COACHING
PREACHERS
DR. DAVID L. ALLEN PLUS SIX MORE REASONS MID-AMERICA IS STILL AMERICA’S CHAMPION FOR EQUIPPING BIBLICAL PREACHERS
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVES
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id-America Baptist Theological Seminary has been
the top theological institutions in the world, with a robust
at the forefront of educational excellence for years,
curriculum designed to challenge and inspire students. The
and it continues to shine as a beacon of knowledge
dedicated and passionate faculty foster a love of learning and
and growth in our community. As we delve into the heart of the
critical thinking that goes beyond the classroom.
academic year, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the school’s
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. Education goes beyond
remarkable achievements and the vibrant environment that
the confines of the classroom at Mid-America. The institution
empowers students to thrive. From academic excellence to
is deeply rooted in the local community, and its commitment
community engagement, Mid-America is flourishing in every
to community engagement is evident in various initiatives. The
aspect.
school organizes and participates in community service projects,
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. One of the defining characteristics
fundraising events, and volunteer opportunities that teach
of Mid-America is its unwavering commitment to the Bible,
students the importance of giving back and making a positive
missions, and evangelism. The school consistently ranks among
impact on the world around them. The evangelistic efforts of the students show the true heartbeat of the school. In one week alone the students shared the Gospel with 22 people and saw 11 pray to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. EXTRACURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENTS. Mid-America’s thriving extracurricular programs provide students with opportunities to explore their passions and develop valuable life skills. From sports to music ensembles to campus-wide events, students can engage in a wide range of activities that cater to their interests and talents. The school has excelled in making a name for itself not only in academics, but also in extracurricular pursuits. A BRIGHT FUTURE. Mid-America is not just celebrating its past successes; it is looking forward to a bright future. Plans for future growth and enhancements are underway to further elevate the educational experience and ensure students continue to thrive in an ever-changing world. The school’s commitment to innovation, a forward-thinking curriculum, and fostering a sense of community testifies to a dedication to providing the best possible education for students. Mid-America is a shining example of an educational institution that excels in every aspect. Its commitment to academic excellence, active community engagement, and thriving extracurricular programs has positioned it as a beacon of knowledge and growth in our community. As Mid-America continues to nurture the potential of its students and adapt to the evolving educational landscape, it is poised to create a lasting impact on the lives of its students and the broader community.
MICHAEL R. SPRADLIN, PHD
PRESIDENT, MID-AMERICA SEMINARY AND COLLEGE 2
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
INSIDE
THE PRACTICE OF PREACHING “Sermons Preached” is the oft overlooked part of the Mid-America practical missions report. Students like Mark Oliver (above) preached a total of 2,610 sermons during our last academic year, in addition
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to sharing the Gospel 5,260 times and witnessing 887 professions of faith.
WINTER 2023 VOLUME 51, NUMBER 2 Published by Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and The College at Mid-America PRESIDENT Michael Spradlin, PhD EDITOR Randy Redd, PhD DESIGN Eternity Communications WEB mabts.edu collegeatmidamerica.com EMAIL info@mabts.edu SOCIAL facebook.com/mabts.edu twitter.com/mabts instagram.com/mabts_
P.O. Box 2350 Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453
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PREACHING CONFERENCE
MID-AMERICA’S PREACHING COACH
ADRIAN ROGERS PREACHING CENTER
Founders’ Days and the newly resurrected Adrian Rogers Preaching Conference combined for a power-packed kick-off of the new school year at Mid-America.
Dr. David L. Allen leads the team that is championing biblical preaching and equipping the next generation of Gospel-focused pulpiteers.
The Adrian Rogers Center for Biblical Preaching has been revitalized by a chain of momentous events that have bolstered our school’s reputation as “scholarship on fire.”
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PREACHING LIBRARIES
ETERNAL INVESTMENTS
EXPERIENCING STUDENT LIFE
The Mid-America Preaching Libraries are comprised of 30,000 volumes that required two amazing lifetimes to assemble.
Investing in the next generation of biblical preachers pays eternal yields, dividends that are literally out of this world.
This high-energy photo collection tells the story of the friends, fellowship, and fun that make up the Mid-America experience.
Two major events kick off the new school year Impassioned, Christ-centered preaching was on glorious display August 14–17, 2023, as our annual Founders’ Days and the newly resurrected Adrian Rogers Preaching Conference combined to kick off the new academic year at Mid-America. The well-attended event honored the legacy of Dr. Adrian Rogers, long-time pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, founder of Love Worth Finding Ministries, and faithful friend and champion of Mid-America Seminary.
Dr. David L. Allen used a baseball illustration to make a pitch for loving Christ and one another.
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MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
The Conference included worship led by Dr. Jim Whitmire and Crossroads Baptist church as well as Dr. Joshua McClain and Collierville First Baptist Church.
Dr. Bartholomew Orr
Dr. H.B. Charles, Jr.
Dr. Steven Smith
Dr. Brad Thompson, Executive Vice President and Dean of the College, signed the Articles of Belief along with the rest of the faculty.
WATCH VIDEOS OF THE FOUNDERS’ DAYS SERVICES AT MABTS.EDU/FOUNDERSDAYS
Dr. Michael Spradlin led the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mid-America Preaching Libraries. (See pages 14–15 for more details.) MABTS.EDU
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CHAMPIONING
BIBLICAL PREACHING
BIBLICAL PREACHING
BY DR. DAVID L. ALLEN
preaching. Pop psychology substitutes for the Word
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of God in some sermons. Feel-good sermons on “Five
DEAN, ADRIAN ROGERS CENTER FOR BIBLICAL PREACHING very generation stands in need of biblical
Ways to Be Happy” and “Three Ways to Love Your
preaching and biblical preachers. That need
Mother” have become the steady cotton candy diet
has never been greater than it is today.
fed to the average church.
Recently I talked with a pastor who told me
Everyone talks about expository preaching; many
about a couple who have begun to attend his church.
assume they are doing it; but in listening to the
They were looking for solid, expository preaching.
average sermon today, I’m convinced only a few are
They had visited a dozen churches in their community
really preaching expository sermons. Sometimes
and did not find a single pastor who preached
preachers use a text of Scripture, but the sermon is
genuine expository sermons.
not derived from the text. The text of such a sermon
The church today is anemic spiritually for many
is not its source; it is only a resource. A true expository
reasons, but one of the major reasons has to be the
sermon develops a text by explaining the meaning,
loss of biblical content in so much of contemporary
illustrating the meaning, and applying the meaning. MABTS.EDU
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BIBLICAL CONTENT ACCORDINGLY MUST
Regardless of experience, no pastor or ministry leader
PRECEDE APPLICATION. Otherwise, how else can
comes naturally endowed with the ability to handle
we possibly know what to apply? Today’s sermonic
the demands of ministry in a multidisciplinary world.
focus is on application, but application without textual
Pastors recognize there is a gap between where they
warrant for such, does not “stick.” It needs the glue of
are and where they want to be in their preaching.
textual meaning.
All leaders need support to grow in their preaching
In the headlong rush to be relevant, People
conferences and workshops to assist pastors and
Scripture as sermonic resources. No wonder so many
other ministry leaders to do just that.
spiritual teeth are decaying in our churches. The
THIS IS WHY THE ADRIAN ROGERS CENTER FOR
conjuring adroitness of many preachers who keep
BIBLICAL PREACHING HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED.
producing fat rabbit after fat rabbit out of an obviously
In August we relaunched our annual Adrian Rogers
empty hat is the marvel of much contemporary
Preaching Conference. The Adrian Rogers Legacy
preaching. There is mounting evidence that people are
Center, including his library and resources, are now
beginning to grow weary of these trite pop-psychology
housed at Mid-America. Along with my own preaching
sermons. Biblical preaching, especially when it is
library now at Mid-America, preachers from all over
done in a creative way, will always meet the needs of
the country can come to the Seminary for specialized
people, felt or otherwise. Only biblical preaching can
training during scheduled events every year.
meet the ultimate spiritual needs of people. People instinctively feel and experience the
In addition to serving as Mid-America’s preaching dean and professor, Dr. Allen also has a new preaching ministry and website, preachingcoach.com, a one-stop shop for all things preaching.
and Mid-America Seminary is developing a plan of
magazine and popular television shows have replaced
For more than 35 years now I have been teaching students and pastors how to do expository preaching.
troubled times in which they live. Currents of
Sometimes preachers need some practical help in
circumstances crisscross one another in endless
developing genuine expository sermons. A good
complications in their lives. They are looking for
expository sermon should include sound exegesis
stability, for hope, for meaning, for purpose. They are
and exposition. “Exegesis” is a term that means “to
looking for a word from God. Only biblical preaching
lead out the meaning.” Exegesis is a procedure for text
meets that need.
analysis in sermon preparation. “Exposition” is a word
MID-AMERICA BAPTIST SEMINARY HAS BEEN
that means “to explain the meaning of a text.” Good
IN THE BUSINESS OF TRAINING GODLY, BIBLICAL
expository preaching lays open a text in such a way
PREACHERS since her founding more than 50 years
that its original meaning is brought to bear on the lives
ago. One of the core commitments of Mid-America
of contemporary listeners.
Seminary is expository preaching. Her graduates serve in churches of all shapes and sizes, but one thing in common you will always find among all Mid-America graduates—biblical preaching. We are not only about training students to become
A GOOD EXPOSITORY SERMON SHOULD BE TEXTDRIVEN IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, the preacher should stay true to the substance of the text. The substance of the text includes two things: 1) What the text is about. 2) What
biblical preachers. We are also focused on equipping
the text is saying about what it is about. These two
pastors to take their preaching to the next level.
things are not identical. What a text is about is the
SIX MORE REASONS MID-AMERICA IS AMERICA’S PREMIER CENTER FOR EQUIPPING BIBLICAL PREACHERS
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THE ADRIAN ROGERS CENTER FOR BIBLICAL PREACHING honors the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential preachers by training a new generation of biblical preachers committed to the same message: “Come to Jesus!” Through MID-AMERICA’S UNIQUE PRACTICAL MISSIONS PROGRAM our students receive real-world experience as part of their training in which they share their faith and participate in local ministries each week. Learn more on pages 12–13. The MID-AMERICA PREACHING LIBRARIES, which were recently installed, offer students unmatched resources that include the 5,000-volume library of Dr. Adrian Rogers and the 25,000-volume library of Dr. David L. Allen. Learn more on pages 14–15. Mid-America’s new PULPIT SUPPLY PROGRAM provides an opportunity for students to fill the pulpit of churches whose pastor is unavailable to preach or are in between pastorates. In just a short time, 25 students have preached 230 sermons in 25 churches. The ADRIAN ROGERS PREACHING CONFERENCE is a Mid-America tradition in which impassioned, Christ-centered preaching is on glorious display as some of the nation’s most renown preachers are assembled. See highlights from this year on pages 4–5. Mid-America offers FULLY ACCREDITED DEGREE PROGRAMS at every level (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral) to students called to preach and committed to the sufficiency of Scripture. Academic excellence is ensured by faculty with earned doctorates, local church experience, and hearts for missions and evangelism. Learn more at mabts.edu/pastoral-ministries.
question of theme or topic. What a text is saying about
that explains something. Is the text a hortatory text?
what it is about includes everything within the text that
This is any text that commands us to do something
elaborates, explains, illustrates, etc. what the text is
or not to do something. Is the text poetic or prophetic
about. Text-driven preaching attempts to stay true to
or apocalyptic in genre? Identifying the genre is
the substance of the text.
important for good text-driven preaching.
SECOND, the preacher should stay true to the
The spirit of the text also includes its emotive tone
structure of the text. This means two things: 1)
or feel. Every text conveys a certain tone. It may be
grammatical/syntactical structure. 2) Semantic
happiness, sadness, anger, or any number of emotions.
Structure. Every text has grammatical structure that
The emotional tone of the text is a part of textual
indicates main information and secondary information.
meaning and should be conveyed during the sermon.
Every text also has a structure of meaning—semantic
GOOD PREACHING IS ABOUT BIBLICAL CONTENT.
structure. The grammatical structure encodes the
What you say is important. But how you say it has
semantic structure. We derive meaning from an
never been more important. Creative sermon delivery
analysis of the grammar and syntax of the text. Text-
is almost as important as solid content. We must
driven preaching conveys the main-line information
know what to say and how to say it. These are the two
and the subordinate information in a text in a way that
wings that are critical for the sermon to fly! What do
is easily apprehended by the listener.
Pizza Hut, Federal Express, and Nolan Ryan all have
THIRD, the preacher should stay true to the spirit
in common? They are famous for their delivery. Many
of the text. By the word “spirit,” I do not mean the Holy
preachers do a good job of exposition of the text in
Spirit, though He is vital to all good preaching! Rather, I
their preaching, but they need to work on their delivery
use the word “spirit” to refer to two things: 1) the genre
for maximum impact in preaching. Things like eye
of the text, and 2) the emotive tone or “feel” of the text.
contact, rate, pitch and volume variation, the use of
Identifying the genre (literary category) of the text is
gestures and facial expressions, posture, and a host of
crucial for preaching it well. Is the text a narrative?
other things are crucial for effective sermon delivery.
Seventy percent of the Bible is couched in narrative.
Remember, it’s not a bell until it is rung; it’s not a
Is the text an expository text? All of the letters of
song until it is sung; and it is not a sermon until it is
the New Testament are examples of expository
preached! So strive to preach with clarity, competence,
genre—a literary category that consists of any text
and confidence. Preach the Word!
ARE YOU A CHURCH who could use a student preacher to fill the pulpit when you’re without your pastor? ARE YOU A MIDAMERICA STUDENT who would like to get some preaching experience and mentoring? Check out our Pulpit Supply Program at mabts.edu/PSP or scan the code below with your phone.
MABTS.EDU
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CENTERED ON BIBLICAL PREACHING
THE ADRIAN ROGERS CENTER FOR BIBLICAL PREACHING IS ANCHORED BY LEGACY AND BOLSTERED BY RECENT DEVELOPMENTS 10
MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
At a recent event attended by Mid-America alumni
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and friends, our President, Dr. Michael Spradlin, read
here was a day when Mid-America was
a letter from the late Dr. Adrian Rogers in which he
known fondly as a “preacher mill,” rolling
wrote, “I love our Seminary…I am truly honored to be a
out preacher boys in expansive numbers—
Distinguished Professor of Biblical Preaching at Mid-
well trained men who went out into the
America.” Calling Dr. Rogers a “once in a generation
highways and byways with Bibles firmly in hand,
preacher,” Dr. Spradlin recalled a meeting with Dr.
heads filled with solid, conservative theology, and
Rogers shortly before his death in 2005 in which
hearts filled with zeal to preach the Gospel “to all the
they discussed a Center for Biblical Preaching and
world for Jesus’ sake.”
Dr. Rogers shared his “vision for preaching and for
Today, Mid-America Seminary and College still has that same solid reputation for producing well trained
teaching preachers at Mid-America.” MID-AMERICA SOON LAUNCHED THE “ADRIAN
men with a passion for the Gospel. What’s more,
ROGERS CENTER FOR BIBLICAL PREACHING,”
the school now has a broad ministry that includes
and the Center was recently revitalized by three
39 different undergraduate and graduate degree
momentous events: 1) Dr. David L. Allen joining the
programs in diverse fields of study, such as biblical
faculty as Mid-America’s Distinguished Professor
counseling, church planting, Christian education,
of Practical Theology and Dean of the Adrian
worship, apologetics, communication, and business
Rogers Center for Biblical Preaching (see pages
administration—equipping the next generation of
6–9 for an article on preaching by Dr. Allen); 2) The
biblical leaders.
announcement of a new 30,000-volume Preaching
MID-AMERICA’S MISSION HAS NOT AND WILL
Library at Mid-America (see pages 14–15); and 3) The
NOT CHANGE. We are still a bastion for conservative
revival of the Adrian Roger Preaching Conference,
theology with an emphasis on the Bible, missions, and
which was held in conjunction with Founders’
evangelism. At the heart of the school is still a focus
Days this year on August 14–17 (see pages 4–5 for
on training men who are called to preach the Gospel,
event photos).
preparing them for a lifetime of ministry in local
BIBLICAL PREACHING
BY LARRY A THOMPSON
MID-AMERICA ALUMNUS, MDIV, 1995
These developments have further cemented
churches all around the globe, proclaiming the Word.
Mid-America as a premier school for equipping the
Our passion for biblical preaching is shared by
next generation of biblical preachers. Dr. Spradlin
many who have taught, attended, and supported
has recently remarked that the world is suffering
Mid-America over the past 50 years, and none are
from the dual maladies of a “crisis of lostness” and a
more revered than one our school’s most notable
“shortage of preachers.” With its focus on missions
benefactors, the late Dr. Adrian Rogers. Dr. Rogers
and evangelism and its excellent training programs
was the long-time pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church,
for equipping preachers, Mid-America is poised to
founder of Love Worth Finding, and faithful friend and
contribute an ever increasing army of Christ-centered,
champion of Mid-America. Referring to our reputation
soul-winning pastors and missionaries to address the
FOR A DEGREE PROGRAM HERE (SCAN
for strong academics plus practical missions and
empty hearts and empty pulpits in our world. “Lift
CODE BELOW)
evangelism, he famously referred to our school as
high the Cross, His love proclaim, Mid-America bear
“Scholarship on Fire.”
His name.”
CALLED TO PREACH?
Mid-America offers a wide spectrum of options to fit your education level—all available on campus or online.
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START YOUR SEARCH
Associate of Divinity Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministries Accelerated Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministries (MDIV in two years) Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Ministry or Expository Preaching Doctor of Philosophy in OT, NT, or Practical Theology Plus, many other degree options in Church Planting, Missions, Apologetics, Theology, Biblical Counseling, and more
BIBLICAL PREACHING
SERMONS PREACHED
THE OFT OVERLOOKED PART OF MIDAMERICA’S PRACTICAL MISSIONS REPORT BY JOHN CHARPING, PHD
graduation. Through its practical missions programs—
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Witness One:Seven for the Seminary and the GO!
CHAIRMAN OF THE MISSIONS DEPARTMENT he Apostle Paul urged Timothy to, “Be
Program for the College—students make the
diligent to present yourself approved to
immediate connection between the classroom and
God, a worker who does not need to be
contemporary ministry. Through practical missions
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
students are not only sharing the Gospel on a weekly
truth” (2 Timothy 3:15). There is a great need in our
basis, they are also involved in local churches and
world today for biblical preaching and teaching.
ministries in which they encourage and equip God’s
Unfortunately, we are living in a day when too many
people through the preaching and teaching of God’s
have “gone away from the truth” (2 Timothy. 2:18).
Word. Each week, across the Mid-South, Mid-America
Paul warned Timothy of a day when people will
students are involved in making an eternal difference.
“have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves
WHAT IS THE RESULT? FOR THE STUDENT, THEIR
teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the
STUDIES BECOME EXTREMELY RELEVANT, and
truth” (2 Timothy 4:3–4). Thankfully there are places
their ministry matures quickly. In terms of practical
like Mid-America who still hold to the conviction that,
theology, it does not get any better. Students grow in
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
the application of their studies and local churches and
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
ministries benefit from their investment.
instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may
FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH, MINISTRY TRUST IS
be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good
BUILT because local churches and ministries are
work,” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
confident of the foundation in God’s Word that Mid-
MID-AMERICA HAS ALWAYS HELD THE
America students are receiving in the classroom. They
CONVICTION that students must not
know that the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture
delay putting into practice
are not just talking points, they are core convictions
what is being taught
that impact the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.
in the classroom
When a church is centered on the Word, that church is
until after
impacted by the Word. A church that is encouraged in the Word is a church that worships God. A church that is educated in the Word is a church that walks with God, and a church that is equipped in the Word, is a church that witnesses of God.
Mid-America alumnus Mark Oliver (BA in Christian Studies, 2022) preaching at Hickory Withe Baptist Church, Eads, Tennessee. Mark will begin working on an MA in Biblical Counseling this spring.
FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, LIVES ARE CHANGED, disciples are made, and new communities of faith are planted. Students involved in the community, while getting their education, later become invested in the community because of the relationships built and ministry seeds sown. Mid-America’s practical missions program requires students to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). In the end, the things that they have learned in the classroom, they are able to “commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
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MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
SERMONS PREACHED BY MIDAMERICA STUDENTS DURING THE PAST ACADEMIC YEAR
SERMONS PREACHED IN A TYPICAL CHURCH IN ONE YEAR
WITNESS ONE:SEVEN & GO! PROGRAM REPORT
168,334 PROFESSIONS OF FAITH WITNESSED BY OUR STUDENTS SINCE 1972
17, 681 5,260 NUMBER OF HOURS OUR STUDENTS SPENT DOING PRACTICAL MISSIONS
887
NUMBER OF PROFESSIONS OF FAITH THROUGH THE WITNESSING OF OUR STUDENTS THIS YEAR
NUMBER OF PEOPLE OUR STUDENTS WITNESSED TO
2,610 NUMBER OF SERMONS PREACHED BY OUR STUDENTS
Witness One:Seven and GO! Program results reported for last full academic year (2022–23), including Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and Summer 2023 semesters.
= 10 SERMONS MABTS.EDU
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THEIR LEGACIES
M
id-America is the recent recipient of two major collections of preaching resources: the 5,000-volume library of Dr. Adrian Rogers and the 25,000-volume library of Dr. David L. Allen.
Mid-America President Dr. Michael Spradlin described it as “30,000 volumes dedicated to preaching, making it I believe the greatest collection of preaching materials in one place.” “There’s something special that’s coming to Mid-America,” Dr. Spradlin remembered Dr. Rogers saying in 2005, and Dr. Spradlin added, “and this is the year it has arrived,” referring to the Adrian Rogers Preaching Library coming home to Memphis, “making Memphis, Tennessee, a hub for preaching ministry.” The magnitude of the development was enhanced by the announcement that the 25,000-volume homiletic library of Dr. David L. Allen will be housed at Mid-America. Dr. Allen serves as MidAmerica’s Distinguished Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of the Adrian Rogers Center for Biblical Preaching. “Dr. David Allen will be reviving the Adrian Rogers Center for Biblical Preaching,”
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MID-AMERICA MESSENGER
SPEAK VOLUMES
said Dr. Spradlin, and it was highlighted during the Adrian Rogers Preaching Conference held in conjunction with Mid-America’s annual Founders’ Days, August 14–17, 2023. “The Lord has been doing a series of things in the life of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary,” said Dr. Spradlin. “God has brought us a great faculty. He has brought us a great
The Mid-America Preaching Libraries are comprised of the 5,000-volume library of Dr. Adrian Rogers (left page) and the 25,000-volume library of Dr. David L. Allen (right page).
facility. He has now brought us these great resources, and so we just need now to be faithful in what God is about to do.” The two new preaching libraries will help Mid-America address the shortage of preachers. “Empty pulpits can be filled if you have trained preachers,” said Dr. Spradlin. The tools are in place and now enhanced for Mid-America to continue equipping biblical preachers and leaders for the next generation.
MABTS.EDU
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Whether your calling is to ministry or the marketplace, this world is in great need of Christian communicators who know how to skillfully communicate a message and lead from a biblical worldview. That’s why The College at Mid-America created our newest degree program, BA in Communication*. Scan the code at left and learn more at collegeatmidamerica.com/BAC.
*Pending SACSCAC approval
2023 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR: JIM CUMMINGS Jim Cummings is a 2001 graduate of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Dotson Memorial Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee,
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
where he has served for 12 years. During the past 28 years, Jim has been blessed by God to be a part of helping to start over 40 churches around the world including Ecuador, Africa, Brazil, and the Philippines. Jim’s greatest joy In the
The Mid-America Development Council held its annual
local church is to witness the grace of God transforming lives for the glory of God through the expositional, exegetical preaching of the Word of God. Jim has been married to the love of his life, his
“Master’s” Golf Tournament on October 3, 2023, to “help raise some green for the Gospel.” The golf classic benefits the Morris Mills Scholarship which funnels funds directly to students in need. These funds help ensure that students are able to complete their education and graduate debt free— unencumbered to go wherever God sends them. Mid-America wants to thanks all the hole sponsors of the event, as well as
biggest supporter and
the lead sponsor, Artisent Floors. Also, congratulations to the
his best friend, Vikki, for 34 years. Jim and Vikki have two daughters, Malorie and Faith.
‘MASTER’S’ GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES SOME GREEN FOR THE GOSPEL
winning team of the Tournament, Derek Ewalt, Cory O’Hara, Jay Stephenson, and Alan Swafford.
LET PREVIEW DAY LIGHT THE WAY. THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024
THE
EXPLORE PREVIEW DAY ONLINE! MABTS.EDU/PREVIEWDAY | COLLEGEATMIDAMERICA.COM/PREVIEWDAY
INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF BIBLICAL PREACHERS PAYS DIVIDENDS THAT ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD
BY DR. RANDY REDD
VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND OPERATIONS/ INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
D
o you see your donations as investments? They are! Investing is often tied to the concept of risk. Simply put, while high risk investments offer the potential for higher
return, low risk investments often do not grow as fast as the cost of living or inflation. High risk means there is also a likelihood for loss, and conversely, low risk usually results in more stable returns on which the investor can rely. Knowing these trade-offs, the investor seeks those opportunities that provide the best returns within their tolerance for taking on risk. Typically, investing is future-focused with the idea that investing money today will earn an expected return over time. INVESTMENT WISDOM ALSO APPLIES TO GIVING, contributing, or donating. As you consider your donations, think of them as investments. Donating to the training of pastors is certainly a noble and worthy cause. What is the return? These investments are
who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Through the faithful preaching of the Bible, we come to know the God of the Bible and He bestows eternal salvation through His Word, He changes lives and begins an eternal work in each life. Your gift allows those called to minister to be trained to rightly divide the Word of Truth. Your gift means that you participate in every ministry that our students will do for the rest of their lives because you helped them prepare. YOUR GIFT DIRECTLY RELATES TO THE ETERNAL FUTURE OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE who hear God’s Word. They were once lost but now will spend an eternity in Heaven! Unlike most investments, there is no risk in making this investment. Instead, the risk is in not making this investment!
GIVE YOUR YEAR-END GIFT TODAY AT MABTS.EDU/GIVE Scan the code with your phone, or contact Dr. Randy Redd at rredd@mabts.edu or 901-751-3041.
different from other financial investments. Our future pastors have responded to God’s call on their lives to give themselves to the ministry of His Kingdom to pastor, shepherd, and preach His Word. Your donation to Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary is an investment that will yield a priceless, eternal return! My investment advice on donating in this way is to maintain a long-term perspective because the term of this investment is eternal. The Bible is God’s Word to us, and it will last long after we are gone. His message is an eternal message about an eternal God. This is the only God Who saves lost people and gives them eternal life as well as a home in Heaven for eternity. My friend, I advise investing in biblical preachers, and the returns will be eternal. ADDITIONALLY, CHRISTIAN INVESTORS WANT TO KNOW HOW THEIR INVESTMENT IS BEING USED. As previously stated, investing in Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary will help train and prepare pastors to boldly preach a message firmly grounded in the Bible. Such preaching is powerful. Romans 1:16 (NASB) says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone
YOUR GIFT MEANS THAT YOU PARTICIPATE IN EVERY MINISTRY THAT OUR STUDENTS WILL DO FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES BECAUSE YOU HELPED THEM PREPARE. MABTS.EDU
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COUNSELING BY THE
Live!
FOUR WEEKENDS CAN IMPACT ETERNITY AND CHANGE COUNTLESS LIVES— INCLUDING YOURS. EARN YOUR CERTIFICATE OF BIBLICAL COUNSELING IN ONLY FOUR WEEKENDS
COUNSELING BY THE
Live!
INTENSIVE WORKSHOP FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING TAUGHT FOUR WEEKENDS BEGINNING THIS JANUARY BY MID-AMERICA’S DR. JOHN BABLER
COUNSELING BY THE
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OR VIEW VIDEOS ONLINE AND WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE AS YOU EARN YOUR CERTIFICATE OF BIBLICAL COUNSELING
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f you’re looking for the fastest route to becoming equipped to counsel without compromising the quality of the training, this four-weekend workshop is for you. Counseling by The Book Live! is a new biblical counseling training program developed by Dr. John Babler, Chairman of the Biblical Counseling department at Mid-America. You’ll get the comprehensive set of training sessions taught live by Dr. Babler—all condensed into four weekends: zz January 19–20 zz February 9–10 zz March 1–2 zz March 29–30 Each weekend includes Friday, 6:00–9:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Livestream option also available.
GET DETAILS & REGISTER NOW AT MABTS.EDU/CBTB Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive the Certificate of Biblical Counseling from MidAmerica Baptist Theological Seminary and Counseling by The Book. This training also meets the Fundamentals training course requirement needed for certification by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).
DR. JOHN BABLER
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M A R C H 21–24, 2024 at Mid-America Seminary
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DR. J AME S D. W HI T MIR E PRESENTING SPONSORS
P UR CH A SE T I CK E T S ONLI NE AT
midamericapassionplay.org
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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MEMPHIS, TN PERMIT NO. 831
P.O. Box 2350 • Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2350 901-751-8453 • info@mabts.edu • mabts.edu
SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIVING You decide now how you want your dollars to be distributed! “Do your giving while you’re living so you’re knowing where it’s going!” said Adrian Rogers about planned giving. It is a matter of stewardship, so don’t leave it to someone else who may not share your priorities. You make plans to pay less in taxes! You can limit the amount of your estate that goes to Uncle Sam, so that you “dis-inherit” the government. The specifics vary according to a range of factors, but tax breaks are a major advantage to making a planned giving arrangement. For more information about planned giving, simply email development@mabts.edu, and we will set up a time to meet and discuss options that will provide more funds to those you want to have it and less funds to those you don’t! You can also scan the QR code below to learn more on our website, mabts.edu/give.