The Great Commission Magazine of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary: Spring 2015

The Delights and Joys of Serving King Jesus in Dangerous Places | Daniel Akin | pg. 22 The New Urban and What We Need to Do About It | Keelan Cook | pg. 26 The Neglected Great Commission: Go Revitalize Churches | Thom Rainer | pg. 28

SPRING 2015

I Am Going to Thailand | pg. 30

A Letter from the President WHY WE

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ast words are meant to be lasting words. They are meant to make an impact. They are meant to leave an impression. As Jesus was preparing to ascend back into heaven following His three-year sojourn on this earth as “heaven’s missionary,” there are any number of things He could have given as his final instructions. He could have told us to love one another giving attention to our moral life. He could have urged us to obey the commands of God giving attention to our ethical life. He could have warned us about false teaching giving attention to our doctrinal life. All of these are important and worthy of our careful attention and devotion. And yet Jesus chose to focus on our missional life with His parting words: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).

So, we go because our King has told us to go. We go and make disciples, de-

@dannyakin

voted followers of Jesus, because our King told us to make disciples. And, we go and make disciples of all nations because all the nations, all the ethne, are to be the object of our evangelistic and missionary agenda.

My friend and pastor Derwin Gray is “spot on” when he says, “When Jesus rose from the dead, He created a whole new race of people not defined by color but defined by His blood.”

This new race of people defined by the blood of our Redeemer is to be gathered from all the nations of the world.

That is why we go to all the peoples of the world. This is not an issue up for debate or discussion!

In his book, “What In The World Is God Doing?,” Allen Fleece is exactly right, “This is the decision we do not make, because it has already been made. Whether we spend our lives for the purpose of reaching all men with the gospel is not optional. Christ has commanded every Christian to do just this. Now there are many different ways of accomplishing this one pur-

pose – but regardless of the particular work God has for each of us to do, the one aim of us all in doing our particular job for the Lord must be the evangelization of the whole world.”

Each of us as followers of the crucified Galilean have been commissioned and commanded by our Sovereign King to go and evangelize the whole world. Every single person of the 7.2 billion people on planet earth is to be the object of our evangelizing passion.

Every single person of the 11,168 people groups in the world is to be the focus of our mission strategies. Every single person of the 6,544 unreached people groups, a population of 4.83 billion, is to be the assignment of our 44,000 plus churches. And, every single person of the 2,982 unengaged people groups (no gospel presence at all) must not be left out of our pleas to the Father to “send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38). The gospel of Jesus Christ is for all nations. It is for all peoples. Our Master told us to go. So, we go. It really is that simple.

Daniel L. Akin, President

Around Southeastern Joyful Collective Wesley Price (right), of Open Door Church; Donnie Hollis, of Imago Dei Church; Myra McKay and Daniel Renstrom, of FBC Durham; and Josh Via, of Journey Church lead music during the SEBTS Christmas concert.

Photos by Maria Estes

Around Southeastern Snow Days on #SEcampus Left: Professors George Robinson (front), Jamie Dew, Keith Whitfield and Tony Merida, share a ride down the hill at the SEBTS intramural field.

Middle: Chris Timmons, SEBTS Student and video production manager for media services, came prepared for the snowball fight.

Below: Dan Drennan, director of media servcies, on the attack.

Photos by Maria Estes

Around Southeastern Chiang Mai, Thailand Left: Lesley Hildreth, women’s ministry coordinator, and others in the SEBTS group explore the countryside with their newfound friends.

Below: President and Mrs. Akin ride an elephant alongside SEBTS 2+2 students.

See more pictures and the Thailand story on page 30.

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10 The Wisdom Forum 13 Southeastern Hosts Annual GO Conference on the Glory of God 15 Southeastern Prays for Racial Reconciliation 16 Send North America Experience Tour 18 Book Review: Tony Merida’s “Ordinary” 20 The Hunt Scholars Program

Featured Stories

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22 The Delights and Joys of Serving King Jesus in Dangerous Places 25 How Can We Align our Heart and Minds with the Mission of God? 26 The New Urban and What We Need to Do About It 28 The Neglected Great Commission: Go Revitalize Churches 30 I Am Going to Thailand

Campus Spotlights 40 Sam and Rachel James Receive Southeastern Presidential Award 42 Southeastern Expands Library Collections to Better Equip Students

Profiles | See How We Are Going

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46 Tracy McKenzie | Faculty 47 Jan Vezikov | Alumni 49 D.A. Horton | Student 50 Sylvia and John McBride | Ministry Partner 53 Exponential Potential | Daniel Palmer, Director of Financial Development 55 Where Do We Go? | Jonathan Six, Director of Alumni Development and Denominational Relations

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THE WISDOM FORUM

Benjamin Quinn

Story by Ali Dixon | Photos by Maria Estes

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sor at Catholic University of America, Presbyterian Church, talked about outheastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) hosted “Inter- gave two talks titled “Why Good In- “Why We Can’t Love Our Work” and tentions Aren’t Good Enough” and “Tangible Expressions of Glory.” sect: The Wisdom Forum” to discuss “The reason we can’t love our work the intersection of faith, work and “Why Christians Should Support Ecois because our work can’t love us; we nomic Freedom.” economics. want it to do something it’s not de“If you help someone out of pride it Southeastern welcomed over 400 takes a moral act and makes it an im- signed to do,” he said. “Work was pastors, students and members of the never meant to be our identity but an moral act,” Richards said. local community on the evening of He highlighted the need to antici- expression of it. It flows out of who we Friday, March 13th for an evening of conversation addressing faithful in- pate the consequences of a policy be- are as God’s dearly beloved children.”

“The product of our hands is an exfore it is enacted. “Promote effective teraction with today’s cultural issues. pression of our identity,” he said. “The solutions that are not random acts of A partnership between The Kern chief end of man to enjoy God and glokindness,” he said. “The trillion dollar Family Foundation and SEBTS opened question is, and then what will hap- rify him.” the door to examine these topics.

Carolyn McCulley, author, speaker pen? Good intentions aren’t enough.”

The event consisted of a series of Richards also explored the condi- and filmmaker, spoke on “The Story of brief, compelling presentations from Work” and discussed whether or not tions that allow people to flourish. He eight speakers who sought to answer believes free enterprise is the best op- women should work. the question: how one can impact “If we don’t know the story of work, tion available today.

God’s kingdom through work? can we be sure that we don’t make the David Kim, executive director and Jay Richards, NY Times bestselling error of reading our own modern exauthor and assistant research profes- pastor of faith and work at Redeemer

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Special thanks to the

/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

rather, believers are called to promote economic justice because God is not concerned about how much you have but what you do with it.”

Benjamin Quinn, assistant professor of theology and history of ideas, spoke on the need for Christians to see value in their ministry regardless of their job title.

Quinn believes there is a “deep divide between the pulpit and the pew that should have never existed to begin with. There is a centrality of those ordained to ministry but not a supe-

Work was never meant to be our identity but an expression of it. - David Kim

fact that people are created in the image of God. Heath Thomas, associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at SEBTS, gave a “portrait of a life worth living.”

“A life well lived is not measured in tweet-able quotes but in the fear of the Lord,” he said. “A life well-lived begins and ends with the faithfulness of God and our faithfulness and trust in God.” The evening concluded with a panel moderated by Ken Keathley, SEBTS professor of theology and director of the Center for Faith and Culture, and included Kim, McCulley and Richards.

The faith, work and economics talks enabled attendees to grasp a deeper understanding of these topics to impact the way they do business.

Admission was free and guests were provided coffee, dessert and books. The first 300 registrants received: “When Helping Hurts,” by Brian Fikkert & Steve Corbett; “Flourishing Faith: A Baptist Primer on Work, Economics, and Civic Stewardship,” by Chad Brand; and “Art & The Bible,” by Francis Schaeffer. Every attendee received “Every Square Inch”

by Bruce Ashford.

To view The Wisdom Forum talks online and access the Intersect Project resources, visit intersectproject.org.

perience into the scriptures?” she said. riority,” he said.

Walter Strickland, special advisor “Paul saw that women’s work was strato the president for diversity and tegic, and it was an important part of the gospel. Paul partnered with wom- instructor of theology at SEBTS, spoke on “Neighbor Love, the Poor, en to advance the gospel.” and My Garden.”

“Should women work? Yes, they Strickland explored the questions, should work very hard and work hard for the glory of God,” she said. “But it “What does it mean to be a Christian and see such need and poverty?” and “How takes extra wisdom in a culture that can I utilize what God has given me to separates productivity from parenting.”

Bruce Ashford, SEBTS provost, love God and then love my neighbor?”

He encouraged listeners to seek dean of faculty and associate profeslong-term poverty alleviation through sor of theology and culture, spoke on healing relationships in light of the the misconceptions of culture.

Ashford defined culture as “what happens when God’s imagers interact Jay Richards, Carolyn McCulley and David Kim in a panel discussion with God’s good creation.” He offered three mindsets of the church relating to culture. “The first mindset is the church as bomb shelter; the second is the church as ultimate fighter; and the third and best is the church as a preview of the kingdom.”

David Jones, associate professor of Christian ethics at SEBTS, taught on “Socialism, Communism and the Early Church. Oh My!” He used select passages in Acts to remind Christians that they “are not called to pursue economic equality;

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Southeastern is offering an opportunity for anyone to enroll in three free online classes. This opportunity is funded through a generous grant from the Kern Family Foundation as part of the Economic Wisdom Project, which helps pastors connect faith to work and economics. Each noncredit class will train you to engage in the 21st Century with a Christian worldview. Professors include Bruce Ashford, Benjamin Quinn, Walter Strickland and David Jones.

Course I: Introduction to Theology and Culture

Course II: Work and Worship

Course III: Economics, Stewardship and the Common Good

Professor: Bruce Ashford

Professors: Benjamin Quinn and Walter Strickland

Professor: David Jones

Description: An exploration of the relationship of theology and culture, with particular attention given to the pastoral ministry of equipping families to live wisely in their cultural context.

Description: This course explores how the biblical narrative brings renewed meaning to work and the workplace. This class studies the dignity and difficulty experienced in the workplace, along with the eschatological significance of human vocation.

This course combines theory and practice by integrating a rigorously biblical worldview into the daily experiences of the workplace. The course is designed to explore the mission and calling of work in both ‘sacred’ and ‘secular’ vocations as the work of Christian ministry.

Description: A biblical and theological study of the ethics of economics, stewardship and the common good of mankind.

Special attention is given to scriptural teaching on work, human flourishing, material stewardship, alleviating poverty and the role of the church in these areas of study.

Now Available

Launching Summer 2015

Now Available

Learn more and register at intersectproject.org

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/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

Southeastern hosts annual

on the Glory of God Story by Ali Dixon Photos by Maria Estes

Josh Via leading music at the GO Conference

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outheastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) hosted its seventh annual collegiate conference on the theme “the glory of God.” Approximately 620 students heard from featured speakers Daniel Akin, H.B. Charles, Jr., J.D. Greear, Tony Merida and Russell Moore at the SEBTS campus on Feb. 6 and 7.

Smaller breakout sessions gave attendees the opportunity to hear

He reminded listeners from Acts 8 other SEBTS professors and local that the Holy Spirit is the source of leaders speak on the glory of God in a Christian’s strength and power. a variety of areas such as spiritual formation, suffering, seeking justice “The gospel goes forward faster through lay people than apostles,” and work.

Greear said. “Jesus has a prime spot Greear, lead pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina, for you in the starting lineup regardless of what your gifting is.” challenged the audience to work in a Greear believes that the gospel strategic place in America or around will reach the ends of the earth the world for the glory of God and through “ordinary people making his mission.

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What’s Happening at Southeastern \

of marriage between one man and disciples everywhere they go.” one woman “equal in essence and Moore, the president of the Ethics made in the image of God.” and Religious Liberty Commission “Marriage is a great gift from a glo(ERLC) of the Southern Baptist rious God that should point the Convention, preached from 1 Peter world to Christ and the gospel,” Akin 2:6-17. said. “There is nothing like being He challenged listeners to realize married and having a godly wife.” that “every Christian is embedded in Charles, pastor of Shiloh Metrothe public square,” and to use that politan Baptist Church in Jacksonarena to manifest the glory of God. ville, Florida, highlighted the glory “The gospel is a rock of offense, you cannot get around it,” Moore said. of God in diversity in Ephesians 2:14-18.

“You are going to find many times “Jesus Christ is the only One who that simply acknowledging Jesus can bring peace with God, with self Christ becomes scandalous.” and with others,” Charles said. “To Friday evening, a panel featuring several of the speakers offered per- find peace, you must run to the cross and repent of your sins. The real issonal insights into what it means to sue that separates us is sin.” live faithfully for Christ in dating He called the audience to replace and marriage relationships.

Akin, the president of SEBTS, hate with kindness and not follow a spoke on the glory of God in mar- plan for racial reconciliation, but to follow the person of Jesus Christ. riage. Akin has been married to his wife Charlotte for almost 37 years; “The unity of the church is rooted in they have four sons and 11 grand- the unity of the Godhead,” he said.

Charles commanded the church to children. tear down walls of hostility. “Christ Akin preached from Ephesians didn’t Christianize the Jews, or Ju5:21-33 and called for a biblical view

Russell Moore, Tony Merida, H.B. Charles and Daniel Akin in a panel discussion

Conference video: iamgoi.ng/goconferencevid

J.D. Greear preaching

daize the Gentiles. He instead created an entirely new race,” he said.

Merida currently serves as the pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C., as an associate professor of preaching at SEBTS and was the Go conference host.

Merida preached on the glory of God in ordinary people with a focus on Acts 1-2.

“The ordinary people of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, armed with the Word of God, can accomplish the mission of God,” Merida said. “The only thing that separates Christians from non-Christians is God’s grace.”

Merida encouraged listeners to learn and love the Bible to be effective disciple makers. “God saves people by sharing the gospel through ordinary people. Do you believe this?” he said. “You might be surprised who says yes when you preach the gospel.”

iamgoi.ng/goconferencepics

Join us next year for

CONFERENCE TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

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January 29-30, 2016

/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

Southeastern prays for racial reconciliation

Rease and Krystal Wilson lead prayer with Daniel Akin

Story by Ali Dixon | Photo by Maria Estes

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or the last chapel of the fall 2014 semester, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) hosted a time of prayer and Bible reading for racial understanding and reconciliation on Dec. 4.

Friends of Southeastern including students, faculty, staff and local members of the community participated in the event.

Daniel Akin, president of SEBTS, forwent his traditional sermon because he felt it was important to lead the seminary in thinking through present issues facing Americans today.

He quoted 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.

“Ours is a broken world and a fractured world. It is a world in desperate need of reconciliation.”

“The most important reconciliation is that which we have with God,” he said.

“Apart from reconciliation with God, we will never see reconciliation within ourselves and among ourselves.”

Akin reflected on recent events as “a great tragedy in a fallen, broken world.”

“I am heartbroken at the loss of life, and tragedy of sin and all that it inflicts on everyone,” he said. “Everyone is impacted by these events. It is becoming more evident in these recent days that our nation still has a long way to go when it comes to racial understanding and racial reconciliation and ethic affirmation of one another.”

Walter Strickland, special advisor to the President for Kingdom Diversity and professor of Theology at Southeastern, helped organize the event.

Many SEBTS students, faculty and staff filled Binkley Chapel to join together in prayer

Highlights: iamgoi.ng/reconciliationhighlights

Full chapel: iamgoi.ng/reconciliationvideo

Several seminary and community leaders came together to lead the time of prayer, including: Edgar Aponte, director of Hispanic Leadership Development; Brent Aucoin, associate professor of history and associate dean of The College at Southeastern; Maliek Blade, a student at The College at Southeastern; and Al Fullwood, adjunctive professor of preaching and speech.

Mike Lawson, director of security at SEBTS; Jesse Parker, Th.M. student at Southeastern; James White, pastor at Christ Our King Community Church in Raleigh and executive vice president of organizational relations for the Triangle YMCA; and Rease and Krystal Wilson also participated. Rease is a student at SEBTS and Krystal works in the financial aid office at Southeastern and is a former police officer.

Akin is convinced that reconciliation will not happen in America until it happens in the church. “It is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Body of Christ, that needs to step up at this particular time and lead the way and show the way forward through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

iamgoi.ng/reconciliationpics

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Story by Ali Dixon | Photos by Maria Estes

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Platt’s desire is to see the local trusted to the IMB,” Platt said. outheastern Baptist Theological church become the center of the Platt was the lead pastor at the Seminary (SEBTS) welcomed Great Commission and to exponenChurch of Brook Hills for eight years 1,450 attendees for the SEND North tially multiply the number of misAmerica Experience Tour with Da- before he began his new role with sionaries on the field. the IMB in August 2014. vid Platt and the Passion Band on “If there’s any fear of putting a Platt highlighted verses that God Tuesday, March 17th. blank check on the table just rememused to confirm his new role. He The North American Mission ber who you’re giving the check to,” Board (NAMB) of the Southern Bap- challenged the audience to be open he said. “The goal is to go…He is not to where God wants to use them to tist Convention (SBC) organized the going to let us go astray,” Platt said. spread the gospel. “You go because events as part of a cross-country God says to go,” he said. “Refuse to “He wants his mission to be accomtour challenging believers to live plished more than you do.” put any limitations on where God is their lives in ways that count for the Johnny Hunt, senior pastor of calling you.” kingdom.

First Baptist Church Woodstock in He spoke about the need to reach David Platt spoke in chapel Tuesthe ends of the earth where the gos- Georgia, led an afternoon session on day morning, sharing his testimony pel has not yet been preached. church revitalization. Hunt explored of being called to be the president of the International Mission Board “When you walk for five days and ev- the pastor’s mission for God and encouraged listeners to strive for perery person you meet has never heard (IMB). The IMB is the international sonal holiness. mission-sending agency of the SBC. the name of Jesus you realize this is Hunt believes that God cares the “It is breathtaking what God has en- not acceptable,” he said.

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Passion Band leading worship

most about the heart of his followers. shared the “greatest news in all the world: death has been defeated.”

“You cannot lead people who you do Platt estimated 4.5 billion people not inf luence,” he said. “Be careful are apart from Christ and 2 billion what you tell King Jesus you’re not of those people have never even going to do.” heard the gospel. He urged others to The Gospel Project sponsored a dinner for pastors that focused on “see the part you have to play in shar“The Church and the Mission of God” ing this good news with people all over the planet.” and featured a panel with Platt, Tony “We do not have time to coast Merida, associate professor of through casual Christianity,” he preaching at SEBTS and founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Ra- said. “God’s design starts with ordinary people. Do not underestimate leigh, N.C., and J.D. Greear, lead pastor of the Summit Church in Ra- what God can do in and through leigh-Durham, NC. Matt Capps, your life.”

“God spreads his gospel through brand manager for The Gospel Project at LifeWay Christian Resources, ordinary people who have extraordinary power preaching, praying, givmoderated the panel. ing and suffering,” Platt said.

Merida called pastors to “teach He reminded the audience that the gospel identity” to their congregareason God gives his Spirit to believtions and help them realize that “if you are a Christian you are a mis- ers is for the purpose of speaking the sionary. The only difference is loca- gospel. Platt believes that sharing the truth of God’s word with others tion, not identity.” has the power to “bring people from Greear gave testimony to God’s eternal death to eternal life.” faithfulness as his church sends “The apostles were not martyred leaders and gives resources to plant because they were kind and smiled,” churches in other areas. he said. “They were martyred for Platt noted that select passages in their testimony of the gospel.”

Acts spoke about two people being “Suffering and persecution are sent out, rather than a large group.

God-ordained means for the spread “Don’t underestimate the Spirit of of the gospel,” he emphasized. “Our God in any context,” he said. suffering might be inevitable, but In the evening, Binkley Chapel our mission is unstoppable. Our sufwas nearly full to capacity as the fering will be worth it.”

Passion Band led worship and Platt Photos of the SEND events: iamgoi.ng/SNAEXP

Top: Johnny Hunt Middle: J.D. Greear Bottom: David Platt

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Ordinary: How to Turn the World Upside Down Tony Merida B&H Publishing Reviewed by Sam Morris

Ordinary is not a call to be more radical. If anything, it is a call to the contrary. The kingdom of God isn’t coming with light shows, and shock and awe, but with lowly acts of service. I want to push back against sensationalism and ‘rock star Christianity,’ and help people understand that they can make a powerful impact by practicing ordinary Christianity.

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ave you ever thought, “I’m just an ordinary Christian, how can I do anything extraordinary?”

That is the exact mindset Tony Merida, associate professor of preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, is aiming for the church to have in his latest book “Ordinary: How to Turn the World Upside Down.”

In a world of conferences and allstar speakers Merida offers a real understanding of how an ordinary Christian can do extraordinar y things that turn the world upside down. Rather than being the next rock-star preacher, adopt a child.

Rather than being the next breakthrough book writer, fight against sex trafficking. Rather than being the next _____, join the struggle against abortion.

“Ordinary” is for Christians looking to do something. It is for the family wondering how to love their

neighbors; for the parents considering adoption; or for the man or woman wanting to end sex trafficking.

By having your neighbor over to dinner or adopting, ordinary Christians can see the glory of God in the midst of unsuspecting circumstances. Merida says, “Mission isn’t always astonishing. It might look like a barbeque, or a neighborhood basketball game, or going grocery shopping for your neighbor.”

Merida’s “Ordinary” made me ref lect on the often day-to-day mundaneness of my life and my church community. What does it look like to make much of God in my regular 8-5 workday shuff le? Or how do stay-at-home moms seek to glorify God in the tedium of diaper changing? Or how can Christians serve faithfully in their retirement years?

Essentially, how do I live-out passages like Acts 5:42 where the home is central to the Church’s mission

and Luke 14:12-14 where Jesus exposes the arrogance of the religious and points to humility as being the way of the Kingdom?

Christians around the world have the ability to do a myriad of ordinary things in a radical ways. What is wonderful about Merida’s book is not just the change of mindset he offers, but the practical way in which he ends “Ordinary,” pray.

Christians are called to pray for the justice of God to shine through into this broken world. The church has the power to take action because of Who sends us out to do everyday things in an extraordinary fashion.

We must realize that worshipping God involves Bible study but it also includes doing the dishes in a way that honors Jesus. Join me in praying for our extraordinary God to be praised because of the ordinary actions of Christians seeking to change the world.

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

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The God who sent the Savior to rescue us as individual sinners also cares deeply about the larger world in which we individuals live. In this excellent and highly readable book, Bruce Ashford spells that out clearly and with much wisdom.

Dr. Richard J. Mouw Professor of Faith and Public Life School of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary Now Available for Purchase on

Two more books coming from David Jones and Benjamin Quinn and Walter Strickland as part of

intersectproject.org Special thanks to the

Matthew Hodges and Joel Harford desire to reach their city for Christ. Both are students at Southeastern and members of First Baptist Church of Durham, N.C., which is located in the heart of the urban center. They play baseball weekly at a nearby Section 8 housing community, Liberty Street Apartments, regularly sharing the gospel and applying it to the lives of the young men they are getting to know.

See their story at iamgoing.org/documentary.html

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Story by Ali Dixon | Photos by Maria Estes

New Five-Year BA/M.Div. Program Available at Southeastern

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tudents preparing for the pastorate at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) now have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity in five years through the Hunt Scholars Program.* The program is named in honor of Johnny Hunt, a SEBTS graduate and senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA. The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation, Inc. has awarded a grant of $500,000 to Southeastern to support the implementation of the new pastoral degree program.

The Kern Family Foundation is committed to “educating future and existing pastors about the importance of work in developing people’s character, affirming their dignity, sustaining them and helping them flourish.”

Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern, said, “For more than sixty years now, SEBTS has been preparing men for pastoral ministry. As we continually seek to expand and improve our offerings, we became aware of the need to offer a degree track that allows a young man to receive both his B.A. and his M.Div. over the course of only five years.”

Hunt scholars will receive direct leadership, encouragement, mentoring and oversight throughout their undergraduate and graduate studies.

The program will include a speaking series focused on pastoral leadership to

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provide students focused opportunities to interact with proven and experienced pastors, denominational leaders and business leaders.

Eighteen hours dedicated to the graduate level will be earned in the local church ministry context under the supervision of the Southeastern Center for Pastoral Leadership and Preaching.

lum, students will be encouraged to pursue ministry experiences during the program, resulting in 33 credits of field ministry.

Keith Whitfield, associate vice president for institutional effectiveness and faculty communication, said, “This is a laser-focused program for the student called to pastoral ministry. Through directed mentoring, students will de-

This is a welcome opportunity for students to receive the best training and ministry preparation while minimizing some of the obstacles they face in preparing for God’s calling. - Daniel Akin

Steven Wade, the Hunt Scholars Program coordinator, said, “The Hunt Scholars program will prepare students called to pastoral ministry to go fulfill their calling in the most effective and efficient way possible.”

“I count it a great honor to be given the responsibility and privilege of directing the Hunt Scholars Program and walking students through this formative part of their ministry preparation,” Wade said.

In addition to the classroom curricu-

velop the pastoral character and the teaching and leadership skills needed to lead their church to be a Great Commission church.”

Participants will be expected to articulate God’s call into the field of pastoral ministry, demonstrate character traits essential for ministry and leadership in the church, and show the ability to think critically, argue persuasively and communicate clearly.

Chuck Lawless, vice president for graduate studies and ministry centers,

*Pending SACSCOC approval

/ What’s Happening at Southeastern

said, “If I were an undergraduate student studying theology, this possibility would certainly grab my attention.

Earning a focused degree with a solid theological base, significant practical training and a pastoral advisor to shepherd me through the process would be exactly what I would want.”

The tuition savings for Southern Baptist students would be $10,000 not including living expenses saved due to the abbreviated time frame.

“This program costs the student less money, gets him into full-time ministry two or three years earlier than otherwise, and doesn’t lower the bar in any way academically,” Akin said. “This is a welcome opportunity for students to receive the best training and ministry preparation while minimizing some of the obstacles they face in preparing for God’s calling.”

The Kern Family believes that healthy local churches led by capable, committed pastors can transform the moral fabric of society. For this reason, the Foundation has implemented programs that increase the number of talented young people pursuing a high-quality theological and pastoral education.

Grant funds for this initiative will be used to support a program coordinator, program assistant, the marketing of the program, student scholarships and student developmental activities.

Students will be eligible for dual enrollment with a minimum 3.25 GPA and 60 baccalaureate credit hours. The purpose of this cohort model and curriculum is to enhance and accelerate the ministry preparation for students.

While concurrently enrolled in both degrees, students may receive 30 hours

of undergraduate credit by competency exams and students will receive a total of 207 credit hours.

In order to remain enrolled in the concurrent program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and meet all noncredit character and program activity requirements for the program.

To learn more about the Hunt Scholars Program, please contact the program coordinator, Steven Wade at swade@sebts.edu and visit sebts.edu/ huntscholars.

Johnny Hunt

Special thanks to the

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featured stories \

The Delights and Joys of Serving King Jesus in Dangerous Places Daniel L. Akin

President

@dannyakin

A

s Paul was on his way to Jerusalem where his life would once again be in danger, he called for the elders of Ephesus to meet with him at the coastal town of Miletus (Acts 20:17). Addressing them, praying with them and crying with them (vs. 36-38), he would summarize his life’s ambition with these words, “But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace” (v. 24).

Couple this with Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” and you have a pretty radical take on life. You have a life that delights and takes joy in serving Jesus regardless of the context and circumstances. You have a life that does not run from the hard places, even the dangerous places. You have a life that joyfully embraces the will of God because you know it is good, acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:1-2).

Over the last decade Charlotte and I have visited many countries where Southeastern students live and serve. All of them are hostile to the gospel. The fact is the people in these places don’t want our students there and don’t want to hear what they have to say.

And yet, the students are there. Is it difficult?

Yes. Is it often dangerous? Yes. Are they glad to be there? Again, the answer is yes. The fact is, they are thrilled and honored to be there. Why? How is it that they think like this and look at life in a way many people,

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often including family and friends, would find completely insane? I think there are several ways I can answer this.

First, they are where they are and glad to be there because that is where God has placed them. They delight in being in His will! Is His will always safe? No, but His will is always best. It is always perfect.

Therefore they would prefer to be thousands of miles away from the comforts and conveniences of home in the will of God, than next door to family and friends outside of His will. Even in dangerous and difficult places, there is joy in living in the will of God. Second, they are where they are and glad to be there because they have a passion to make the gospel known where to this point it has not been heard. They live with the daily conviction that “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). They are consumed by that which consumed Paul when he wrote, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him when they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching” (Rom. 10:14)? You see the exclusivity of the gospel is not a mere theoretical proposition to be considered and debated in a classroom or over coffee. It is a biblical stake that is planted in the soil of their hearts and lives. They really believe this gospel and they long to see it bear fruit among the unreached and unengaged peoples.

Third, they are consumed with making the name of Jesus famous among all nations of the earth as an act, a sacrifice, of worship. They are, in this regard, much like Paul in Romans 15:14-24 and another missionary hero Jim Elliot who in his journal wrote, “Because Thou sure art set to justify that Son of Thine and wilt in time make known just who He is and soon will send Him back to show Himself; because the Name of Jesus has been laughingly nailed upon a cross and is just now on earth held very lightly and Thou wilt bring that Name to light; because, O God of righ-

teousness, Thou wilt do right by my Lord, Jesus Christ, I worship Thee.”

Fourth, they find joy in knowing they are a part of something so much bigger than they and something that will bear eternal dividends and glory. They are a part of building the kingdom of God. Now that is something big! They are a part of an agen-

There is a life worth living and a death worth having.

There is a life of delight and joy even in the midst of dangers and difficulties. da that will see persons born again into the kingdom of God. They are a part of a mission that pays eternal dividends. They are giving their lives to bring glory to the God who has redeemed them by His blood.

Now, that is a life worth living! That is a life that has purpose and really matters.

Fifth, they realize we are all going to die unless Jesus returns in our lifetime, and they delight in knowing that if they die on the mission field sharing the gospel they die in a good place, no, a great place doing something great! John Piper put it in perfect perspective when he shared the story of the deaths of two elderly women, medical missionaries, who died on their field of service. He said, “As many of you know, Ruby Eliason and Laura Edwards died this week in Cameroon in a car accident – Ruby

in her eighties and Laura in her seventies.

Ruby gave all her life in medical missions among the poor. Laura, a doctor who practiced in India for many years and then here in the [Twin] Cities, was giving her retirement for the bodies and souls of the poor in Cameroon. Both died suddenly when their car went over a cliff. Was that a tragedy? Well, in one sense all death is tragic.

But consider this. Ruby Eliason and Laura Edwards, at their age, could have been taking it easy here in retirement. Think of tens of thousands of retired people spending their lives in one aimless leisure after another – that is a tragedy. The fact that Jesus Christ took authority to make Ruby Eliason and Laura Edwards valiant for love and truth among the poor and lost and diseased of Cameroon when most Americans are playing their way into eternity – that is not a tragedy. And that he took them suddenly to heaven in their old age in the very moment of their love and service and sacrifice, and without long, drawn-out illnesses and without protracted and oppressive feelings of uselessness – that is not a tragedy. Rather, I say, “Give me that death, O Jesus Christ, Lord of the universe, give me that life and that ministry and that death!”

There is a life worth living and a death worth having. There is a life of delight and joy even in the midst of dangers and difficulties. It is one lived for a very specific King, one who has all authority in heaven and on earth. So they go, and they go gladly. After all, if your King asked you to go, you would go, wouldn’t you?

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MACP

Master of Arts in Church Planting

plant churches. reach cities.

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For more information, contact Dr. Mike Dodson Associate Director, Degree Program Coordinator, MACP

mdodson@sebts.edu | 919.761.2165

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How can we align our hearts and minds with the mission of God? Jesus sends His disciples to live on mission in Matthew 28, He announces that He is Lord over everything. His disciples are to expand His Lordship.

Live a life that is shaped by the Mission of God

M

ission exists because God exists.

God created the world to make Himself known and to manifest His goodness throughout all the earth. His mission is to be known as the Lord of His creation. His missional plan involves us.

At the center of God’s plan for creation is humanity. His plan is to fill the whole world with image bearers who know and love Him. A calling to be fruitful, to multiply, and to rule over the earth (Gen. 1:28) is a calling to participate with God to fulfill His purposes for creation. We were made to know God and to make Him known throughout the whole earth.

God’s purpose was challenged by the fall of humanity into sin. He continued His mission by calling Israel to be a chosen people and blessing to the nations (Gen 12:1–3; Exod 19:1–6). The redemptive mission that God began in Israel was ultimately accomplished through the sending of his Son into the world. It is through Jesus that God is known and worshipped throughout creation.

This redemptive mission extends to the Church. “As the Father sent me,” said Jesus, “I also send you” (Jhn. 20:21).

For the Church to be committed to this calling, it must desire the fulfillment of God’s mission. This cannot happen unless the Church is struck by the privilege of participating in God’s great mission, and it is in awe by the privilege that we were created to know Him and to make Him known.

If we align with God’s mission, God will sustain the mission of the Church, for it is God Himself who empowers the Church through His Spirit (Acts 1:8).

Jesus himself said, “I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:18-19), and “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20) How can we align our hearts and minds with the mission of God?

God’s mission establishes a kingdom where He is known as Lord and praised.

The people of God are a kingdom people, who dwell with God through His Spirit and enjoy His blessings. The blessings of God for His people may be characterized with three biblical words: faith, hope, and love. Faith believes the redemptive promises of God. Hope holds onto the eschatological promises of God. Love shares God’s redemption with the world, seeking to embody God’s gracious reign and share His kingdom with others.

Be sent on the Mission of God

The mission of God is to make Himself known. The way that He makes Himself known is through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ to forgive and transform sinners through His death on the cross (John 14:6). This gospel message must be verbally shared in order for people to hear it (Rom. 10:14).

The church is sent into the world by Be directed by the Mission of God their Savior with an evangelistic calling Great Commission people live direct- – to proclaim that the God of all creation ed by God’s mission. God’s purpose is to has mercifully made himself known in be known as the Lord over His creation. the Lord Jesus Christ, and that there is This was God’s purpose in creation, and forgiveness of sins and transforming it is still His purpose in redemption. He grace available to all who enter his kingaccomplishes this mission ultimately in dom through repentance and faith. the life, death, and resurrection of JeMission exists because God exists. sus Christ (John 8:19, 14:6-7). When When we go, we go on His mission.

Keith Whitfield

Assistant Professor of Theology, Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Faculty Communication

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The New Urban and What We Need to Do About It Keelan Cook

Urban Resource Coordinator

@keelancook

A

generation ago, the ideal life was lived in the suburban confines of picket fences and gated communities.

The term “urban” once referred to the poor, minority neighborhoods that remained in the densely populated city centers after white flight made the suburbs the destination of choice. Soon, the city center was branded as the “inner city” and “urban” was the adjective of choice for high crime, low income, poor education and minorities.

In response, suburban churches across America began to speak of urban ministry. It was the largely affluent suburban church’s call to charity for those less fortunate in the inner city. Like so many other branded ministries, urban minis-

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try became a thing Christians did in- high rise, and it is once again good to be stead of a lifestyle Christians lived. Ur- “urban.” The second great wave of immiban ministry meant parachuting into the gration is filling urban centers with peoinner city for a day, painting buildings, ples from all over the globe. Refugee playing basketball with kids, and re- resettlement and immigration are haptreating just in time to enjoy a family pening more than ever. There is indeed dinner around the dining room table. a “new urban.”

Certainly, this was well-intentioned, but The negative connotations of “urban” unfortunately it was an inadequate re- need to be put to rest. Urban does not sponse. Now, it is even more so. mean social needs ministry to poor or Today the city has changed, and so minority peoples. Instead, the urban have the needs. Urban was once a pejora- landscape is a rich tapestry of peoples: tive, but now it is a label to be celebrated. rich, poor, black, white, and from all North America’s urban centers are see- over the world. Urban is not a kind of ing an economic and social renewal that ministry; it is a place. An urban setting is completely changing the face of the is one where a plurality of peoples lives, city center. Millennials are trading in works and plays in a variety of social their picket fence for a fire escape on a circles that occupy the same geograph-

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ic space. Urban centers have always been hubs for culture. Now, they are hubs for a spectrum of cultures, all overlapping one another. To understand the new urban, think in dynamic layers of people, cultures and religions. This reality means new responsibilities for local churches.

Christ followers are called to go and make disciples. The Great Commission sends Christians to all places and all peoples. The Apostle Paul did not discriminate against cities. His missionary journeys landed him in the biggest cit-

ies in the world during his day, and he spent time there. In Ephesus, a major urban center of its day, Paul spent several years living there and sharing regularly with the Ephesian people. Acts tells of the impact this had on the entire region of Asia. Paul first took the church to the cities, and few places are as strategic for that mission today. Today’s leaders need to thoughtfully consider how churches enter into the new urban.

Local churches must learn to witness from within the urban centers. This means more than field trips by residing

and abiding in the heart of the city through planting churches. The cities need a gospel witness to share the love and hope of Christ. Looking in from the outside simply will not transform these lost communities.

Is everyone called to sell their house and move into the city? No. But Christ compels Christians to the cities, and that means some of people must go. The church is called to the nations, and the nations have come to us. Perhaps it is time we tear down our picket fences and meet our new neighbors.

An initiative of the Center for Great Commission Studies To learn more, visit cgcs.sebts.edu

An Increasingly Urban World 100%

Tokyo - 38 million 1/8 live in a city > 10 million 1/2 Live in a city < 500,000

Knoxville

McAllen, TX

Las Vegas

Austin

Raleigh

Projected 2010-2030

Charlotte

Global Urban Population

Fastest Growing US Cities #1 Charlotte - 71% #2 Raleigh - 71%

Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Cities 38

Delhi

Shanghai Mexico City Mumbai Sao Paulo

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Thom Rainer President and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources

@thomrainer

The Neglected Great Commission:

O

Revitalize churches

n a typical day, I receive 50 or

of new churches across our nation and

trating task of revitalizing churches.

more pleas about this issue. The

the world. I am blessed beyond words

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at this issue from three per-

to hear of more men and women an-

spectives.

pleas come in the form of emails,

tweets, Facebook posts and blog com-

swering the call to go reach the na-

ments. All of them have a common

tions of the world.

The Urgency Issue

theme. They are pleading for help and

But I fear we have largely neglected

In the United States alone, at least

insights in their declining and frus-

one major area of great need. We need

300,000 churches are in need of Great

trating churches.

more men and women committed to

Commission revitalization to some de-

the often arduous and frequently frus-

gree. Of those churches, approximate-

I am so grateful for the resurgence

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ly 4,000 in our nation will close this

sus Christ. In their present spiritual

year, totally abandoning the mission

reality, they are doomed for a Christ-

field where they were once a Great

less eternity in hell.

Commission force.

Most of the churches in need of re-

process of leading revitalization.

We need church leaders, leaders in seminaries and mentors of others to

The challenge is that more than

invest their resources of time, prayers

three-fourths of our congregations are

and focus on church revitalization.

vitalization are in numerical decline.

in need of major revitalization. Many

Hardly a day goes by that I do not hear

Most of them are reaching relatively

of them are ill equipped and ill-pre-

from a pastor or staff person in a

few, if any, unbelievers with the gospel.

pared to move in Great Commission

church who is struggling with issues of

Most of the leaders readily admit their

obedience to reach the lostness of

leadership, practical ministry and in-

churches are not making disciples.

their communities.

terpersonal relationships. All of these

The Leadership Issue

ward the leadership of their congrega-

struggles are great distractions to-

They have become holy huddles of inwardly focused church members wondering why their churches are not as vibrant as they once were.

It can be easy for a pundit like me to the state of our churches. Meanwhile,

The Lostness Issue Measuring the true non-Christian

tions toward the Great Commission.

sit behind my keyboard and bemoan

I Will Go Revitalize Churches

pastors, staff and lay leaders in

The good news is that more men and

churches are struggling and pleading

women are responding to God’s call to

population in our nation can be tricky.

for help. They don’t need another voice

revitalize churches. They have not

For example, if you were to do a simple

describing the difficult realities of

given up on these congregations.

survey asking a statistical sampling if

their challenges. They need help. They

While they are not blind to the chal-

“Our churches need more men and women who have a sense of call to and passion for struggling churches” they are Christians, about eight of ten

need real and meaningful help.

lenges they face, they still see God’s

would answer “yes.” The number of

One of the greater needs can be

true believers in the United States, of

summed in one word: leadership. Our

course, is much smaller than 80 per-

churches need more men and women

May we all pray to this end. May we

cent.

who have a sense of call to and passion

all labor to this end. And when we hear

hope and possibilities on these mission fields in America.

for struggling churches. We need to

the call to invest our lives in one way

level of assurance that at least 150 mil-

pray for God to call the called, specifi-

or another in the revitalization of

lion people in the United States do not

cally those who are willing to invest

churches, may we answer without hes-

have a personal relationship with Je-

themselves for the often long-term

itation: I will go.

We could probably say with some

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I AM GOING TO THAILAND Story and photos by Ali Dixon

Olivia Coffey, SEBTS grad student and trip volunteer, learning about the ancient Wat Chedi Luang

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T

his January over 20 Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) students serving as missionaries around the world gathered for two weeks in Chiang Mai, Thailand for a time of learning, restoration and encouragement.

Southeastern Seminary President Daniel Akin and his wife, Charlotte, along with Scott and Lesley Hildreth and Greg and Page Mathias led instructional time and mentored the students.

Pam and Scott Reed, members of the Southeastern Society (SES) and financial supporters of the seminary, also visited and ministered to the students and their families.

The Southeastern group tasted traditional Thai food, toured the city on the traditional tuk tuk taxis and visited markets

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featuring local artisans. They had the opportunity to ride elephants bareback, enjoy the mild climate and view some of the natural wonders of the region.

The International Church Planting Degree Program The Master of Divinity with International Church Planting (M.Div. ICP) is often referred to as the 2+2/3 program.

It combines a 63 hour campus-based curriculum with 27 hours of class credit on the mission field in partnership with the International Mission Board (IMB).

The IMB is the mission-sending agency of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Part of the field curriculum includes modulars where students gather for class on cross-cultural communication and spiritual formation. Often by the time students attend modulars, they have been serving on the mission field for just over a year.

Students from Africa, Central Asia, Europe, Japan, Russia, South Asia and Southeast Asia made up the modular session in Chiang Mai. Each student has a unique story to tell of God’s faithfulness, grace, and sovereignty while serving abroad.

The community they found in Thailand gave them a taste of home and new strength to endure for the sake of the

Scott Hildreth and Greg Mathias exhort 2+2 students

gospel to reach every tribe, tongue, and teach students for seven years and in five nation. Many of the students are the only different countries.

Americans in their area, and they were “We get to hear amazing God-sized able to support and encourage one an- things like peoples for the first time other as they shared the hardships and hearing the gospel, accepting the gospel joys of the past few months. and being baptized,” Mathias said.

SEBTS deployed its first 2+2/3 stu- “Then we hear difficulties of those redents in 1997. Since then, Southeastern jecting the gospel and national believhas sent out over 400 students through ers being persecuted for their faith. We this program. For the past 18 years, also hear about struggles in the lives of Southeastern’s program has continued to the missionaries, some with daily living, grow and thrive, as it annually sends out and there is often a lot of emotional and the majority of the SBC’s 2+2/3 students. team turmoil.”

Greg Mathias, assistant professor of “One of the best parts of the week is for Global Studies, earned both his M.Div. the group to hear stories from the field and Ph.D. from SEBTS and is a graduate as we laugh, cry, are sharpened and enof the 2+2/3 program. He has traveled to couraged to be re-sent out for the next stage of the term,” he said. “For many, these two weeks are a breath of fresh air to make or break their subsequent term.”

Scott Hildreth, the director of the Center for Great Commission Studies and adjunctive instructor of theology, has also been traveling to teach modulars for seven years.

“It’s encouraging to watch our students through the course of the week have the ability to re-connect with the Lord and with their calling as a result of interacting with other students, the topics in the classes, the Akins, our wives, the Reeds and people that go to minster to them,” Hildreth said. “Students see they are not alone and that people remember and pray for them who are also SPRING 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

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experiencing similar things”

Presidential Leadership The Akins have visited the 2+2/3 students with Southeastern for 10 of the last 11 years. They have visited students in the Czech Republic, Jordan, Kenya, Thailand and Turkey.

President Akin sees the 2+2/3 program as an important part of the mission of Southeastern. “We are a Great Commission seminary, and in a sense, this is the point of the spear,” Akin said.

“I think it is one of the finest training programs for missionaries anywhere in the world. David Platt, the president of the IMB, agrees. We are training NAVY seals for Jesus. What could be more awesome than that?!”

Akin was present in many of the classes, preached at the Sunday worship service and gave a presidential update to the students on SEBTS and SBC news. The Akins led a marriage workshop, enjoyed meals with the students and participated in an excursion to ride elephants and float down a river on bamboo rafts.

Akin instructed students on spiritual formation from a leader’s perspective and how to maintain a vital walk with the Lord in the midst of the busyness of ministry. A panel discussion with the Akins, Reeds, Hildreth and Mathias of-

Marie McDonald sending off a traditonal Thai lantern

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Why I Visit Our Students on the Field Every Year Daniel Akin For almost ten years my wife Charlotte and I annually head overseas to spend time with Southeastern students who are pursuing an MDiv in International Church Planting. We call it the 2+2 program for short! It is a partnership with the IMB where students spend 2 years on our campus in Wake Forest and 2 years on the field as IMB missionaries. At the end of the 4 years they receive their degree. Many go on to serve as career missionaries often taking on key leadership assignments. Numerous missiologists have told me that they believe it is the finest training program anywhere for preparing missionaries.

Our students concur. I enthusiastically agree.

Charlotte and I have made the commitment to go and make this yearly journey for several reasons: First, we serve a seminary that passionately believes in the Great Commission. It is the heartbeat of our school.

Second, we want to hear and see what our God is doing through these students and their families to reach the nations with the gospel.

Almost all of them serve among unreached and unengaged people groups. The work is not easy in these places to be sure.

Third, we want to be an encouragement to them with a personal touch. It is one thing to write, call or Skype. It is another thing to hang out, teach, pray, worship and just listen for a week to 10 days.

Finally, we want to be encouraged.

I often say I go to see our M’s on the field to get my spiritual battery recharged. They have yet to fail me!

When I hear and see how Jesus is being made famous among the nations through their work and witness, I am reenergized to return home to mobilize more to go! I am reenergized to put up with some of the silliness of American Christianity, because lives are being changed all around the world through the faithful and sacrificial witness of students who have sat in our classrooms and are now among the peoples of the nations telling them about Jesus.

So, this is why we go. My students are paying the price. I am the one being blessed.

Read more at dannyakin.com

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fered students additional perspectives on the topic.

“We got to teach, listen, encourage and be blessed!” Akin said. “We love these students and are so thankful for them.

We want them to know that.”

The professors value the Akins’ presence at modulars. “Dr. and Mrs. Akin are real people that love our students and the nations,” Greg Mathias said.

“They encourage, challenge and love our students. This trip is always on their calendar.”

The Akins most enjoyed worshipping with the entire group, going out to a restaurant for dinner with all the students and their families and hearing the work that God is doing in and through them around the world.

The ability to worship together was especially impactful. Page Mathias, who served with her husband on the trip, shared about the experience.

“The students who were gifted to lead in music gathered what they had for instruments—a small travel ukulele, a podium for a drum and a pill box for a shaker,” she said. “We didn’t have the song lyrics, so the student leading worship said them loudly as we all sang along. I will always remember this offering of praise to the Lord from missionaries from around the world using what they had.”

Ministering to Women Southeastern leaders seek to have a strong women’s ministry during modulars. Charlotte Akin, the mother of four sons and grandmother of 11 grandchildren, supported the women by sharing her testimony and bringing special cards and gifts for each woman.

Charlotte’s passion in ministry is working with and mentoring women.

She shared her “story that the Lord wrote for her first,” which greatly encouraged the women.

“There is always hope, even if you don’t know the answer to something,”

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The SEBTS team traveled to a local village

Charlotte said. “When the Lord gives you hard things, you can use those things for good.”

The women had time to ask Charlotte questions and hear ideas about how to share traditions from home with a new culture.

“I love one-on-one visits with our ladies,” she said. “There is not just one type of missionary wife or president’s wife. I have a lot of ladies that I get to help see that they are an incredible daughter of the King.”

Lesley Hildreth, women’s ministry coordinator at Southeastern, and Page Mathias, a former IMB missionary, facilitated Bible studies and created a

space for the women to process their time on the field together.

This was Lesley Hildreth’s fifth time visiting the 2+2/3 students. Many of the women that Hildreth taught and mentored in the Biblical Women’s Institute (BWI) at Southeastern participated in this modular. The BWI offers credit for courses the IMB requires for wives to be on the mission field.

“For me the highlight was seeing the emotions of hopelessness, frustration, fear, failure and being overwhelmed turn into signs of perseverance and restoration,” she said.

Hildreth was eager to remind the women of the power they have in Christ.

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“What good would I be doing if I did not challenge the women to overcome the obstacles the field brings?” she emphasized.

Page Mathias also traveled to minister to the women. “Our family was in the same program where we were apprentice missionaries in the Middle East,” she said. “We studied Arabic for two years and looked for opportunities to build bridges to the gospel through relationships. We have experienced similar circumstances and can rejoice in the highs and sympathize with the tough experiences.”

For the first two days, the wives talked about their life and ministry. Many ladies are experiencing loneliness, sickness, struggles with children and difficulties trying to do full-time language study while being a wife and mom. “It is beautiful to see these ladies gather around one another to pray specifically for each other’s ministries and families,” Mathias said.

“I like to be honest about life on the mission field,” she said. “It requires a strong commitment to your calling to take the gospel to hard places. It calls you to trust God and depend on him in ways that you’ve never experienced. It requires a brave and courageous heart and a curious mind as you learn a new language and try to feel at home in a new culture.”

eastern to a new level.” the couples we are trying to love on On the plane ride over, Pam Reed, a would be in Thailand. We cleared our registered nurse, helped save a woman’s calendars and knew it was the perfect life when she experienced respiratory opportunity for us.” arrest. Reed did not know the passen“We had told ourselves that we were ger, but quickly stabilized her until the coming to encourage and love on them, but plane landed and a medical team could it works equally the other way,” he said. treat her.

“We’ve always been amazed at their willThe Reeds have gone on several trips ingness to sacrifice the normal life of work in the past, and their main focus is to be and building wealth and go to some of the on mission for God. “We would rather do toughest places in the 10-40 window.” this than anything,” Scott Reed said.

“We’re amazed at their faithfulness “Our passion is missions, and that is and obedience to Christ,” Pam Reed said. why we started the mission fund,” Scott “We want to do anything we can to help Reed said. “Seven families and a single and encourage them.” person have received the scholarship, “It helped us to interact with the stuand we vowed to keep in touch and pray dents during their modulars to better for them. We have wanted to travel with understand the challenges of loneliness, the school and found out that three of learning a new language, sickness, hous-

We’ve always been amazed at their willingness to sacrifice the normal life of work and building wealth and go to some of the toughest places in the 10-40 window. - Scott Reed

Southeastern Donor Support Pam and Scott Reed served as “spiritual grandparents” to the students in Thailand. The Reeds have been Southeastern Society members for the past nine years.

“To see the joy and love that the Reeds have for our students was amazing,” Lesley Hildreth said. “Pam was so present all week, not just in the time with the ladies sharing, but at every meal they sat with the students to hear their stories and make personal connections with them. I was really impressed with how they took their partnership with South-

Scott Reed facilitated an exercise on teamwork called “Paper Scrapers” because work relationships on the mission field are often challenging.

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ing issues, crazy weather and frequent moving these students go through in their countries,” she said. “There is nothing like their experiences to compare with here in our country. These families are not only courageous but totally sold out for the gospel.”

Southeastern Students Care For Missionary Children Southeastern believes that a whole family is sent out on mission for God and desires for students to bring their families to modulars. Donor supported scholarships help subsidize the cost of travel, food and housing.

Six Southeastern students studying in Wake Forest and a church volunteer from Winston-Salem provided childcare for the missionary families. For six days, the childcare team sang, played, danced and shared Bible stories with the almost 15 missionary children all under six years old.

Marie McDonald, a Southeastern graduate student studying counseling and a former IMB Journeyman was challenged to broaden her expectations of living missionally. “I was stretched to think more about life on the field and

counting the costs. I learned a lot about dying to my own wants and needs,” she said.

Ande Russell, a Southeastern graduate student studying counseling, grew up in Moldova where her parents still work for the IMB. “Growing up in a missionary family overseas and studying counseling is increasing my desire to see healthy church members and missionaries,” she said. “Missionaries are often starving for community with other believers. It was beautiful to see the missionaries come together and love one another.”

The SEBTS team discovered a waterfall

36 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ SPRING 2015

Student Highlight

by Greg Mathias, Assistant Professor of Global Studies

One night in Thailand over dinner, an ICP student eagerly shared with me about his experience in a remote village in Africa. He lives in a rugged location, and spends much of his time camping in a village that has been historically resistant to the gospel.

Building upon the prayers and work of others before him, this student is now seeing young men come to faith in this predominantly Muslim area. He is helping disciple five or six young believers as they actively share the gospel with others in the village.

Three short years ago sitting in classes and reading missionary stories of the church being birthed in new places, he thought, “I am going to be faithful but I don’t think I will ever be a part of anything this incredible.”

As he told his story, his face beamed as he recounted, “I was able to be a part of seeing new Christians baptized, and while these young believers face many struggles and persecutions, I get to walk beside them. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would be a part of a story like this!”

/ featured stories

The SEBTS group spent the day building relationships and enjoying the sights of Chiang Mai

To see more photos of the trip: iamgoi.ng/thailand SPRING 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

/ 37

featured stories \

From theology to contextualization, we always looked at the topic through the lens of mission and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for the world, which led my family to go share the gospel with those who have little to no chance of hearing it.

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary has helped prepare me for the field in every way they possibly could. I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be where I am today without it. Literally.

Southeastern has not only relit the flame within my heart for the lost, but has given me a vision for the gospel to spread like wildfire. They equipped me, walked alongside me, and loved me well during my time on campus and in the field.

2+2 & ICP students reflect on their SEBTS experience 38 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ SPRING 2015

/ featured stories

The relationships that I made with fellow students and professors were of immeasurable value. For most students within the missions program, we traveled this journey together through SEBTS and even training on the field.

Southeasternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment in me has been invaluable. Without all of the equipping I received on campus, I really think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be flailing my arms in ministry on the field.

SEBTS has taken missions from a lofty, unachievable goal to a tangible, realistic venture that any and all Christians can partake in, whether by going or supporting.

Because of our time in Wake Forest, we have relationships with professors, a local church, the Board of Trustees and Southeastern Society holding the rope for us in very real and committed ways.

SPRING 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

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campus spotlights \

Sam and Rachel James Receive Southeastern Presidential Award Story by Ali Dixon | Photos by Maria Estes

F

ormer International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries Sam and Rachel James were awarded the Southeastern Presidential Award in chapel on Nov. 6.

The Presidential Award is the highest honor given from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS).

Sam is a three-time graduate of Southeastern, and he and his wife served with the IMB for over 50 years prior to their retirement earlier this year.

Sam and Rachel are long-term missionary heroes because of their work in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He is the author of “Servant on the Edge of History: Risking All for the Gospel in War-Ravaged Vietnam.”

Southeastern President, Daniel Akin, said, “Sam James is a modern day missionary hero. I have the highest respect and regard for him. Sam has been a faithful, wonderful servant in some very hard places.”

Sam and Rachel’s daughter, Deborah, and granddaughter, Ana, were in attendance. They have three sons, one daughter and nine grandchildren.

Sam became a Christian while in the United States Navy in Japan. He studied Greek at Wake Forest College before being appointed as a missionary in 1962. He wanted to be able to translate the Bible from the original Greek to the native language without having to use English.

He met his wife, who was a student of nursing at Duke University, in Durham, N.C., on a blind date and has been married for 57 years.

Sam has deep roots in North Carolina. In his hometown of Liberty, N.C., there were eight churches in the town of

1,400 people. After coming home from rounded with God’s presence and the the war, he decided to go to a place privilege it was to be in Vietnam. where people did not have the opportu- “We’re glad we stayed,” he said. “It was nity to hear the gospel. the call of God. The call of God is alWhile a student at SEBTS, he pas- ways sufficient.” tored the church that would eventually Lawless asked Sam what it takes for a become the Summit Church in Durham, missionary to stay focused and faithful N.C. Two of his children and his wife on the mission field. Sam responded by have also attended Southeastern. encouraging students to maintain their Chuck Lawless, vice president for spiritual maturity, learn the local langraduate studies and ministry centers, guage well and keep a sense of humor. interviewed Sam during chapel, giving A luncheon following chapel featured students the opportunity to hear the the dedication of the “Sam and Rachel James’ story.

James Seminar Room” in the Center for Sam and Rachel originally sailed Great Commission Studies. The room with their three young children from displays photos of the James family and San Francisco to Asia, eventually mak- pieces from Vietnam. ing their way to Vietnam. During 14 years of war, the James family served the people of Vietnam.

Sam helped found a seminary in Saigon, Vietnam where Southeastern professors have gone to teach.

Lawless highlighted Sam’s ability to become the people he was trying to reach by learning the language and immersing himself in the culture. “You are for me what we want our students to become,” Lawless said.

“When you learn their language and culture, you learn to love them,” Sam said.

When asked why he stayed through all of the trials, Sam responded, “the The Jameses in the Sam and Rachel James call of God.” Seminar Room Sam noted the reality of being surPhotos of the event: iamgoi.ng/samjames

40 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ SPRING 2015

Join us for the 9th annual Southeastern Classic September 14, 2015 sebts.edu/seclassic

To become a sponsor, contact Daniel Palmer, Director of Financial Development at dpalmer@sebts.edu or 919.761.2352

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Classic will be at the prestigious

campus spotlights \

Southeastern Expands Library Collections to Better Equip Students

T

he Library at Southeastern is committed to providing students and faculty quality resources to support their research needs no matter where they are located. In the past year, the Library has tripled the size of its book collection by adding over 375,000 ebooks through subscriptions and purchased collections. Students can now access around 150,000 e-books available in EBSCO’s Academic and Religion eBook Collections.

A grant awarded by the Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund, Inc. allowed the Library to purchase perpetual access to Early English Books Online, Early American Imprints Series 1 and 2, the American Theological Library Association’s Historical Monograph Series, the Loeb Classical Library, Oxford Biblical Studies Online, and Oxford Handbooks Online – Religion.

These additional collections give Southeastern students access to a large selection of recent academic and reference e-books, nearly every book published in English between 1400-1820, and nearly every significant theological work published in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Archives department also worked with Duke University to ensure that historical resources from Southeastern’s collections were represented in the “Religion in North Carolina Digital Collection.” Digitized publications include: Southeastern’s own publication, “The Outlook,” now known as “’The Great Commission Magazine of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary,” as well as titles such as “Men on Mission,” “Baptist Informer,” and “Southern Baptist Free Press.”

FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR (5) | AROUND SOUTHEASTERN (30) | DONOR FEATURE (34)

OUTLOOK T H E M AGA Z I N E O F S O UT H E A S T E R N BA P T I S T T H EO LO G I CA L S E M I N A RY FALL 2012

Jason Fowler

Director of Library Services and Instructor of Library Services

These digitized titles are now freely available on the Internet Archive at iamgoi.ng/archive

@jasoncfowler

THE VISITING SCHOLAR PROGRAM Southeastern has granted my family an amazing gift in letting me enjoy my research sabbatical from Bethlehem College & Seminary on this campus. The staff and faculty have accommodated us so well, and I have treasured the opportunity to see another school applying a Christ-centered, missional model to theological education.

Dr. Jason Derouchie Associate Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology, Bethlehem College & Seminary, Minneapolis, MN

For more information or to apply, email Dr. Keith Whitfield (kwhitfield@sebts.edu) 42 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ SPRING 2015

Follow us. /sebts /sebts

/southeastern

/southeasternseminary

Discover us. sebts.edu/multimedia | sebts.edu/missions | aroundsoutheastern.com betweenthetimes.com | dannyakin.com southeasterntheologicalreview.com

iamgoing.org

Danny Akin | Thabiti Anyabwile | Mark Dever | Ligon Duncan | Garrett Kell | Mez McConnell

Church Discipline September 25-26, 2015 sebts.edu/9marks

/ campus spotlights

centerforfaithandculture.com

PREVIEWDAYS at Southeastern September 24, 2015

sebts.edu/preview

SPRING 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

/ 45

profiles \

SEE HOW WE ARE GOInG

Tracy McKenzie

Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament

taught me to feed myself from the Scriptures and my life has been different because of it.

What has God been teaching you lately?

FACUlTY

by Chris Martin

When I studied in Germany two years ago, it was a very challenging time be-

constituency is responsible. We are working with organizations that help or-

with Tracy Mckenzie

phans, veterans and sex-trafficking vic-

How did you come to SEBTS?

there in Germany, and I felt inadequate

world for five years and as a campus minister for seven years. I was frustrated teaching for a campus ministry because I was not sure what was behind the English translation of the Bible. I knew that studying the biblical languages would give me more confidence in my preaching. I had read books by John Sailhamer

I’m from a small farmtown called Vir-

and David Black so I decided to come

gil, Kansas. My wife, Beth, is also from a

study with them. Before I was done with

rural town in Pennsylvania. We have

my Ph.D., Southeastern had asked me to

four boys: Micah is 17, Joel is 15, Josiah

join the faculty.

is 13, and Noah is 11.

On what are you currently working?

versity and completed my M.Div. and

I’m working on a monograph over

Ph.D. at Southeastern. I’m currently

Ezekiel 16 from my time in Germany. I

working on another degree from the Uni-

have three other manuscripts in differ-

versity of Göttingen.

ent stages of completion. One on Old

Recently, I started a coffee roasting

Testament theology, another on Gene-

business. Coffee has been a product that

sis 1–11 and one about Ezekiel’s inf lu-

I appreciated and needed since I was in

ence on Paul.

college. When a Southeastern student walked into my class ten years ago with

Who are your role models?

a specialty-roasted cup, an entirely new

My parents were huge Christian in-

love for coffee was born. Now, I roast cof-

fluences growing up. Also, Jim Down-

fee so that people can have the highest

ing, a 102-year-old veteran of Pearl

quality coffee experience. Our intent is

Harbor, or Lauren Libby, the president

to give back to organizations that reflect

of Trans World Radio, have shaped me.

our desire to support those whose voices

I’ve spent time with each of these men

are not easily heard. Our “Net 50” cam-

personally; they mentored and be-

paign is a program in which our compa-

lieved in me.

ny called “Back Alley Roasters” gives a

before we left, we struggled financially in just about every way. In the end, however, it was so rewarding for our marriage, our family, my scholarship, and numerous friendships that developed with German colleagues. Throughout the entire year, the Lord constantly reminded me of his love for me even if I don’t write a best seller, have a large church, or become famous. Those lessons bear fruit in my life every day as I contemplate the gospel.

Where are some of your former students?

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is hearing from students who have been profoundly affected by a class I’ve taught. Former students of mine are in closed countries doing gospel work, in Europe, in the business world and are pastors. Students are why I’m here!

When a student completes your class, what do you want him or her to walk away with at the end of the semester?

I want them to know that what we the Old Testament is pertinent to us as Christians. The meaning that these authors intended is as applicable to us today as it ever has been. These books communicate Christian doctrine, and the church seems to be missing that aspect of the Old Testament.

Other scholars have inf luenced me

non-profit 50% of its net profits for any

when it comes to studying the Bible like

purchases in which the non-profit or its

Vern Steiner and John Sailhamer. They

46 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ SPRING 2015

forced to dissolve the church we had

tims to name a few.

studies after working in the business

I went to college at Emporia State Uni-

leagues and friends back home. We were planted here in Wake Forest-Heritage

I came to Southeastern for graduate

Tell us about yourself.

cause I felt disconnected from col-

@drtjmckenzie

/ profiles

SEE HOW WE ARE GOInG

Jan Vezikov

SEBTS Graduate and Boston Church Planter

my Philippians exegesis class. It was one of the hardest classes I’ve ever taken; I was so afraid of the final exam that I actually memorized the book of Philippians.

AlUMnI

by Chris Martin emphasis on expository preaching. I was in a Southern Baptist Church, so

with JAn vEZIkOv

What is one book that everyone should read?

Obviously, “Knowing God” by J. I.

tuition was also half the cost.

Packer, and books like that are neces-

What is the greatest joy that you have as a church planter and pastor?

that is really important for seminary

sary. But one book I’ve read recently students is “Emotionally Healthy Spiri-

Seeing people come to faith and be re-

tuality” by Peter Scazzero. He empha-

newed in their faith, changing and com-

sizes the impact emotional health has

ing to enjoy God more. We’re in a tough

on spirituality.

spot in New England, so we celebrate even when we have just one baptism.

What challenges do you face as a church planter and pastor?

What has God been teaching you lately?

For “Type A” sort of people, the monotony of ministry can get boring some-

Most of the challenges we face right

times. The Lord has been teaching me

Tell us about your ministry and family.

now revolve around money. Boston is

about the importance of spending time

I’ve been married to my wife Tanya

a really expensive place to live, and it’s

with him and rediscovering him so that

for eight years. Tanya is from Ukraine,

a difficult to reach people because of

I don’t get bored, because I can’t get

and we met in Philadelphia at a Rus-

the secular culture, so money can be

bored with him.

sian-speaking Southern Baptist Church.

pretty tight sometimes.

We have three daughters: Sophia, Elizabeth and Ekatarina.

We live in Boston, where I’m a pastor

What advice do you have for current and future pastors?

and church planter. I am a pastor of a

I wish someone had told me early on,

few churches: a Russian-speaking

“Hey, before you go take on a senior

church called Grace, and Mosaic Boston,

pastor role, go work at a church for a

which is an English-speaking church.

few years.” I had never pastored be-

I was born in the Soviet Union, in what is now Estonia, and my family

fore I planted a church, and I wish I

Southeastern is known as a Great Commission seminary, how did Southeastern prepare you to be a Great Commission pastor?

Southeastern taught me the importance of church planting and how to be an effective church planter.

had more experience.

came to the United States as refugees in where I grew up.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Why Southeastern?

Symphony Orchestra and enjoy all sorts

1989. We first settled in Rhode Island,

My wife and I love going to the Boston In 2005 I moved to Washington, D.C.

of great places to go out to eat in the city.

after graduating from college to work

We are fans of going to Red Sox games

for the government as a Russian analyst.

at Fenway Park.

I was also part of a Russian-speaking church plant in D.C. where we started a youth ministry.

What was your favorite class or professor at Southeastern?

I decided I wanted to go to a seminary

Dr. Black was my favorite professor,

with a good language program and an

particularly his Greek classes. I loved

@janvezikov

SPRING 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

/ 47

The Center for Spiritual Formation and Evangelical Spirituality exists to promote spiritual maturity and the cultivation of a robust evangelical spirituality for the glory of God, the health of the church, and the advance of Christian mission.

919.761.2241 | csf@sebts.edu | sebts.edu/csf

Danny Akin & Allan Moseley invite you to

Walk Where Jesus Walked in the Holy Land

Israel Tour Dates:

December 26, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 4, 2016 The trip is $3,995. There is a $1,500 scholarship for Southeastern students and tuition for the class associated with the trip will also be waived.

Contact Carrie Kelly at ckelly@sebts.edu with any questions, or learn more at iamgoi.ng/israel

/ profiles

SEE HOW WE ARE GOInG STUDEnT

D.A. Horton

SEBTS Ph.D. Student and National Coordinator for Urban Student Missions, NAMB

by Chris Martin

to pass on a great piece of advice: make sure that you keep the highest level of integrity in three areas of your life: doctrine, finances and sexuality. This goes for both single and married people.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? heart. But even more, time in the seminar was like boot camp. I was humbled

with D.A. HORTOn

during the first couple of days, only to be built up by my professors and cohorts in the second part of the week.

My Ph.D. will provide me the credentials necessary to develop a residency program through our church in L.A. that will mobilize ethnic minorities for Great Commission work.

What is the greatest joy that you have as a pastor?

Traveling around the nation, speaking and teaching. This allows me to hear

Tell us about your ministry and family.

I have been married to my wife Elicia for nearly 12 years, and we have three children.

Right now, I am serving on the North American Mission Board’s Urban Initiatives Team, and I help with pulpit supply at Blueprint Church in Atlanta.

God has called our family to plant a church in Los Angeles, and we’re looking to go anytime within the next year.

Why Southeastern?

First, the quality of the faculty appealed to me and I was impressed by their credentials and areas of expertise.

Secondly, a dear friend and pastor at Blueprint, who is working on his Ed.D. put me in contact with the SEBTS faculty and our conversations quickly encouraged me to move forward to Ph.D. work.

What has been your most influential moment at Southeastern?

The pre-seminar reading impacted me

God’s work in the hearts of saints in cities across our nation. At the same time it allows me to network pastors together for greater kingdom impact.

er helped me realize this in “Excellence,” because he has the same hobbies. I thought I had to pick up golf or something, but I’m happy writing or spending time with family.

What has been your favorite part of the SEBTS Ph.D. program?

The accessibility of my professors.

When I’m on campus, my professors are asking to grab coffee and catch up before I even arrive on campus. It’s really cool.

What has God been teaching you lately?

My wife and I have been working

I love being a door-holder for my peers

through the Psalms. Last year, shortly

and all who want to come after us. It’s

after we committed to pray about moving

cool to hear stories of people impacted by

to L.A., my wife was diagnosed with Mul-

my passion for my calling.

tiple Sclerosis. At first, I was paralyzed

What challenges do you face as a pastor?

My biggest challenge is over-committing myself to people and projects. I used to tell people I could mentor them and then fail on following through, but now I’ve learned to say, “No,” even though it’s hard, so I can dedicate time to go deep with a few.

by fear about moving to L.A., but after some research, we realized that a move to L.A. might actually be really good for her health. God even confirmed through a tragedy where he wants us.

How is Southeastern preparing you to be a Great Commission pastor?

Even recently I’ve just had too many

In my time with my professors, they

projects at once, and I need to learn to

have helped me refine the vision and mis-

create greater margin.

What advice do you have for current and future pastors?

To the brothers who are married: don’t take on a new role or adventure without getting the approval of your wife. I have

greatly. “Excellence” by Andreas Kösten-

made this mistake, and it caused a lot of

berger and the biography of George El-

heartache and damage.

don Ladd had a profound effect on my

My two hobbies are writing and spending time with my family. Dr. Köstenberg-

To the brothers who are single, I want

sion that I feel God has instilled in my heart for the work we’re going to do in L.A. Through those conversations, I am getting more clarity and confidence about how our ministry will benefit people and accomplish the Great Commission.

@da_horton

SPRING 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

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profiles \

SEE HOW WE ARE GOInG

Sylvia and John McBride

SEBTS Ministry Partners Richmond, VA

others I encounter in my community.

My passion is the lost, and I try to meet as many people as I can.

John: When you see positive results

MInISTRY pARTnER

by Ali Dixon

what the Lord wants. cepted Christ. My mom and dad were strong, loving Christians, and I was

with Sylvia & John McBride

always at church with my family. We attended a Baptist church in Baton Rouge, LA, and one day my two older sisters and I all walked to the front of the church to accept Christ.

John: I grew up in a farming community during the middle of the depression. On Sunday, my great-granddad, granddad and I went to our primitive Baptist church in northern Louisiana.

My parents did not attend church after they were married, but they sent my

Tell us about your ministry and family.

Sylvia: John and I met because he dated both of my older sisters! I never really noticed him because he was too old, but we dated later on when I was working in the treasurer’s office at the courthouse.

John was working his way through college and after going together for a while we knew that we had the same values. We were married on July 16, 1955 and are still in love after almost 60 years. Our youngest daughter was also married on July 16 years later by the same pastor.

John served as a pilot in the US Air Force for three years and worked at DuPont in Richmond, Virginia for almost 40 years. We have three boys and two girls who are all married and love the Lord. We also have 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

How did you become Christians?

Sylvia: I was six years old when I ac-

50 \ SEBTS.EDU \\ SPRING 2015

and feel like things are moving towards

brother and me. I accepted Christ when I was 13 years old with my Sunday

What advice do you have for current students?

Sylvia: Stay in the Word, and be bold in witnessing. When the Holy Spirit tells you to say or do something, you better do it. Be on guard in your spiritual battles because Satan is very deceitful.

John: Stay the course and make a continual effort. Don’t win today and forget tomorrow.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Sylvia: We enjoy playing tennis together and going out of town on the

school teacher and pastor.

weekends with couples from church. I

How is Southeastern influencing your life and work?

group called Exultation.

Sylvia: We have attended the Southern Baptist Convention for years and started attending the Southeastern

sing in the church choir and an a Capella

John: We have served as members of Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond for 40 years. I also lead a prayer break-

luncheons. We were impressed with all

fast on Tuesday mornings with about 15

of the young people and their spiritual

men from diverse backgrounds. We

depth. It was such a blessing to meet all

have been meeting for over 20 years.

of the students, and I think God just put us at SEBTS.

What is one book that everyone should read (other than the Bible)?

John: I feel obligated to be vigilant

Sylvia: “Your God is Too Small” by

in helping keep Christ at the forefront

J.B. Phillips. Phillips emphasizes that

of our denomination, which we see at

most people go to the Lord for big

Southeastern.

things, but he is there for any size things. God wants to talk with you, and

What is your greatest joy as you work to impact others for Christ?

Sylvia: When I see them come to

for you to share with him.

John: “How to Win Friends and In-

know Jesus and the blessings of listen-

f luence People” by Dale Carnegie. If

ing and obeying the Holy Spirit. I try to

you really want to have inf luence on

witness to cashiers, waitresses and

someone you need to be patient enough

to listen. They will be more likely to listen to what you have to say.

What has God been teaching you lately?

Sylvia: Slow down and listen more.

When I get too busy I lose connection with God. John: Be an encourager. Be present and available for duty.

Why do you support Southeastern?

Sylvia: The feeling of the Holy Spirit is so strong on the campus. It is just a joy to go there and especially to see the couples commissioned to go on the field. I am impressed with the caliber of people at Southeastern and feel good leaving things in their hands.

John: Southeastern is doing the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and I want to be a strong supporter and encourager of his work through the seminary.

How would you like to see SEBTS impact the kingdom?

Sylvia: Continue what they are doing now. I think the seminary has its priorities straight. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see them stay the course and stick with it.

To learn more about how you can support Southeastern students, please contact Daniel Palmer, director of financial development, at dpalmer@sebts.edu or 919.761.2352.

Be part of advancing the life-giving gospel until He comes. Let your last gift be your best gift.

- Charlotte and Danny Akin, Charter Members

To join, contact Daniel Palmer at (919) 761-2352 e-mail dpalmer@sebts.edu or visit iamgoi.ng/timothysociety

10 MAJORS 15 MINORS

1

GREAT COMMISSION

Visit collegeatsoutheastern.com to learn more. #iamgoing

exponential potential I

n the office of financial development, we have seen first-hand the difference generous giving makes in the lives of students and in the lives of those they reach. Babies are being protected; mothers are being served; pro-family policies are being adopted and defended; businesses are being led for the glory of Christ, and families are being transformed by the power of the gospel.

to take you there.”

As you might imagine, students immediately understand that fundraising for their seminary is a Christ-exalting and Kingdom-expanding work with a direct impact on them – their preparation, quality of life and eventual opportunities to serve Christ wherever He leads.

Over the past year, it has been our great joy to help facilitate some truly world-

The impact of a gift to Southeastern is as laser-focused as the Great Commission and as broad as the various ministries our graduates pursue One of our partners in ministry says he supports Southeastern because he can make a gift with “exponential potential” – a gift that multiplies through the lives and ministries of thousands of students who will serve as pastors, teachers, coaches, missionaries, policy advisors, politicians, counselors, mothers, fathers and in a myriad of other ways.

The impact of a gift to Southeastern is as laser-focused as the Great Commission and as broad as the various ministries our graduates pursue.

We consider it a great blessing to serve Christ and the men and women He sends to Southeastern. When students ask what we do, I say, “Our job is to raise the resources needed to keep your tuition affordable, so God can get you to where you are going as fast as He wants

changing partnerships with men and women who are eager to strategically invest in reaching the nations. Consider the following examples of God’s great blessing and favor upon Southeastern.

• $100,000 endowed scholarship in honor of Mr. George Harvey who recent-

classroom in Adams Hall with the latest in integrated classroom technologies.

• $275,000 endowed Kingdom-diversity scholarship to help build a seminary that looks more and more like the church in heaven.

• $1 million commitment for a churchplanting endowment to train future generations of church planters to take the gospel to some of the world’s most challenging places.

Several years ago, Mr. Henry Williamson, a SEBTS trustee and retired COO of BB&T, remarked, “The real margin of excellence in sending Great Commission people into both the churches in this country and on foreign missions comes through private giving.”

He is exactly right. In an environment of reduced Cooperative Program receipts, growing enrollment and escalating costs, God is sustaining and advancing His work through the generous

God is sustaining and advancing His work through the generous hearts of people who are drawn to make investments of eternal significance ly celebrated 25 years of serving Southeastern’s donors and students.

• $100,000 endowed scholarship to support students who are training to serve Christ at the intersections of faith, culture and the marketplace.

• $225,000 in grants to outfit every

hearts of people who are drawn to make investments of eternal significance.

To learn more about how to directly partner with us to prepare students for a lifetime of going in Jesus’ name, please contact us at 919.761.2352 or visit sebts.edu/give.

Daniel Palmer

Director of Financial Development

@danjpalmer SPRING 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

/ 53

Have a global impact through your institution for $4 a month.

sebts.edu/alumni @SEBTSAlumni

Where do we

?

Photo by Scott Clevenger - scottclevengerphotography.com

H

ave you ever wondered where all your fellow Southeastern Seminary graduates go when they finish their degree? Southeastern has over 15,000 living graduates, and we go all over the world. Literally SEBTS graduates are going to do ministry in countries on every continent.

Although distance may separate us, we all share one thing in common: we are people who are on mission to make disciples. As I am sure you have seen by now, through the â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am Goingâ&#x20AC;? signs on social media or our website, Southeastern is eager to train men and women like yourself to be on mission in all areas of life. For many of our graduates this means serving in local church ministry, preaching, teaching, shepherding and discipling the saints of God. For others, they are on the forefront of advancing the gospel around world. In the midst of these diverse ministries, God is using Southeastern graduates to advance his kingdom.

Wherever you may find yourself today, take a moment to lift up other brothers and sisters in the SEBTS family in prayer who are bearers of the lifesaving news of Jesus Christ.

This will result in someone else pray-

ing over you and those you serve. I anticipate that God will move in the hearts and lives of our graduates because you are specifically praying for this community of fellow believers.

As you are going, remember that you do not go alone, but you have a family who cares, prays and continues to support you in your ministry.

Southeastern is here to help undergird the call God has on your life. We are here to cheer you on and provide resources for you to keep going. I want you to be aware of how Southeastern can continue to serve you for many years after graduation day.

A great way to be informed of all that is happening around Southeastern and with fellow graduates is to follow us on Twitter (@SEBTSAlumni). You will find information on events, recent graduate publications and interesting stories about how other SEBTS graduates are going.

In the days ahead we will be launching the Southeastern Alumni Network. The network is comprised of alumni chapters throughout the Southeast. Currently, we have chapters in Raleigh, Charlotte, Nashville and Atlanta. We will launch in four other cities later this year. If you are

interested in being a part of an alumni chapter please let us know.

The most recent alumni resource available is through our Southeastern Alumni Association (SAA). The SA A is one of the best ways to stay connected to SEBTS and continue to be equipped for ministry. We are thrilled to be able to offer members the ability to audit courses at no cost. This allows members to continue to be sharpened to reach the nations for Christ.

Our goal is to provide cutting-edge resources that help you to be the most equipped and prepared servant of King Jesus in the midst of constantly changing cultural challenges.

For more information about auditing a course or to join the Southeastern Alumni Association visit at our website at sebts.edu/alumni or email me personally jsix@sebts.edu. If you are planning to be in the area or on campus, I would love to catch up, so please do not hesitate to reach out.

I continually praise God for you as you labor in Christ and I look forward to hearing how he continues to use you, as Southeastern graduates take the glorious gospel to the ends of the earth.

Jonathan Six

Director of Alumni Development and Denominational Relations

@jonathansix SPRING 2015 // SEBTS.EDU

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IMPACT THE NATIONS.

GIVE. sebts.edu/give P.O. Box 1889 Wake Forest, NC 27588-1889 919.761.2203