Mid-America Messenger-Summer 2019

MID-AMERICA

SUMMER 2019

MID-AMERICA | BECOMING THE NATION’S PREMIER EQUIPPING INSTITUTION FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING

P R E S I D E N T ’ S Page

MID-AMERICA: LETTING THE BIBLE LEAD

BY DR. MICHAEL SPRADLIN

is inspired by God and profitable for

to hosting the annual Association of

teaching, for reproof, for correction, for

Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)

training in righteousness; so that the

Conference in October.

man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (NASB)

IN THIS ISSUE, we focus on our

With our new and advanced degree programs in Biblical Counseling, MidAmerica is leading the way standing

In our world today, there is a real

commitment to the Bible as profitable

with the Bible. Training individuals in

war against the Bible. It is attacked

in all areas by highlighting our Biblical

understanding and using the Bible in all

from every side and position. At

Counseling programs. With the Institute

areas of life is the Mid-America way, and

Mid-America, we are proud to stand,

for Nouthetic Studies (INS) Publishing,

this is more important today than ever

as we always have, on the inerrancy

Mid-America is bringing back into print

before. I hope you will enjoy this issue

of the Word of God and its benefit to

useful and important titles by Dr. Jay

and that the material it contains will

the life of the believer as displayed

E. Adams. We are also looking forward

challenge, inspire, and encourage you.

in 2 Timothy 3:16–17: “All Scripture

contents VOLUME 47, NUMBER 2 | SUMMER 2019 Published by the Mid-America family of educational institutions

PRESIDENT Michael Spradlin, PhD EDITOR Nathan Cole MANAGING EDITOR Lisa Griffin DESIGN Eternity Communications

LIGHTING THE WAY The theme of this summer issue of the Mid-America Messenger is the Word, and more specifically, illuminating the Word to provide clear, biblical counseling to a world that’s lost its way.

Mid-America is becoming a leader in equipping the next generation in biblical counseling.

MISSION MID-AMERICA Mid-America felt a great loss with the passing of our founder, Dr. B. Gray Allison, in February 2019. Our mission remains steadfast, and future opportunities have never looked brighter. Dr. Michael Spradlin shares his inspiring vision.

MID-AMERICA GLOBAL Mid-America is making a world of difference with new initiatives in five focus areas designed to bring fresh perspective to new opportunities. From online learning to new educational partnerships in prisons and internationally, we’re innovating globally.

SHARING GOSPEL LIGHT Mid-America students witnessed to more than 4,800 people and saw more than 500 professions of faith during the 2018–2019 school year. Read the personal stories of how students are sharing the light of Christ in a darkened world.

CONNECT P.O. Box 2350 Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453

WITH MID-AMERICA

4 14 16

WEB | mabts.edu | collegeatmidamerica.com EMAIL | info@mabts.edu SOCIAL

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LAST WORDS, FIRST WORDS: MISSION MID-AMERICA REMAINS STEADFAST

Or was the miracle helping people to

has been crushed dead under the iron

believe that God would continue to move

grip of theological liberalism. They

among the obedient and faithful?

have laws now against spreading the

I want to take a moment and be

Gospel into some of these places. Yes,

honest with you. When Dr. Gray went to

it is dark. Even in our own country, you

glory, I did not turn into Dr. Gray. I have

see moral values decaying. Even in our

been President for 21 years, and I still do

own denomination, we have leaders

not hold a candle to him. I am a realist,

who are under attack or involved in

This article is an excerpt from the

and I get it. I cannot be him. God did not

scandal. We have a denomination that

sermon Dr. Spradlin preached at the

make me that way, and I recognize that.

is declining in baptisms at a dramatic

Celebration Service for Dr. B. Gray

Our great captain is gone, and he is not

rate. Mathematically, it is just a matter

Allison. To watch the full sermon,

coming back. But what was important to

of time. Today, we want to do missions

go to mabts.edu/drgray.

Dr. Gray is important to me. I stand for

without God-called missionaries. We

the Gospel, the inerrancy of the Word of

want to plant churches without personal

BY DR. MICHAEL SPRADLIN

God, the necessity of missions, and the

evangelism. We want to believe the Bible

I came to Mid-America Baptist

importance of personal evangelism. I

without being under the authority of

Theological Seminary as a student in

believe in training the next generation

Scripture. We have lost the power.

1984, and I heard Dr. B. Gray Allison tell

of pastors, missionaries, ministers, and

the miracle of Mid-America. I believed

laypeople to stay strong for Jesus and

every word of it. I

reach the lost.

still do. But what

I WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING FROM MY HEART: the light of the

is the miracle of Mid-America?

Is it that many

is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.� This is where we are at Mid-America: We will never surrender! We

people gave

all over our world.

money at just the

Christianity is in

the Bible as

right time, and

retreat. When you

the Word of

we got a building?

look at Europe,

God. It is all

Or that many

the birthplace of

true! I do not

intelligent people

so many things,

care what

sacrificed so

the Gospel light

anyone says.

they could come together and start

Dr. Michael Spradlin has earned two degrees from MidAmerica. Here, he received his MDIV in 1987 from Dr. B. Gray Allison. In 1991, he also earned a PhD.

Gospel is flickering out

Winston Churchill said, “Success

a school where we have diplomas with our name on it? Is the miracle of MidAmerica more endowments or another building?

will stand on

Mission Mid-America

MID-AMERICA...

STILL AS DISTINCTIVE AS EVER EVERY PROFESSOR COMMITTED TO: zz Biblical inerrancy of the Scriptures

5

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

STUDENT SOUL-WINNING More than 165,000 people have made professions of faith through the witnessing of Mid-America Seminary students—plus countless thousands later in their ministries as a result of their training. Our graduates are sought after by the IMB and NAMB where hundreds of them now serve.

38 DEGREE PROGRAMS Mid-America offers six undergraduate and 32 graduate level degree programs (MA, MDIV, DMIN, and PhD) in a wide variety of disciplines. Most are available online. All are fully accredited.

zz Personal evangelism and soul-winning

DEBT-FREE GRADUATION

zz Active membership in a local church

Thanks to generous donors, Mid-America keeps tuition so low that most students graduate without incurring debt.

They are free to go anywhere the Lord calls them and minister or serve unencumbered by debt.

3,600

The average number of professions of faith each year since our founding in 1972 through the witnessing of our students

70%

The percentage of each student’s tuition funded

by Mid-America donors

GLOBAL IMPACT OF MID-AMERICA ALUMNI PASTORS AND CHURCH STAFF

Mid-America alumni are leading churches all over the United States and abroad. Each is equipped to preach expositionally, verse-by-verse.

It is the Word of God, and we are going to teach it and preach it. We will plow through it verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book. We are going to talk about what the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ really mean. We will stand as an institution.

We will stand in every

MISSIONARIES & CHURCH PLANTERS

pulpit and preach the

These global ambassadors are carrying Christ to the nations, including areas hostile to the Gospel.

Missions is in our DNA.

Bible. We will pray that God will call people to go to the pulpits of

DENOMINATIONAL, INSTITUTIONAL, & EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

America. Too many

International schools and seminaries and all six SBC seminaries employ Mid-America graduates.

churches exist where there is no one to go, live in the community,

OTHER MINISTRIES

Mid-America alumni lead and serve in a wide variety of other ministries, including chaplaincies and ministries to the inner-city, college students, refugees, and more.

6

The number of state conventions which have a Mid-America alumnus leading as Executive Director

love God, love people, and preach the Bible. Why is there a shortage? Mid-America is needed today as much, or more than, ever.

IS THE WORLD MORE EVANGELIZED TODAY? Are we gaining ground? Are all the institutions of America practicing personal evangelism? If they are, then we can go home, turn the lights off, and lock the doors. But until God’s call is done, we will never quit, and we will never surrender. We will stand. And we will be involved in teaching evangelism and the discipline of doing it.

The people who come to Mid-America choose us because they choose the harder path. They choose to accept the discipline and the burden of forcing

Mission Mid-America

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

7

oneself to go—whether you are an

burdened him for lost and broken souls.

His victory. I’m going home to Heaven,

introvert or extrovert— and tell

We do not need just one Gray Allison,

there to live eternally for the life of Christ

somebody about Jesus. We will tell

but we need all of us to stand. Today,

my Savior is the life He gave to me. I’m

people about Jesus. We will be a Bible

the challenge is: Will you stand with us?

going home to Heaven; won’t you come

preaching and teaching institution. We

Will you stand with Mid-America? For

and go with me? Jesus, Who died and

will believe the Bible as the Word of God.

our alumni, it is time to come home and

rose again is waiting there for me.”

We will be a missionary institution. We

stand with your school so that the Gospel

will be a place where the heart for the

will go out. For all of us, it is time to stand

a video of some of his father’s last

world is our heart. We will desire that

together and say, “I will take the Gospel

words on earth. The video was taken

every people, every culture, everywhere,

of Jesus to the nations. I’m going to do

on the last day of his life, and Dr. Gray

hear the name of Jesus. Our hearts

what God has called me to do, because I

was talking through parched lips. He

will be broken until they have the

want lost people to know the only hope

struggled to say two words: “Love Jesus.”

opportunity to respond. I remember Dr.

they have is Jesus.”

Can you imagine a life and a ministry

John Floyd saying in class one time, “It is

I was given this poem written by Dr.

Gray Malloy Allison showed me

summarized any better? They were

not just reaching a people group with the

Gray entitled “Going Home to Heaven.”

among his last words here on Earth, but

Gospel. It is that every person can hear

“I’m going home to Heaven, where my

we know the story does not end there.

the Gospel.” We will stand on our desire

Savior waits for me. He prepared me for

Friends, Dr. Gray will be our example of

for God to call more missionaries and

the journey through his death on Calvary.

a life well lived because it was poured out

send them around the world because

I’m going home to Heaven, where my

following and loving Jesus. Mid-America

the world is lost. Friends, we will be

loved ones wait for me, where they too

will stand for and continue to pursue the

evangelistic.

have shared the blessings, which are in

most important thing: Jesus.

NOW, THE WORD “EVANGELISM” means different

!... gain ns a egi b e ycl ec Th

things to different people. To us, it means an individual uses the Word of

EQUIPPED AT MA

The pro ces s be gin s...

God to tell someone how he or she can be saved. It is where we say, “I want to tell you the best news that you will ever hear.” We had the chance to be around a

SERVING THE LORD

SENDING STUDENTS TO MA

soul-winner in Dr. Gray, a man who was endowed with the Spirit from God who

2,932

CONNECTING FRIENDS WITH MA

The total number of Mid-America graduates since our founding in 1972 Infographics are inspired by an address from Mid-America alumnus Dr. Roger S. (Sing) Oldham presented at the Donor Appreciation Banquet on November 1, 2018.

Watch it at mabts.edu/2018donorbanquet.

FULLCIRCLE GRADUATES

LEADING CHURCH/ORG TO SUPPORT MA

STAYING ENGAGED WITH MA PERSONALLY SUPPORTING MA

PRAYING FOR MA

8

Biblical Counseling

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

MID-AMERICA HOSTS NATIONAL BIBLICAL COUNSELING CONFERENCE

than 50 speakers with an expected attendance of more than 2,000 biblical

opportunity. I trust I will see you there!”

Consistent with the long-standing

counselors from around the globe.

pillar of a biblically-based approach to

Bellevue Baptist Church is partnering

every discipline of study, Mid-America

with Mid-America for promotion and

ensures biblical counseling studies are

hosting.

rooted in the Word of God. Established in

“Hosting the ACBC conference is a

the belief of the sufficiency of Scripture,

great honor and provides both students

the goal is to develop a curriculum of

Mid-America is honored to host the

and area churches with an opportunity

training at Mid-America so that students

upcoming Association of Certified

to understand the sufficiency of

learn how to counsel from the Word.

Biblical Counselors (ACBC) Conference

Scripture and what it means to counsel

Students also receive mentoring and

October 7–9. The conference theme is “The Valley of the Shadow: Suicide, Self-harm, and Scripture.” It features more

from the Word of God nouthetically,” says Dr. Timothy C. Seal, Dean of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

“I urge you to avail yourself of this valuable

additional opportunities to turn their instruction into practice.

WHEN MID-AMERICA CREATED ITS COUNSELING PROGRAM, it surveyed the counseling landscape and found three approaches: secular counseling, integrational

counseling, and nouthetic counseling.

to his books. This serves as a stamp of

“Nouthetic” is a Greek term meaning

approval on the courses of study and

“to put the Word of God into mind.” Out

positions Mid-America at the forefront

of the three, the nouthetic approach,

for students desiring instruction in

founded and popularized by Dr. Jay E.

nouthetic counseling, says Dr. Seal.

Adams, was, without question, the most

Mid-America is the first fully

firmly established in the principles of the

nouthetic program of study and a

Bible, says Dr. Seal.

strategic leader in teaching biblical

MID-AMERICA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DR. ADAMS,

counseling, he says. Every professor

established degree programs in

enthusiastically holds to a nouthetic

nouthetic counseling at every level—

approach to counseling. Dr. Matt R.

bachelor, graduate, and doctoral (see

Akers, a professor in Mid-America’s

story on pages 10–11). Dr. Adams chose to

growing Biblical Counseling department,

grace Mid-America with the stewardship

also works with Bellevue Baptist Church

of his ministry, the Institute of Nouthetic

to provide a practicum for students in

Studies (INS), and the publishing rights

the biblical counseling program.

teaching in the counseling department

ACBC honored Mid-America by selecting us as the site for their Annual Conference. Here is more information about the event.

What is the ACBC? For more than 40 years, the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (formerly known as NANC) has been certifying biblical counselors to ensure doctrinal integrity and to promote excellence in biblical counseling.

Do I need to be a student or counselor to attend the ACBC Annual Conference?

No, everyone is invited to attend, but you must register. Details below.

What are the benefits of the conference?

The conference features more than 50 speakers and includes both plenary and breakout sessions on a variety of subjects. The theme this year recognizes the alarming trends of suicide and self-harm, and the conference will equip Christians to minister the Word of God to those who feel as if all is lost.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Monday, October 7, 2019 Pre-Conference—9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Registration/Check-in—2:30–5:30 p.m.

Conference—6:00–8:45 p.m.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 Conference—8:00 a.m.–8:45 p.m.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 Conference—9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION You can register for the conference directly on the ACBC website:

biblicalcounseling.com/ conference/suicide-self-harm

OCTOBER 7–9

HOSTED BY MID-AMERICA

MID-AMERICA

THE NATION’S PREMIER EQUIPPING INSTITUTION FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING

ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD AND PROFITABLE FOR TEACHING, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS; SO THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE ADEQUATE, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16–17

Biblical Counseling

MID-AMERICA AND INS COMBINE TO EQUIP STUDENTS TO BE COMPETENT TO COUNSEL Two institutions with a strong history of teaching the sufficiency of Scripture have combined forces to create one of the nation’s most comprehensive and accessible educational programs for biblical counseling. The program combines the strengths of Mid-America and the Institute for Nouthetic Studies (INS) in training men and women to counsel biblically.

Mid-America has partnered with Dr. Jay E. Adams, INS Founder and the father of the modern biblical counseling movement, to build a counseling curriculum that is faithful to the Scriptures, academically rigorous, and intensely practical. Beginning with his landmark book Competent to Counsel in 1970, Dr. Adams has been demonstrating the importance of counseling with the conviction that the Scripture is God’s sufficient resource for dealing with life’s problems.

Mid-America’s biblical counseling program offers students fully accredited training in biblical counseling at five levels: BA, MA, MDIV, DMIN, and PhD. If students do not seek an accredited degree, they can take INS courses which are available online at nouthetic.org and earn an INS Certificate in Nouthetic Counseling from Mid-America.

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

11

MID-AMERICA BIBLICAL COUNSELING PROGRAMS INS | INSTITUTE FOR NOUTHETIC STUDIES

MDIV | BIBLICAL COUNSELING

BA | BIBLICAL COUNSELING

DMIN | BIBLICAL COUNSELING

The Institute for Nouthetic Studies (INS) offers a biblical counseling certificate geared toward pastors and laypeople desiring to counsel based on the Word of God. (See next page for more information.)

INS features a self-paced study series containing 12 courses which provide a robust education in the fundamentals of biblical counseling. This curriculum meets, and far exceeds, the minimum training requirement for certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). NOUTHETIC.ORG

The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Counseling degree is a postsecondary professional degree designed to equip students for effective Christian ministry in local churches, missions, or denominational service. COLLEGEATMIDAMERICA.COM/ BACHELOR-OF-ARTS-IN-BIBLICALCOUNSELING

MA | BIBLICAL COUNSELING

The new Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling degree is a four-semester, 60-hour program. It prepares students for effective counseling rooted in Scripture to transform lives. Concrete and practical, this degree prepares students with both orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Our well-rounded curriculum begins in the classroom with first-rate biblical and theological education, and ends with an unparalleled hands-on practicum that allows students to counsel alongside experienced mentors who will help you to sharpen your skills. Flexible learning options allow you to study in the classroom, online, or both.

COLLEGEATMIDAMERICA.COM/ MASTER-OF-ARTS-IN-BIBLICALCOUNSELING

The Master of Divinity in Biblical Counseling is a professional graduate degree beyond the Bachelor of Arts or equivalent, designed to equip both male and female students for effective ministry as a biblical counselor. This is a threeyear program focused on counseling that is strictly biblical in nature (nouthetic), and students receive a background in the theology of counseling and evidence that the Word is sufficient to bring about change. MABTS.EDU/MDIV-BIBLICALCOUNSELING

The Doctor of Ministry degree is an advanced professional degree designed to enable students to practice ministry at a high level of competency. The program builds on the general theological preparation of the Master of Divinity, and moves toward a concentration which combines theory and significant experience. The professional character of the degree is designed to prepare students to be effective in the practice of ministry rather than preparing for research and teaching vocations.

PHD | BIBLICAL COUNSELING

The Doctor of Philosophy degree equips students for advanced scholarship, independent research, effective teaching and preaching, and service in churchrelated ministries that benefit from advanced Christian scholarship. The Doctor of Philosophy program involves a minimum of two years of study beyond the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent.

Students entering the program should be aware that three or more years are frequently needed for completion of the degree requirements, depending upon individual circumstances.

THE FAST TRACK TO BECOMING ‘COMPETENT TO COUNSEL’ “I myself am convinced about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and competent to counsel one another.” (Romans 15:14) In 1970, Dr. Jay E. Adams confronted the evangelical Christian church over their failure to counsel each other through Scripture, as seen with the Apostle Paul in Romans 15, and instead refer hurting people in their churches to secular counseling practitioners.

His book, Competent to Counsel, lit a fire that continues to burn in the hearts of pastors and other Christian workers around the world. Today, there is a growing understanding that we have a complete and sufficient resource in the Word of God to meet the counseling needs of God’s people.

For over 50 years, Dr. Adams has been demonstrating, through his books and lectures, how pastors can effectively apply God’s Word in the counseling room. He formed the INSTITUTE FOR NOUTHETIC STUDIES (INS) to serve as a vehicle through which he could minister to the Christian leaders who sought his help for training in biblical counseling.

To ensure that his teaching ministry would remain in the hands of faithful people after his death, he entrusted the INS ministry to Mid-America which is committed to maintaining his legacy of faithfulness to the Scriptures and confidence in their sufficiency. Mid-America also offers degrees and certificates for anyone interested in serving as a biblical counselor. Students can receive a BA, MA, MDIV, DMIN, and PhD in biblical counseling. The BA, MA, and MDIV degrees may be earned residentially or online. If students do not seek an accredited degree, they can take INS courses which are available online at NOUTHETIC.ORG and earn an INS Certificate in Nouthetic Counseling from Mid-America.

MID-AMERICA IS NOW A PUBLISHER Mid-America is excited to announce that our Institute for Nouthetic Studies has assumed responsibility for the publication of Dr. Jay E. Adams’ books. While some titles will continue to be published by Zondervan, P & R, and Calvary, most will now be published by INS. Almost all of Dr. Adams’ books, regardless of the publisher, can be purchased through our new online bookstore at insbookstore.com.

In the months to come, we will be bringing back into print many of the titles that are out of print and unavailable. Eventually, we plan to make Dr. Adams’ entire works available so a new generation of pastors and counselors can profit from them in the same way as the past generation. Bookmark our online bookstore, and check back regularly for monthly specials and announcements about new publications.

VISIT OUR NEW ONLINE BOOKSTORE:

INSBOOKSTORE.COM

MAKING A

WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

INTRODUCING MID-AMERICA GLOBAL  NEW INITIATIVES IN FIVE FOCUS AREAS DESIGNED TO BRING FRESH VISION TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES

FOCUS 2 INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Because of our heart for the nations, international partnerships are particularly exciting to us. Our partnership with Emanuel University in Oradea, Romania, is something special. Of all the SBC seminaries, Emanuel’s leadership chose Mid-America because of our heart for evangelism. Their heartbeat is our heartbeat—to glorify Jesus, teach the inerrant Word of God, and train others to do the same. We will assist them by teaching PhD Seminars in Romania to their faculty. This will allow Emanuel to be fully-accredited in their country and proceed with offering seminary courses and MDIV degrees.

In Kenya, we are partnering with an International Mission Board (IMB) missionary to assist a local pastor in receiving the training he needs without leaving his ministry. The native pastor will take online classes through Mid-America while he continues the work and is discipled by his IMB missionary friend. We believe this is a reproducible model for training around the world. In the coming year, we will share more about these and other international partnerships, and you can read more now on page 22.

FOCUS 1 EXCELLENCE IN ONLINE LEARNING Did you know that all of Mid-America’s undergraduate and graduate degrees can be completed 100 percent online? Online learning makes sense for students in a variety of circumstances. For example, former students who left school early for job opportunities or family responsibilities can now re-enroll and complete their degrees from their current ministry locations. Excellent online classes mean that even if the student must attend remotely, he or she still receives a high-quality, fully-equipping Mid-America education. Our faculty have been working diligently, and we are all excited to roll out updated video content, formatting, course platform, and many other features which make our online classes better than ever before.

Mid-America Global

A

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

15

t Mid-America, we are proud of our heritage and excited about connecting with our alumni and friends at the annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). This year’s SBC Alumni and

Friends Luncheon is particularly special because we launch Mid-America Global, our initiatives for the coming year distilled into five focus areas. As in all things, we are trusting God for His peace, presence, power, and provision to accomplish the tasks He has given us to do. Please pray with us over these new opportunities.

GLOBAL

FOCUS 3 MISSION: NORTHEAST Our mission in the northeastern United States has been a focus for over 30 years. Our current Northeast director, Dr. Mike Haggard, has caught the vision of expanding from Albany, New York, to the entire region. He has worked with local pastors and ministers to recruit and assemble MOVE groups (see Focus 4) across the area. We are encouraged by the way people have responded and are looking forward to the increase in not only students but also in lives changed through the witness of our students in the Northeast.

FOCUS 4 MOVE GROUPS MOVE is an acronym for Mentored Online Virtual Education. MOVE groups are small collections of onlineonly Mid-America students who meet in person with a mentor to discuss their courses and share their witnessing opportunities. These bimonthly meetings allow the mentor to assist students to contextualize their learning into effective ministry in their local area. MOVE groups are currently concentrated in the Northeast but are not limited to that area. We have MOVE groups in Ohio, Georgia, and as far away as Kenya! God is at work around the world giving us the wonderful opportunity to train those He calls for effective service.

FOCUS 5 ARKANSAS PRISON INITIATIVE (API) The work happening in the Varner Supermax unit in southern Arkansas is exciting.

In late April, Mid-America attended a meeting with Gov. Asa Hutchinson, members of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, representatives from the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, and many other interested parties to discuss the initiative and its support. We can clearly see God is working there. The inmates trained in our fouryear Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degree will, after graduation, become ministers throughout the prison system and bring hope where so few can go. They will take Jesus into the darkest of places seeking the lost sheep. Our God rescues, gives second chances, and provides purpose even in the midst of a life sentence. Dr. Mark Thompson, our API Director, will work with the inmates in person to provide the support and mentoring each will need to be successful.

Read more about this on page 19.

ERIC A. GULLION, ASSOCIATE OF DIVINITY, CORDOVA, TENNESSEE

OUMALAY MEUNDOUANG, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE— BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, THAILAND

I got a chance to ask my coworker about his faith. He grew up

I witnessed to a close friend from a Buddhist background. She

Catholic but had not gone to church in 10 years. I asked if he

said Christianity was a good religion teaching people to be

knew what would happen

and do good. She

when he died. He was not

seemed surprised

sure, so I asked if he would

that Christians

like to know for certain. He

do not believe

said, “Yes,” so I went through

the action of

an evangelism outline. After

doing good things

I finished with the whole

can get you into

plan of salvation, I asked if it

Heaven—only

made sense to him. He said

whoever believes

“Yes,” so I asked if he wanted

in Jesus will be

to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. He said, “Yes,” again, so we

saved. I pulled

prayed for him to repent and receive Jesus as Lord. I gave him

out the Bible and

a Bible and told him the importance of baptism after salvation

read Ephesians

as he was baptized as a child.

2:8 to her. I told

CAROLYN WINDER, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE— BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ROSSVILLE, TENNESSEE I was reading for my Biblical Doctrines class, and my coworker asked me about the book. I then asked what she believed.

Her grandparents were Christians and her parents were Muslims. She believed that Allah and the Christian’s God were the same. I told her the Muslim’s god was Allah, and the Christian’s God was Jesus. She responded, “What? Jesus is God?” I said, ‘“Yes,” and asked if it was OK to share what I believe. I then went through the plan of salvation. She believed what I said, but she did not pray with me then. I told her it’s a serious thing to know for sure where we’ll go when we die. I invited her to my church and plan to pray for her.

her what Romans 3:23 and Romans 3:10 say about us all being sinners, but John 3:16 says Jesus Christ died for your sins. I told her she could

Practical Missions

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

17

A MID-AMERICA TRADITION, REPORT HOUR IN CHAPEL EACH TUESDAY MORNING IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS TO SHARE TESTIMONIES AND EXPERIENCES THEY HAVE IN SHARING THE GOSPEL AS PART OF WITNESS ONE:SEVEN AND GO! PROGRAM. LET THESE RECENT EXAMPLES INSPIRE YOU. Therefore, I read her Romans 10:9–10. She said, “OK, I will do

ANNA WEAVER, MASTER OF ARTS—THEOLOGY, CORDOVA, TENNESSEE

it.” I prayed for her and invited her to come to church. She is

I recently ran my second marathon, and the Lord showed His

now coming to church every Sunday.

faithfulness throughout. I used this opportunity to declare

be saved today, and she wanted to accept Jesus into her heart.

Jesus and the truth of Acts 20:24 which states, “If only I may finish my course...to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.” One man was walking, so I stopped to walk with him. I asked if he knew Jesus, and he was flippant in his response. I told him how Jesus had changed my life and quoted Acts 20:24 to him. I explained we are running a bigger race that counts for all eternity. He wanted nothing to do with it and started running again. I wish we had more time to talk, but I know God can use what I said.

JAMES BURR, BACHELOR OF ARTS—CHRISTIAN STUDIES, WICHITA, KANSAS A few months ago, I was counseling a young man at my church who had expressed interest in being baptized. He and his family came from a Catholic background, and he had an understanding about who Jesus is but very clearly had no relationship with Him. I began to share some Scripture with him and to go through an evangelism outline. Because of his confusion with Catholicism, I reiterated the fact that this free gift of salvation cannot be earned, and we do not deserve it (quoting Ephesians 2:8–9). After presenting the Gospel, I asked if he wanted to pray and accept God’s free gift of salvation. He said that he did, and we prayed together. Please pray for him and his family.

MID-AMERICA STUDENTS MAKING JESUS ‘COOL AT SCHOOL’ “Connecting kids to Christ and putting Bibles in their hands.” You’ll find this phrase on the back of every KiDs Beach Club (KBC) leader T-shirt. KBC is a ministry that mobilizes churches to provide a Jesus experience to 3rd–6th graders within the culture of their public schools. Mid-America students have helped accomplish this vision during the five years the ministry has been in the Memphis area.

Once a week at the end of the school day on a public school campus, sponsoring churches gather a team of volunteers. Attending kids focus on “Making Jesus Cool at School.” This high-energy hour includes activities such as worship, Scripture memory, Bible-story, and small-group time. It takes all hands on deck, and many of those are the eager hands of Mid-America students. Whether it’s Sarah Horn getting connected with students through small groups, W.T. Mosteller leading an exciting worship time, or Damon Shields serving to make sure everyone gets home safely, they are all making an impact. Many serve in multiple roles, and some, such as Andrew Enzor, serve in multiple clubs. Each aspect is vital in accomplishing the goal of sharing the Gospel.

“KBC is a wonderful and powerful way to make Jesus known to children and see His transforming power working in their lives,” says Lucy Comin. For any volunteer, leading a child to Christ is the greatest joy.

Thanks to the commitment of many Mid-America students, children in the greater Memphis area are not only hearing the Word, but they are also responding to it. Mid-America students are impacting the KBC ministry of local churches, but even greater than that, they are impacting the Kingdom. For more information about KBC visit kidsbeachclub.org.

WITNESS ONE:SEVEN & GO! PROGRAM REPORT 2018–2019 SCHOOL YEAR

TENNESSEE NEW YORK TOTAL

PRACTICAL MISSIONS 6,711 242 6,953 PERSONS WITNESSED TO 4,548 254 4,802 PROFESSIONS OF FAITH 488 SERMONS PREACHED

28 516

814 106 920

Witness One:Seven and GO! Program reported August 1, 2018–May 8, 2019

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH SINCE 1972 = 165,657

Mid-America News

CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. B. GRAY ALLISON WITH SPECIAL SERVICES

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

19

MID-AMERICA BEGINS ARKANSAS PRISON INITIATIVE

Mid-America has a new open door for ministry. The Arkansas

The founder and President Emeritus of

Baptist State Convention recently approached Dr. Michael

Mid-America, Dr. B. Gray Allison, graduated to

Spradlin about the prospect of offering a college degree to

Heaven on February 12, 2019. Mid-America hosted

inmates at the maximum security prison in Pine Bluff. Known

two special services in memory of Dr. Gray—the

as the Varner Unit in the Arkansas Department of Corrections,

funeral on February 18 for family and friends and a

Mid-America will be training inmates from across the state to

Celebration Service on February 25 for the greater

serve as field ministers to other inmates within the Varner Unit.

Mid-America family. If you missed either event, you can watch them on our website, mabts.edu/drgray.

The degree will be the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies through The College at Mid-America and begins this fall. Our students will be long-term inmates with at least 10 years yet to serve on their sentences. The goal will be to provide Christian ministry to other inmates in ways unique to the prison system.

These inmates will minister to their peers through hearts and minds that fully understand the stresses and dangers inherent in prolonged confinement.

In other prisons with similar programs, such as Angola Prison in Louisiana and

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Darrington Prison in Texas, inmates were saved and inmate-on-inmate

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our special Amazon link and a donation is made

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those who study the need for prison reform. Pray with us that

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0430687. You’ll see AmazonSmile and “Supporting:

The challenges are many. Maximum security inmates have

Mid-America Baptist Theological

no access to the Internet. They are unable to take pen and paper

Seminary” at

to their cells. There are a host of other restrictions as well. One

the top

of the greatest hurdles to overcome is funding. Since this is a

of your

religious endeavor, no state funds of any kind may be used;

screen.

all funds must come from outside sources. We must provide

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tables, computers, textbooks, and all other materials required

and use it each time

for the educational process. Our God is able to supply through

you shop. It’s free

this open door.

and easy!

M I TC H K I M B R E L L

MDIV–PASTORAL MINISTRY, 2012; PHD, 2017 Church Planter, NETS Network, Williston, Vermont

“Dr. B. Gray Allison’s evangelism class fanned the flame burning in my heart for the lost in New England.”

H E R S H A E L YO R K MDIV, 1988; PHD, 1999

Dean of the School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“The more we see the brokenness of humanity, the more we realize that the Word of God is not a cause for embarrassment, but a source of life.”

SARAH BLAIR

MDIV–MISSIOLOGY, 2018 Missionary To Hilo, Hawaii

“Thank you, donors.

Because of your donations, my husband and I left Mid-America debt free!”

JEFF SINGERMAN MDIV, 1987

International Mission Board Missionary to Benin, Africa

“Mid-America gave me an opportunity to have a biblical foundation in missions and

evangelism.”

MID-AMERICA ALUMNI SHOW IMPORTANCE OF IMPACT AND INVESTMENT How did these people get to MidAmerica? What enabled them to effectively minister to a lost world?

God has been calling students to Mid-America for 47 years from countries all over the world. They came with a yearning to do something they had never done. With the call of God fresh in their lives, they

had an insatiable desire for solid biblical education and training. Most came with wives and children, but many were single. In either case, they left the security of familiar things, including family, church, jobs, and surroundings to step out in faith across the world to serve a risen Savior.

You can see where our alumni minister all over the world today by

visiting our World Missions Map at mabts.edu/why-mid-america/ about-mid-america/missions-map.

They came to Mid-America with confidence they would be taught the true Word of God because we believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. They graduate with a burden for the world on their hearts.

Today, another group is beginning to find their way to our hallways and classrooms.

With pervasive liberalism in our country, believing high school students and their parents are looking for an undergraduate degree

ARCHIE MASON MDIV, 1999

Senior Pastor, Central Baptist Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas

“Mid-America taught me the importance of the Word of God. Thank you, donors, for allowing me to be a graduate with no debt so that we could go on the mission field and start my ministry immediately.”

ROGER S. (SING) OLDHAM MDIV, 1980; PHD, 1985

Vice President for Convention Communications and Relations

“When there weren’t a lot of conservative schools available, Bible-believing Christians needed us then.

I would argue they still need us today.”

VA N C E P I T M A N MDIV, 1998

Senior Pastor, Hope Church, Las Vegas, Nevada

4,000+ members; 52 church plants; More than 2,300 baptisms in 17 years

not infused with ideology. At The College at Mid-America, tomorrow’s church leaders, business men and women, and community leaders are taught a true biblical worldview with an unsurpassed education that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Our distinctives make Mid-America who we are: FINANCIAL FREEDOM No student loans at graduation WITNESS ONE:SEVEN Confident ability to share the Gospel FACULTY INVOLVEMENT Inclass instruction by professors with earned PhDs, open-door

policy, and personal availability ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Teach, train, and equip students at the highest possible levels DONOR SUPPORTED Nearly 70 percent of student tuition is paid by our donors To maintain these distinctives, we depend on you. Your investment produces men and women of God who know the Word of God and can tell about the risen Christ wherever God takes them. Because of your gifts, our graduates are not burdened with school debt to pay off, so they can truly go “to all the world for Jesus’ sake.”

Thank you all for your consistent, generous, faithful support of the Lord’s work here at Mid-America. Some of our supporters have substantially increased their giving this year. We have seen some friends begin to give again who haven’t given in a while.

And there are new friends who have begun to support Mid-America for the first time. We thank the Lord for you and continue to trust Him for all our needs.

Give online now at MABTS.EDU/SUPPORT or mail your check to: Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 2350, Cordova, TN 38088-2350.

22

Mid-America News

MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

MID-AMERICA PARTNERS WITH ROMANIAN SEMINARY, OFFERS PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

Dr. Paul Negrut cofounded the university in 1990 and serves as the Rector of Emanuel University as well as co-pastor of Emanuel Baptist Church in Oradea. Often called “the Billy Graham of Europe,” Dr. Negrut is an accomplished scholar

Nicolae Ceaușescu was the general secretary of the Romanian

and preacher. He has penned numerous books and articles

Communist Party from 1965 to 1989. During his reign of terror,

and has served as President of the Romanian Baptist Union

Christians experienced persecution

and as President of the Romanian

and martyrdom for their faith

Evangelical Alliance. Above all,

in Christ. Finally, the Romanian

he has a passion to train men and

people rose up and overthrew the

women to share Christ with a lost

tyrant and his communist regime.

world.

Ceaușescu and his wife were executed December 25, 1989.

The next year, Emanuel Bible

Dr. Negrut and Emanuel University have a long history with Mid-America. Dr. B. Gray Allison

Institute was founded by Biserica

spoke at Oradea years ago, and Dr.

Baptista Emanuel Oradea of

Michael Spradlin spent time teaching

Oradea, Romania. The underground

and preaching there last fall.

school emerged from secrecy and developed into a fully accredited university.

Mid-America will provide Doctor of Philosophy courses to current Emanuel University faculty so that they may, in turn,

Emanuel University of Oradea is the largest accredited

begin a new fully-accredited Master of Divinity program. This

conservative university in Europe and the only one accredited.

will better enable these fine evangelical leaders to teach and

The school awards bachelor and master’s degrees and has over

preach the word of God in Romania and beyond and fulfill our

2,500 graduates in 39 countries.

ongoing mission “to all the world for Jesus’ sake.”

S U M M E R & FA L L

SBC ALUMNI & FRIENDS LUNCHEON

FOUNDERS’ DAYS

June 11, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Registration: mabts.edu/sbcluncheon

August 20–22

LAST DAY TO SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR FALL SEMESTER July 1

REGISTRATION FOR FALL SEMESTER July 8–August 14

ORIENTATION AND REGISTRATION FOR NEW STUDENTS FOR FALL August 8–9

FALL SEMESTER CLASSES BEGIN August 21

FALL PREVIEW DAY October 3

ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED BIBLICAL COUNSELORS (ACBC) 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE October 7–9

MID-AMERICA PASSION PLAY PRESENTS GOSPEL TO THOUSANDS In April, the Seminary presented the third annual Mid-America Passion Play entitled Lord, I Believe, directed by Dr. James D. Whitmire.

With a new theme and script, this year’s production portrayed Jesus confronting Thomas’ disbelief.

Thousands attended the five, live Gospel presentations, and hundreds served as cast, choir, orchestra, sound crew, stage hands, set designers, and ushers.

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

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MEMPHIS, TN PERMIT NO. 831

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

JOIN US AS MID-AMERICA LOOKS BACK AT A BLESSED HERITAGE, FORWARD TO A BRIGHT FUTURE. AUGUST 20–22, 2019 MID-AMERICA CHAPEL

NEW SCHEDULE THIS YEAR!

TUES | AUGUST 20 7:00 P.M. WED | AUGUST 21 11:00 A.M. THUR | AUGUST 22 11:00 A.M. For more information, visit MABTS.EDU/FOUNDERSDAYS