TAKE
“I love You, O Lord, my strength.” The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
PSALM 18:1–2
MID-AMERICA’S NEXT CHAPTER IN LIGHTING THE WAY IS BRIGHTER THAN EVER
In every stage of life, we can claim the wonderful promises of the Lord. He is good, kind, and holy. All our praise belongs to Him. This is a new season of ministry for Mid-America. We have relocated to our wonderful facilities in Arlington, Tennessee, but our reach is still around the world.
As our renovations and construction are moving into their final phases, we continue to trust in the Lord for His daily provision for our needs. We remain dependent on the Lord for our finances, and I can never thank enough our many faithful donors who allow us to do what the Lord Jesus has called us to do.
We are hearing incredible soul-winning testimonies from our students each week in Chapel testimonies. Just this semester our students have seen the Lord save several hundred people! It is an awesome time to be a part of the Mid-America family and ministry.
Join with me in prayer. Join me not just praying for the ministry of Mid-America but in praying how the Lord wants you to be involved here. Know that this is a Bible-believing, soul-winning, missions-minded ministry! Come join us and be a part of our next chapter of ministry.
MICHAEL R. SPRADLIN, PHD PRESIDENT, MID-AMERICA SEMINARY AND COLLEGE
INSID E
SUMMER 2026
VOLUME 54, NUMBER 1
Published by Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and Mid-America College
PRESIDENT Michael Spradlin, PhD
EDITOR Randy Redd, PhD
DESIGN
Eternity Communications
WEB mabts.edu midamericacollege.com
EMAIL info@mabts.edu
SOCIAL
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MID-AMERICA’S NEW CAMPUS
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Welcome to our new global center for training the next generation of students in the Bible, missions, and evangelism. Our state-of-the-art new campus is conveniently located in Arlington, Tennessee.
HISPANIC INSTITUTE
5640 Airline Road Arlington, TN 38002
901-751-8453
The Mid-America Hispanic Institute has been equipping Spanish speakers for faithful ministry across cultures and borders for eight years. Designed especially for those who desire a deeper understanding of Scripture but are not be pursuing a formal academic degree, the Monday evening classes have become a meaningful pathway for Spanish-speaking students who desire to grow spiritually and minister more effectively.
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MINISTRY AND MARKETPLACE
Mid-America College believes that ministry and marketplace are as connected as principle and practice. College Dean, Dr. Brad Thompson, relates the distinctive way in which our College is integrating biblical conviction with practical skill development. Also, read the inspiring story of one Mid-America College student’s journey and how our two newest degrees demonstrate our continuing commitment to a biblical worldview.
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KEEPING YOUR PREACHING FRESH
How do pastors decide what to preach? Mid-America professor and preaching coach Dr. David L. Allen answers this question in the latest in our Light the Way Q&A series. Freshness rarely comes from clever ideas, he shares, but often grows out of a few steady disciplines that keep the preacher close to Scripture and attentive to his congregation. Read his practical and biblical guide that is insightful for preachers and church members alike.
THE MID-AMERICA HISPANIC INSTITUTE IS EQUIPPING SPANISH SPEAKERS FOR FAITHFUL MINISTRY ACROSS CULTURES AND BORDERS.
BY DR. MATT AKERS | ASSOCIATE DEAN OF THE SEMINARY, DIRECTOR OF THE HISPANIC INSTITUTE
For the past eight years, the Hispanic Institute at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary has provided a unique opportunity for Spanish-speaking students to receive practical biblical and theological training. Designed especially for those who desire deeper understanding of Scripture but are not be pursuing a formal academic degree, the program focuses on equipping believers to serve more effectively in their local churches and ministries.
Each semester, the Hispanic Institute offers one course that meets on Monday evenings. The schedule is intentionally designed to make theological education accessible for students who balance work, family, and ministry responsibilities. By concentrating on a single course per semester, students can engage deeply with the material while maintaining their other commitments.
THE CURRICULUM COVERS A BROAD RANGE OF BIBLICAL AND MINISTRY TOPICS. Courses include foundational subjects such as Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Hermeneutics, and Systematic Theology. Other offerings focus on practical ministry areas, including Biblical Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Apologetics. The program also features courses centered on the lives and ministries of key figures in Scripture, such as the Life of Christ and the Life of Paul.
In addition to these thematic courses, the Hispanic Institute periodically offers Bible intensives that explore specific books of the Bible in greater depth. Past intensives have focused on books such as Genesis, 1–2 Samuel, and Revelation. These classes allow students to walk carefully through entire sections of Scripture, helping them develop a stronger understanding of the biblical message and how it applies to life and ministry.
ONE DISTINCTIVE ASPECT OF THE PROGRAM IS THE DIVERSITY OF ITS STUDENT BODY. Residential students studying through the Institute come from across Latin America, including Mexico, Central America, and South America. Many of these students are already involved in ministry within their churches and communities, and they seek further training to strengthen their ability to teach, disciple, and lead. At the same time, the Hispanic Institute has
expanded its reach far beyond the seminary campus. Students who live throughout Latin America are also able to participate through an online version of the course. As a result, participants join from numerous countries, many of them actively serving as pastors, church leaders, teachers, or ministry volunteers in their local congregations. The online format enables them to receive theological training while continuing to minister in their own communities.
FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY HIGHLIGHTS THE PRACTICAL NATURE OF THE COURSES. Participants regularly report that the classes are both informative and immediately applicable to ministry. Rather than focusing only on academic theory, the courses aim to help students understand what the Bible teaches and how those truths shape everyday life and service.
Students often describe how the classes provide them with concrete tools for ministry—whether learning how to interpret Scripture more carefully, offer wise biblical counsel, defend the Christian faith, or shepherd families within the church. Above all, the program seeks to encourage students to grow in their love for God and in their ability to serve others faithfully.
THIS FOCUS REFLECTS THE CENTRAL VISION OF THE HISPANIC INSTITUTE: to provide accessible, biblically faithful theological education that strengthens the church. By equipping believers with a deeper understanding of Scripture and practical ministry skills, the program helps prepare leaders who can serve Christ in a wide range of contexts.
After eight years of faithful operation, the Monday evening classes have become a meaningful pathway for Spanish-speaking students who desire to grow spiritually and minister more effectively. Through both residential and online participation, the Hispanic Institute at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary continues to extend theological education across cultures and borders—helping train men and women who are committed to loving God and serving His people.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW HOME
Let us show you around Mid-America’s new campus in Arlington, Tennessee. Welcome to our new reimagined campus, a state-of-the-art biblical equipping center designed to meet the needs of today’s students and provide the global headquarters for the next generation of biblical leaders, preachers, teachers, and missionaries. Mid-America is strategically positioned to carry out our mission of taking the Gospel to all the world for Jesus’ sake, now more efficiently and effectively than ever. Our commitment to the Bible, missions, and evangelism has not moved an inch, but our new campus, sitting just off I-40, about 11 miles east of our former Cordova campus, provides a solid base for local and global training for years to come. Our new campus opened in time for our Spring 2026 semester, and renovations will continue throughout the summer as we ready our new home for the Fall 2026 semester. Take a tour through these pages now, and plan on joining us in person at the new campus during Founders’ Days, August 17–20, 2026.
WE LOVE IT IN ARLINGTON!
Mid-America’s new campus is at 5640 Airline Road in the thriving town of Arlington, one of Tennessee’s fastgrowing communities. It’s just a few exits east of our former Cordova location. As the school’s sixth location in our 54-year history, it provides a convenient, safe, and secure base now and in the future.
THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE MIRACLE OF MID-AMERICA
Mid-America has a legacy of God providing exactly what we need at exactly the time we need it. Our new Arlington campus is the latest example. The benefits of the new campus are: 1) More efficient stewardship of resources; 2) Enhanced student experiences; and 3) Expanded opportunities for training. By rightsizing our campus to fit the new higher education landscape, we are lowering the costs of maintaining our campus and aligning our future need for classrooms, offices, and other physical facilities with current trends in education.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT MID-AMERICA’S NEW CAMPUS!
Scan the code at right for more details about Mid-America’s new Arlington campus, including a Q&A about the reasons for and benefits of the new campus.
MID-AMERICA COLLEGE IS DEMONSTRATING THAT REASON AND REVELATION ARE NOT AT ODDS AND THAT MINISTRY AND MARKETPLACE ARE AS CONNECTED AS PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE.
BY DR. BRAD THOMPSON | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER, DEAN OF MID-AMERICA COLLEGE
When people think of ministry preparation, they often envision a pulpit, a classroom, or a mission field. While those callings remain central, theological education today increasingly recognizes that leadership extends far beyond traditional church contexts. At Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, the College emphasizes preparation not only for ministry but also for meaningful engagement in the marketplace, nonprofit sector, and broader public life. This expanded vision reflects a growing awareness that graduates must navigate complex professional environments shaped by ethical ambiguity and technological change, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence. In response, the College has developed an approach to education that integrates biblical conviction with practical skill development. Students are trained to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead responsibly in settings where faith-informed decisionmaking is both necessary and influential.
Central to this model is the belief that vocation is not limited to church roles alone. Instead, every sphere of life provides an opportunity for faithful service. Whether graduates enter corporate leadership, nonprofit administration, or entrepreneurial ventures, they are equipped to bring a distinctly Christian worldview into their professional responsibilities. This perspective reframes work itself as a form of stewardship, requiring both competence and moral clarity. The leadership at Mid-America College takes a “Daniel approach” to education. While Daniel was a faithful prophet of God, he was known primarily as an incredible statesman.
The College curriculum intentionally bridges theory and application. Courses emphasize not only theological understanding but also leadership principles, organizational dynamics, and ethical reasoning. Students engage real-world scenarios that require them to apply biblical principles to contemporary challenges. This approach ensures that graduates are prepared to address issues such as organizational conflict, strategic decision-making, and cultural engagement with both insight and integrity. At the same time, the College continues to expand its academic offerings in ways that reflect the evolving
demands of the modern world. (See page 15 for news on two new ministry-marketplace degree programs.)
Emerging programs point to a future in which students are equipped for increasingly specialized and globally connected roles. These developments demonstrate a commitment to holistic education, one that refuses to separate faith from professional practice. By combining rigorous academic training with a strong ethical foundation, the College seeks to produce graduates who are not only capable leaders but also principled ones. This integration is particularly important in a cultural moment where questions of truth, integrity, and responsibility are increasingly contested. The leadership of Mid-America College seeks to demonstrate that reason and revelation are not at odds, especially in the marketplace.
The emphasis on leadership extends beyond technical competence to include character formation. Students are encouraged to cultivate habits of discipline, humility, and service, recognizing that effective leadership is grounded in personal integrity. This focus ensures that graduates are prepared not only to succeed in their respective fields but also to influence those fields in ways that reflect enduring moral and spiritual values. As the College continues to articulate its mission, the connection between ministry and marketplace becomes increasingly clear. Preparation for one necessarily informs preparation for the other as instructional staff seek to connect the classroom to the community. Graduates are equipped to navigate both arenas with confidence, understanding that their work, whatever its form, contributes to Kingdom growth. Each Tuesday, College students attend Chapel and share witnessing testimonies. Even though some are not called to vocational Gospel ministry, they realize that evangelism is the responsibility and joy of every believer!
In this way, theological education becomes a catalyst for broader reach for the Lord. In a world that often separates the sacred from the secular, the College offers a compelling alternative. It affirms that every arena of life is a context for faithful service and meaningful leadership. By equipping students to integrate belief and practice, it prepares them to enter the marketplace not as passive participants but as thoughtful, ethical, and effective leaders.
Scan to discover more about the ministry and marketplace degree programs at Mid-America College.
They may be “non-traditional” students elsewhere, but Mid-America has a long tradition of “mid-life” (and beyond!) students seeking to become equipped as biblical leaders. Begun as a seminary for grad students called to ministry, Mid-America has a heritage of attracting students beyond their 20s who want to further their education, students such as Jeremy Maser. Read his story, then turn the page for a list of other types of non-traditional students that Mid-America serves. Perhaps you’ll find yourself on that list—and in one of our courses!
Iremember it like it was yesterday. It was 2016, and I was sitting in a Memphis, Tennessee, restaurant. At the table across from me was a Mid-America alumnus. We were great friends, and he was a godly leader in my life. The decision at hand was whether or not to go to a local university or go to MidAmerica. “No offense,” my friend said boldly, “there is no eternal value in a secular degree.” This was true. If you’re reading this now, the same thoughts are probably looming with you or recently have, and you’re at a crossroads. Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” I decided then and there that Mid-America was for me. One problem: I was 33 years old, 15 years removed from my last formal education class, and scared!
I didn’t even know where to start but went to the Mid-America Admissions office anyway. Everyone in that office exuded godly excellence while still maintaining approachability. Just to give you an idea of how out of touch with formal education I was, as I walked down the hall toward the Admissions office, I passed the “Registrar” office and thought that they had spelled the word “Register” incorrectly. It was bad!
THE PROCESS TO GET STARTED WAS SO SIMPLE and stress-free. It was very clear and concise what I had to do and where I had to be at all times. Everything needed was provided or assistance was given to complete the task. Some aptitude test requirements were waived also, due to my older age and life experience. Any questions or concerns I had were quickly answered by the Admissions staff. The New Student Orientation was so fun as well. It was a great time to bond with the Mid-America team and meet other new students.
I was registered for class in no time, and there I was in an English Grammar (wait: is that spelled right?) class, challenging my brain. While I was in school, I built lifelong relationships with the faculty and staff.
The spiritual wisdom and depth of the professors was amazing. Plus, the small, intimate class sizes (normally no more than 15–20 people per class) allowed for connections to be made and discipleship to occur, simultaneously while completing the classes.
I graduated in 2019 with an Associate degree in Christian Education and in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. These degrees have assisted me in being more competent and qualified in my current career.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, I’VE BECOME MORE BIBLICALLY LITERATE. I’m better equipped to “rightly divide” the Word of God as the apostle Paul commands us to do. Second Timothy 2:15 says that our goal as followers of Christ should be to “correctly explain” the Bible to those around us. Although I’ve never felt the call to pastor a church, we’re all commanded to be salt and light in our realm. The education and equipping that I have received from Mid-America has definitely placed me in a position, as a church youth leader and as a layman, where I am not nervous or feeling inadequate when sharing the Gospel.
At Mid-America, one of the distinctives is the strong focus on evangelism. Active students are required to witness to at least one person per week, throughout the semester. Although it feels monotonous and almost “legalistic” at first, now that I have done it for four straight years, it is second nature now.
If you are still undecided on if and where to attend school, let me encourage you to pick Mid-America. The investment of your time and commitment will have eternal reward. The faculty and staff of MidAmerica stand ready to pour the truths of God’s Word into you. As the world becomes more and more “gloriously dark,” meaning the return of Christ draweth nigh, let Mid-America equip you to “light the way” to the Lord.
Mid-Life Mid-America
See Yourself Mid-America
DO YOU SEE YOURSELF—AND YOUR FUTURE— ON THIS LIST OF ‘NON-TRADITIONAL’ STUDENTS?
Not all Mid-America students follow a straight line from high school to graduation. Today’s classrooms—on campus and online—are filled with learners whose paths are shaped by work, family, faith, service, and second chances.
EMPTY NESTERS
Now that your schedule has changed, it’s time to finish what God first placed on your heart. Mid-America offers flexible, faith-centered programs designed for this season of life.
DEGREE COMPLETERS
Life may have interrupted your education, but it doesn’t have to end it. Finish your degree with support that understands your journey.
MID-CAREER PROFESSIONALS
Advance your calling without stepping away from your responsibilities. Earn a degree that strengthens both your leadership and your faith.
CAREER CHANGERS
If God is leading you in a new direction, Mid-America can help you prepare—academically, spiritually, and practically—for what’s next.
WORKING ADULTS
Designed for busy schedules, Mid-America’s flexible formats let you pursue a degree without putting your life on hold.
FIRST-GENERATION ADULT LEARNERS
Be the first—and not the last. Mid-America walks with you every step as you open new doors for yourself and your family.
ENTREPRENEURS & BUSINESS OWNERS
Strengthen your vision with biblical leadership and practical training that serves both mission and marketplace.
MINISTRY & SECOND-CALLING STUDENTS
If God is calling you deeper into service, Mid-America equips you with sound theology and real-world ministry preparation.
BI-VOCATIONAL PASTORS & CHURCH LEADERS
Stay rooted in ministry while strengthening your theological foundation—without leaving your field of service.
DISPLACED OR UNDEREMPLOYED WORKERS
When work changes unexpectedly, education can provide clarity and stability rooted in faith and purpose.
SINGLE PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
You carry a great deal—your education shouldn’t add unnecessary burden. Our affordable programs are built to support students balancing family, work, and calling.
MILITARY & VETERANS
Your service matters—and so does your future. Mid-America honors your experience while helping you prepare for life beyond the uniform.
IMMIGRANTS & INTERNATIONAL ADULT LEARNERS
Your story and experience are valued here. Mid-America offers a welcoming, Christ-centered academic community.
ONLINE & HYBRID LEARNERS
Whether near or far, you can receive a Mid-America education grounded in Scripture and academic excellence.
PURPOSE-DRIVEN LEARNERS
If you’re seeking more than a credential—if you’re pursuing a calling—Mid-America is a place where faith and education meet.
EXPLORE THE NEXT STEP!
Scan the code to experience Mid-America and learn more about how to apply, visit, and get more information. Or visit...
MABTS.EDU | MIDAMERICACOLLEGE.COM
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology prepares students for leadership through technical expertise and ethical decisionmaking within business and ministry contexts. Covering cloud computing, cybersecurity, databases, and much more, the curriculum integrates a distinct Christian worldview. Students complete a real-world capstone project, graduating ready for IT management and digital strategy careers across corporate, ministry, and nonprofit sectors.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
2
NEW DEGREES!
The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish develops advanced language proficiency and cultural competence for global engagement. Students explore Hispanic literature and civilization while gaining practical skills for ministry and community service. Culminating in a capstone project that integrates learning, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in education, ministry, nonprofit work, and international service.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPANISH
KEEPING PREACHING FRESH HOW DO PASTORS DECIDE WHAT TO PREACH?
BY DR. DAVID L. ALLEN DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF PRACTICAL THEOLOGY, DEAN OF THE ADRIAN ROGERS CENTER FOR BIBLICAL PREACHING
Sooner or later, every pastor hears the question: How do you keep your preaching fresh week after week? Closely related is another: How do you decide what subjects to preach on? For those who stand regularly behind the pulpit, these are not merely theoretical questions. The responsibility of speaking to the same congregation week after week can feel daunting, and every preacher knows the quiet concern of becoming repetitive or predictable.
Over the years, however, I have discovered that freshness in preaching rarely comes from searching for clever ideas. More often, it grows out of a few steady disciplines that keep the preacher close to Scripture and attentive to his congregation.
First and foremost, I try to let the biblical text set the agenda. Preaching consecutively through books of the Bible has a way of keeping both the preacher and the congregation grounded. When working through a biblical book, the pastor is required to address themes he might never choose on his own. Narrative passages, doctrinal sections, warnings, encouragements, prayers, and laments all appear naturally in the flow of the text. The result is a surprising variety of subjects without the constant pressure of inventing new ones. Rather than searching endlessly for fresh topics, the preacher discovers that Scripture already contains more themes than he could exhaust in a lifetime.
At the same time, occasional variation can be helpful. While exposition through books of the Bible remains the steady diet of the pulpit, I sometimes step away from a longer series to preach a brief thematic study. A short series on prayer, the attributes of God, the parables of Jesus, or the fruit of the Spirit can provide helpful focus and renewal for both preacher and congregation. These moments of thematic emphasis often refresh the preaching schedule while still keeping the message firmly anchored in the biblical text. Another important factor in deciding what to preach is simply paying attention to the congregation itself. Pastors learn much by listening. Conversations in hallways, counseling sessions, prayer requests, and pastoral visits often reveal the questions and struggles people carry into church each week. Over time certain patterns become clear—discouragement, confusion
about doctrine, anxiety about the future, or questions about Christian living. While Scripture always governs the message, these pastoral observations often influence which passages or themes deserve attention next in my preaching.
I have also found it helpful to keep a running list of sermon ideas. Ideas for sermons rarely arrive on a predictable schedule. Sometimes they emerge during personal Bible reading; at other times they come from a book, a conversation, or a question someone asks after a service. When such ideas arise, I try to write them down immediately. Over time this list becomes a reservoir of potential sermon series and future messages.
Reading widely also helps keep preaching fresh. In addition to weekly preparation in commentaries, I try to read broadly in theology, church history, biography, and good Christian literature. Exposure to the insights of faithful teachers from other generations often sharpens my own understanding of Scripture. A historical example, a theological insight, or a memorable phrase from another writer can illuminate familiar biblical truths in ways that stimulate both study and proclamation.
Personal devotion plays an equally important role. Preaching can easily become mechanical if the preacher approaches Scripture only as a professional assignment. Some of the most meaningful sermons arise from passages that first challenged or encouraged me during my own devotional reading. When the preacher has wrestled personally with the text before preparing to preach it, the resulting message often carries a deeper tone of sincerity and conviction.
In the end, the preacher’s greatest resource for freshness is the inexhaustible depth of Scripture itself. The Bible never grows stale. Passages preached years earlier often reveal entirely new insights when studied again. What changes over time is not the Word of God, but the preacher’s understanding of it.
For that reason, the goal of preaching is not novelty but faithfulness. When a pastor continually returns to Scripture, listens carefully to his congregation, and keeps learning throughout life, freshness usually follows. The well of God’s Word remains inexhaustible, and the preacher who returns to it week after week will never run out nor run dry of something worth saying.
MID-AMERICA, THE MEWBORNS, AND MONTANA BAPTISTS ARE ON MISSION, MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE WEST
Mikey Mewborn, two-time graduate of Mid-America and nine-year faculty member, and his wife Emily, are headed west to make a maximum impact in Big Sky Country. The possibilities are all blue sky in this frontier mission field filled with majestic mountains yet desperately in need of more churches and church planters. Mid-America is thankful to have a small part in the Mewborn’s mission by investing in their training and leadership. Be in prayer for them and read on to hear the story of their journey westward.
Iam excited and honored to serve as the State Executive Director of the Montana Southern Baptist Convention. My desire to minister in the West started over nine years ago with a trip to Salt Lake City, Utah. During that trip, a pastor asked me to pray about moving west and joining his church planting team in Salt Lake City. The invitation was genuine, and the call was real, but the timing was off. The old saying is true, “the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing.” As Emily and I were praying and planning for the move, Emily discovered that she was pregnant with our first son. In the same year, I was offered a faculty position at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. After much prayer, we realized that these changes would put our desires on hold, keeping us in Memphis, Tennessee. We did not understand the sudden change of plans, but we trusted the Lord to guide our steps along the way. Little did we know that the Lord would keep us in western Tennessee for nine more years.
Throughout these years, the Lord blessed us with great friendships, precious family time, and the amazing opportunity for me to serve at Mid-America Seminary and College. God is so good! I believe the Lord used this time to prepare us for the Gospel work in Montana.
My life changed when I received a phone call from a pastor in Montana. He shared with me that the State Executive Director of the Montana SBC was retiring. After much prayer and consideration, I felt the Lord leading me to apply for the position. Once I submitted my resume, I felt an overwhelming draw to minister in Montana. The path seemed clear to me; I just needed to convince the search committee. I say this jokingly, but I could sense the Lord working through this process every step along the way.
On March 6, 2026, the messengers of the Montana SBC voted to affirm me as their next State Executive Director and Treasurer. Praise the Lord! As I look at the work ahead, I am humbled and thrilled for the opportunity to serve Montana Baptists. Yes, we are excited to experience the beauty of Montana, but we are more excited about the relationships we are building with our new Montana family.
Drs. Mikey and Emily Mewborn
22 , 0 76
NUMBER OF HOURS OUR STUDENTS SPENT DOING PRACTICAL MISSIONS
Students
PROFESSIONS OF FAITH WITNESSED BY OUR STUDENTS SINCE 1972 170 , 189
NUMBER OF PEOPLE OUR STUDENTS WITNESSED TO 6, 828
NUMBER OF PROFESSIONS OF FAITH THROUGH THE WITNESSING OF OUR STUDENTS THIS YEAR 8 78
Practical Missions program results reported for Spring and Fall 2025 semesters
BY DR. RANDY REDD | VICE-PRESIDENT OF
Supporting Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and Mid-America College through both prayer and financial giving strengthens far more than a single educational institution. It nurtures a ministry pipeline, fuels Gospel-centered training, and helps shape future pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders who will serve churches and communities for generations. An investment in this school is an investment in the Great Commission itself.
THE SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION OF PRAYER
Prayer is the most essential support believers can offer. A college and theological seminary are not merely academic institutions; they are spiritual formation centers where men and women are shaped for lifelong ministry. That work requires divine wisdom, protection, and empowerment. Praying for this school aligns your heart with God’s purposes and invites His guidance over every aspect of our mission.
Key areas of prayer include
z Students as they balance rigorous study, ministry responsibilities, and personal spiritual growth.
z Faculty who carry the weight of teaching Scripture faithfully and modeling Christlike character.
z Leadership as they make decisions that affect the seminary’s future, financial health, and mission impact.
z Revival and spiritual vitality across the campus, that every class and conversation would be shaped by the Holy Spirit.
z Provision for the seminary’s ongoing needs, from scholarships to facilities to outreach efforts.
Prayer keeps the college and seminary rooted in dependence on God rather than human strength. It also unites supporters with the mission in a deeply personal way, reminding them that gaining a theological education as well as instilling a biblical worldview is ultimately spiritual work.
THE PRACTICAL STRENGTH OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
While prayer fuels the spiritual mission, financial giving sustains the practical operations that make that mission a reality. Schools constantly face rising costs for faculty, technology, accreditation, campus maintenance, and student services. Our school is
known for keeping tuition remarkably affordable so that students graduate without burdensome debt, freeing them to serve wherever God calls. That commitment is only possible because donors stand in the gap.
Financial gifts directly support
z Scholarships that allow students to pursue ministry training without financial strain.
z Academic programs that maintain high standards of biblical fidelity and academic excellence.
z Campus improvements that create a safe, effective learning environment.
z Global missions training that equips students to serve cross-culturally.
z Community outreach that extends the school’s influence beyond the classroom.
Every dollar given becomes part of a larger story— one that shapes churches, strengthens families, and advances the Gospel.
A PARTNERSHIP IN KINGDOM WORK
Supporting Mid-America Seminary and College is not merely charity; it is partnership. Truly, a Great CoMission! Scripture consistently shows that those who send and those who go share in the same reward. When you pray for the seminary or contribute financially, you participate in the training of pastors who will preach the Word, missionaries who will reach the unreached, and counselors who will bring hope to the hurting, as well as future laymen who will work with a biblical wisdom and worldview.
A CALL TO ENGAGE
Whether through daily prayer, monthly giving, or a special gift, your support helps secure the future of Gospelcentered training at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and Mid-America College. The impact reaches far beyond the campus, touching churches, mission fields, and communities around the world.
This partnership also reflects biblical stewardship. God entrusts resources—spiritual and material—to His people so they can be used for His purposes.
Investing in theological education ensures that future generations will continue to hear sound doctrine and experience faithful ministry.
Pray and ask God what He wants you to do.
To let us know or to learn more, please email us at development@mabts.edu. We would love to talk with you!
GIVE NOW!
MID-AMERICA’S DR. BRAD THOMPSON INTRODUCES
THREE NEW BOOKS
Exemplifying the thought-leadership of Mid-America’s world-class faculty, Dr. Bradley C. Thompson has authored three new books, including two that are part of a new series called the “Reaching Higher! Education Series.”
Dr. Thompson serves as Mid-America’s Executive Vice President and is the founding Dean of Mid-America College. He has taught Christian ministries for over 25 years and is a graduate of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (MDIV), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (PhD), and Columbia University (EdD). In addition to his teaching ministry, he consults on matters of education, organizational leadership, and communication.
All three books were crafted from decades of academic experience and courses taught by Dr. Thompson. Accessible enough for personal study and development, yet scholarly and thoroughly researched for use as a course textbook, these books appeal to a wide range of readers who desire to be well equipped for ministry and the marketplace.
AVAILABLE AT MID-AMERICA BOOKSTORE, AMAZON, AND MORE
Introduction to Christian Ministries: A Practical Guide to Leading and Discipling
Available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook
When People Are the Problem: Practical Tools for Difficult Work Relationships
Available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook
P.O.W.E.R. Up!: 5 Habits to Improve Your Writing Available in hardcover and paperback
TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 3
8:00 A.M.– 2:00 P.M.
z Be part of Preview Day on our new Arlington campus!
z Explore our Christ-centered, affordable, accredited programs and meet our world-class faculty
z Experience a special Preview Day Chapel, sit in on a class, meet new people and make friends
z Learn about financial aid, student life, community involvement programs, Memphis area, and more!
z MABTS.EDU/PREVIEWDAY
Scan and explore more online
z MIDAMERICACOLLEGE.COM/PREVIEWDAY
DR. BRAD THOMPSON
Annual
New campus. Same commitment to the Bible, missions, and evangelism.
AUGUST 17–20, 2026
MONDAY, AUGUST 17
6:00 P.M. Grand Opening of new Arlington campus
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
6:00 P.M
z Worship
z Signing of the Articles of Belief
z Preaching: Brian Carlisle and Dr. Mikey Mewborn
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
z 11:00 a.m.—Chapel service—Dr. Michael Spradlin
z 12:30 p.m.—Arlington Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
z 11:00 a.m.—Chapel service—Dr. Jeff Ginn
WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS AT MABTS.EDU/FOUNDERSDAYS
5640 Airline Road, Arlington, TN 38002
901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu • mabts.edu
You’ve made sure your life will last forever.
Have you done the same for your legacy?
Thinking ahead about how your resources will be shared after your lifetime is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. By creating a plan for the distribution of your assets—whether through a will, trust, or other arrangements—you ensure that your values live on and that the people and causes you care about are supported for years to come. Planned giving is not just about finances; it’s about leaving a legacy of kindness, purpose, and impact. Taking the time now to make these decisions offers peace of mind, knowing your wishes will be honored and your generosity will make an impact throughout eternity. Dr. Adrian Rogers said, “Do your giving while you’re living so you’re knowing where it’s going!”
To be part of the ongoing mission of Mid-America, you can simply email development@mabts.edu and ask for a time to meet to discuss available options. You can also contribute now by scanning the “Give Now!” QR code at right. Or learn more about ways to support MidAmerica. Your support will help the school continue its mission to train and equip the next generation to make an eternal impact for the Gospel.