For the third year, I’m teaching evangelism and missions at Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth. I was surprised when they invited me to teach, given my age (old), but I’ve enjoyed teaching. I was a Master of Divinity student at SWBTS fifty years ago. Those were the years of the Jesus Movement, and students inundated the seminary. The hallways were crowded, the restrooms were crowded, the parking lots were full, and so were the classrooms. It is much different today. The campus seems almost deserted to me, compared to the old days. Now, more than 50% of the students study online. Last spring, I taught a class with one student in the classroom and the rest participated via ZOOM. I told my friend that now I teach the camera. President David Dockery recently reported to the trustees that the enrollment has risen for the third consecutive year, and the seminary now has budget surpluses, rather than deficits. As Southern Baptists, we owe Dr. Dockery a debt of gratitude for his efforts to pull the seminary out of its steep decline.
Southwestern Seminary has published a book about its founders and notable professors. The book is entitled, Shapers of the Southwestern Theological Tradition. The dean’s assistant, Cody, asked me if I wanted a copy. I said yes, and he brought me the book. On the back cover are photographs of former professors. I excitedly pointed out my old professors to him. Cody responded, “Dr. Terry, your photograph is there, too.” I replied, “Why would they put my photo on the cover?” He answered, “Because you are mentioned in the book.” Sure enough, much to my surprise, there is a section about me in the chapter on missiology. That surprised and humbled me. If you want to get a copy, you can order one through Seminary Hill Press.
Last week, Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Seminary, announced that he will retire next year. Dr. Akin has presided over a period of great growth and development at SEBTS. When he went there, he proclaimed that he meant for Southeastern to be a “Great Commission Seminary.” He truly made it that. He led the seminary to establish its Great Commission Center and make every course taught a Great Commission course. In my judgment Southeastern has become the number one SBC seminary in terms of missions emphasis and training/sending missionaries. Well done!
Dr. Matt Queen, formerly a professor and Acting Provost at Southwestern Seminary, pled guilty in federal court to charges of obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to home incarceration. Now that it is past, Plymouth Park Baptist Church in Irving, Texas (DFW area) has called him to serve on their staff. I’m grateful to the senor pastor, Matt Henslee, for giving Dr. Queen the opportunity to minister once again. Some have expressed their opposition to this, but I believe Pastor Henslee’s action reflects the attitude and action of Jesus when he restored Peter. Our Lord gave Peter a second chance, and he became the rock of the apostolic church. I believe Matt Queen will be rehabilitated and refitted for great service in God’s kingdom.
Steve Gaines, an honored graduate of SWBTS and former president of the SBC, has retired from Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova (Memphis), Tennessee. Ben Mandrell has been called by the church to become its new pastor. I’m thankful that Dr. Gaines has beaten cancer, and I pray that God will give him many more years of fruitful ministry. My wife and I enjoyed being members of Bellevue when we retired from our service with the IMB. Steve Gaines is a powerful preacher of the Word, and a good singer. One time, Greater Vision (a trio) came to Bellevue to present a concert. They invited Steve to join them to sing as a quartet. He did, and it was great. He is good enough to tour with them.
My friend and former missionary colleague, Dr. John Massey, serves as the executive vice president of Baptist University of Florida (formerly Baptist Bible Institute). We corresponded this week, and he informed me that the college has experienced tremendous growth. Here is what he wrote:
We have created these programs: BUF Hispano, BUF Portuguese, BUF French, and BUF Filipino. We have 600+ language students in our undergraduate and graduate programs, and will double that number by next year. Two years ago, we had 361 students. Now, we have 1,250 students. We’ve started thriving MDiv and DMIN programs here. We’ve been able to expand theological education while growing the university.
The university is owned by the Florida Baptist Convention. I commend President Clayton Cloer and his team for this amazing progress.
I was sorry to read that Morris Chapman had passed away. He served Southern Baptists well at the Executive Committee.
So, dear Voices readers, I look forward to hearing from you.
