Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory.
PSALM 24:10
What a wonderful time to be alive! As we see so much wickedness all around us, we can say with the great pastor, Dr. Adrian Rogers, “It is getting gloriously dark.” Yet the need for a clear Gospel witness is as critical today as ever.
We recently had a great Preview Day as prospective students were on campus to sense where the Lord is leading them to continue their education. It was also great to spend time with several Mid-America alumni who were back on campus with their sons. It is an honor for any pastor to entrust their son to our school for training. It is even better when those pastors are alumni who want their sons to experience the spiritual growth that so many of us as alumni have experienced.
For me, the Mid-America experience occurred at the Midtown campus in the old Jewish synagogue (or, as Dr. Gray would correct us, “Jewish Temple”). But even though the facility was important, the faculty, staff, and fellow students meant the most to me. To go from Dr. Allison at 8:00 a.m. to then be with Dr. Howard Bickers at 9:00 was awesome. And that was before Chapel. Since Chapel was from 10:00 to 10:30 and classes started, we had to eat a fast lunch from 10:30 to 11:00. I still want to eat lunch at 10:30 today!
I was sitting in the audience at Founders’ Days the night Dr. Gray announced the Seminary’s move from Midtown Memphis to the Germantown campus. I found out much later that I was sitting next to the wonderful family that made it all possible. When the Seminary was moving from the Germantown campus, I got a call from Dr. Adrian Rogers about a potential move next door to Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova.
Through it all, what has made Mid-America was not the buildings but the people. We have the best theological faculty anywhere, and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless this special place. With nearly 170,000 professions of faith, many can now say, “He is the King of Glory.” Honor and praise to our dear Lord Jesus.
MICHAEL R. SPRADLIN, PHD PRESIDENT, MID-AMERICA SEMINARY AND COLLEGE
INSID E
SUMMER 2025 VOLUME 53, NUMBER 1
Published by Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and Mid-America College
PRESIDENT Michael Spradlin, PhD
EDITOR Randy Redd, PhD
DESIGN
Eternity Communications
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HIGH VIEW OF SCRIPTURE
At Mid-America, our worldview— and our degree programs—begin with the conviction that the Bible is true, authoritative, and sufficient. 4
REACHING. HIGHER.
We believe the pursuit of higher education begins with a worldview informed by a higher authority—God’s perfect and eternal Word. 8 A CLEARER LENS FOR
The Bible is the ultimate and allsufficient authority for guiding us on how to live, make decisions, and engage with the world of business and leadership. 12
A fully-equipped apologetic approach functions as both the defense and the offense in the battle for Gospel Truth.
Contrary to forces in today’s counseling world, we build our theory and counseling methods based on a biblical worldview. 16
INVESTING FOR THE LONG VIEW
Giving with a biblical worldview means taking the long view, and supporting Mid-America’s mission is an investment in eternity.
BY MICHAEL SPRADLIN, PHD PRESIDENT, MID-AMERICA SEMINARY AND COLLEGE
AT MID-AMERICA, OUR WORLDVIEW— AND OUR DEGREE PROGRAMS—BEGIN WITH THE CONVICTION THAT THE BIBLE IS TRUE, AUTHORITATIVE, AND SUFFICIENT.
Jesus was a product of His times,” a college professor said.
I will never forget my freshman year in college when we were taught that Jesus was a product of His times. He did not understand modern medicine. When Jesus said that a man was demon-possessed, He did not understand mental illness. Though I had only been a believer for a few years, I knew this concept was wrong. I did
not have a good explanation, however, for my view. In one sense, this problem drove me to seek how to answer people with such a low view of the Bible.
This subject uses a variety of words and phrases uncommon in everyday conversation. Words like inerrancy, infallibility, verbal plenary inspiration, the inspiration of the autographs, and sufficiency often appear.
MY FAVORITE EXPLANATION OF THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE came from Dr. Roy Beaman, a longtime Southern Baptist scholar. Dr. Beaman taught for years at both New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a Jesus-loving, soul-winning Bible scholar and preacher. Dr. Beaman said that drawing an imaginary horizontal line can explain all views of inspiration. Above the line is God’s realm and a place of perfection. Below the line is the realm of mankind, which is a place of imperfection. Either you believe that God lowered Himself below the line and gave us an imperfect Bible. Or you believe that God elevated the authors of Scripture above the line into the realm of perfection and gave us a perfect Bible.
TODAY, MANY PEOPLE CLAIM TO BELIEVE IN THE TOTAL TRUTHFULNESS OF THE BIBLE. THEY DENY, HOWEVER, THE ABILITY OF THE WORD OF GOD TO BE ALL THAT THE BELIEVER NEEDS FOR PERSONAL FAITH AND PRACTICAL LIVING FOR THE LORD....SUFFICE IT TO SAY THE BIBLE IS BOTH TRUE AND SUFFICIENT FOR THE BORNAGAIN BELIEVER IN JESUS CHRIST.
My view is that the Bible is an inerrant book; it has no errors. The very words of Scripture, not just the ideas, are revealed from God as His perfect truth. The human authors still expressed their personalities, but the end result was precisely what God the Holy Spirit intended.
SO WHY WOULD ANYONE DENY THAT THE BIBLE IS TRUE? The answer may be older than you think. In one sense, the temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 3 shows the tactic of Satan. The Devil stated, “Has God really said…?” Casting doubt on the Bible has long been a primary means to undermine the evangelism of the lost and the faith of the believer.
In the Old Testament, one of the severest forms of punishment was reserved for false prophets. Those who claimed to speak for God but changed His message were condemned.
In the modern era, an approach to the Bible, sometimes called German Higher Criticism, sought to turn the Bible into just another book of ancient myths. Eventually, this radical philosophy worked its way into our beloved Southern Baptist Convention. Crawford H. Toy was forced to resign as a professor from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1879. Toy had embraced this higher critical view of Scripture.
Crawford Toy left Kentucky to teach at Harvard and died a Unitarian.
In 1925, the Southern Baptist Convention met in Memphis, Tennessee. Near the top of the agenda was to adopt a confession of faith directed at combating Darwinian views of evolution. On a side note, they also adopted the Cooperative Program. The theory of evolution was (and is) a direct attack on the authority of Scripture. This is especially true as it relates to the creation account of the Book of Genesis. In the 1950s, a professor at the newly-founded Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary published a book entitled The Message of Genesis, which attacked the orthodox view of the first book of the Bible. Ralph Elliot, the book’s author, later left Southern Baptist life to pastor a church in Albany, New York, a part of the liberal American Baptist denomination.
BY THE 1970s, ENOUGH PASTORS WERE CONCERNED WITH THE THEOLOGICAL DRIFT in the Southern Baptist Convention to begin what became called “the Conservative Resurgence.” Going back to a high view of Scripture, this movement rescued the denomination from theological liberalism.
Today, many people claim to believe in the total truthfulness of the Bible. They deny, however, the ability of the Word of God to be all that the believer needs for personal faith and practical living for the Lord. This most recent challenge to the Bible would hold that the Bible is not sufficient. We need something else for the guidance of our lives. Suffice it to say the Bible is both true and sufficient for the bornagain believer in Jesus Christ.
MORE RESOURCES
z Baptists and the Bible: Revised and Expanded by L. Russ Bush and Tom J. Nettles (Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999)
z Sufficiency of Scripture series at mabts.edu/ sufficiency-of-scripture
z “Championing Biblical Preaching” blog post by Dr. David L. Allen at mabts.edu/championingbiblical-preaching
z “What Is Biblical Counseling?” blog post by Dr. John Babler at mabts.edu/what-is-biblicalcounseling
2024–2025
PROFESSIONS OF FAITH WITNESSED BY OUR STUDENTS SINCE 1972
NUMBER OF HOURS OUR STUDENTS SPENT DOING PRACTICAL MISSIONS
NUMBER OF PROFESSIONS OF FAITH THROUGH THE WITNESSING OF OUR STUDENTS THIS YEAR
NUMBER OF PEOPLE OUR STUDENTS WITNESSED TO
WANT SOME INSPIRATION TO SHARE YOUR FAITH?
Join us for Report Hour, Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. during the school year. Attend Chapel, or watch live or later at MABTS.EDU/LIVE
Practical Missions program results reported for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters
To all the world
CONNECTING THE CLASSROOM TO THE COMMUNITY
BY NICK BROWN CAMPUS PASTOR, DEAN OF MEN
Mid-America’s heartbeat is to connect the classroom to the community. Reaching people for Christ is the basis upon which the school was founded, and this passion motivates our President, our faculty, our curriculum, and even our Chapel programs. Our students’ presence at Mid-America indicates that they share this motivation. The Practical Missions program exists to provide Mid-America students with the opportunity to fulfill the mission of the school through community service. This linking of the classroom and the practical aspects of ministry and evangelistic zeal is one of the unique identities of Mid-America.
Practical Missions is a demonstration of what the student learns in the classroom. Students are expected to fulfill the biblical command to love their neighbor and thus are required to serve in community service sites and report on the work completed. By serving the community, the student connects the classroom to the practical aspects of community service and enhances his/her preparation to serve in the local church or in the business world. 169 , 678 25,415 5 , 841 667
BY BRAD THOMPSON, EDD, PHD EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT; DEAN OF MID-AMERICA COLLEGE; PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP
Education has always been central to the Christian faith, rooted in the biblical mandate to seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Proverbs 4:7). At Mid-America College and Seminary, we believe the pursuit of higher education is not merely an academic endeavor but a spiritual calling. As believers engage in teaching and learning, they fulfill God’s command to love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). From a biblical worldview, education is not just about acquiring information but about transformation, equipping students to serve God and others effectively in Gospel ministry or in their respective vocations.
THE BIBLICAL BASIS FOR
EDUCATION
The Scriptures emphasize the value of wisdom and knowledge repeatedly. Proverbs 1:7 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools
despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse establishes the foundation of a biblical approach to education: true knowledge begins with reverence for God. Teaching is also a God-called responsibility. In Deuteronomy 6:6–7, parents are commanded to instruct their children diligently in the ways of the Lord. This principle extends beyond the home to institutions of learning, where educators are called to shape students intellectually and morally. Jesus Himself was referred to as “Rabbi” or “Teacher” (John 3:2), modeling the importance of teaching in discipleship and spiritual growth.
THE ROLE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Higher education presents unique opportunities and challenges for Christian educators. Today, secularism dominates many academic institutions, even those professing to be Christian colleges and universities. In this environment, it is the professors and teachers who serve as beacons of truth, guiding students through a Christ-centered framework of knowledge. The reputation of Mid-America College and Seminary
AT MID-AMERICA, WE BELIEVE THE PURSUIT OF HIGHER EDUCATION BEGINS WITH A WORLDVIEW INFORMED BY A HIGHER AUTHORITY.
is closely connected to its faculty as the school uses a fine filter for instructional staff to maintain core beliefs and values.
Christian educators are more than dispensers of knowledge; they are shepherds guiding students toward truth. Colossians 3:23 reminds believers to work heartily as for the Lord, which applies to those who teach. Every lecture, discussion, and mentorship session is an opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love and wisdom.
A biblical worldview recognizes that truth belongs to God, and that Christian educators must integrate faith into every academic discipline, whether science, literature, philosophy, or business. Romans 12:2 urges believers not to conform to worldly patterns but to be transformed by renewing their minds. This transformation happens when students learn to see their fields of study through the lens of Scripture.
The ultimate goal of education is not just career preparation but Kingdom impact. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are created for good works, prepared in advance
by God. Christian educators should inspire students to use their knowledge and skills to advance God’s purposes in their careers, communities, and the world.
PRINCIPLES OF ADULT LEARNING (ANDRAGOGY) IN CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
Adult learners require a unique approach to teaching that aligns with their experiences, motivations, and learning styles. Andragogy, Malcolm Knowles’ theory of adult learning, provides essential principles that can be effectively integrated into a biblical framework of education.
Adult learners are often self-motivated and take responsibility for their own learning. Christian educators can cultivate this by fostering a learning environment that encourages independent study, critical thinking, and spiritual discernment. Proverbs 4:7 underscores the importance of personal pursuit of wisdom: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Adults learn best when they can connect new knowledge with their life experiences. Jesus frequently
For decades, Mid-America students have taken the legendary “Personal Evangelism” course taught first by Dr. B. Gray Allison and now by current President Dr. Michael Spradlin. The content for this course has now been compiled into an engaging book edited and revised
used parables and real-life applications to teach spiritual truths. Christian educators can follow this model by incorporating case studies, discussions, and hands-on experiences that relate to students’ personal and professional lives.
Adults are more engaged in learning when they see its immediate relevance to their lives. Education should not be abstract but applicable. James 1:22 instructs believers to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Similarly, Christian educators should emphasize practical applications of biblical principles within academic disciplines.
Adult learners benefit from interaction with peers, sharing experiences, and discussing ideas. Christian higher education should encourage community learning, where students grow together in faith and knowledge. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” and not to neglect meeting together. This has become more challenging as online and other asynchronous platforms of education are on the rise. In some ways, higher education is reflecting trends in society as we have never been more connected through the internet and yet never more isolated from each other.
Adults often pursue education for personal growth, career advancement, or a sense of calling. A biblical perspective reinforces that learning is ultimately about glorifying God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Christian educators should help students recognize how their studies align with God’s greater purpose for their lives.
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENTS
Education is not solely the responsibility of teachers;
students also have a biblical mandate to pursue knowledge. Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” A Christian student’s attitude toward learning should be one of diligence and humility, recognizing education as a gift from God. If students pursue education through a distance method, they must seek to be intentional about connecting with other students and their professors. According to a 2014 report by Inside Higher Ed, online students experience a lower degree of completion rates, and a higher degree of withdrawal from courses and failure rates than residential students. As of February 2024, the University of California university system banned completely online degrees and other states are expected to follow.
THE NEED FOR CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
The need for schools like Mid-America College and Seminary has never been greater. As secular ideologies increasingly dominate higher education, Christian institutions play a crucial role in preserving biblical truth. Schools that uphold a Christ-centered curriculum provide a learning environment where faith and scholarship thrive together. These institutions cultivate not only intellectual growth but also spiritual maturity, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the world while remaining steadfast in their faith.
CONCLUSION
Teaching and education in higher education are essential components of fulfilling God’s mandate for wisdom and knowledge. Christian educators bear the responsibility of instructing with integrity and integrating biblical truth into all aspects of learning. Students, in turn, must embrace their education as a means of glorifying God and preparing for His calling, whether residentially or online. The principles of andragogy align seamlessly with biblical values, emphasizing self-directed learning, experiential education, practical application, and community engagement. Ultimately, higher education should not be about personal advancement alone but about equipping individuals to serve God and transform the world through His wisdom and truth. As Proverbs 16:16 reminds us, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
If you’re aiming to impact the world in a way that’s Christ-centered and leadership-driven, Mid-America’s new BS in Pre-Law and Public Policy will help you light the way to a brighter future for the world. It’s ideal prep for a law degree, career in public service, or ministry or nonprofit position. Scan the code at left and learn more at midamericacollege.com/BSPPP
W RLDVIEW BIBLICAL
A CLEARER LENS FOR BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP
BY DR. RANDY REDD VICE-PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Irecall my first missions trip to Eastern Europe. Our team met with an IMB missionary prior to the trip to aid us in our preparation. He asked each of us about our vocation. Several of the group worked for various companies, and some had their own businesses. We told the missionary that we were “businessmen.” He instructed us emphatically not to say or use that term regarding what we did for a living. The term had a negative meaning in the country. There, the term meant something like a con man or someone who would use unscrupulous means to swindle your money.
It made me think about people in our country and their attitudes toward businesses and leadership in general. Not every company operates in a crooked, unethical manner like those who notoriously make the news, i.e., Enron, various Ponzi-schemes, or other franchise fraud. The tendency is to think of all businesses as either immoral or amoral but certainly not moral. What if business and leadership could be taught with and from a biblical perspective?
THAT IS THE CHALLENGE THAT MID-AMERICA
COLLEGE ACCEPTED! First, what is meant by the term, “biblical worldview”? In the context of this article, a biblical worldview is a way of understanding and interpreting the concepts and practices of business and leadership based on the teachings of the Bible. It means viewing all aspects involved in these fields through the lens of Scripture. Those who hold a biblical worldview consider the Bible as the ultimate authority and that it is sufficient to provide guidance for how to live, make decisions, and engage with the world of business and leadership.
Defining this worldview involves much more content than this paragraph. But most will agree that a biblical worldview typically includes the following core beliefs: We understand that God is the Creator. That is, He created the universe and everything in it. Everything was created by God (Genesis 1:1). We also understand that absolute truth exists. Truth is not relative; it is found in God’s Word (John 17:17).
Another important aspect of a biblical worldview is that all humans are born with a sinful nature and need salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23). So how
can we be saved? Jesus is the only way. Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Both business and leadership should follow moral standards that come from God’s Word. Right and wrong are defined by God, not human opinions (Isaiah 5:20). You cannot find your life purpose or a sense of meaning from your work. Purpose and meaning are found in God. Humans exist to glorify God and live according to His will (Colossians 1:16).
Holding to these beliefs and having a biblical worldview influences how a person thinks about social issues, ethics, education, work, relationships, and culture. As we are conducting business or as we exercise our leadership, we are called to live a life that reflects Christ’s teachings. We must apply biblical principles in all areas of life. As we do this, we become the “salt and light” that will reflect the love of Christ to those we work with and lead.
THE BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS AT MID-AMERICA COLLEGE are designed to prepare graduates for an ever-changing business world. Both the Business Administration and the Organizational Leadership degrees offer a variety of courses. Each one covers the latest research and best practices in the field, all seen through a biblical lens that prepares students to apply biblical principles in their personal and professional lives. It makes a tremendous difference in what motivates us to succeed.
At Mid-America College, this worldview is reinforced by weekly Chapel services featuring worship and preaching, fostering spiritual growth and community among students. Additionally, our Practical Missions program encourages students to engage in community service for at least one hour per week, allowing them to practice their faith through service. These initiatives collectively ensure that a biblical worldview is not only taught but also actively lived out, equipping students to impact the world for Jesus’ sake.
A fully-equipped apologetic approach functions as both the defense and the offense in the battle for Gospel Truth. And a biblical worldview is the standard bearer in contending for the faith.
CONTEND FOR THE FAITH
BY WAYNE CORNETT, PHD CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW TESTAMENT DEPARTMENT; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT AND GREEK, AND THEOLOGY
Christians have a biblical mandate to “contend for the faith” (Jude 3).
Practicing apologetics is the practical, biblical, and intellectual response to this mandate. A well-rounded apologetic approach functions as both the defense and the offense in this battle. Apologetics defends the faith by answering objections to and clarifying misconceptions about the Christian faith by offering reasoned arguments (1 Peter 3:15). Apologetics should also tear down the competing false ideas that people believe (2 Corinthians 10:5) so that they may be ready to receive the truth of the Gospel.
Many approaches to apologetics seek “neutral” ground with unbelievers, as if facts and logic exist in a vacuum, untouched by worldview commitments. But the truth is, there is no such neutrality. Every person interprets reality through the lens of his deepest beliefs about God, truth, and existence. The real common ground for apologetics is not some abstract facts but reality itself. Romans 1:18–21 teaches that God’s existence and attributes are “clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.” Simply put, everyone lives in the same world God created, and deep down, everyone knows it. But while the evidence of God is plain, people “suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
THE MECHANISMS PEOPLE USE TO SUPPRESS THE TRUTH are alternative worldviews such as secular humanism, materialism, naturalism, spiritism, and Marxism. The problem with these alternative worldviews is that they either do not match reality or lack intellectual coherence. In other words, false
GET EQUIPPED TO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH
Earn a degree in Apologetics from Mid-America and trust you’re learning from a biblical worldview
worldviews have inherent contradictions that force unbelievers into a dilemma: either deny observable aspects of reality or ignore the conflict between their professed beliefs and lived experience.
Additionally, these secular worldviews might claim neutrality but ultimately depend on assumptions to justify logic, morality, and scientific investigation that only a biblical worldview can explain. For example, materialists who deny divine design still rely on the uniformity of nature. The uniformity of nature, however, only makes sense if a sovereign and immutable God upholds the laws of nature. The pursuit of scientific knowledge assumes nature is intelligible—an expectation grounded in the belief that a rational Creator fashioned an orderly universe. Similarly, moral outrage at injustice presupposes an objective standard, which materialism cannot provide.
SCRIPTURE, ON THE OTHER HAND, bases morality on a transcendent God’s unchanging essence. Without the God of the Bible, there is no reason to trust human reason, condemn evil, or seek truth through scientific investigation. In short, the biblical worldview is not just one option among many; it is the only worldview that makes sense of reality. Every attempt to deny or replace it ultimately fails, either by denying obvious truths or by borrowing from the very worldview it seeks to reject.
To contend for the faith, Christians must arm themselves with the biblical worldview so they can dismantle the truth-suppressing mechanisms unbelievers have adopted. Further, they can then commend Christianity to them because it is the only worldview that consistently and coherently accounts for the world as it actually is. In the end, the unbeliever is brought face to face with the fact that his real reason for rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not intellectual; it is volitional.
MASTER OF ARTS IN APOLOGETICS
A two-year degree offered through both Mid-America College and Seminary. Available on campus or online.
MASTER OF DIVINITY IN APOLOGETICS
A three-year degree offered through Mid-America Seminary. Available on campus or online.
WORLD VIEW AND BIBLICAL COUNSELING
BY DR. JOHN HOFECKER ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIBLICAL COUNSELING
One author has defined way, “Counseling is a conversation where one party with questions, problems, and/or trouble seeks assistance from someone they believe has answers, solutions, and help.” Looking at the idea of counseling this broadly, one can undoubtedly see that counseling happens all the time. Coworkers may consult one another about where to go for a good vacation. Church members in small groups may ask one another how to discipline their kids or care for their aging parents. A child may approach their parent or older sibling about how to deal with a bully. These and many other scenarios are going on all the time. Questions are asked, and counsel is given.
“SADLY, MUCH COUNSELING IN THE CHURCH TODAY IS INFORMED FROM SOURCES OF AUTHORITY THAT CONTRADICT THE WORD OF GOD OR ARE DRAWN FROM THE WORLDLY WISDOM OF MAN, MINIMIZING THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE....AT MID-AMERICA SEMINARY AND COLLEGE, WE STRIVE TO BUILD OUR THEORY AND COUNSELING METHODS BASED ON A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW.”
It would be reasonably easy to make a case that everyone is a counselor to some degree. We all counsel, for good or for ill. No degrees are required. No real skill is needed. One doesn’t even have to give correct or wise answers. One thing that will always hold, however, is that whatever counsel someone gives will come from the counselor’s worldview. We all give our counsel based on how we think the world works.
WE ALL BASE OUR COUNSEL ON SOME SOURCE OF AUTHORITY, be it our own experience, perhaps our understanding of science, socially accepted best practices, or even what we read on social media while scrolling at 2:00 a.m. We also offer counsel based on how we understand the problem and what is causing the problem. We counsel toward a goal; some outcomes are considered suitable or desirable. Given our understanding of the problem and the goal, we will suggest a means or method to take steps to move from problem to solution. Our worldview informs each of the steps in our counsel.
Thankfully, as Christians, we are not left groping in the dark for the answers to these foundational questions that shape worldview. God is our source of authority and has answered these worldview questions in His inerrant and sufficient Word, the Bible. We often connect the Bible to issues of salvation and eternity, but sadly, we don’t necessarily think to look to the Scripture for the day-to-day moments of life. Yet, Peter reminds us that God’s power has “granted
instructs Timothy that the inspired Word is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). These day-to-day decisions and counsel are built on the foundational and comprehensive answers that the Bible provides.
Sadly, much counseling in the church today is informed from sources of authority that contradict the Word of God or are drawn from the worldly wisdom of man, minimizing the authority of Scripture. Counselors often misidentify the source of people’s problems and frequently have goals and solutions that are far too “earthly.” At Mid-America Seminary and College, we strive to build our theory and counseling methods based on a biblical worldview. We believe that the Bible speaks to these “big questions” that form the foundation of our worldview.
THE BIBLE TELLS US WHAT IS REAL, who God is, and what it means to be human, created in the image of God. It answers questions of meaning and identity. The Bible tells us our deepest problems and where they come from, primarily our sinful hearts. Most importantly, the Bible introduces us to the Savior, the One Who died in our place, and provides a way to be redeemed. Once we have surrendered our lives to Him, the Bible is the means used by the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and hearts (Ephesians 4:23) and to sanctify us (John 17:17), with our ultimate goal to bring glory to Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:28–29).
Thankfully, when people come to us for counsel, we have a rich resource in the Word of God. God has spoken and answered these foundational questions that form a biblical worldview.
STUDENT LIFE
INVESTING FOR THE LONG VIEW
BY DR. RANDY REDD VICE-PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
At Mid-America Seminary and College, our mission is clear and unwavering: to train the next generation of Christian leaders to serve the church and the world with conviction, compassion, and a thoroughly biblical worldview. In a time when cultural trends often blur the lines of truth, our commitment to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of Christ remains steadfast. This calling requires both spiritual dedication and practical support—and that’s where Planned Giving becomes a powerful tool in advancing the Gospel.
WHAT IS PLANNED GIVING?
Planned Giving refers to the intentional process of structuring charitable donations to maximize impact for both the donor and the organization. Unlike immediate gifts, planned gifts are often arranged during a donor’s lifetime and fulfilled later, often through wills, trusts, life insurance, retirement assets, or charitable gift annuities. These gifts can provide significant tax advantages for the donor while creating a lasting legacy that supports future ministry efforts.
ALIGNING VALUES WITH VISION
One of the most compelling reasons to consider Planned Giving to Mid-America is the alignment of values. Donors who believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, the necessity of evangelism, and the importance of preparing pastors and missionaries for Kingdom work find in Mid-America a ministry partner who shares their convictions. By including MidAmerica in your estate plans, you’re not merely giving to an institution—you are investing in men and women who will proclaim Christ, plant churches, disciple believers, and engage the culture from a biblical worldview for generations to come.
A LEGACY THAT MULTIPLIES
The impact of Planned Giving is exponential. A single scholarship endowed through a planned gift can support student after student for decades, freeing them to focus on ministry preparation without the burden of excessive debt. A gift toward faculty development ensures that our professors—who are scholars and shepherds—continue to train students with excellence and passion. Investment in campus resources, technology, and global outreach expands the seminary’s reach and relevance in a changing world. Planned Giving is not just about making a financial
contribution—it’s about stewarding resources for eternal impact. It’s about leaving a legacy that multiplies as trained disciples go out and make disciples.
STORIES OF IMPACT
Many of our faithful supporters have already discovered the joy of Planned Giving. One retired pastor and Mid-America alumnus recently established a charitable remainder trust, designating MidAmerica as a beneficiary. His gift will eventually fund international student scholarships, enabling aspiring pastors from around the globe to study at Mid-America and return to their home countries equipped for ministry. Another couple included Mid-America in their will, motivated by their belief that their assets should continue to serve the Lord even after they’re gone.
These stories are reminders that every gift, no matter the size or form, plays a role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
PARTNERING WITH CONFIDENCE
Mid-America offers guidance to help you explore your Planned Giving options. Our Development team works with financial advisors and estate planners to ensure your gift is structured in a way that honors your wishes, maximizes tax benefits, and aligns with your broader financial goals.
Whether you’re considering a bequest in your will, designating Mid-America as a beneficiary of your retirement account, or establishing an endowment, your gift will be handled with integrity and purpose. You can give with confidence, knowing that MidAmerica is committed to stewarding every resource with excellence for the sake of the Gospel.
TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION—TOGETHER
At the heart of Mid-America’s mission is a simple but powerful vision: training students to take the unchanging Gospel to an ever-changing world. Planned Giving provides a pathway for believers like you to be part of that mission in a lasting, impactful way.
As we look to the future, we are filled with hope— not because of shifting trends or temporary success, but because of the faithful support of God’s people and the enduring truth of God’s Word. Through Planned Giving, you can help ensure that Mid-America continues to stand strong, preparing the next generation of pastors, missionaries, and church leaders to serve with boldness and clarity in the name of Jesus Christ.
WORTHWHILE READING FROM A SOURCE YOU CAN TRUST—THE MID-AMERICA FAMILY
Studies in Genesis 1–11: A Creation Commentary
By
R. David Skinner;
edited by Michael R. Spradlin
Beaman’s Commentary on the Gospel of John
By Roy Oliver Beaman; edited and revised by Michael R. Spradlin
Mid-America President Dr. Spradlin has well stewarded these excellent Bible commentaries by beloved former Mid-America faculty, editing, revising, and bringing them to a new generation of Bible students.
Biblical Crisis Counseling: Not If but When
By John Babler
Chairman of Mid-America’s Biblical Counseling Department
Dr. Babler presents a Biblical Crisis Intervention model, helping Christians make critical choices and act in ways that honor God.
To the Jew First: TwoPart Romans: A Structural Game Changer?
By David L. Allen
Mid-America’s Distinguished Professor of Practical Theology
Dr. Allen makes the case that Paul wrote Romans 1–8 to Jewish believers and Romans 9–16 to Gentile believers.
Foundations
in Christ: The Root & Fruit of the Christian Life
By John Charping Chairman of
the Missions
Department Dr. Charping outlines a discipleship grid that establishes seven key foundations in a new believer’s life. The first two foundations center on the inward aspect of the Christian life as the source, “the root,” from which the remaining five foundations are expressed as the “fruit.”
Renewing
Evangelicalism: Carl F. H. Henry and a Full-Fledged Approach to Christian Living
By Matthew Akers
One of several books by MidAmerica’s Chairman of the Old Testament Department, Dr. Akers’ book explores Carl Henry’s work as a roadmap to renewal in order to bring an authentic Christianity back into the public square, where Christians are called to be salt and light in a society rapidly losing hope.
May
Jesus Christ Be Praised CD
By Jim Whitmire and the Crossroads Baptist Church Choir
Mid-America Instructor Emeritus Jim Whitmire selected 10 hymns that have meant the most to him, then collaborated with GRAMMY and Dove Award recipient, David T. Clydesdale, who arranged and recorded the orchestrations in Prague, to create a treasure trove of worship music.
Just Rest: A 90-Day Devotional Journal
By Melanie Redd
Mid-America alumna Melanie Redd combats today’s nervous, anxious, and challenging world by leading the reader on a 90-day journey to find peace, calm, and soul rest.
Mid-America Journal Volume 11 | 2025
Edited by Terry Brown
This edition is Part II of a historic collection of scholarly presentations devoted to the intriguing question that has faced biblical scholars for centuries, “Who Was the Pharaoh of the Exodus?” Read online at mabts.edu/journal.
Mid-America Blog
Visit mabts.edu/blog
Read informational, instructional, and inspiring blog posts on a wide variety of subjects—all from authors you can trust.
FOUNDERS’ DAYS 2025
AUGUST 19–21, 2025
TUESDAY EVENING
5:30 P.M.—Alumni and Friends Reception
7:00 P.M – Evening Service
z Worship
z Signing of the Articles of Belief
z Alumnus of the Year
z Vision for the Future
z Preaching: Dr. Bartholomew Orr
WEDNESDAY CHAPEL—11:00 A.M.
z Preaching: Dr. Jerry Harmon
THURSDAY CHAPEL—11:00 A.M.
z Preaching: Miracle of Mid-America
TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 4
8:00 A.M.– 2:00 P.M.
z Explore our Christ-centered, affordable, accredited programs and our world-class faculty and campus
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
P.O. Box 2350 • Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350
901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu • mabts.edu
From scholarships to student activities to faculty support to capital projects, Institutional Advancement helps the MidAmerica family come together to ensure our future is bright.
The purpose of Institutional Advancement is to provide opportunities for the Mid-America family to advance the Gospel and support our mission, training men and women to impact the world for Christ while maintaining our distinctives of Bible, missions, and evangelism.
Since 1972, the gifts of faithful alumni and likeminded friends has allowed Mid-America to remain what Dr. Adrian Rogers called, “Scholarship on fire!” Thank you for your interest in being part of the ongoing miracle of Mid-America.
To help extend this mission, simply email development@mabts.edu and ask for a time to meet and discuss your support options. You can also contribute now by scanning the “Give Now!” QR code below and selecting “General Support” from the “Fund” drop-down box. Also, learn more about ways to support Mid-America. Your support will help our school continue its mission to train and equip the next generation for Gospel ministry.
