Mid-America Messenger-Summer 2021

MID-AMERICA

MESSENGER THE MAGAZINE OF MID-AMERICA BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND THE COLLEGE AT MID-AMERICA

SUMMER 2021

LEE ON LEADERSHIP DEAN OF MID-AMERICA BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

“O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVES

MID-AMERICA’S CORE VALUES and speaks truth in his heart.” PSALM 15:1–2

I

MISSIONS

EVANGELISM

n these challenging days, we need godly leadership more than ever. From our families to our churches and denomination, godly leadership based on the Bible remains essential.

At Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, we have been

LEADERSHIP

BIBLE

DISCIPLESHIP

committed to the Bible as the inerrant Word of God from our founding to today. Taking the Gospel to the nations is our biblical imperative. Because of this, we are passionate about missions and evangelism.

The practical application of our core values results in godly

SERVICE

COMMUNITY

leadership. A Christ-like leader is not someone who whispers and has a passive appearance. A Christ-like leader is someone who lives under the authority of the Lord Jesus and His Word, who speaks the truth in love, who serves others in the name of Jesus, and who is willing to sacrifice in the name of their principles.

This Mid-America Messenger magazine is dedicated to focusing on the core value of leadership. We are blessed to have walked with great leaders for Christ throughout the history of our school. We need to take the leadership lessons of the past, apply them to the present, and preserve them for the future.

As you read these articles, please join me in praying that the Lord will call out laborers for the harvest and leaders for the future.

MICHAEL R. SPRADLIN, PHD

PRESIDENT | MID-AMERICA SEMINARY AND COLLEGE

LEADERSHIP 2 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

LEADERSHIP is the focus of this edition

of the Mid-America Messenger.

INSIDE

DR. LEE BRAND JR. ON SERVANT LEADERSHIP Dr. Lee Brand Jr., Dean of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, contrasts two leadership styles often found in today’s churches with the biblical model of servant leadership exhibited by Jesus Christ.

8

SUMMER 2021 VOLUME 49, NUMBER 1 Published by Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and The College at Mid-America PRESIDENT Michael Spradlin, PhD EDITOR Bryan A. Murray DESIGN Eternity Communications WEB mabts.edu collegeatmidamerica.com EMAIL info@mabts.edu SOCIAL  facebook.com/mabts.edu  twitter.com/mabts  instagram.com/mabts_

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

4

12

16

NEIGHBORHOOD EVANGELISM

BIBLICAL COUNSELING

LEADING VOLUNTEERS

God plants us in neighborhoods where we can represent Him to those seeking true life. Third in a series on engaging evangelism in the modern world.

Mid-America is now the leading equipper of biblical counselors, leaders needed now more than ever.

Discover four “Street” smart secrets to leading volunteers from Dayna Street, director of women at Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis.

24

30

MARKETPLACE LEADERS

CRISIS LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP LESSONS

The College at Mid-America is uniquely preparing the next generation of marketplace leaders.

Moses’ method of crisis leadership can help you follow God and avoid disaster.

Lessons in leadership from business leaders who are investing in Mid-America.

20

BY BRYAN A. MURRAY

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

W

hile living in the Northeast, my wife and I needed to downsize to save money. We found a home next door to a couple from church. As we got to know them, it became apparent that the husband was physically,

verbally, and emotionally abusing his wife and kids. For nearly four years, our family walked with that family through it all. Ultimately, the wife and kids moved much closer to God and ultimately away from the abuser, who had no interest in repenting.

It was a difficult season full of tears and frustration. I was not expecting such a journey when we occupied the house next door. Like most people, I wanted to live in the house because it was convenient to work, affordable, surrounded by good restaurants, and close to freeways. I realized later why God selected it for us—it was where He was already at work.

Acts 17:26–27 says, “From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determines the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (emphasis added).

4 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

EVANGELISM

IN THE

21ST CENTURY

THIRD IN A SERIES ON ENGAGING EVANGELISM IN THE MODERN WORLD

NEIGHBORHOOD EVANGELISM

MABTS.EDU

5

“

God sovereignly placed us next door so when this family sought Him, He wasn’t far away.

According to the Apostle Paul, God places people so they

leaves. He has a visible disability, so after arriving home, I got

might seek and find Him. He sovereignly placed us next door so

my power blower and walked back down the street. “Can I help

when this family sought Him, His help wasn’t far away.

you?” I asked. He was delighted to have the help. A month later,

NEIGHBORHOOD EVANGELISM IS FIRST ABOUT

my family went caroling door-to-door and stopped at his house

PERSPECTIVE. It’s believing that the most important thing

to sing for him and his wife. Unbeknownst to us, they lost their

about our home and our neighborhood is the people around

son a year ago, and the holidays are particularly difficult times.

us searching for God. Next, it’s about living intentionally, like a

They sent us a handwritten note expressing how our caroling

missionary does in another country.

blessed them immensely. (They obviously didn’t hear me

Last year, my wife and I decided to purchase a home so we could put down roots in Memphis. We told our realtor that it must have a pool. Thankfully, we found a great home and prayed our way into it (it was a seller’s market).

At the end of the season, I contacted someone to close the pool for the winter. When the man arrived, I shadowed him to learn how to do it myself. As he explained what he was doing and why, I prayed for an opportunity to share the Gospel with him.

When he finished, I offered

singing.) I continue to pray that we get to know them better and one day share the Gospel.

WHEN I’M LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES to live on mission with God in my neighborhood, I notice them everywhere. On my way out of Kroger, the security guard joked that my bottled water would be an extra $25 dollars. I laughed and turned back to talk with him. Once again, God opened up a door, and for five minutes, we talked about Jesus. I was able to share the Gospel with him.

God is placing people

to give him a tip. As I handed

around us to seek Him

it to him, I asked, “Say, man.

because He wants to be

You grew up in church and

found. Our proximity means

attend it periodically. Let

He is not far away. I invite you

me ask you a question. On a 10-point-scale, how sure are you that you would be with the Lord right now if you were to die?”

I was able to share the Gospel with him, using Scripture and the narrative of my own testimony (as we’re taught at Mid-America). We exchanged phone numbers and met a couple times face-to-face.

I continue to pray for him.

On another occasion, I was driving home and saw a neighbor manually raking his

6 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

to seek God about how and why you are where you are.

I guarantee it’s more than top schools, shopping, home values, and crime rates.

If you or your church need help in adopting a Neighborhood Evangelism perspective, I recommend Foundations, a magazine published by the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board.

You can find it at store.imb.org/imbfoundations-magazine.

GET TO KNOW THE MID-AMERICA TEAM

Scott Colter, PhD DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Mid-America is pleased to introduce Dr. Scott Colter who has

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AND WHAT YOU HOPE

joined our team as Director of Strategic Initiatives. Please

TO ACCOMPLISH.

welcome him and pray for Scott and his family as they transition

As the incoming Director of Strategic Initiatives, I will perpetuate

into and serve in this new capacity.

the message and work of Mid-America through strategic

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL BACKGROUND,

relationships and initiatives with like-minded churches, individuals,

TESTIMONY, AND FAMILY.

and organizations to increase awareness of the tremendous

A native Texan, I have also lived in Montana, Colorado, North

theological training being provided through the seminary and

Carolina, and now Tennessee. Sharayah and I will soon celebrate

college. Mid-America is embracing an unparalleled opportunity to

our 10th wedding anniversary, and we have a four-year-old son

equip Baptist pastors and ministers who will serve literally around

and a one-year-old daughter. The exuberant family dog, a Maltese-

the world. It is an honor to work as a small part of this vast effort.

Poodle, completes the Colter household.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT MID-AMERICA’S

I came to Christ through an evangelistic Christian camp in

FUTURE?

Colorado at the age of nine. During high school, while preparing to

Conservative evangelical Christians are currently facing unique

study business in college, I felt a vocational ministry call. As that

and unprecedented challenges across our nation and around

call was confirmed, I began studying and preparing for ministry

the world. However, along with these challenges comes

at a Bible college in North Carolina, a Southern Baptist seminary

unprecedented opportunity. Mid-America strategically educates

in Texas, and ultimately through Mid-America’s distance doctoral

and prepares the next generation of leaders, pastors, missionaries,

program.

and ministers. Mid-America is reaching the world for Christ. It

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND, AND

is my great honor to join with Mid-America and propagate this

HOW WILL IT BENEFIT MID-AMERICA?

remarkable work however I am able.

Before coming to Mid-America, I served as the Executive Director

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON LIFE?

of the non-profit Sandy Creek Foundation in Dallas, Texas.

Christianity does not exist in a vacuum. We stand on the shoulders

Previously, I served for more than a decade at Southwestern

of giants who have faithfully gone before us, often sacrificing at

Baptist Theological Seminary. I worked ultimately as the Chief

extreme personal cost, to pass on to us an orthodox faith. I pray

of Staff to the President and served in the institution’s executive

that in my generation, I would be found faithful and courageous as

cabinet. I also oversaw the research doctoral office’s work and

we contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered

later served as the Director of Institutional Advancement. In

to the saints.

ministry, I served as an associate to the senior pastor at Birchman Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

MABTS.EDU

7

SERVANT

BY DR. LEE BRAND JR.

DEAN OF MID-AMERICA BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

8 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

LEADERSHIP ARE YOU LEADING BY ONE OF TWO FLAWED LEADERSHIP STYLES— OR BY THE FLAWLESS EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST?

S

ince accepting my call to preach at the age of 17, I knew God would use me in some way to lead His people. The call to preach for me was also a call to lead. Though I knew what I was called to do, I had

my share of struggles with how I would do what He called me to do. My early years as a Christian were spent without someone to disciple me in a strong, structured way. I often just gleaned from the people I saw around me. In my late teenage years, I began taking time to survey the leadership styles of the pastors I knew. Typically, the pastors I knew espoused one of two leadership styles.

THE FIRST LEADERSHIP STYLE I noted was the peace-at-any-cost pacifist leader. It really did not matter what the people wanted, what the pastor wanted, nor what the Lord wanted. The goal of this type of leader was to keep the peace. No pursuit was higher and no goal more noble than the people having some semblance of peace. At times, I would watch such leaders compromise on clear biblical teaching all for the purpose of helping the people achieve some measure of peace, even if it was a contrived peace.

THE SECOND LEADERSHIP STYLE often modeled before me was the my-way-or-no-way leader. In this dynamic, the people’s desires and the Lord’s direction are welcomed if they coincide with the thoughts of the

MABTS.EDU

9

what who why TO SERVE

leader. This leadership style stirs contention and can

that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”

employ guilt as a weapon to move the people into

(Philippians 2:6–11).

the leader’s direction and way of thinking. Those who

“The influence God graciously gives to the leader is not to be wielded for the benefit of the leader.

Christ’s blessing of influence is to be used to serve others.”

As I prayed and thought through my own

oppose the leader’s direction are labeled godless

philosophy of leadership, I came back to my original

troublemakers, and they are pushed off of the team.

issue of how I would lead. During my seminary days,

This leader wants complete loyalty no matter the

I was assigned two textbooks that helped crystallize

purity or impurity of his motives.

my thoughts and opened my understanding of servant

THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE LEADERSHIP STYLES

“

WE SERVE

TO SERVE

leadership. Gene Wilkes in Jesus on Leadership:

I had observed lie at their core. Peace-at-any-cost and

Discovering the Secrets of Servant Leadership from the

my-way-or-no-way leaders build their approaches to

Life of Christ defines servant leadership as “passionate

leadership on themselves. The first serves his desire

service to the mission and to those who join the leader

for peace while the second leader serves his desire

on that mission.” This simple definition drew from the

for success or prominence. In either case, they are

ideas expressed by Paul about Jesus. Further, this

self-serving. These are not the types of leadership

definition blossomed from the life and leadership of

that bring glory to Christ nor are they representative of

Jesus Himself. This definition opened my eyes and

His leadership style. Jesus said, “My food is to do the

heart to a new world regarding leadership.

will of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish His work”

Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges in Lead Like Jesus:

(John 4:34). He spent His earthly ministry in pursuit of

Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All

the Father’s will and accomplishing the Father’s work.

Time aided my understanding of the personal areas

JESUS COMMITTED HIMSELF to this mission so

that needed to be affected by the servant leadership

fully that Paul described Christ in the following way,

model. They explained servant leadership as a matter

“Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not

of the heart, head, hands, and habits. Being a God-

regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but

honoring leader means being a servant leader, and

emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant,

being a servant leader is a pursuit that engulfs all

and being made in the likeness of men. Being found

areas of life.

in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by

THE CONCEPT OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP works

becoming obedient to the point of death, even death

out in a person’s life in three ways. First, servant

on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted

leadership, as defined by Wilkes, shows us what

Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above

to serve. We are to serve the mission. The mission

every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee

of Christ has always been to bring lost people to

will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and

salvation and to bring saved people to maturity in

under the earth, and that every tongue will confess

Him. This mission is the mission of the servant leader.

10 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

LEADERSHIP No matter what other things may motivate the leader, his primary motivation must be God being glorified through the accomplishment of His will. Jesus told the first disciples, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). We have been sent in the same way as Christ: to carry out the Father’s mission.

Second, servant leadership directs us in who to serve. We have been called to serve the Lord by serving the people who are laboring with us on His mission. Knowing we have been called to serve

The Good Shepherd Jesus’ Example to the New Testament Pastor

By Dr. David G. Shackelford PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF NEW TESTAMENT AND GREEK

God’s people helps us keep a proper perspective.

There is no way to estimate how many trees have been turned

The influence God graciously gives to the leader is

into paper attempting to explain biblical leadership; there is much

not to be wielded for the benefit of the leader. Christ’s blessing of influence is to be used to serve others. This is reflected by the Lord when He said, “For even the

one may glean by grazing in the pastures of experienced, godly leaders. The best starting point, however, is the Word of God.

Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,

Second Peter 1:3 could not be clearer: “According as his divine

and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and

Jesus came as God in the flesh not for personal benefit

godliness...” God Himself has addressed every situation we face

but for the good of fallen humanity. When Jesus came

in this life either directly or in principle. Herein lies Scripture’s

to the earth His life and sacrifice were not offered as a

sufficiency: “all things that pertain to life and godliness.”

means of helping Him. He did so to help people, and the leader who would follow Jesus’ example must be willing to do the same.

Third, the servant leadership model helps us

God selected the words “shepherd” (Greek: poimén), “bishop” (episkopos), and elder (presbuteros) to describe the three roles of a true pastor. All three roles pertain to the godly leadership a

navigate why we serve. Leadership that reflects the

pastor is to provide to God’s people in the local church setting.

heart and mind of Christ does not seek personal gain

The two words “bishop” and “elder” have to do more with

or self-aggrandizement. Servant leadership seeks only

administrative areas; the term “pastor” is more inclusive.

the glory of God. If God is glorified, all of the sacrifice, self-denial, and personal discomfort are more than worth it. Servant leadership forces the leader to focus on the glorious future around the throne of God. This leadership model helps keep the leader from getting

Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd (poimén). That Jesus used this word to describe His relationship to His people is significant. In antiquity, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, did three things: 1) He loved the sheep; 2) He knew them so well He called

too high in the good times or sinking too low in the

them by name; and 3) He was willing to give His life for the sheep.

bad times.

Herein lies the reason that Ephesians 4:11 mentions “pastors

Praise God for giving us the perfect leadership model in the servant leadership style of the Lord Jesus Christ. He flawlessly demonstrated how, who, and why to lead, and He did it for all the world to see.

As grateful as I am for the lessons I learned while studying at Mid-America, I am thankful to have learned about Jesus’ servant leadership. I have spent my days

and teachers” together. The Greek construction means “pastorsteachers,” two important functions for the same church office.

This principle tells me the pastor should emulate the example provided by our Heavenly Shepherd: he should love them, lead them, and provide protection for them against the “wolves” who would come to devour the flock. A good shepherd, a good

trying to be a servant leader, and I hope you will mimic

pastor, will lead the sheep to good grazing ground and fresh living

the Lord in this aspect of your life as well. May the Lord

water in God’s Word. There the shepherd may feed himself as well

use you to help others pursue His mission, promote

as his precious church family. As the Good Shepherd does for His

the well-being of those you serve, and press for His

sheep (us), the pastor provides godly, loving leadership to the

glory in all that you do.

church family God has entrusted to him.

MABTS.EDU

11

ipper u q e g in d a le e th ow Mid-America is nselors, leaders who are of Biblical Coun re than ever. needed now mo

BY DR. JOHN BABLER

say crises are events allowed by God to cause us to

W

consider what (or Who) is essential.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BIBLICAL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT hen Mid-America desired to

OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, our lives have been

develop a Biblical Counseling

impacted by a number of significant, far-reaching

program, they sought the help of

crises. The global COVID pandemic, social unrest

Dr. Jay Adams. The late Dr. Adams

and rioting, and the closing of businesses, schools,

was the founder of the modern day Biblical Counseling

and churches have had significant direct and indirect

movement and published over 100 books, including

impact on Christians and non-Christians alike. Many

Competent to Counsel which was the seminal work in

have lost jobs and houses, and many have suffered a

the field. Like us, Adams believed the Bible is sufficient

loved one’s death—often even being restricted from

for the counseling task and superior to the world’s

being present during the illness. The results of these

wisdom. Moreover, we share the belief that Christians

recent crises include increased generalized fear, a

can be competent to counsel, without an education

dramatic increase in anxiety-related diagnoses, and

in psychology or state licensure, through proper use

increased suicides. In short, many around us, both in

of the Bible. Adams graciously agreed to develop

and outside the church, are feeling varying degrees

the Biblical Counseling program at Mid-America, and

of hopelessness. People need help with very serious

classes began in 2015.

issues. God is the One Who can provide true hope to

The Biblical Counseling Department at Mid-

those who have little or no hope. As Christians, we can

America is in a unique position to provide qualified

counsel them with God’s Word. The Bible has much

biblical counselors to churches who can work

to say about crisis. From the fall in Genesis to the

alongside leaders in the field of biblical counseling.

second coming of Christ in Revelation, the Bible gives

Amid recent events in the world, the need for Biblical

examples of crises, provides stories of crises, and

Counselors is growing, and opportunities to minister

informs us through direct teaching on crisis.

God’s Word abound. Through our certificate, bachelor,

TODAY AS NEVER BEFORE, we need biblical

master, and doctoral level programs, students gain a

counselors. At Mid-America, we are training students

firm and practical foundation for helping people find

to see crises, traumas, or disasters as opportunities

hope through God’s Word.

to minister truth to hurting people. Because crises

CRISIS AND TRAUMA are life-changing and

cause suffering and those suffering are often open

devastating. When we think of crises, we often think

to counsel, biblical counselors can help people align

of the pain, loss, loneliness, anxiety, and struggle that

their lives with Scripture’s truth.

accompany them. In addition to the reality of the pain

There will always be crises. While the current

and challenges that come with crises, there are also

frequency and severity of crises will likely abate, things

opportunities to show God’s love, minister in His name,

will not ultimately improve since we live in a world

provide His comfort, and counsel His Word. I have

that is devolving rather than evolving. Mid-America’s

found people in crisis are often open to spiritual things.

Biblical Counseling faculty, graduates, and students

Many who have been hostile to the things of God are

will be leading churches to minister God’s Word to

willing to listen, and some actively seek God. Crises

those impacted by crisis. They will also lead the field of

cause us to consider our priorities and recognize that

Biblical Counseling in staying true to its heritage and

beyond our day-to-day living, we should consider

responding to contemporary crises with God’s love

important issues and relationships. I think it is fair to

and His Word.

“

“At Mid-America, we are training students to see crises, traumas, or disasters as opportunities to minister truth to hurting people.”

MABTS.EDU

13

FACULTY INFLUENCE

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Leadership is about influence, and publishing works is a significant way to influence others. The faculty of Mid-America—from

pioneers like Roy O. Beaman and B. Gray Allison to today’s professors—has provided exceptional thought leadership to the Seminary, College, and greater Christian community via their writing talents. Among the 200,000 titles in the Allison Library, these works by our faculty represent their literary contributions to Christianity.

Matt Akers Equally Yoked: A Premarital Counseling Primer for Multiethnic Christian Couples (2016)

John Babler

Counseling by the Book (2019) and Biblical Crisis Counseling (2014)

Michael Haggard Pastors Against Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Church Struggle in Nazi Germany (2018)

Kirk Kilpatrick

Tom Marshall

Van McClain

Follow Me (2010) and Kingdom of God in Focus (2020) Free online at engraftedbranches. net

From the Cross to the Crescent: Why Islam Is Luring Professing Christians from the Faith (2019)

Numerous articles in Biblical Illustrator, essays, and forthcoming translation in New Tyndale Bible

Steve Miller

Mark Terry

Commentaries on Daniel and the Minor Prophets, along with numerous journal entries

Titles on missions, such as Paul’s Missionary Methods (2012), Missiology (2015), and Encountering the History of Missions (2017)

LEARN MORE ABOUT MID-AMERICA’S FACULTY AND THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AT OUR NEW ONLINE FACULTY AND STAFF DIRECTORY: MABTS.EDU/DIRECTORY

Michael Spradlin

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS PRESIDENT, MID-AMERICA

Dr. Spradlin has authored Sons of the 43rd (a story about Mid-America founder, Dr. B. Gray Allison, 2016) and edited Beaman’s Commentary on the Gospel of John (2017), Studies in Genesis 1–11: A Creation Commentary (2018), and Personal Evangelism (2021; see story below).

NEW!

Learning to Lead

By Dr. Mikey Mewborn ASSOCIATE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE AT MID-AMERICA

“Dream big,” “plan for success,” and “accomplish your goals” were uncommon taglines in my childhood. Even though I grew up in a loving home, my family did not use motivational or aspiring language. Instead, we aimed to maintain the status quo. After a youth pastor and other mentors encouraged me, I started reading leadership books. One of the first books that profoundly impacted me was The Three Success Secrets of Shamgar (Jay Strack and Pat Williams). This book launched me into a mindset full of endless possibilities. Not only could I dream big, but I could start at any place. Here is the outline: 1) Start where you are; 2) Use what you have; 3) Do what you can. These principles come directly from Judges 3:31. It reads, “After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel.” The outcome of Shamgar’s efforts seemed to rival other judges in the Bible. With God’s power, Shamgar was able to save the Israelites from the Philistines. This book inspired me

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” MARK 16:15 B. GRAY ALLISON spent over 50 years studying, practicing, and teaching personal evangelism. Published for the first time, Personal Evangelism represents the culmination of Dr. Gray’s learning and thinking on the subject of witnessing for Christ. Now everyone can learn from one of the great personal soul-winners of the latter half of the twentieth century. Edited and revised by Dr. Michael Spradlin, the book encompasses both the biblical foundation and the practical application of personal evangelism. Also included are important tips for evangelistic discipleship and evangelism strategy.

PERSONAL EVANGELISM by B. Gray Allison is essential for all believers who desire to be obedient to the teachings of Scripture. It is a vital resource for every pastor, church leader, and Christian who desires to share effectively the love of Jesus Christ with a lost and dying world. Learn why and how to witness in a simple, biblical, and effective way.

PERSONAL EVANGELISM MAY BE PURCHASED AT AMAZON.COM

to take risks and “attempt great things for God” (William Carey).

Another book that helped me develop my leadership skills is The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner.

They write, “Leadership is an identifiable set of skills and practices that are available to all of us, not just a few charismatic men and women.” From an early age, I struggled with the possibility of becoming a strong leader. My introverted personality led me to believe that leaders are born, not made. I discovered the potential of leadership development through this insightful work.

Every page offers motivation to strengthen one’s leadership skills.

I noticed how my confidence to lead others began to grow as I applied the book’s principles.

Today, I reflect on the incredible opportunities the application of Christian leadership principles has provided me. I am grateful for the helpful insights gained from reading these books.

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION AT MABTS.EDU/MESSENGER

MABTS.EDU

15

V

olunteers are the engine by which ministry gets done and are vital to every facet of church work. So for those in church leadership, success depends on learning how to effectively lead volunteers.

For anyone leading an event with over 1,000 attendees, 100 volunteer

leaders, and five staff members; it can be easy to get caught up in the work and ignore the workers.

FOR DAYNA STREET, who leads a Bible study of such a size as the director of Bellevue Women and self-identifies as a detail-oriented introvert, there is a particularly strong temptation to prioritize projects over people. But as a leader, Street has another value that overrides her goaloriented desires: accessibility.

“God, help me to keep the blinders off,” Street consistently prays. “I don’t want to be going forward in my own strength and miss the woman to the side of me who needs love, who needs a touch, who needs someone to pray for her, who needs a smile.”

From Street’s perspective, that gift of three to five minutes does wonders in accomplishing one of her primary goals as a leader: to make

16 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

MABTS.EDU

17

DAYNA STREET Director, Bellevue Women Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee

those she leads

Street said. “Being able to recognize what God is doing

feel valued, as she believes people

in someone else’s life and then developing them and mentoring them to where they are able to step into

gravitate to the

that role and then find themselves also leading.”

places they

One of the main ways Street leads leaders is

are valued.

by casting a vision of what Bellevue Women can

This

accomplish. Now, in what Street considers the fourth

appreciation

quarter of her career, she is only interested in guiding

is essential to

her team to pursue God-sized assignments.

Street because

“If it’s something I can do in and of myself, then

one of the most

it seems futile,” Street said. “I’m looking to God every

difficult things for her

day for what He has for us, which I know is way bigger

as a leader is losing a

than my ideas, my abilities, or my strengths. And then

volunteer. Considering the

put that out there for our women to hear where God is

reality that her volunteers are

leading us.”

not paid, she makes sure her leaders

Street is drawn back to God by pursuing goals

know they are valued by giving them her time,

like this because He is the One Who provides the

sharing her vulnerabilities, and demonstrating her

volunteers, on whom Bellevue Women rely in their

gratitude. In fact, gratitude is such a priority that one of

ministry.

Street’s assistants is tasked with identifying volunteers

Along the way, mistakes will inevitably be made.

STREET SMART SECRETS TO LEADING VOLUNTEERS

to which she should extend thanks.

Opportunities will be missed at upper and lower levels.

Street’s approach to leading volunteers comes

That is why Street’s time leading volunteers has taught

from a lifetime of learning how to lead. The majority

her, above all else, to rest in the grace of God and then

of her career was spent working for private schools,

be a conduit of that grace to others.

heavily dependent on volunteer support. Then, nearly

“When I acknowledge the amazing grace God

five years ago when she transitioned to working for

has for me, how can I do anything else but give it to

Bellevue Baptist Church, she was again in a position to

others?” Street asked. “That means, like God, [with my

recruit, equip, and empower volunteer leaders.

volunteers] I’m not looking for performance.”

In her current role, Street prepares women to take

In the end, Street’s overarching goal is for her

their passion for God’s Word and teach a small group

volunteers to look more like Jesus and for them all to

within the larger Bellevue Women’s Bible study in their

also receive and pass on the radical, transformative

own unique way.

grace of God. If they do so, then that God-sized

“What excites me about working with volunteers

assignment just might come to fruition along the way.

is seeing the giftedness that God has given them,”

1

2

3

4

PRIORITIZE PEOPLE OVER PROJECTS.

EXPRESS GRATITUDE; SHOW YOU VALUE THEM.

ENGAGE THEM IN GOD-SIZED GOALS.

MENTOR THEM TO BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST.

18 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

MID-AMERICA INTRODUCES LIVE, ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

churches, directors of missions, and train Christians to

Mid-America is ready to help you reach your

the program prepares people who desire to serve

educational goals with powerful, practical training that

in specialized leadership in the church, missions,

makes a difference. Our new live, online option for

or in administrative denominational leadership. Our

doctoral programs allows you to study where you live

graduates serve in key positions both nationally and

and interact with professors and residential students

internationally.

than ever.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree assists students in developing their skills in advanced disciplines such as creative scholarship, independent research and

HIGHLIGHTS

in real time. Our programs are now more convenient

evangelize and disciple people within their circles.

writing, and graduate-level teaching. Additionally,

Contact us for help in determining whether the Doctor of Ministry degree or the Doctor of Philosophy

For decades, Mid-America has offered two highly

degree is right for you.

effective streams of study that prepare the next Dr. Matt Akers

generation of leaders for different types of ministries.

(center), who serves

The Doctor of Ministry degree is an advanced

as Associate

professional degree designed to enable students to

Dean of Doctoral

practice ministry at a high level of competency. One

Programs, was

of the strengths of this program is that it combines

himself awarded a

theory and practical experience. Students who choose

third PhD during our

this pathway will increase their effectiveness in the

Spring Graduation on

practice of ministry rather than preparing for research

May 7, 2021.

and teaching careers. Among other vocations, our Doctor of Ministry graduates serve as pastors in local

Tour dates: June 1–9, 2022 Walk the streets where Jesus walked and experience the places where the great stories of the Bible took place.

With the Mid-America Holy Land Experience, the Bible really comes to life as Dr. Michael Spradlin, President of Mid-America, serves as your tour guide. His

expansive Bible knowledge and insights bring added meaning to the sites you’ll explore, a comprehensive

Holy Land itinerary personally curated by Dr. Spradlin.

For more information, visit: mabts.edu/holyland Contact a Premier Reservation Specialist: 1-800-889-5265 Contact Mid-America: cduffel@mabts.edu or 901-751-3048

Tour Leader Dr. Michael Spradlin

Tour

Highlights zz zz zz zz zz zz zz zz zz zz zz zz zz zz zz zz

Jordan River Sea of Galilee Mount of Beatitudes Capernaum Cana Nazareth Village Masada Dead Sea Mount of Olives Garden of Gethsemane Bethesda Via Dolorosa Garden Tomb Temple Mount Bethlehem Israel Museum

EQUIPPING BIBLICAL LEADERS

REMOVING THE NOTS AND CONNECTING THE DOTS OF CONTEMPORARY

LEADERSHIP

HOW THE COLLEGE AT MID-AMERICA IS UNIQUELY PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF MARKETPLACE LEADERS

BY DR. RANDY REDD

VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND OPERATIONS, CFO

P

roverbs 29:18, says, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained” (NASB 95). The NKJV finishes the passage, “the people cast off restraint,” and the KJV puts it this way: “the people perish.” Throughout 2020, we saw various examples of leadership

as different groups emerged. Some examples were effective and some were not. Some examples were positive and some were not. It is clear that today’s brand of leadership is missing something—a biblical worldview that grounds itself to timeless, God-honoring principles. The Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL) and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) programs of The College at Mid-America are designed to address this vacuum.

When principles like stewardship, accountability, integrity, planning, vision, organizing, and managing are taught outside a biblical worldview, they can produce effective-negative leadership or ineffective-positive leadership.

It is not difficult to forecast the results of a leader whose business ethics are derived from what is considered right in contemporary culture and not from the inerrant, sufficient Word of God. Mid-America’s BSOL and BSBA programs are intentionally designed to emphasize leadership training within a biblical worldview. Like all accredited bachelor’s degrees of this type, we require general education courses and the organizational leadership or business administration core of courses.

THE DIFFERENCE, HOWEVER, IS THAT AT THE COLLEGE AT MIDAMERICA, Bible courses are also required in both programs. When each BSOL and BSBA core course is taught, biblical principles are integrated into the subject matter. Our students experience instructors who are experts in their profession and who are also equipped to provide principles of scriptural truth.

When a BSBA student reaches his or her senior year, they participate in a business practicum course. Our business practicums couple students with Christian owners or managers who are willing to let our students experience the ins and outs of business. Since its inception a few years ago, our alumni have landed internships with banks, mission organizations, car dealerships, trading companies, and restaurants.

In each case, the owner or manager takes a personal interest in our students and models a biblical approach to leading his or her company.

Our students receive the opportunity to observe the various areas of

MABTS.EDU

21

study covered in the program and see how they are

Chick-fil-A. “My experience at Chick-fil-A has allowed

personified in the marketplace.

me to observe what strong, emotionally-intelligent

One of our online students lives in Thailand and landed an internship with a global trading company.

Two other students landed internships

and experience are some things that I will carry with

fil-A franchises in the country. They

me throughout my career.”

experienced a deep-dive into all areas

SOME ASPECTS OF LEADERSHIP ARE TAUGHT,

of that business model, including

AND OTHERS ARE CAUGHT. By combining the on-

inventory methods, operations,

the-job intern program, academic rigor, and a biblical

logistics, employee management,

worldview; our students get a better image of a

leadership, and marketing.

Christian businessperson.

One of our graduates, Carolyn

Our next frontier in leadership development is

Winder, interned with a regional bank.

creating the Mid-America Chamber of Commerce. This

She wrote this to the banker at the end of

student-led club of BSBA and BSOL students focuses

the semester: “Being able to work with you and in various parts of the bank has taught me Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Class of 2020

to show me the importance of appreciating, caring, and leading for your people. This priceless knowledge

with one of the top producing Chick-

CAROLYN WINDER

leadership is. The directors took me under their wings

more than I imagined when I signed up for this class. It

on activities that allow them to meet great leaders and become great leaders themselves.

At The College at Mid-America, we’re graduating

CONNECTING THE DOTS

has been an amazing opportunity for me, so I wanted

future business leaders who implement business and

to say thank you!” Another graduate mentioned, “You

leadership principles from a biblical worldview. We

know, it’s good to see how many of the things we

are graduating men and women who have seen the

learned in class were actually used in the operating of

impact Christian leaders can have on their business

a real business. It was especially interesting to see how

and the people with whom they work.

the boss led the meeting with department managers.”

These students connected the dots of academic knowledge to the dots

John C. Maxwell, a Christian and well-known leadership expert, wrote that, “Great leaders always seem to embody two seemingly

of business experience.

disparate qualities. They are both highly

During the Spring

visionary and highly practical.”

semester 2021, graduate-

Graduates of Mid-America

candidate Jacob

exemplify this quote because

Sandiford interned with

they are trained in a classroom that connects scholarship, the

JACOB SANDIFORD

marketplace, and their faith.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Class of 2021

EQUIPPING BIBLICAL LEADERS In three simple words, that’s the promise and the process to which Mid-America is committed.

Whether it’s a teenage college student or a seasoned seminarian, our faculty and staff are dedicated to developing world-class leaders who light the way with a biblical worldview.

22 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

EQUIPPING

At Mid-America, we endeavor to provide our students and future leaders with the tools they need to reach their full potential in Christ, training students who will light the way in ministry and marketplace.

BIBLICAL

The Bible is the revelation of God’s truth and is infallible and authoritative in all manners of faith and practice. Truth is true in every area of life, including our careers and relationships.

LEADERS

We develop students by engaging in their stories, enabling them to become part of an even bigger and better story by investing in, developing, and equipping intentional leaders.

HIGHLIGHTS

MID-AMERICA LAUNCHES NEW BRANDING, WEBSITE

BY BRYAN A. MURRAY

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS I grew up in the city proper of Seattle. There were few sections of the city I did not know. My friends lived everywhere and, because I took public transportation, I saw everything when I visited them.

When I go back to Seattle, the city is bustling with new things. Sure, the lakes, major parks, hospitals, universities, and the old Sears building (now Starbucks HQ) are in the same places, but entire areas, like Lake Union, have been dramatically transformed by companies like Amazon.

Imagine if I were suddenly tasked to be a Seattle spokesperson or tour guide decades removed from living there. It would be a disaster.

5

“And over to your left is the beautiful…oops, uh, it used to be here.”

Before Mid-America’s rebrand, our website

generation of those willing to light the way to

communicated the school as someone would 20 years

Jesus and achieve success for the glory of God, not

ago. Because the rebrand clarified who and what we

themselves. Through new branding, Mid-America is

are—an institution committed to Equipping Biblical

reintroducing itself to some and introducing itself to

Leaders—the new website reflects the current updated

others for the first time. We hope you enjoy it.

look and feel of Mid-America and communicates all the bustlings of new things happening on our campus today.

Just like you want to know what’s in a city before visiting it, students want to know a school before selecting it. Social media and

the Internet make it extremely

easy for people to know a place

before they ever step foot there.

The new website is the most visual representation of our new brand. Our newly developed taglines

like Light the Way (seminary) and reaching. higher. (college) call the next

MID-AMERICA IS TURNING 50!

Next year will mark the 50th Anniversary

of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

Make plans to join us in person during

Founders’ Days 2022 as we will celebrate this momentous occasion. Follow us on social media for the latest.

24 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

BY DR. LEE BRAND JR.

DEAN OF MID-AMERICA BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

L

eadership is difficult in any moment and any

Numbers 11 opens with the Israelites complaining,

context. With or without the special trials of

God smiting them with fire, the people crying over a

COVID-19—social distancing, super spreader

lack of food, God providing manna, and the people

events, and mask mandates—leadership is

complaining yet again. Sounds like your idea of the

challenging. The variety of personalities and motives

perfect leadership scenario, right? Moses heard the

among the members of a group make leadership a

continuous complaints of the people and turned

trying enterprise. In particular, leadership is difficult

his own complaints toward God. The Bible says, “So

when a person is attempting to lead through a period

Moses said to the Lord” (Numbers 11:11). This one step

of disappointment. Whether that is the leader’s

began an exchange between the Lord and His leader

personal disappointment, or that of the people being

that changed the course of Moses’ ministry.

led, this single factor can muddy the waters and cause trouble for the leader and the team.

The number of times I have faced discouragement

Though he did not have the right attitude when he prayed, we can learn from Moses the importance of that vital first step to leading through discouragement.

as a leader is too numerous to count. Sometimes,

We must turn to the Lord about our situation. God

my poor choices or lack of insight brought me to that

calls us throughout the Bible to pray, to turn to Him

place. Other times, my disappointment stemmed

for the things that we need. Quite often, we suffer and

from the shortcomings of people whom I trusted to

struggle all because we refuse to turn to Him. At other

make good on a commitment or do something I felt

times, we turn after a time of delay.

necessary to help move our church in a God-honoring

Today, if you are that leader battling

direction. During these times I drove the nine miles

discouragement, make it your business to get on your

from the parsonage to the church parking lot thinking

face before the Lord. In prayer, He will fix your attitude.

of ways to take a break from ministry. In truly hard

He will renew your perspective and give you an

moments, I even thought of how I could respectfully

outlook that honors Him. The Lord will do these things

resign. The disappointments of leadership were real

if you turn to Him in your difficulty.

for me, and at times, they seemed consuming.

DURING A PERSONAL SEASON OF DISCOURAGEMENT, the Lord graciously led me to study the life and leadership of Moses. He guided

MOSES GAINED INSIGHT as he talked to the Lord about his problem. Moses had taken responsibilities upon himself that the Lord never called him to assume. He questioned God and asked, “Was it I who conceived all this people? Was it I who brought them

me into a moment in Moses’

forth, that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your

life that sobered and helped

bosom as a nurse carries a nursing infant, to the land

me. In Numbers 11, Moses

which You swore to their fathers’? Where am I to get

was at an all-time low, and

meat to give to all this people? For they weep before

the Lord showed me how He shepherded this celebrated leader through a season much like I was experiencing. For people who are leading amid this

me, saying, ‘Give us meat that we may eat!’ I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me” (Numbers 11:12–13).

These words evidence that Moses assumed an

type of season, the Lord’s guidance in Moses’ time of

exaggerated sense of responsibility that God never

disappointment offers some much-needed inspiration

intended. The Lord never instructed Moses to serve

and direction.

as Israel’s nurse, nor did He call Moses to carry the

1 TURN TO THE LORD IN YOUR DIFFICULTY.

2 DON’T SHOULDER RESPONSIBILITIES GOD DIDN’T CALL YOU TO BEAR.

3 SEEK AND RECEIVE HELP FROM OTHERS.

people. God invited

the Lord, Moses came face-to-face with the reality that

Moses to lead the

he was doing too much. Graciously, the Lord led the

people into the

wearied leader to get some help. He said, “Gather for

Promised Land. That

Me seventy men from the elders of Israel, whom you

is all that Moses was

know to be the elders of the people and their officers

supposed to do.

and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them

Feeding the multitude

take their stand there with you. Then I will come down

of Israelites was

and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit

not Moses’ job. He

who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they

could not tend to the

shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that

people in that way.

you will not bear it all alone” (Numbers 11:16–17).

Much of his frustration

THE PRESCRIPTION GOD WROTE FOR MOSES still

and disappointment

works for dispirited leaders today. Our Lord knows our

stemmed from

limitations. He knows we are frail and will provide the

assuming responsibility

partners we need to help share the burden. There are

that he was not called

many examples in the Bible of the Lord bringing help

or equipped to handle.

to a leader to ease the burden. Moses already had

Sometimes our

Joshua, and he would now add another 70 partners

desire to see people

to his team. The Lord called prophets in a way that

live victoriously causes

their ministries overlapped. Thereby, He gave them

us to forget our role

prophetic partnerships. Jesus sent his disciples out

in the discipleship

in pairs. Paul and Timothy served together, and Mark

process. We try to pull

aided Peter. All these examples demonstrate the

or force people to do

reality that ministry and leadership are easier to do

what God commands

when we have people to help us.

and assume additional

DISCOURAGEMENT IN LEADERSHIP IS DIFFICULT

responsibilities that

at any time, but it is more so when we are isolated.

leave us spread thin,

When we work alone, the burdens seem heavier. The

lacking in results,

crucible of isolation heightens the complexity of issues

and frustrated with

and makes problems harder to solve. Jesus’ calling

everyone involved.

of the 12 disciples was not done because He needed

We may benefit

help. He is God in the flesh. His example sets a pattern

from taking time

for us to follow that ministry and leadership must be

away to prayerfully

done with others’ help. God has gifted them and will

consider what God has

use them to help complete the assignment before us.

specifically called us to

There are times when the most God-honoring thing

do. Are we struggling to fulfill responsibilities that we

a leader can do is admit his inadequacy and inability

assumed but the Lord did not assign? Are we trying to

before the Lord. We must humble ourselves and ask

be more to the people than God has called us to be?

for help. We must be willing to consider that we have

Our discouragement may result from us taking on more

taken too much responsibility on our shoulders. Even

than we can handle, and more than the Lord assigned.

more, we may have to see that some of the burdens

THE FINAL POSITIVE STEP that we can glean from

we shoulder are not what the Lord has given us, but

Moses’ experience with discouragement is to receive

we have taken it on ourselves. Then, we can watch the

some help. As simple as this may sound, it is exactly

Lord provide help. Our God has everything that we

what the Lord instructed Moses to do. As he prayed to

need, including helpers.

26 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

“I don’t go to church.

I don’t know any Christians.

I don’t pray or read the Bible.

I don’t believe in absolute truth.

I don’t think Jesus is the only way.

I don’t understand why God allows evil.

I don’t trust the Bible as true or relevant.

Now—what was it you wanted to share with me?”

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A MORE CRITICAL TIME TO DEFEND THE FAITH. EARN YOUR APOLOGETICS DEGREE NOW FROM THE SEMINARY THAT NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING THE BIBLE.

In today’s world, sharing the Gospel often requires you to not only explain the plan of salvation, but to establish the Bible’s authority and answer difficult questions—good questions—that an unchurched generation is asking.

Mid-America is introducing two new degree programs in apologetics that will equip you to answer the hard questions, to demonstrate the reliability of God’s Word, and to articulate a biblical worldview in a world that’s often blinded to the Truth.

MASTER OF DIVINITY MDIV IN APOLOGETICS (THREE-YEAR PROGRAM)

MA

MASTER OF ARTS IN APOLOGETICS (TWO-YEAR PROGRAM)

ONLINE OR ON-CAMPUS | LEARN MORE AT MABTS.EDU/ACADEMICS

MABTS.EDU

27

TRAINING MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM

BY ROBERT LANE When leaders are well trained and biblically qualified, churches grow in faith and devotion to Christ, resulting in reproducing churches. When we get leadership training right, churches quickly gain the capacity to live out their mission locally and cross-culturally—whether that is Nigerian churches sending missionaries to Malaysia or Indian churches sending missionaries to Australia. When any local church is fully obedient to Christ, they will push beyond their tribe, community, and culture.

Two years ago, God’s Spirit moved through the city of N’Djamena, Chad.

In about 18 months, over 100 men and women came to know Christ for the first time. Most of these came from Muslim families who vehemently opposed their faith in Jesus. Many came from unreached people groups with no previous access to the Gospel.

God’s name was being praised in multiple languages across the city. They had the Holy Spirit, the Word, and each other; but they did not have mature leaders. These churches met secretly in back rooms and homes. They sat together reading their Arabic New Testaments and French Bibles trying their best to make sense of what they read. So, we trained.

Leadership training became the core of our strategy, and the Word of God became the core of our training. We sat on rugs, drank strong coffee, and discovered God’s truths in His Scripture—the living Word—as it spoke to issues of polygamy, persecution, addiction, conflict, and rejection. We celebrated over holiday meals of camel meat and hard bread. We shared our lives with each other.

Often, we were broken, like when the brother of one leader gave his life to Christ and planned to join our training only to be stabbed to death by a family member. We mourned when a young Chadian couple rejoiced to find new life in Jesus but lost each other when their marriage was revoked after their families discovered they had become Christians.

Through every trial and temptation, God’s Word was our guide. Now as these leaders disciple their churches, the Gospel is pushing past cultural boundaries, language barriers, and traditional animosity. God has called these young churches to do great things and endure great adversity in His name.

Robert Lane is an International Mission Board missionary living and serving in Chad with his wife and children.

He is currently an MDIV student at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and a recipient of the Mid America Southern Baptist Missionary scholarship.

28 MID-AMERICA MESSENGER

CHAD, AFRICA

SM LEADERS

WITNESS ONE:SEVEN & GO! PROGRAM REPORT 2020–2021

166, 616 PROFESSIONS OF FAITH WITNESSED BY OUR STUDENTS SINCE 1972

9,485 3,721 NUMBER OF HOURS OUR STUDENTS SPENT DOING PRACTICAL MISSIONS

544

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

NUMBER OF PEOPLE OUR STUDENTS WITNESSED TO

1,719

NUMBER OF SERMONS PREACHED BY OUR STUDENTS

Witness One:Seven and GO! Program results reported for the 2020–2021 academic year

PHOTO: IMB

A LEADER IS A GIVER. A GIVER IS A LEADER.

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP FROM BUSINESS LEADERS WHO ARE INVESTING IN MID-AMERICA

FRED RAWLINSON | ON LEADERSHIP

LANCE WALKER | ON LEADERSHIP

LIFE INFLUENCES

LESSONS LEARNED

My father spent most of his adult life in prison, and

Leadership lessons learned in the auction

my mother was the sole provider, working full-time to

business:

support five children. Naturally, I blamed my absent father for much of the adversity in my life. I complained so much about my situation that I became blind to the fact God

zz The Bible is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. When you are called on to lead, apply these proven truths in your life and business transactions. zz What is one man’s junk is another man’s

had brought so many others

treasure, so treat people and their

into my life to fill the void. I

possessions with great respect.

was economically poor, but God gave me so much through these people and their influence in my life.

Now that my wife and I are retired, we are using my experience to share the salvation of Christ. We opened a

zz If honesty is your main goal in a transaction, you will have the respect of all parties involved. zz A good leader is quick to apologize and correct his own mistakes. zz When you succeed, thank God for His

commercial art gallery designed to be a mission field.

guidance. When

The most important task we have in each art class is to

you fail, thank

present the Gospel message that “Jesus Saves.” When

Him for being

we do this, we are modeling the example of those God

there to pick

sent into our lives when we had a great need.

you up and keep you going.

DISCOVER MORE OR GIVE TODAY AT MABTS.EDU/GIVE. Or contact Van Gray, Mid-America’s Chief Development Officer, at vgray@mabts.edu or 901-751-3077.

zz Never plan to fail, but learn from your failures.

reopen quickly until we could repair the other building. Not one of my employees missed

FRED CASTLE | ON LEADERSHIP

a paycheck! After the repairs, my church helped us assemble

CALLING ON GOD

replacement equipment and

During the Christmas season several years ago, a fire

know what people do without a

destroyed everything of value in the hair salon I own.

church family and a God Who provides.

Nearly a dozen employees depended on the salon for

When stress appears in my business or

their income. I had no place to turn but to God. As news

my personal life, I always call to our Lord, the only

of the fire spread, God provided another space for us to

dependable place to turn in times of uncertainty.

move back into the shop. I don’t

PAT SPAINHOUR | ON LEADERSHIP

VAN GRAY | ON LEADERSHIP

DEFINING VALUES

SHARING WISDOM

Great success grows from having a solid corporate and individual business culture. In every business, specific values must be identified to form the culture of business

God wants to develop godly character in all of His children. He honors His investment by using your life as an example to others. Solomon tells us in Proverbs 1:1–7 how to become wise, which is a foundational component of biblical leadership.

Good leaders exhibit high character.

activities, and developing

Wise leadership does not hesitate

achievable standards

to do the right thing. God

is primary to success. In

builds character in our lives

my case, our Executive

“little by little” as we are

Committee selected Mark

able to handle it for His

12:28–31 to help define the values for the culture we desired.

These verses point us to the truth that life is all about relationships.

We also developed an internal mission statement

purposes and our eventual benefit (see Exodus 23:29–30 and Deuteronomy 7:22). Good leaders know that their thoughts, plans, and

“to help people be at their best,” which defines our

preferences are authored by

daily goals of caring about people. This is a core

God in preparation for doing His will.

value because relationships allow us to successfully

Remember to pass along the precious

live out the other eight values upon which we base

“lessons learned” that God has built into your

all our business activities. Every associate had a part

life (2 Corinthians 2:3-4) to your children and

in defining the values and committing to them. Each

grandchildren who are the leaders of the coming

new associate is required to participate in a values

generations.

orientation within their first week.

MABTS.EDU

31

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

P.O. Box 2350 • Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu • mabts.edu

THIS YEAR AT FOUNDERS’ DAYS, we will have a special treat in hearing from Mid-America alumni bringing messages from the Word of God to motivate and inspire us all to start off another school year. This year’s line-up of special speakers was nominated by you, so don’t miss it!

AUGUST 17-19, 2021 Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary Tuesday, August 17, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 18, 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, August 19, 11:00 a.m.

BARTHOLOMEW ORR

WES GEORGE

ASHLEY RAY

DAVID SHEPHERD

MABTS.EDU/FOUNDERSDAYS