, Oaks Church Raleigh

OHIO

Thomas White, Ph.D.

President & Professor of Theology, Cedarville University

Rowena R. Strickland Associate Professor of New Testament & Greek, Oklahoma Baptist University

Scott Pace, Ph.D.

Hughes Chair of Christian Ministry & Chair of Christian and Cross-Cultural Ministry Department, Oklahoma Baptist University

“

I chose Southeastern Seminary because of its stand that

THE BIBLE IS THE INERRANT WORD OF GOD Southeastern Seminary

is a great commission school.

ITS FOCUS ON THE GOSPEL,

”“

exalting christ, a high view of scripture and the many godly, brilliant professors

w i l l e q u i p yo u f o r

WHATEVER GOD MAY CALL YOU TO DO –THOMAS WHITE

The education was rigorous it taught me

DETERMINATION AND DEDICATION to a task.

my experiences with my cohort taught me

TENNESSEE

Nathan Finn, Ph.D.

Dean of the School of Theology and Missions & Professor of Christian Thought and Tradition, Union University

HOW TO EXCEL AS A TEAM. while planning and performing

scholarly research.

Bible and Reference Publisher, LifeWay Christian Resources

TEXAS

SOUTH CAROLINA

Matt Carter, D.Min.

Executive Vice President & Professor of Christian Studies, Charleston Southern University

Jonathan Davis, Th.M.

Campus Minister and Adjunct Professor, Charleston Southern University

Mike Payton, Ed.D.

Hospice Chaplain, Intrepid USA

Major Tim Cross, Th.M.

Chaplain, U.S. Army Ethics Instructor, U.S. Army Chaplain Center & School

David Croteau, Ph.D.

Professor of New Testament & Greek, Columbia International University, Seminary & School of Ministry

”

using the processes i learned

Trevin Wax, Ph.D.

Michael Bryant, Ph.D.

Daily, I find myself

Pastor of Preaching, Austin Stone Community Church

Bryce Hantla, Ed.D.

Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation & Associate Professor of English and Christian Education, College of Biblical Studies-Houston

Daniel R. Streett, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Houston Baptist University

–TOM CRITES

VIRGINIA

John Jacob Eastman, Th.M. Chaplain, U.S. Navy

Dan Cook Ed.D.

Minister of Education, Spotswood Baptist Church

Joshua D. Chatraw, Ph.D.

VERMONT

Executive Director of the Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement, Liberty University

Andrew Lee, M.A.

Richard Alan Fuhr Jr., Ph.D.

Sean McGuire, M.A.

Pastor, Hunting Creek Baptist Church Ph.D. Student, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

CANADA

Cochrane, Alberta

Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Northeastern Baptist College

Associate Professor, Liberty University School of Divinity

Susan Booth, Ph.D.

Brian Harmon, Ed.D.

Donald Roe Love III, Ph.D.

& Director of Student Learning

Dean of Academics & Professor of Church Planting, Northeastern Baptist College

Assistant Professor of Religion, Liberty University School of Divinity

Professor of Evangelism and Missions Assessment, Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary & College

FEATURED STORIES \

REMAIN IN MINISTRY AND STUDY TOGETHER

outheastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) offers several advanced degrees to prepare students at the highest level for their future ministries in teaching, leadership and ministerial service. Advanced degree graduates are serving around the world in higher education, local churches and more to glorify Jesus and fulfill the Great Commission. SEBTS’ advanced degrees include the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) and Master of Theology (Th.M.). Whatever the concentration, each advanced degree at SEBTS offers top quality academics with mentorship from our world-class faculty to prepare students for whatever ministry they pursue. “Southeastern’s Ph.D. equipped me with the biblical-theological vocabulary and interpretive skills needed to teach biblical studies to others… [which] helps me immensely as I oversee faculty and curriculum that cross and link these disciplines,” said Ph.D. alumnus Grant Taylor who now serves Beeson Divinity School as associate dean and assistant professor of divinity.

FOCUS ON THE GREAT COMMISSION Like all degrees at SEBTS, advanced degree courses combine sound theo-

32 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ FALL 2016

logical scholarship with the call of the Great Commission, sticking to Southeastern’s charge of “Every classroom a Great Commission classroom.” Brian Harmon, dean of academics and professor of church planting at Northeastern Baptist College, chose SEBTS for his Ed.D. because of this focus. “As a veteran church planter, I chose Southeastern because it was important for me to study my discipline at an institution that values evangelism, church planting and missions,” he said. SEBTS’ faculty members provide engaging courses while also being active in ministry off campus. Professors often serve as pastors, teach small groups or go on mission trips while also publishing scholarly works and speaking at academic conferences. In all of our advanced degree options, we have faculty who work hard in both theological scholarship and practical ministry. “I do not believe a person can get more one-on-one guidance and mentorship with a Christ-centered education than at SEBTS,” said Head Administrator of Park Avenue Christian Academy, Brian McKinney, who holds an M.Div. and Ed.D from SEBTS. “The classes are extremely challenging, but a person will leave there confident in their knowledge of whatever program God plugs them into for ministry.”

Our doctoral degrees also offer unique benefits to students—modified residency and cohorts. Students have the option to complete their doctoral degrees where they currently live and work, coming to SEBTS’ campus a few times a year for intensive courses. Pastors, teachers and school administrators can stay in their ministries as they pursue advanced theological education. This model allowed Merrie Johnson, Ed.D., to implement what she learned at SEBTS directly into her work as the student evangelism and discipleship senior consultant with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. “What I learned through this degree program has enabled me to create and adapt what we have been doing in youth ministry to fit this generation of students,” she said. “It has given me a new outlook in my ministry…after years of being in the field.” Doctoral students also have the opportunity to study in a cohort—a group of students who progress through the program together. This model promotes collaboration and allows students to learn from each other as they advance through degrees, an “iron sharpens iron” approach to learning. For Matt Carter, D.Min. alumnus and pastor of preaching at Austin Stone Community Church, the cohort model is one of the top reasons to consider graduate study at SEBTS. “This small group model was far more enriching than I could have imagined. Not only did I make lifelong friends, but I learned from each of their wisdom and experience,” he said. SEBTS advanced degrees help students to excel in theological learning and scholarship while focusing on their part in God’s global mission. What mission is God calling you to? SEBTS advanced degrees can help you get there.

/ FEATURED STORIES

PREPARES FOR

DOCTOR of PHILOSOPHY

DOCTOR of EDUCATION

DOCTOR of MINISTRY

MASTER of THEOLOGY

• Teaching

• Higher education leadership

• Leading the local church

• Ministry

• Academic Research

• Teaching

• Specialized ministry

• Further post-graduate

• Ministry requiring

• Denominational leadership

studies and academic

specialized training

• Church education

research

• Administration

TYPE

Terminal research degree

Terminal degree in

Practitioner degree

Research degree for

Christian Education

combining theology and

post-M.Div. students

practical ministry

ESTIMATED COST TOTAL HOURS PROGRAM LENGTH FORMAT

SBC: $22,660

SBC: $20,800

SBC: $12,000

SBC: $5,500

Non-SBC: $44,922

Non-SBC: $40,200

Non-SBC: $16,700

Non-SBC: $11,000

3-7 years

3 years

3-6 years

1-2 years

• Standard residency

• Cohort model

• Standard residency

• Modified residency available • Modified residency (Seminars • Modified residency (Seminars in select areas of study

meet one week per quarter)

meet one week per semester)

• M.Div. or qualified M.A.

• Master’s degree in

• M.Div. or equivalent

• 3.5 GPA in graduate work

education or from related

• 3.0 GPA

• Writing sample

fields with an M.Div.

• 3 years post M.Div.

• Strong background in Greek or Hebrew

(Seminars meet twice annually)

REQUIREMENTS

• High MAT and Entrance

equivalent

vocational ministry

Exam scores

• 3.25 GPA in graduate work

experience

• Strong academic record and desire for teaching and educational leadership

PLACEMENT

Ph.D. graduates teach in an

Ed.D. graduates serve in

D.Min. graduates already

Students choose this

academic setting, or serve in

Christian ministry,

serve in positions of ministry,

program for qualification

denominational leadership

denominational leadership,

and the program is designed

toward post-graduate

and lead in pastoral and

K-12 education and

to equip graduates to serve

studies or to extend

church-related vocations.

administration, and higher

at a higher level of

preparation for ministry.

education instruction and

professional competence.

administration.

Harper McKay

To learn more, visit sebts.edu/advanced

FALL 2016 // SEBTS.EDU

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SOUTHEASTERN AROUND THE WORLD 2015-2016

OVER

100STUDENTS participated in

Calgary Salt Lake City Paris

St. Louis

STUDENTS PER TRIP Japan

Montreal

11 TRIPS Dominican Republic

5CONTINENTS

SHORT TERM MISSIONS Crossover St. Louis

Japan San Diego

DC South Florida

South Florida Calgary

Montreal

13 12 10

Trips partnering with GenSend through the North American Mission Board

6 Southeast Asia 6 Salt Lake City 6 Paris 6 Washington, DC 5 Dominican Republic

Southeast Asia San Diego

last academic year

STUDY TOURS ITALY TO SWITZERLAND

36 STUDENTS 3 FACULTY

London Oxford Scotland

8 STUDENTS 2 FACULTY

Southeast Asia Madagascar London Southeast Asia Crossover Phoenix Chicago

2017 STUDY TOURS

Fall 2016

Detroit Salt Lake City

Spring 2017

COMING UP THIS YEAR

Summer 2017

MISSION TRIPS

Rome Florence Geneva Paris

OXFORD

Oxford Italy to Switzerland Reformation Tour in honor of the th

500

anniversary

of MARTIN LUTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

95 theses

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EVERY SQUARE INCH EVERY WAKING HOUR by BRUCE RILEY ASHFORD ISBN: 978-1-5779-9620-0 | $14.99

“The God who sent the Savior to rescue us as individual sinners also cares deeply about the larger world in which we individuals live. And that includes the world of culture— our art, our games, our family patterns, our political systems, and much more.”

—RICHARD J. MOUW, professor of faith and public life, Fuller Theological Seminary All books available as part of

by BENJAMIN T. QUINN & WALTER R. STRICKLAND II ISBN: 978-1-5779-9701-6 | $14.99

“Many Christians struggle to make sense of their work lives. Some of us are tempted to find our identities in our careers. Others of us are tempted to see our work as drudgery. This book shows us how to see our work through the prism of the kingdom of God. This book is biblical, practical, and wise.”

—RUSSELL MOORE, President, Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

intersectproject.org

Visit Logos.com/SEBTS to find out more. Published by Lexham Press in partnership with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, distributed by Logos Bible Software

EVERY GOOD THING by DAVID W. JONES

ISBN: 978-1-5779-9678-1 | $12.95

“This book explores how the gospel should infiltrate every area of our material lives and challenges us all to live out our faith no matter our vocational calling. You will be challenged to live a life that exalts Christ and furthers the gospel—a life that impacts the eternal because you live out your faith in the material. This is a must-read for every follower of Jesus Christ.”

—THOMAS WHITE, president and professor of theology, Cedarville University

/ PROFILES

SEE HOW WE ARE GOING FACULTY

with Charles Quarles

Charles Quarles

Director of Ph.D. Studies Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology by Harper McKay This semester I am teaching New Testament Interpretation: Jesus and the Gospels, Biblical Greek 1: Interpretive Foundations for Ministry, Greek Exegesis of Colossians and a New Testament Reading Seminar for Ph.D. students.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. I grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, in a Christian family. I was saved in my late teens and served as pastor of my first church when I was 19. After pastoring for 10 years and teaching as an adjunct professor, I began teaching full-time. I have served on the faculty of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, the University of Bucharest and Bucharest Baptist Theological Seminary in Romania, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisiana College and now SEBTS. This is my 20th year as a full-time professor.

HOW DID YOU COME TO SOUTHEASTERN? I have long been a fan of SEBTS because of its commitments to biblical exposition, local church ministry and the Great Commission. While teaching at a Baptist college for eight years, I advised most graduates to consider SEBTS for these reasons and many others. When Dr. Akin invited me to join the faculty here, I recognized that this was a perfect fit.

WHAT DO YOU DO AT SOUTHEASTERN? I teach New Testament and Greek and serve as the Director of Ph.D. Studies.

I just finished the volume on Matthew in the Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament series. I am now writing a commentary on Matthew for the Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation series. I am also researching the use of Hosea 11:1 in Matthew 2:15 for two different presentations at academic societies this year. I love Biblical Studies in general. My favorite book of the Bible is always the one that I happen to be studying at the moment. But for the last several years, I have focused mainly on the Gospel of Matthew.

WHEN YOU GET HOME FROM WORK, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO DOING? I look forward to spending time with my family. My wife Julie is my best friend, and I love her company. Our children and grandchildren live in the area, and we spend time together with them often. When I have a little spare time, I enjoy motorcycle riding, kayaking, fishing, woodcarving and playing the guitar.

WHAT HAS GOD BEEN TEACHING YOU LATELY? That I need to make every minute count. I have taught for over 20 years, and I have fewer years than that until normal retirement age. I want to make sure that I use these next two decades very wisely and strategically. That will involve continuing research and writing, but it will primarily involve investing in people. I am very encouraged by the caliber of students that I am privileged

to teach and excited by the opportunity to influence their lives and ministries.

WHERE ARE SOME OF YOUR FORMER STUDENTS? Now that I have been teaching for 20 years, I find special joy in looking back at the first students that I taught and seeing how God continues to use them. Some are training the next generation of Christian leaders in the classroom. Others are serving as model pastors that faithfully expound the word of God. Many serve smaller congregations, and I am as proud of them as any others because they have served with faithfulness and integrity, have persevered through tough times and have been devoted shepherds to their flocks. More recent students are continuing their education in institutions ranging from Southeastern to Harvard. I am excited about the potential for kingdom impact that all of the students have.

WHEN A STUDENT COMPLETES YOUR PROGRAM, WHAT DO YOU WANT HIM OR HER TO WALK AWAY WITH AT THE END? Deep love for Christ and for his Word that compels them to accurately handle the word of truth, manifest the character of Christ, proclaim the Good News and be faithful to our Lord as persecution intensifies.

WE ALWAYS SAY THAT EVERY CLASSROOM AT SEBTS IS A GREAT COMMISSION CLASSROOM. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE FOR YOUR CLASS? The entire Bible is a missionary book that pulses with God’s love for the nations and his intention to see people of every nation, tribe and tongue kneel before Christ’s throne in glory. I have the privilege of explaining and proclaiming these riches of God’s word and urging students to make disciples who will become disciple-makers.

FALL 2016 // SEBTS.EDU

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/collegeSE /southeastern

/southeasternseminary

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/ PROFILES

SEE HOW WE ARE GOING ALUMNI

with Aime Kidimbu

Aime Kidimbu

Church Planter, Raleigh, N.C. SEBTS Alumnus by Harper McKay There are four things that facilitated my choice to attend Southeastern: 1. It is one of the best and most renowned schools in the world, and it genuinely teaches the Bible. 2. It focuses on the Great Commission. 3. It implements the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program, which helps students like me to acquire the highest quality of education. 4. It has a payment plan system, which enabled me to complete two degrees debt-free.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST INFLUENTIAL MOMENT AT SOUTHEASTERN? TELL US ABOUT YOUR MINISTRY AND FAMILY. I am a pastor, missionary, preacher and Bible teacher. I used to help American missionaries by interpreting and translating to effectively minister to my people in Africa. I was also a missionary in Gabon. Now I am planting a multiethnic church in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. I am married to my wife Helene and we have three children who were born in the United States.

WHY SOUTHEASTERN? I shared with American missionaries my desire to pursue advanced theological education either in Europe or in the United States. They informed me that there exists a plethora of theological schools in the West. However, they also warned me about two things about theological schools in the West: First, the price of theological education is very expensive. Second, there is a high probability to end up in a school that instead of sustaining one’s faith and call would rather ruin them. While in the United States, God put me in touch with some brothers at Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh who referred me to Southeastern.

The Israel trip in 2015-2016 with Drs. Akin and Moseley was the most influential moment of my education at Southeastern. We visited various historical Jewish and Christian sites in different regions of the land of Israel. This trip has made Scriptures come alive to me. It has positively transformed my hermeneutics and homiletics. I can now unbiasedly interpret biblical texts related to the geography, botany, culture and people of Israel, as well as texts related to Jesus’ ministry itineraries and crucifixion narrative. The Israel I saw is not what the media makes it seem to be. It is a blessed land and a place that every student of the Bible should visit. I am grateful to Southeastern to making this trip affordable to me.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME? I enjoy going shopping with my family and walking in Raleigh parks in the summer time.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS OR PROFESSOR AT SOUTHEASTERN?

Systematic Theology were my favorite classes. Drs. Daniel Heimbach, Fred Williams and Chip McDaniel were my favorite professors. Dr. Heimbach’s advice on how Christian pastors can biblically address social and contemporary issues in a pluralistic world compelled me to do my Th.M in Christian Ethics.

BESIDES THE BIBLE, WHAT IS ONE BOOK THAT EVERYONE SHOULD READ? “Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach To Finding God’s Will” by Kevin DeYoung. It explains meticulously the will of God and shatters all confusion that surrounds the notion of God’s will. This book has helped me not only to overcome uncertainty and procrastination to do things in my life and ministry but also to be able make proper decisions. This book can also help young Christians in general to get rid of the illusion that in order to accomplish God’s plan one has to seek the hidden will of God as taught by the conventional approach of finding the will of God. This book teaches that expecting God to reveal some hidden will of direction is an invitation to disappointment and indecision. God has already revealed His plan for our lives: to love Him with our whole hearts, to obey His Word, and after that, to do what we like. We ought to avoid moments of subjective reasoning and indecisiveness because of our inability to find the will of God in our lives.

SOUTHEASTERN IS KNOWN AS A GREAT COMMISSION SEMINARY, HOW DID SOUTHEASTERN PREPARE YOU TO BE A GREAT COMMISSION CHRISTIAN IN YOUR LIFE AND WORK? It cultivated in me a spirit of sacrifice for sharing the gospel. Hence I am trying now to plant a multiethnic church in the Raleigh area and in the future, God willing, I plan to go teach the Bible and Christian ethics in theological schools in the third world.

Biblical languages, Christian ethics, Philosophy of Christian education and

FALL 2016 // SEBTS.EDU

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PROFILES \

The L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture exists as a redemptive influence on culture by presenting and defending the Christian faith and demonstrating its implications for all areas of human existence. New site at sebts.edu/cfc

/cfc.sebts

/SEBTSBushCenter

The Southeastern Center for Pastoral Leadership and Preaching exists to equip and encourage pastors to lead healthy disciple-making churches for the glory of God around the world.

pastorscenter@sebts.edu New site at sebts.edu/pastorscenter 42 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ FALL 2016

/ PROFILES

SEE HOW WE ARE GOING STUDENT

David Trump

Senior Pastor, Edgewood Baptist Church, Durham, N.C. Doctor of Ministry Student at SEBTS by Harper McKay

WHAT IS THE GREATEST JOY THAT YOU HAVE AS A PASTOR?

with David Trump

When people come to Christ, obviously. Beyond that, I love the discipleship part. It’s great to watch people grow in the Lord and learn what their spiritual gifts are and learn to use them. I really enjoy watching the whole process of someone coming to faith, recognizing their gifts and using them to serve the Lord.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A PASTOR?

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MINISTRY AND FAMILY. My wife and I have been married for 34 years and have lived in Durham, North Carolina, for five years. I’ve been in ministry for 31 years and am currently the Senior Pastor at Edgewood Baptist Church. I’m pursuing my D. Min. in Biblical Counseling at SEBTS.

WHY SOUTHEASTERN? I have long had the goal to do my D. Min. I have master’s degrees from Luther Rice and Liberty University. After my wife and I moved to Durham five years ago, attending Southeastern made the most sense.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST INFLUENTIAL MOMENT AT SOUTHEASTERN? I think it’s been the whole experience. I can’t pinpoint one particular moment. I love being on campus and learning from the others in my cohort and in my classrooms. I also enjoy being able to interact with the professors. Dr. Sam Willams’ class on mental disorders was the first class I attended here, and it blew me away.

It’s always challenging working with people; there’s always a tension there. Right now, one of the biggest challenges is the cultural shift we’re seeing taking place. It’s a whole different world being a pastor now than it was in 1985. I’ve also noticed a significant rise in consumerism among many in the church—if a church doesn’t have a program they want, they may just move on.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE PASTORS? One thing for any pastor is to be sure of his call. He must make sure he truly has a calling to become a pastor. It is important to pray about calling and examine your gifting, discerning if the Lord has given you a pastor’s heart. Another big thing is to stay in the Word. It’s easy to get so busy we forget to spend time in God’s Word.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE SEBTS D.MIN. PROGRAM? My favorite part of the D.Min. program is being able to interact with the professors. In our program, our classes are very small. It’s really beneficial to have so much attention from the professor, and I’ve been learning a lot from my classmates.

BESIDES THE BIBLE, WHAT IS ONE BOOK THAT EVERYONE SHOULD READ? “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. It is interesting for believers and unbelievers, and it is intensely practical. I went through a dark time in ministry for two or three years starting in 2003. This book helped my wife and me through that hard time.

WHAT HAS GOD BEEN TEACHING YOU LATELY? Bible memorization. I have always tried to memorize, but lately, in the last six months or so, I’ve been honing in and focusing on memorizing chunks of Scripture. It has revolutionized my walk with the Lord. I wish I would have done it years ago.

SOUTHEASTERN IS KNOWN AS A GREAT COMMISSION SEMINARY, HOW IS SOUTHEASTERN PREPARING YOU TO BE A GREAT COMMISSION PASTOR? The “Great Commission” can be used as a catch phrase in a lot of Christian circles. But the Southeastern family lives it. I think when you’re at Southeastern, you really see the Great Commission fleshed out so you can take it home to your ministry and apply it. It’s more than just a phrase.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME? My wife is a schoolteacher. We are very busy. Most of my free time is spent with my wife, enjoying time with her. My daughter and her husband live a mile down the road, so we enjoy having meals with them.

FALL 2016 // SEBTS.EDU

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PROFILES \

SEE HOW WE ARE GOING MINISTRY PARTNER

with Chuck & Cathy Moseley

Chuck & Cathy Moseley

SEBTS Ministry Partners, Southeastern Society Members by Harper McKay

leigh Executive Training Institute (RETI) how much I didn’t know. With more in-depth study, RETI has really challenged me. Cathy: I have enjoyed being in the Southeastern Women’s Auxiliary and meeting the members and young people there. I admire all the young families and the hearts they have for the Lord, and I enjoy hearing how they want to serve wherever God may take them.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST JOY THAT YOU HAVE AS YOU WORK TO IMPACT OTHERS FOR CHRIST? TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND HOW YOU CAME TO KNOW CHRIST. Cathy: We are blessed with two married children and 14 grandchildren. We retired to Wake Forest, North Carolina, nine years ago to be near the kids and have lots of time with family. I came to know Christ in my late 30s when a neighbor invited me to Bible Study Fellowship. We had been going to church, but it was kind of a social thing. The Bible study was life changing for me, and through that I was saved and baptized. Chuck: I was in my mid 40s when I came to faith in Christ. Around Thanksgiving in 1988, a tornado came through Raleigh, causing a lot of damage. A few weeks later, Anne Graham Lotz spoke at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes fundraiser. She asked if Jesus comes quickly in the night, like the tornado, was I prepared? (1 Thessalonians 5). That night I gave my life to Christ.

HOW IS SOUTHEASTERN INFLUENCING YOUR LIFE AND WORK? Chuck: I had studied the Bible for three decades, but found out in the Ra-

44 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ FALL 2016

Cathy: I teach two-year-olds during a ladies’ morning Bible study at Providence Baptist Church. It has been a joy to give out God’s true word to these children. For the past six summers, I have opened our home for a Bible study with about 20 ladies. This summer, we studied “Radical” by David Platt, and it was life changing. Chuck: We have talked about how we might have done a better job raising our kids, but the Lord has been faithful and they love and serve Him. Just two weeks ago, one of our grandsons entered the Military Academy at West Point and asked us to pray for opportunities for him to witness there. He said it was the most fertile mission field he’s ever seen.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS? Cathy: Be patient and use this opportunity to prepare well for God’s plan to be revealed. Sometimes we want to hurry up the Lord’s plan, but God’s planning is always perfect. Chuck: As important as it is to study hard and to learn, try to develop some relationships that may last a lifetime.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME? Chuck: A lot of our free time is centered on the grandkids. We try to go to all the home games and cheer them on. We are very active at our church, Richland Creek Community Church. I also serve on the Heritage Architectural Review Committee and the Town of Wake Forest Planning Board, as well as several national nuclear committees.

WHAT IS ONE BOOK THAT EVERYONE SHOULD READ? Chuck: The book that surprised and challenged me was “Counter Culture” by David Platt which Dr. David Jones used in the RETI course. It opened my eyes to poverty and the sex slavery trade and other relevant issues. It is mind boggling to realize just how rampant those things are today in the world and right here in Wake County.

WHAT HAS GOD BEEN TEACHING YOU LATELY? Cathy: David Platt’s book, “Radical,” has shown me what a radical God we follow and how radical a life He calls us to live. Chuck: I’ve always done well in school, so when I started Bible Study Fellowship, I really got into the “head” knowledge. After coming to Christ in the late 80s, I began to develop more of a “heart” relationship with the Lord.

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT SOUTHEASTERN? Chuck: I see the wonderful people that SEBTS is producing in our own church and elsewhere. The graduates of SEBTS are people of character. I also like the conservative nature of the school and its philosophy. The professors I’ve been exposed to are top notch. Cathy: We want to support people who are doing God’s work. We get daily calls to support all kinds of groups, but by supporting Southeastern, we’re furthering the kingdom – we’re working for the Lord.

GIFTS SAVE

675 $ in tuition

ANNUALLY

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To become part of Southeasternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to equip students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission through giving, visit sebts.edu/ses.

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Helping Others Go How Support Can Change the World @JonathanSix

A Letter from the Director

od is a missionary God. This

exhorts believers to be a light to the

I want to encourage you to support

is clear, even from the begin-

Gentiles so that salvation might come to

Southeastern financially. The cost of

ning. God creates humanity

the ends of the Earth (Acts. 13:47). God

theological education continues to rise.

that they might worship and commune

calls us to be gospel messengers, pro-

We have a growing student body and an

with him. After the Fall, God embarks

claiming the message of redemption to

even greater need for tuition assistance.

to restore this broken relationship be-

all peoples. This is our missional task.

Your gifts provide needed funds that

tween himself and his creation. This

At Southeastern we are convinced

keep tuition affordable and enable our

restoration would only come through

that the best Christian theologians are

students to be trained in a timely man-

his Son, the one who would bear the

the best Christian missionaries. As we

ner. Every dollar that is invested in a

weight of sin for us. We see in the New

train the mind, we are shaping the

Southeastern student is a dollar that

Testament that the ministry of Jesus

heart and equipping the hands for ser-

supports ministry in all 50 states

was one of reconciliation and restora-

vice to King Jesus. As friends and grad-

throughout the U.S. and in over 40

tion. As Luke notes, the ministry of Je-

uates of Southeastern, I want to en-

countries worldwide. While you might

sus was to seek and save that which was

courage you to be in prayer for us as we

think you are only supporting theo-

lost (Luke 19:10). He came as the good

prepare the next wave of missionaries,

logical education, you are really sup-

news of the Gospel, not simply as a mes-

pastors and church workers for the

porting gospel advancement around

senger, but the one who would restore

field. This is no small task. We are con-

the world. In short, because you give,

humanity to right relationship with God.

vinced that the effectiveness of the

we GO.

Today, God invites us to join him on

Church is directly related to the effec-

his mission. He commands the Church

tiveness of seminaries to train and pre-

to make disciples (Matt. 28:19), and he

pare. We covet your prayers. Jonathan Six, Director of Financial and Alumni Development

FALL 2016 // SEBTS.EDU

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IMPACT THE NATIONS.

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